Recently, I went to stay with sister in the States to attend a wedding and then have a short holiday with my sister. It was a very busy time with friends, guests and relations all popping in. My sister has a huge pantry and fridge full of everyday goodies. I realised that her kitchen was a treasure. The two of us were able to use the most basic everyday ingredients can transformed these into delightful dishes without spending the whole day cooking. Here are some of the everyday items we made in a short time and everyone loved the nutritious and tasty meals without having to eat out or order takeaways. My advice to my sister and all my friends is to take stock of what you have n your fridge and larder that needs to be used up first.
Quick and Easy Greek Yogurt Parfait
One of the simplest ingredients that is both versatile and nutritious is Greek yogurt. We realised that to enjoy a nice creamy parfait, the Greek yogurt made in Canada offered a richness and a creamy texture that is unmatched. To make a parfait, we simply layer this yogurt with granola and fresh berries. It was a perfect breakfast or snack that combines flavour with convenience, and it only takes minutes to assemble.
We also used the yogurt to make Shrikand and served it as a dessert.
Savory Tomato Soup with a Twist
My sister had been fresh and tinned tomatoes so we were able to transformed these into a warming soup with just a few additions. We sauted the onions and garlic until they are soft added chopped tomatoes and let them cook down into a fragrant mix. For a creamy twist, we stirred in some basil leaves and a spoonful of ricotta cheese right before serving. You can also use yogurt if you do not have riccota cheese. This simple soup was comforting and packed with flavours. We served this soup with some sour dough bread which is my favourite whenever I am in the USA.
Flavorful Garlic Spaghetti
My sister had loads of packets of paste. This became our go-to for some quick meals. We made it special by adding just garlic and olive oil. we boiled the spaghetti, and while it cooked, we gently fried minced garlic in olive oil until golden. Once we mixed the cooked spaghetti with the garlic oil and topped it with parsley and grated Parmesan, everyone loved the robust flavours of garlic, making a simple ingredient the focus of the dinner.
For an added kick, I usually sprinkle in red pepper flakes while frying the garlic to bring a subtle heat to the dish. Sometimes to create a richer texture, we added knob of butter and a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce. Lemon zest can also be added to brighten up the flavours and balance the richness of the olive oil. Serve with a side of fresh arugula salad for a light and refreshing complement. This simple yet elegant dish was perfect to serve without any fuss.
Crispy Chickpea Salad
These days every home has tins of chick peas as they are so versatile and be added to a salad or made into a curry. We were in the mood for a light yet satisfying meal, and decided to make a surprise dish for everyone. We drained and rinsed a can of chickpeas, then tossed them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. we roasted the chickpeas in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until they become crispy and golden. While they roasted, we prepared a base of mixed greens, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. For the dressing, whisked together lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Once the chickpeas were ready, we sprinkle them over the salad for a crunchy texture
We also managed to roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers to complement the chickpeas. A good tip to remember if you want the salad to be more filling, you can add grains like quinoa or farro, which will add both fiber and protein. You can also top this up with crumbled feta or goat cheese for richness. This salad is a perfect blend of textures—crispy, fresh, and hearty. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it’s a great way to enjoy satisfying ingredients.
Sweet Banana Ice Cream
Our final simple recipe is a dessert that you can feel good about. My sister had frozen some ripe bananas which we blended until the texture was smooth and creamy. You can add a splash of vanilla or a handful of nuts for extra flavour. This banana ice cream is a simple, delicious treat that comes together with minimal effort.
This holiday with my sister made us realise that we should use up the ingredients we have in our fridge and pantry to create some lovely dishes. As I always tell my students, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable—start with what you have and let creativity lead the way!
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