Simple recipes for everyday life: delicious food without much effort

Kira Zabe

August 21, 2024

Mealtime shouldn't be complicated - it can be simple, delicious and stress-free. If you're looking for simple recipes to enrich your everyday life, you've come to the right place. In this article, we present some delicious dishes that can be prepared with little effort. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or want to prepare a meal for guests, you'll find the inspiration you need here.

Key ingredients for simple and delicious meals

To make simple yet delicious meals, there are some key ingredients you should have in your kitchen. Here are some of them:

Spices:Spices are key to adding flavor to simple dishes. You can experiment with spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley.

Olive oil:Olive oil is a versatile and healthy oil that can be used in many simple recipes. It can be used for frying, sautรฉing or salad dressings.

Citrus fruits:Lemons and limes are great ingredients to add freshness and acidity to dishes. You can use them to season salads, meat or fish.

Vegetables:Fresh vegetables are a must for healthy and simple meals. Choose seasonal vegetables and prepare them in a simple way, e.g. by steaming or roasting.

Legumes:Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber. They can be used as the main ingredient in salads, soups or as a side dish to other dishes.These key ingredients can serve as the basis for many simple recipes and are affordable and readily available. Try out different combinations and discover your own taste.

Breakfast recipes for stressful mornings

Mornings can be hectic and there's often not much time for a proper breakfast. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on a nutritious and delicious start to the day. Here are some simple breakfast recipes that you can prepare in just a few minutes:

  1. Quick oatmeal with berries

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rolled oats1 cup almond milk (or another plant-based milk)A handful of fresh berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)Honey or agave syrup to sweeten (optional)A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the rolled oats and almond milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil.Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft.Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl.Garnish with fresh berries and sweeten with honey or agave syrup to taste.Optionally sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.Enjoy your quick and healthy breakfast!

2. Avocado toast with egg

Ingredients:

1 slice of wholemeal bread1 ripe avocado1 eggSalt and pepper to tasteFresh herbs to garnish (e.g. coriander or parsley)

Instructions:

Toast the wholemeal bread.In the meantime, cut the avocado in half, remove the stone and mash the flesh with a fork.Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread.Heat some oil in a pan and fry an egg.Carefully place the fried egg on top of the avocado.Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs to taste.A simple and delicious breakfast is ready!

3. Yoghurt with muesli and fruit

Ingredients:

1 pot of natural yogurtA handful of muesli (e.g. oat flakes, nuts, dried fruit)A handful of fresh fruit (e.g. bananas, berries, apples)Honey or maple syrup to sweeten (optional)

Instructions:

Pour the natural yogurt into a bowl.Sprinkle with muesli and fresh fruit.Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.Enjoy your simple and healthy breakfast!

Recipes for an evening meal

After a long day at work, you may not want to spend much time in the kitchen, but you still want to enjoy a delicious dinner. Here are some simple recipes for a quick yet delicious meal:

  1. Stir-fried vegetables with rice

Ingredients:

Vegetables of choice (e.g. bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli)1 cup cooked ricesoy sauceGinger and garlic (optional)Salt and pepper to tasteOil for frying

Instructions:

Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the vegetables.Add ginger and garlic to taste and fry.Add the cooked rice and stir well.Season with soy sauce, salt and pepper.Continue frying until the vegetables are cooked and the rice is hot.A quick and healthy dinner is ready!

2. Pasta with tomato sauce

Ingredients:

200 g pasta of your choice1 tin of chopped tomatoes1 onion, choppedGarlic cloves, choppedolive oilDried herbs (e.g. basil, oregano)Salt and pepper to tasteParmesan cheese to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.Heat a little olive oil in a separate pan and sautรฉ the chopped onion.Add the chopped garlic and fry briefly.Add the chopped tomatoes and dried herbs.Season with salt and pepper and allow the sauce to simmer until it has thickened a little.Drain the cooked pasta and add to the tomato sauce.Stir well and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.A simple and delicious dinner is ready!

3. Grilled chicken with vegetables

Ingredients:

Chicken breast filletsVegetables of your choice (e.g. peppers, zucchinis, mushrooms)olive oillemon juiceSalt and pepper to tasteFresh herbs to garnish (e.g. rosemary, thyme)

Instructions:

Marinate the chicken breast fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and the desired herbs.Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.Grill the marinated chicken and vegetables on a grill or in a grill pan.Turn regularly until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are lightly browned.Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.A simple and delicious dinner is ready to serve!

