The Stray Ferret

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

In our busy lives, finding time to cook can be challenging, let alone with a limited pantry. With the increasing cost of living crisis, many people need a helping hand with providing delicious food for their family.

Unhealthy food and microwaveable meals are often cheaper than their healthier counterparts so it can be tempting to fill your shopping trolley with them. This is a time to buy better ingredients in lesser quantity and get more creative with limited ingredients.

Cooking with limited ingredients doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or nutrition. With a bit of creativity and these helpful tips, you can whip up tasty meals that are both satisfying and easy to make.

Embrace staple ingredients

The key to cooking with limited ingredients is to rely on pantry staples that can be used in multiple ways. Ingredients like rice, pasta, flour, canned beans, sweetcorn, eggs, frozen vegetables, and canned tomatoes are versatile and can form the base of many dishes.

One-pot tomato rice and peas

Keeping a well-stocked pantry with these basics ensures you always have something to work with. With flour, eggs and bacon, you can whip up home made pasta with carbonara sauce. Involving the children will create memories of making an elegant dish from basic ingredients.

Use seasonings and herbs

Even the simplest ingredients can shine with the right seasonings and herbs. Invest in a few quality spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil.

A splash of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can transform a dish instantly. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite flavour profiles.

Keep it simple

Remember, cooking with limited ingredients doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on simple recipes that highlight the flavours of the ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make substitutions based on what you have available.

Potatoes, sausage and tomatoes

Batch cooking and freezing

Simplify your cooking routine by preparing meals in batches. When you have the time, cook larger portions of meals like stews, soups, or casseroles, then freeze individual portions. This way, you’ll always have a homemade meal ready to go on busy days.

In my fridge or freezer, I always have ingredients for my base sauces – pepper, onion and tomato blend; ginger, garlic, and spring onion blend; and ginger, garlic and onion blend.

I also have different types of homemade stocks, roasted or confit garlic, peppers and baby tomatoes and frozen vegetables. This allows me to create exciting dishes. Let’s dive into some recipes that are perfect for busy days or when you’re short on ingredients:

Yemi’s recipe: Sweetcorn fritters

Sweetcorn fritters topped with sautéed peppers

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetcorn
• 1 shallot
• Chilli flakes
• AP or chickpea flour to bind
• 1 large egg
• 2 spring onions if available
• Salt
• Onion

Instructions

1. Finely dice the shallot, spring onion and onion; add to a bowl
2. Add all the remaining ingredients apart from the flour and mix well
3. Add just enough flour to bind the ingredients together
4. Fry in a nonstick pan with a little oil
5. Serve topped with a poached egg and some fried onions or with some spiced or flavoured mayonnaise.

Yemi’s recipe: Udon noodles with tomatoes and onions

Udon noodles with tomato and peppers

Ingredients

• 1 packet of Udon noodles per person
• 1 can diced tomatoes or fresh baby tomatoes sliced lengthwise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper and chilli flakes
• 1 shallot or medium onion

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, onion or shallot and sauté until fragrant; add the chilli flakes
2. Pour in canned tomatoes with their juices and bring to a simmer
3. Add the Udon noodles and stir
4. Season with salt and pepper; check and adjust seasoning
5. Top noodles with a boiled egg or leftover chicken

By embracing the concept of cooking with limited ingredients, you’ll discover a new level of creativity in the kitchen.

With these tips and recipes, you’ll be able to prepare delicious meals effortlessly, even on the busiest of days. So, grab those pantry staples and get cooking.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: a taste of France at Kendell’s Bistro, Leeds
• Yemi’s Food Stories: embracing spring by celebrating seasonal produce
• Yemi’s Food Stories: Rafi’s Spicebox Harrogate