Store Cupboard Heroes
When was the last time you had a good look in your kitchen cupboards?
Do you have pasta, rice, spices or tinned foods that have been there for a while?
It’s time to discover your store cupboard heroes!
They can add a burst of flavour to a dish and be a quick and easy meal. By using up what you already have in the cupboard they can help save you money too.
1. LENTILS
Whether you prefer green, puy or red lentils, they are a great meat replacement and work well in a veggie cottage pie or a tomato dahl. Try substituting half the beef for lentils in a spaghetti bolognese for a tasty and budget friendly dish!
2. FROZEN VEG
Frozen veg is picked and frozen at peak ripeness and peak nutritional levels. Helpfully, they are usually prepped so they can go straight into your pan without stopping for a chop. Frozen peas are perfect in this pea and mint soup . Blanching and freezing many fresh vegetables is a good way to preserve them.
3. FROZEN HERBS
Freeze from fresh or buy frozen herbs such as parsley or coriander. Simply snap off a portion and add to dishes like herby potato gnocchi for a burst of aromatic flavour.
4. DRIED SPICES
Curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, chilli and cumin can add a crucial hit of flavour. You’ll be amazed at how they can liven up the most basic dish. Vegetable curry is a delicious way to use spices that you have in your cupboard and any leftover veggies.
5. OATS
Last for ages, and porridge makes for a hearty breakfast. We like ours with some jam or frozen berries. Milk running low? Try this easy oat milk to go with your morning coffee. Make a little extra to save for these tasty porridge fritters.
6. CAPERS, ANCHOVIES, GHERKINS
Got them knocking around your cupboards? These briny beauties are a great way to season your food. Whether it be capers and anchovies cutting through pasta or panzanella, or gherkins chucked into your mac and cheese.
7. SAUCES
Whether you reach for sriracha, soy or Worcester. A dash will take your dish to perfection, from scrambled eggs to cheesy toast.
8. TINNED BEANS & VEGETABLES
Like lentils they are packed with protein and fibre, they will keep you fuller for longer and carry flavour with an amazing texture. Try this three bean Mexican chilli. Don’t fret if you don’t have three types of beans. It’s the flavour that counts.
Tinned tomatoes are a great store cupboard staple as they can be used for so many tasty dishes. This Cream of tomato soup and cheese toasty is perfect for lunch or a light evening meal.
If you’re still looking for inspiration have a look at BCC Good Foods 20 ways with tinned tomatoes.
9. DRIED OR VAC PACKED NOODLES
Make a five-minute meal with soy sauce, spring onions and whatever ends of veg you have available. Or try this warming Polish mushroom soup from Wholly Tasteful with noodles and dried mushrooms.
For more inspiration and some great store cupboard recipes head over to BBC Good Food.
