How to Make the Most of the Food left in your Pantry

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When things get tight it is easy to find yourself looking for ways to make the most of what you have. As your pantry runs low and you find yourself needing food to stretch a bit further so you can make it to payday these tips will help make it easier. With a little sorting and planning, you can make the most of what is left in your pantry.

Look at the Basics

Take a moment to look for the basics and pull them to the side. This includes all of the basic dry goods that can be used to make or bulk up a meal like flour, rice, and oats. These simple basics can be made into many things or added to others to help bulk them up.

Take the time to sort out your proteins. For a complete meal from your pantry, you need to know what you have for protein. canned meats and tuna are always a great option. Think outside the classic beans when looking through at your portion options. Beans are a great protein and can be made into red beans and rice or a nice hearty chili but they get boring fast so don’t limit yourself.

Once you have sorted the basics that can help you build a meal start digging for things to compliment them. A box of macaroni and cheese can be mixed with tuna for a simple and filling stove top tuna noodle. Add a can of chili and tomatoes to rice and taco seasoning with some beans for a balanced complete protein and a simple pantry meal.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box and lower your standards to make the most of what you have in your pantry. A box of pancake mix and a can of fruit make a great pancake breakfast, even if you do not have meat or eggs to serve on the side or even syrup in the fridge. And don’t forget there is no rule against breakfast for dinner and if there were well-breaking rules once in a while can be fun.