Snacks and desserts that require little effort

Sometimes we just want to treat ourselves to a snack or enjoy a quick snack or dessert. Here are some simple recipes that require little effort:

  1. Hummus with vegetable sticks

Ingredients:

1 tin of chickpeas2 cloves of garlic, choppedJuice of one lemonolive oilSalt and pepper to tasteVegetable sticks of your choice (e.g. carrots, cucumber, peppers)

Instructions:

Rinse and drain the chickpeas.Place in a blender with the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.Puree until smooth.Serve the hummus with vegetable sticks.A healthy and delicious snack is ready!

2. Simple fruit salad

Ingredients:

A selection of fresh fruit (e.g. apples, bananas, grapes, kiwi)Juice of one lemonHoney or maple syrup to sweeten (optional)Fresh mint to garnish

Instructions:

Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit to prevent oxidation.Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.Stir well and garnish with fresh mint.A refreshing and simple dessert is ready!

3. Banana ice cream

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)Chocolate chips or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Peel and slice the bananas.Place the banana slices in a sealable plastic bag and freeze until firm (about 2 hours).Place the frozen banana slices in a blender and blend until a creamy consistency is achieved.Add peanut butter if desired and blend again.Pour the banana ice cream into a bowl and garnish with chocolate chips or chopped nuts as desired.A simple and delicious dessert is ready!

Meal planning and cooking in small batches for greater convenience

Meal planning and cooking in small batches can save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some tips on how you can simplify your cooking routine:

Create a weekly meal plan:Plan in advance which dishes you want to prepare in the coming week. This will save you time when shopping and you will always know what you are going to cook next.Use leftovers:If you cook larger quantities, you can use the leftovers for later meals. For example, you can use leftover chicken for salads or sandwiches the next day.Cook in batches:Prepare larger quantities of certain dishes and freeze them in individual portions. This way, you always have a quick and tasty meal to hand when you're short on time.Simplify your ingredients list:Choose recipes that require few ingredients to simplify shopping and preparation. Also use ready-made products or pre-cut vegetables to save time.Use kitchen appliances and cooking utensils that make your life easier:A pressure cooker or Instant Pot can cut down on preparation time, while a good knife block and chopping board make cutting ingredients easier.

By planning your meals in advance, using leftovers and cooking in batches, you can simplify your cooking routine and bring more convenience to your everyday life.

Conclusion: Simplicity in the kitchen

Our simple recipes are perfect for people who don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen but still don't want to miss out on delicious food. From hearty pasta dishes to healthy salads and sweet desserts - we have something for everyone.

Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, our recipes are easy to follow and quick to make. It's time to simplify cooking and focus on the joy of eating. Leave the stress behind and enjoy delicious dishes without much effort. Try it today!

Get ready to pleasure your taste buds and try out our simple recipes. You'll be surprised how much flavor you can achieve with little effort. Enjoy your meal!

New laws on food waste in Spain

Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.

Key provisions of the law:

Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.

Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.

Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.

Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.

Sanctions for violations:

Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.

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Critique and Outlook:

While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.

Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.

Join in and reduce food waste! ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“ฒ

Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! ๐Ÿ’š Try it now!

August 27, 2025
2 min read

Get the most out of your Smantry App: Activate these premium features!

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Private photos for your articles

Make your inventory management visual! With the feature "Upload Your Own Images" you can add a photo to each item โ€“ for example, of the packaging, the jar, or the portion in the freezer. This is especially helpful if you share with others in a community or if you want to visually remember your supplies better.

Activation: Open app โ†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) โ†’ Settings โ†’ "Activate Personal Pictures"

๐Ÿ” Target nutritional information

The app automatically displays calorie and nutritional information โ€“ super convenient when you're shopping or eating mindfully. Don't need this info right now or want a cleaner view? You can also simply hide the display!

Control:Profile โ†’ Account Settings โ†’ Enable โ€œHide Nutritional Informationโ€, to hide it.

๐Ÿ’ถ Prices & Expenses at a Glance

If you want to know how much you spend on which item or how much money is lying dormant in your pantry, the Price Entry feature can help you. With it, you can plan your shopping even better and even track your budget.

Activation: Open app โ†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) โ†’ Settings โ†’ โ€œEnable price inputโ€

๐Ÿ’ก Prepper Mode: Even More Control

The Prepper Mode has been introduced for those who really want to keep track of everything โ€“ including minimum quantities, emergency supplies, and individual notes for serious situations. It's also useful if you just want to make sure you never run out of anything important.

