I’ll be honest, I do most of my cooking because of the slight panic I get at 6:47 pm. It’s not exactly a creative rush when the only thing I have in the fridge is a jar of unidentifiable contents and some wilted herbs. This list is made for those types of nights, the I’ve got nothing nights, that still need dinner. Most items on this list rely on food that would be considered pantry staples, items you may have defrosted in the freezer, or that one onion you keep meaning to use.
Contents
- 1) Aglio E Olio
- 2) Tomato Pasta
- 3) Breakfast For Dinner
- 4) Comfort Rice Bowl
- 5) Fried Rice
- 6) Tuna Melt
- 7) Beans On Toast
- 8) Bean Soup
- 9) Peanut Noodles
- 10) Upgraded Ramen
- 11) Grilled Cheese
- 12) Quesadilla
- 13) Chickpea Salad
- 14) Eggs In Tomato Sauce
- 15) Cacio E Pepe
- 16) Loaded Baked Potato
- 17) Savory Oatmeal
- 18) Pancakes Or Crepes
- 19) Simple Lentils
- 20) Pasta Frittata
- 21) Toast And Broth
- 22) Beans And Rice
- 23) “Clean-Out-the-Freezer” Stir-Fry
- 24) Fish On Toast
- 25) Popcorn Dinner
1) Aglio E Olio
While it is simply pasta and garlic oil, it gives the feeling of having a little bistro to yourself.
Slice the garlic thinly and gently warm it in olive oil until it turns a pale golden color (not brown: brown is bitter).
Stir in the hot pasta along with a little starchy water until the mixture gets glossy and sticks to the noodles. It’s great if you have parsley to add, but it’s no problem if you don’t.
2) Tomato Pasta
This is the dish I prepare if I want to spend time in the kitchen and be by myself.
Sauté garlic (or onion if you’ve got it), add canned tomatoes, salt, and a pinch of sugar if it tastes sharp.
You might get a delicious smell from the stove before you add the pasta. When you smell something good enough to eat, put the pasta in and act like that was planned!
3) Breakfast For Dinner
When it feels like you don’t have any food, eggs are a perfect ingredients option.
Fry them crisp-edged, scramble them softly, or boil them for that jammy center if you’re feeling patient.
You can put them on anything that can catch a yolk like toast, rice, and noodles. Recently, I put some fried eggs on leftover popcorn (not my best food decision) and it was surprisingly not bad.
4) Comfort Rice Bowl
The meal sounds like something you would make in the dorms, but it also applies to adults with jobs and opinions. Hot rice combined with butter and soy sauce creates a melty mixture that adds a salty depth that makes it feel like this was supposed to be an artistic creation.
If you have a fried egg, sesame seeds, or scallions, it gets fancier fast.
The plain bowl is the kind of bowl that can calm and relax a person during the day.
5) Fried Rice
Fried rice is basically a rescue mission for leftovers, and I love it for that.
It’s recommended to use rice that’s cold (from the fridge) for this, as fresh rice usually becomes gummy. You can use that container from the back! Grab a rice container, an egg, frozen peas, a splash of soy sauce, and any other small cuttable ingredients. Make sure to taste what you’re cooking as you go. It’s pretty hard to mess this up, aside from burning garlic (And trust me, I know from experience).
6) Tuna Melt
We can think of tuna as inexpensive, but so is hunger, so let’s prepare some.
Enter the modern day tuna melt.
Mix the tuna with some mayo (or yogurt) and if you have it, some mustard or relish. Spread it on some toast, add cheese on top to make it a real meal, then broil until bubbly and a little browned. For something out of a can, it is surprisingly satisfying, as well as being cozy and a little salty.
7) Beans On Toast
It is a classic because it’s warm, filling, and super cheap per serving. Warm up some canned beans and add a knob of butter (or a splash of olive oil) and some seasonings like salt and pepper, and perhaps some chili flakes, and then spoon over onto the toast so it soaks in (that’s the whole point). If you have a slice of cheese, you can put it on top and let it melt.
8) Bean Soup
This is my “I don’t want a project” soup… but I’m craving soup.
If possible, start with sautéed onion or garlic.
To get started, use broth or water and then add beans, salt, and any dried herbs you have. Smash a few beans against the pot to thicken the soup. You can eat the soup with some toast if you want, because it is a complete meal.
9) Peanut Noodles
This has helped me when I was so tired that I couldn’t even complain about it.
Stir peanut butter with soy sauce and enough hot water to make it silky; add chili flakes or a squeeze of lime if you’ve got it.
Pair it with any noodles (like ramen or spaghetti) for a whole new flavor experience. Some people like it sweeter, so a little sugar will help make it smoother.
10) Upgraded Ramen
Instant ramen is good by itself, but you can make it even better. It is so comforting to add a soft-boiled egg, some frozen spinach, or leftover chicken. I sometimes throw in a spoonful of peanut butter and even an American cheese slice. Sounds gross, but trust me, it makes the broth nice and creamy. Keep it simple and hot and you’ll love it!
11) Grilled Cheese
My go-to meal when I have no clue what to make is grilled cheese! Take your time flipping it over so that the cheese gets nice and melty. If you happen to have pickles or mustard, put them on the sandwich; they help cut through the creaminess of the cheese. I have eaten grilled cheese over the sink like a raccoon. It still counts.
