Canned goods can be incredibly versatile and convenient in the kitchen, and there are many delicious recipes and cooking tricks you can try using them. Here are a few ideas:
Quick and Easy Chili: Use canned beans (kidney beans, black beans, etc.), canned diced tomatoes, and canned corn to make a simple and flavorful chili. Sauté onions, garlic, and ground meat (if desired) in a pot, add the canned goods, along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and any other seasonings you like. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes for a quick and hearty meal.
Pasta Sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can serve as a base for homemade pasta sauce. Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs in a pan, then add the canned tomatoes along with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and you have a delicious pasta sauce to toss with your favorite pasta.
Bean Salads: Create vibrant and healthy bean salads using canned beans. Drain and rinse the beans, then combine them with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Dress the salad with olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Tuna Salad: Canned tuna is perfect for making a quick tuna salad. Mix the drained tuna with mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it on bread, in a wrap, or on top of a bed of greens.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Use canned diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with green chilies for some heat) as a base for homemade salsa or pico de gallo. Combine the tomatoes with chopped onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a refreshing dip or topping for tacos and nachos.
Soups and Stews: Canned broth or stock can be a lifesaver for making soups and stews. Combine it with canned vegetables, such as canned corn, peas, or carrots, along with some fresh veggies and proteins of your choice for a quick and satisfying one-pot meal.
Coconut Milk Curry: Canned coconut milk is a key ingredient in many delicious curries. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp, etc.) in a pan. Then add canned coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together, and serve over rice.
Fruit Crisps: Use canned fruits like peaches, cherries, or pineapple to make tasty fruit crisps or cobblers. Top the fruit with a simple mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar, then bake until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
These are just a few examples, but the possibilities with canned goods are endless. They are a great pantry staple that can be easily incorporated into various dishes, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.