Feel-good cooking from the pantry: warming dishes for cold days
When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, there's nothing better than warming up with a hot meal. But don't worry, you don't even have to go shopping for it - with the right ingredients from your pantry, you can conjure up delicious and heart-warming dishes. Here are some simple recipe ideas that will warm you up on cold days and make clever use of your supplies at the same time.
Creamy pumpkin soup
If you still have pumpkin puree, coconut milk or vegetable stock in the cupboard, you can whip up a creamy soup in no time at all. Simply bring the pumpkin puree and stock to the boil, add coconut milk for an extra dose of creaminess and refine with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon or ginger. Perfect for a cozy evening on the couch!
Lentil dal with rice
Lentils are one of the most versatile ingredients in the pantry. Combine them with coconut milk, curry powder and spices such as cumin or turmeric to create a warming lentil dal. Serve with rice or naan bread for a simple, filling and nutritious dish.
Chili sin carne
With a can of kidney beans, corn, chopped tomatoes and some chili powder, you can conjure up a delicious and warming chili sin carne. If you have onions or garlic to hand, you can add extra flavor to the dish. It's a great way to warm up from the inside while making good use of your supplies.
Pasta with tomato and garlic sauce
Pasta is a classic pantry staple and particularly popular on cold days. Simply make a sauce with chopped tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and spices such as oregano or basil. The warmth and aroma of this dish will make you feel good - like you're on vacation in Italy.
Oatmeal with cinnamon and apples
There are also warming options for breakfast! Cook oatmeal with milk or plant-based drink, sweeten with honey or maple syrup and top with cinnamon and apples. This simple and healthy dish will give you the energy you need to start the day and warm you up from the inside.
Tips for your pantry
To ensure you are always prepared for cold days, it is worth keeping these ingredients in your pantry:
- Pulses such as lentils, beans and chickpeas
- Canned tomato products
- Coconut milk
- Pasta and rice
- Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and chili powder
Conclusion
With a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can conjure up delicious dishes that will warm you up from the inside and make autumn or winter much cozier. Try out these recipes and discover how easy it can be to cook delicious and sustainable meals - without any extra effort.