If you’re ready for an exotic trip but life (or your bank account) has different plans, pantry meals are your getaway ticket.
The kitchen can be your personal portal to the world. Whether it’s by creating flavors that take you back to a memory – like the saffron risotto you had in Milan or the pico de gallo you had on the beach in Mexico, or bringing you to a place you have never been, a brief escape is never too far.
Many signature dishes from around the world are pantry meals, and consequently comfort foods. Born from the need to create substantial plates to feed a crowd inexpensively, they use what’s readily available like rice, beans, eggs, potatoes and cheaper cuts of meat. So, even if your haven’t been to the grocery store in a while you can whip up one of these recipes with ingredients you likely have on hand.
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Polenta is simply coarsely ground cornmeal. It’s filling, quick and easy to make, needing no more than water, butter, salt and pepper, and maybe a spoonful of grated parmesan to make it delicious. Spoonable like grits or cooled and cut into shapes, it could be a side dish or the base of a full meal.
Another staple of any Italian recipe collection is Pasta e Fagiole, or you might know it better as “pasta fazool.” It translates to pasta and beans and that’s exactly what it is. If you have a can of tomatoes, beans and any kind of pasta in your pantry, you have a meal.
Of course, pasta is the quintessential pantry meal. Get two meals out of one with leftover spaghetti pie.
France
Are you starting to sense a bean theme? Like so many pantry meals, cassoulet makes the most out of the cupboard staple. Traditionally made from rich duck confit gently simmered in its own fat and slow-cooked white beans, classic cassoulet requires several steps and several days to prepare completely from scratch. This simplified version cuts down on time but not taste.
The “poor man’s caviar,” lentils are also revered in French cooking for their versatility. Warm French lentils absorb any flavor that you put on them. Tossed in a light mustard-based vinaigrette, it makes for a healthy, substantial and surprisingly tasty meal.
For a hearty dinner that will feed a crowd, make beef bourguignon and get transported to Julia Child’s kitchen in Paris. A long, slow simmer reduces stew meat and red wine to fork-tender bliss. Take a cue from Julia and set aside some of that wine in a glass for yourself.
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Spain
From the land of tapas and paella, Spanish tortilla or tortilla de patatas, is the ultimate pantry meal. Got eggs? Got potatoes? Those two things, plus a little bit of finesse when it comes time to turn the whole thing over and cook the other side are all you need. Pair with a soup or salad.
Greece
Avgolemono, Greek egg, lemon and orzo soup, is chicken soup with a zing. Stick-to-your-bones enough for a sick day or a snow day, and bright enough for warmer days when you could picture yourself on the caldera in Santorini, it’s comfort food at its best, ready to be made at any time.
India
Bring a taste of India into your home with the warm spices and flavors of slow cooker Indian spiced lentils. Serve over rice with homemade naan bread.
Japan
Transform the ramen from the packet that you know so well from college into the restaurant noodles that you love as an adult with these instant ramen upgrades.
China
The perfect pantry meal for when you have leftover white rice from takeout or a previous night’s dinner, fried rice turns the side dish into the main event. A hot pan/wok and cold rice is the secret to getting a crispy brown result. Add in chicken, beef or pineapple if you’d like.
Korea
Bibimbap is an all-in-one bowl meal, consisting of vegetables, meat, chili sauce, meat and an egg over warm rice. And it’s as fun to eat as it is to say. Here’s an easy version to try. Top it the traditional way with kimchi; for a rewarding kitchen project, make your own.
Israel
Shakshuka – poached eggs in tomato sauce – is a favorite Israeli breakfast, but it’s eaten any time of day. A one-pan wonder, it’s typically also served in the cast iron pan that it’s cooked in. Hooray for less dishes to wash! Sprinkle a little feta on top and serve with toasted bread or pita for dipping.
Morocco
Tagine, a slow-cooked stew named for the ceramic vessel that it is made in, is a signature of Moroccan cuisine. While traditional recipes could take two to four hours, this one produces the depth the dish is known for in just one. You don’t need an actual tagine; any sturdy ceramic pot will do.
Perhaps Morocco’s most famous food, couscous is a super simple multi-tasker that is great to keep in your stockpile; it is an ideal base for any stew or tagine, or it can be a quick pantry meal made with whatever veggies and herbs you have.
Argentina
Every Latin American country has their own take of Empanadas. Argentina’s version has a buttery, more pastry-like dough. These pockets of coziness can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, from beef or chicken to ham and cheese. Get the whole family involved with filling and folding the dough, then fry or bake and enjoy!
Inspiration From Home
During these times of self-quarantine and limited groceries, a few celebrity chefs have been sharing their favorite pantry meals and tips for cooking with what you have on hand. Check out their Instagram accounts for more ideas.
Ina Garten
Antoni Porowski
What have you been cooking lately? Do you have a favorite pantry meal? Share your ideas and recipes in the comments.
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