12) Quesadilla
Everything besides the base is a bonus. The base is a tortilla and cheese. Cooked sad spinach, leftover chicken, beans and corn (if it fits, it ships!) Cook it until the outside is nice and crispy and the inside is gooey, If it cools down then you won’t burn your mouth (I never listen to this). Add salsa, hot sauce or just yogurt.
13) Chickpea Salad
Start by draining your can of chickpeas. Mash some of the chickpeas until they are a bit creamy and mix in some mayonnaise. If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can substitute it for olive oil and lemon juice. Then, add some diced onions, celery, pickles, or any other crunchy ingredient you have. You can put your chickpea mix on some toast, or if you don’t want to make a mess at the table, you can eat it with a fork while standing at the counter. This food looks like you have your life together!
Rachael’s Nutrition Note
Chickpea salad is a great high-fiber, high-protein option, and it works as a vegan choice too if you swap in a vegan mayo.
14) Eggs In Tomato Sauce
With only canned tomatoes and eggs, you are almost there.
Simmer tomatoes with garlic and spices (cumin and paprika are nice but not mandatory), then crack eggs into little wells.
Cook it until the white parts are firm while the yellow parts stay soft. As you use bread to pick it up, try not to look too satisfied with yourself.
15) Cacio E Pepe
The first time making this dish is somewhat scary. If you lack the proper patience the cheese could clump. Cook the pasta and toast a heroic amount of black pepper. Off the heat add some pasta water and grated cheese. The sauce should be glossy. If the sauce is a sad cheese string situation add more water and say you wanted it rustic.
16) Loaded Baked Potato
A baked potato invites you to eat it. Start by microwaving it so you can finish it in the oven for the skin to crackle. And butter and salt are the bare minimum of what you should add to it. If you want to make it even more of a meal, you can add beans, cheese, tuna, or leftover chili.
I’ve even topped one with scrambled eggs, which felt wrong until it felt very right.
17) Savory Oatmeal
Sweet oatmeal is okay, but really, savory oatmeal is where the true comfort is. Oatmeal is super easy to make, you just cook the oats in either water or broth and add a little salt if you want. Then you can add toppings such as an egg, a bit of soy sauce, or some cheese. It’s nice and gentle, and it doesn’t ask much of you. I understand your skepticism, I was also pretty doubtful. But it completely turned my frozen, grumpy evening around.
18) Pancakes Or Crepes
A meal you can create using flour and an egg can give you the sense of accomplishment that you have your life in order.
Pancakes are forgiving; crepes are fussier but still doable if you accept imperfection.
You can top it with jam, sugar, peanut butter, or if you want something savory, put on a fried egg. I have had friends over for breakfast for dinner and have watched everyone relax right away.
19) Simple Lentils
Because dried lentils cook faster than most beans, they are one of the best bargains in our pantry! Just a little salt will do and for spicing them up, wait until the end to add olive oil and garlic.
A splash of vinegar or lemon juice perks things right up.
When you have it with toast or rice, you’ll feel a bit satisfied.
20) Pasta Frittata
What do you do with leftover pasta when reheating it gets boring? You can make a pasta omelette! Just beat some eggs, add the pasta to the eggs, and if you have it sprinkle on some cheese. Then, put it in a frying pan and cook it until it solidifies. If you’re brave, flip it, otherwise, grill it. Given its “what is this container?” energy, it’s surprisingly sophisticated.
21) Toast And Broth
Having a recipe isn’t always how you want to spend your evening. You want something simple, warm, and inviting. If you feel like it, chop a garlic clove and add it or another spice if you want. You can also add some bouillon to the broth and bring it to a boil. Toasting the bread makes it feel like I’m eating a meal and not just a drink. This helps me wind down after a busy day.
22) Beans And Rice
We all know that beans and rice gets boring quickly, and if you don’t want that to happen to you, season it! Do what you have to do, as long as you season it. Salt, garlic powder, pepper, and chili powder are a good place to start. Mix in some lime juice or vinegar to make it taste fresh. With hot sauce, the beans and rice become a meal that you would look forward to eating leftovers of. Plus it’s great for meal prep, as you can add more rice, beans, and all of your seasonings for as many bowls as you need.
23) “Clean-Out-the-Freezer” Stir-Fry
The half bags of frozen veggies from the freezer are about to get some class. Don’t let the food cry too much water by cooking them quickly and at higher temps. Then sauce it up with soy + a little sugar or honey. It works even without the ginger and garlic but having them makes it better. Do your best to not feel too self satisfied when serving over rice or noodles.
24) Fish On Toast
I really appreciate the courage it takes to eat tinned fish. Mackerel and sardines bring a wonderful brininess to a meal, and are very satisfying to eat on toast with a squeeze of lemon. For a creamier texture go for butter or mayo, for a sharper taste try mustard. If you are sensitive to smells, please open a window, as people’s reactions to this are extremely varied.
25) Popcorn Dinner
This might sound slightly absurd, but believe it or not, if you truly want to commit to this meal, popcorn can be considered dinner. Just put the popcorn on the stove and add some salt and butter. If you have some, throw in some smoked paprika or nutritional yeast. Throw a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit to stave off midnight hunger. I won’t pretend that it is a balanced meal but this might be your idea of a good Tuesday.
