20 Meals You Can Make When You Have "Nothing In The House"
We All Have Those Days
Picture this: it's 6 p.m., your tummy is grumbling, it's been a long work day, and it's raining cats and dogs. You open the fridge to find the shelves scarce. You need to get creative with whatever you've got. Of course, you can't make something out of nothing, but most of us have at least some classic pantry staples lying around. Here are 20 meal ideas for those kinds of days.
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1. Lentil Soup
Assuming you have some dried lentils, salt, spices, and water in the house, you can absolutely make this hearty and nutritious meal. You can also throw in whatever veggies you have, like potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach, to elevate this humble dish.
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2. Rice and Beans
Most people have dried rice and canned or dried beans in their pantry. With these things, you can make a nice meal for yourself. If you don't have rice, use whatever grain you have like bulgar, quinoa, or couscous.
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3. Pasta With Olive Oil & Garlic
Have some dried pasta in your pantry? Cook it according to the package instructions and give it some flavor with olive oil and garlic. Throw in whatever dried herbs you have in the house for something even tastier.
4. Spaghetti Carbonara
This dish may sound fancy, but it's actually extremely simple. The classic version involves pancetta, but you can manage without. Just mix together egg yolks, parmesan, garlic, and some of the cooking water and just like that you have a creamy and delicious pasta sauce!
5. Frittata
Frittata is like a quiche without the crust. As long as you have eggs, you can make this. You can toss in whatever vegetables, herbs, and cheese you have on hand.
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6. Tuna Salad
If you have a can of tuna kicking around, you can make this simple and healthy dish. Just mix it with mayo, diced celery or apple, and onion and you're good to go.
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7. Vegetarian Chili
Most of us have a variety of canned beans in our pantries. With these, you can make a simple and nice chili by simmering them together with spices like chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
8. Egg Drop Soup
If you have some bouillon cubes in your cupboard and an egg or two in your fridge, you can make egg drop soup. That's all it takes to make this Chinese classic although if you have scallions, that would certainly add some nice flavor.
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9. Rice Bowl
If you have rice in your pantry, you could make a rice bowl. This grain is such a versatile base, you can add whatever you have on hand to it and it tastes great. Consider your canned goods like beans, tuna, yellow corn, and your freezer goods like seafood and green beans as well as whatever vegetables you have in your fridge.
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10. Pancakes
Pancakes are great when you really have nothing in the house except for some flour, leveaning agents, and salt. You can serve them sweet or savoury depending on what ingredients you scrounge up.
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11. Loaded Baked Potatoes
If you have potatoes in your pantry, wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven. While they're in there, forage your kitchen for whatever would taste nice as a topping. Cheese, sour cream, onions, garlic, and butter are all classics but don't be afraid to get creative.
12. Panini
If you have bread and cheese, you are well on your way to a tasty dinner. If you have some deli meats like salami or ham, that's even better!
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13. Tuna Casserole
Who knew a can of tuna had so many possibilities? All you need for this delicious dish is tuna, noodles, peas, cheese, and a can of mushroom soup or similar.
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14. Risotto
What's so wonderful about this Italian rice dish is all you need to make it is some stock and risotto rice. The rest of the ingredients are optional and open-ended. Mushrooms and seafood are the classic but it's also amazing with squash, carrots, or peas.
15. Tacos
If you have some tortillas in the house, you can make tacos. It's another amazing food that tastes great with just about anything inside.
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16. Black Bean Soup
If you have some canned black beans, consider making black bean soup. Just cook black beans together with some chopped veggies, spices, and broth.
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17. Oatmeal
Have some rolled oats in the house? Cook them into a healthy porridge. They're a neutral grain so you can serve them savory or sweet.
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18. Chickpea Curry
If you have a can of chickpeas, you can make this delightful curry. Just cook the chickpeas with a whole bunch of spices or if you have a can of coconut milk, that also makes a great addition. Serve it with rice or by itself.
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19. Crepes
Even more basic than pancakes, crepes only require these basic ingredients: one egg, flour, oil, milk, salt, and sugar. You can smother them with jam or syrup for a sweet take or have them savory with sauteed vegetables, meat, or cheese.
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20. Tomato Soup
Have a can of tomatoes in your pantry? Add some flavors and blend them into a soup for one of the simplest meals on our list. If you have some crusty bread lying around, elevate your meal to the next level by making some garlic crostini.
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