What’s For Dinner (#99) https://youtu.be/7uN3p3I84jY The dinner video with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade …

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What’s For Dinner? (#100) | Pantry Meal Ideas | Simple & Easy Dinners

Deciding what to make for dinner can often feel like a daunting task, especially at the end of a long day. When inspiration runs low, turning to your pantry for meal ideas can save you time and effort, while also utilizing ingredients you already have. Here are some simple and easy pantry meal ideas that are satisfying and quick to prepare.

1. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any variety you have)
• Canned or frozen vegetables (like peas, corn, or bell peppers)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add your vegetables.
3. Season with garlic powder and sauté until warm.
4. Combine pasta with the sautéed vegetables, add cheese if using, and serve.

2. Chickpea Curry

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas
• Coconut milk (or any canned tomato you have)
• Curry powder (or any spices you enjoy)
• Onions (fresh or powdered)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat onion and curry powder until fragrant.
2. Add chickpeas and coconut milk or tomatoes.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes, adding water if necessary.
4. Serve with rice or bread.

3. Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna
• Egg noodles or rice
• Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade white sauce)
• Frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta or rice and drain.
2. In a bowl, mix tuna, soup, and peas.
3. Combine with the cooked pasta or rice and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes.

4. Rice and Beans

Ingredients:

• Rice (white or brown)
• Canned beans (black, kidney, or your favorite)
• Spices (cumin, paprika, or chili powder)
• Broth or water

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions, using broth for extra flavor.
2. In a saucepan, heat beans and spices.
3. Serve beans over rice; add toppings like cheese or avocado if available.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• Rice or noodles
• Canned or frozen mixed vegetables
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil (or olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Cook rice or noodles.
2. In a hot skillet, add oil and vegetables.
3. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, adding soy sauce to taste.
4. Serve hot over rice or mixed in with noodles.

Tips for Pantry Cooking

1. Keep it Flexible: Use what you have on hand. Most pantry meals can be easily adapted based on ingredients and personal preferences.

2. Stock Smart: Having a well-stocked pantry can make meal prep much easier. Keep items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and spices readily available.

3. Plan Ahead: Keep a list of your go-to pantry meals, so you’re never stuck when dinnertime rolls around.

4. Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: If you have fresh produce, consider adding it to these meals for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

With these simple pantry meal ideas, you can turn your kitchen into a source of creativity, even when your inspiration is running low. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, these dishes are designed to make your dinner simple and enjoyable. So next time you ask, "What’s for dinner?" remember to look no further than your pantry!