Activation: Open app โ†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) โ†’ Settings โ†’ โ€œShow Prepper Informationโ€

Here's how you can find your account settings

In the mobile app you can find the settings easily in the last tab on the far right (Account). In the web app click on Account โ†’ "Settings".

All mentioned features are part of the Premium-Version. If you don't have a premium license yet, feel free to check in the app or on app.speisekammer.app/upgrade โ€“ there's also a family license available!

โœจ Conclusion: You have more options than you think. Activate the hidden premium features now and get the most out of your Smantry app. Because smart inventory management starts with the right tools.

If you have any questions about activation, feel free to contact support or check out our Help Center. And if you have feature requests โ€“ we always welcome your feedback!

July 30, 2025
2 min read

Never forget leftovers again: Soon you'll be able to mark opened products ๐Ÿงƒโœจ

๐Ÿ’ก The new feature: Mark products as "opened"

With the upcoming update, you will soon be able to specify in the Pantry App when a product was opened. This way, you always keep track:

  • What is already open
  • Since when it has been open

This is particularly useful for fresh or perishable food items, but also for sauces, canned goods, spreads, or snacks.

๐Ÿ”” Reminders included

Of course, if you wish, you will also be automatically reminded, when an opened product should soon be consumed โ€“ all in keeping with the motto: Use rather than waste.

๐ŸŽฏ Why this is important

Food waste often doesn't occur while shopping โ€“ but at home, in everyday life. If we know better what is open and should be consumed, it becomes easier to make the right decisions. And that's exactly what the Pantry App wants to support you with even better with the new feature.

๐Ÿ›  When will it be time?

We are currently working hard on the implementation โ€“ the feature is expected to be rolled out in the next update. So you will be able to test it very soon yourself.

If you want to participate in the testing or have feedback, feel free to write to us in support. We look forward to your ideas!

With the Pantry App, stockpiling becomes not only more sustainable, but also easier โ€“ step by step.

Stay tuned โ€“ it's getting exciting! ๐Ÿ’š

July 25, 2025
1 min read

๐ŸŒ Small ideas โ€“ big impact: These companies help you save food in everyday life

๐Ÿ Foodsi (Poland)

This mobile app connects users with restaurants, bakeries and cafรฉs offering surplus food at reduced pricesโ€”especially valuable in Polish cities like Warsaw or Krakรณw.


๐Ÿ”—
foodsi.pl

๐Ÿ›๏ธ OLIO โ€“ Share Surplus Food with Neighbors

OLIO connects neighbors and local businesses to share surplus food instead of throwing it away. Users can offer or request free food via the app โ€” reducing waste and building community.


๐Ÿ”— https://olioapp.com

๐ŸŒ Imperfect Foods โ€“ Selling "Ugly" but Edible Food

This U.S.-based grocery delivery service rescues "imperfect" produce and surplus goods that major supermarkets reject due to appearance or overstocking โ€” and delivers them directly to your door.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.imperfectfoods.com

๐Ÿ“ฆ Dispatch Goods โ€“ Reusable Packaging for Takeout

Dispatch Goods partners with restaurants to replace single-use containers with reusable packaging. This reduces packaging waste โ€” and their system tracks and collects the containers for reuse.


๐Ÿ”— https://www.dispatchgoods.com

๐Ÿฅฌ Fresh.Land โ€“ Farm-to-Consumer to Prevent Waste (DK)

Fresh.Land shortens the supply chain by connecting consumers directly with farmers. This means fresher produce, longer shelf life, and fewer losses due to long storage or transport.


๐Ÿ”— https://www.fresh.land

๐ŸงŠ ColdHubs โ€“ Solar-Powered Cold Storage in Nigeria

ColdHubs installs solar-powered cold rooms for small farmers and markets to store perishable foods. This innovation significantly extends shelf life and reduces spoilage in hot climates.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.coldhubs.com

๐Ÿงƒ Winnow โ€“ AI to Track Food Waste in Commercial Kitchens

Winnowโ€™s smart scales and AI help restaurants and hotels measure and reduce food waste. By showing how much food is wasted and why, kitchens can adapt their behavior.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.winnowsolutions.com

Why this matters for you

When you use the Smantry app, you can track and manage rescued food items in your pantry โ€“ whether they came from Foodsi, Karma, or another initiative. Weโ€™re building integrations to log these products, set reminders, and reduce waste in your household.

Know any other businesses doing this well?

Weโ€™d love to hear about them! Email your favourites to kira@mantry.com or write us in the chat or social media. Your tip might inspire others and be featured next. ๐ŸŒฟ

July 24, 2025
2 min read