🍽️ Easy & Nutritious: 3 Recipes You Can Make from Pantry Staples

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You don’t need fancy ingredients to make delicious and healthy meals. At PC Food Pantry, we believe in simple recipes that nourish your body and warm your heart—using what you likely already have on hand.

Here are three easy, budget-friendly meals made with pantry staples that are healthy, filling, and family-approved!

🥣 1. Hearty Black Bean & Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can corn (optional)
  • Seasonings: garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper
  • Toppings: salsa, shredded cheese, chopped onions (if available)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. Warm the beans and corn in a pot with seasonings.
  3. Spoon rice into a bowl, top with beans, and add your toppings.
  4. Enjoy a protein-packed bowl that’s both filling and flavorful!

Tip: Add chopped tomatoes or avocado if you have them for extra nutrients.

🥔 2. Pantry Potato & Veggie Hash

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 potatoes (or canned if fresh not available)
  • 1 can mixed vegetables (drained)
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • Seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Chop and boil or pan-fry the potatoes until tender.
  2. Add mixed vegetables and seasonings.
  3. Stir occasionally until golden and crispy.

Serving Idea: Top with a fried or scrambled egg if available!

🍝 3. One-Pot Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt
  • Optional: canned beans or spinach

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, add pasta, diced tomatoes, 2 cups water, oil, and seasonings.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until pasta is cooked and water is mostly absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
  3. Stir in beans or greens if using and cook another 2–3 minutes.

Bonus: It all cooks in one pot = easy cleanup!

💡 Healthy Eating Can Be Simple

These meals are just a starting point. With a few affordable ingredients and a little creativity, healthy cooking is possible for every household. We hope these recipes help you stretch your meals and feel good doing it.

Got your own twist on these dishes? Let us know when you stop by PC Food Pantry—we love hearing from our neighbors!