The Lazy Cook’s Guide to Plant-Based Pantry Meals

We’ve all been there — staring into the pantry, convinced there’s nothing to eat. But if you’ve got a few shelf-stable basics, you’re likely just some steps away from a satisfying, no-grocery-store-needed meal.

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Here are 8 completely plant-based meals you can whip up using only pantry staples.

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Creamy Chickpea Tomato Curry

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• What you need: Canned chickpeas, coconut milk, canned tomatoes (or tomato paste), garlic/onion powder, and curry powder.
• How to make it: Sauté dry spices in a little oil, stir in tomatoes and coconut milk, add chickpeas, and simmer until thick. Serve with rice or any grain you’ve got.

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Check out the recipe→

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Lentil Dal

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• What you need: Dry red lentils, turmeric, cumin, garlic/onion powder, salt, water, and oil.
• How to make it: Cook lentils with spices and water until mushy and soupy. Top with a quick oil tempering of cumin and garlic powder. Comfort in a bowl. Use the following recipe minus the fresh ingredients

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Check out the recipe→

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Pantry Pasta with Spicy Bean Sauce

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• What you need: Any pasta, canned beans, canned tomatoes, chili flakes, and Italian herbs.
• How to make it: Cook pasta. In another pot, mash beans into canned tomatoes, season with chili and herbs, and heat until saucy. Toss with pasta.

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Check out the recipe→

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Peanut Butter Noodles

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• What you need: Noodles (rice, ramen, or spaghetti), peanut butter, soy sauce, chili flakes, a dash of sugar or maple syrup, and garlic powder.
• How to make it: Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, spices, and a splash of hot water into a sauce. Toss with cooked noodles. Optional: top with crushed peanuts.

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Check out the recipe→

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Rice & Bean Burrito Bowl

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• What you need: Rice, canned black/kidney beans, canned corn, chili powder, cumin, salsa (optional).
• How to make it: Cook rice. Season beans and corn with spices. Layer it all in a bowl. Instant burrito vibes.

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Check out the recipe→

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White Bean & Garlic Soup

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• What you need: Canned white beans, veggie stock cube or powder, garlic/onion powder, olive oil, dried thyme or rosemary.‍
• How to make it: Blend half the beans with some water or stock, then heat them up with the rest of the beans and spices. Drizzle with olive oil. Sip slowly.

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Check out the recipe→

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Tomato Couscous Pilaf

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• What you need: Couscous or bulgur, canned tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, and any dried herbs.
• How to make it: Pour boiling water and tomatoes over couscous with seasoning, cover, and let sit. Fluff and eat. Add lentils or chickpeas if you have them.

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Check out the recipe→

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Oats, But Make It Savory

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• What you need: Rolled oats, soy sauce, nutritional yeast (optional), garlic/onion powder, chili flakes.
• How to make it: Cook oats in water with spices. Stir in soy sauce and nutritional yeast for umami depth. Great for breakfast-for-dinner nights.

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Check out the recipe→

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Pro Tip Pantry Add-Ons:

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• Nutritional yeast: Adds cheesy flavor without cheese.
• Tahini: Turns into sauces or dressings fast.
• Instant miso soup packets: Great for flavoring grains or noodles.
• Preserved lemon or lemon juice powder: Brightens up everything.

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So next time you think “there’s nothing to eat,” peek into your pantry and think again. Your next cozy meal might already be sitting there, waiting to be stirred.

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