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Home » All Recipes

Published: Apr 2, 2020 · Modified: May 4, 2020 by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment · 1340 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.

20 Pantry Recipes (that you'll actually enjoy)


What a time. Right? We really are in uncharted territory in so many ways. Virtual schooling, working from home, wanting to see friends and family, but choosing not to out of love.

And on top of that, there was an earthquake in Idaho on Tuesday! Dalton and I were sitting on the couch talking with a friend when the couch started shaking. We both looked at each other about to ask "why are you shaking the couch?"

We weren't.

This was the first time I felt an earthquake and it was quite a strange feeling to say the least.

Well aside from the earthquake, we're hunkered down in northern Idaho, leaving the house only for walks and grocery runs.

I've been trying to plan more pantry-focused meals so we don't have to go to the store as often and I thought you might appreciate some ideas too.

With flexible ingredients, mostly from the pantry and long-lasting produce, these recipes have become some go-to solutions in our house. Hopefully they'll be helpful for you too!

Here we go.


1 - One-Skillet Lemon Mediterranean Orzo

Lemon Chickpea Orzo

One skillet and 30 minutes. That's all you need for this super flavorful Mediterranean-inspired orzo. Pretty much just throw in any Mediterranean-ish foods you have. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, chickpeas, olives, capers, raisins. It all works. Don't worry if you don't have kale and feel free to use rice (it will need to cook a little longer) or another small pasta if you don't have orzo.

Get the recipe here.


2 - Mediterranean Naan Pizza

Mediterranean naan pizza

If you've been trying your hand at making a non-yeast flatbread, then it's time to make this easy, clean-out-your-fridge pizza. Use hummus as your sauce and top with whatever veggies you have in the fridge. Plus every member of the family can customize their own pizza!

Get the recipe here.


3 - Thai Butternut Squash Soup

butternut squash soup

If you happen to have butternut squash, curry paste, some coconut milk and broth sitting on your shelves, make this seriously delicious and easy veggie-based soup. Long-lasting produce and pantry staples are all you need.

Get the recipe here.


4 - Oatmeal Energy Balls

oatmeal energy balls

If you can find yourself some oats, peanut butter, honey, some seeds and (fingers crossed), a few chocolate chips, then you're well on your way to enjoying these delicious bite-sized snacks.

Get the recipe here.


5 - Thai Larb Bowl

thai larb bowl

Cabbage is nutrient-dense, filling and it lasts a long time. You may have to skip the fresh herbs if you can't find them, but this Thai Larb will still be super flavorful and filling.

Get the recipe here.


6 - Thai Green Curry

thai green curry

If you happen to have curry paste and coconut milk in your pantry, then make this delicious and versatile curry. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list - most are spices and can be easily swapped out for more curry paste. Feel free to swap the veggies with whatever you have on hand.

Get the recipe here.


7 - Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

gluten free banana pancakes

These banana pancakes are exquisite even without the extra toppings of almond butter, syrup-y goodness or blueberries. But if you have them at the ready, these pancakes make for a delicious breakfast (or anytime, really). If you don't have almond flour in your pantry, you can use regular flour (though it won't be gluten-free) and these pancakes are great for using up those brown bananas sitting in your freezer.

Get the recipe here.


8 - One Pot Mediterranean Pasta

one pot Mediterranean pasta

Pasta, canned fish, capers, and artichokes can all come from cans or jars. Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh, and skip the greens if you don't have any. And only ONE dirty dish to wash. I call that a win.

Get the recipe here.


9 - Red Beans and Rice

red beans and rice

Beans and rice are a perfect pair, both nutritionally and for a hearty meal. Toss in some veggies - fresh or frozen peppers, carrots and celery - lots of spices and serve with rice. Bam, dinner is served.

Get the recipe here.


10 - Almond Butter Truffles

almond butter truffles

Because we all need a little treat these days, amiright!? And the almond butter and chocolate situation here is on par. There's no judgement for eating more than one or three...

Get the recipe here.


11 - Carrot Ginger Soup

carrot ginger soup

Is that 5-pound bag of carrots sitting in your fridge your only vegetable? Us too... This carrot soup is sure to cure the isolation blues and create an entire meal out of that bag of carrots (and a few other pantry staples).

Get the recipe here.


12 - Black Bean Tofu Bowl

black bean tofu bowl

Use the leftover cabbage from the Thai Larb Bowl, because for some reason there's always leftover cabbage... Crisp up a protein, season that can of black beans and throw in whatever else you have sitting in the fridge.

Get the recipe here.


13 - Amazing 5-Minute Tahini Sauce

If you can only make one sauce right now, this is it. Use it on salads, for marinades, over pasta (and the list goes on). Plus you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already. Tahini for creaminess, soy sauce for saltiness, maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, apple cider vinegar for zing, and Dijon mustard for some tang.

Get the recipe here.


14 - The Best Basic Hummus

basic hummus with pita bread-3

If you're looking at that can of chickpeas in your cupboard and wondering what to do with it, make this. Puree with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil and you've got yourself a yummy snack. This can also be used with our naan pizza.

Get the recipe here.


15 - Stovetop Popcorn

healthy stovetop popcorn

Tell me I can't be the only one who has had popcorn for supper since this whole quarantine started...? If you find your Friday virtual happy hour went late into the evening and you're just not in the mood to cook, then popcorn and a movie are coming your way. Definitely not a balanced meal, but sometimes just what the doctor ordered. Fingers crossed you have some popcorn kernels in the pantry.

Get the recipe here.


16 - Cinnamon Spiced Applesauce

cinnamon spiced applesauce

For those apples that aren't looking so hot. Cut out the soft spots and toss them in a pot with some water and spices. Let it simmer away until it softens into apple sauce bliss.

Get the recipe here.


17 - Smoky Black Bean Burrito Bowl

burrito bowl

Black beans, rice and any burrito-type ingredients you've got - toss 'em in. Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh and even add in that can of corn. Even better if you have a little avocado or Greek yogurt, but still great if you don't!

Get the recipe here.


18 - 5-Seed Crackers

easy five seed crackers

For that time when you run out of crackers, but still have cheese and hummus to eat. Use whatever seeds you have on hand, mix with some flour and oats, press it out and bake. Thanks to these crackers for saving the [almost] crackerless day.

Get the recipe here.


19 - Tahini Cardamom Granola

tahini granola

For when you're tired of oatmeal, but don't have any eggs left. This granola is deliciously simple. If you don't have milk or yogurt, eat by the handful, pour yourself some canned coconut milk, or (if you're feeling really ambitious) try your hand at making homemade nut or oat milk.

Get the recipe here.


20 - Zesty Italian Bowl

zesty Italian bowl

A great meal to have in your back pocket since you might have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already - farro (you could use rice), olives, and jarred peppers. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, used canned ones instead. Thrown in whatever Italian-ish ingredients you have, dish it into bowls and dig in.

Get the recipe here.


We hope this helps you. We believe that food can be such an important source of joy and connection, especially in these uncertain times. And I feel grateful to be able to help you put some [scrappy] deliciousness on your table. Stay healthy and safe my friends.

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About Libby

Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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Hey, I'm Libby!

Hi, I'm Libby! Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. I help people find food freedom, learn to nourish and reconnect with their bodies so they can live a fuller life.

About Libby

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The Crooked Carrot sits on the traditional lands of the Diné Bikéyah (Navajo), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Pueblos people, both past and present, now called Durango, Colorado. I acknowledge the wounds of the past in hopes of being able to heal for a better tomorrow.


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