1 Packets of dry pasta
Inexpensive and with a looong shelf-life, dry pasta is the ultimate pantry must-have. A big bowl of piping hot pasta is just moments away even if you only have oil, garlic and a few herbs. Try this Pasta with crunchy crumb topping which takes less than 15 minutes to prepare with minimal ingredients and even less fuss.
2 Tinned fish
A tin of tuna or salmon is invaluable in the world of easy lunches – whip up a quick tuna salad, tuna pasta, or these Spiced Salmon Cakes. Combine two of these essential pantry items for this tuna pasta salad try this zesty salad or these cute sandwiches.
3 Tinned beans
Pre-cooked beans such as kidney, borlotti, pinto and red beans make an instant lunch. Just add a dressing, or add them to greens and veges or pasta; or blitz them into a dip. Try this Mexican Bean Salad, or this White Bean Corn and Avocado Salad.
4 Tinned tomatoes
Puttanesca must be the most pantry-friendly recipe there is! A mix of staple items like anchovies, olives, tomatoes and capers with spaghetti, this is one tasty dish. As well as pasta sauce, tinned tomatoes make a quick soup or shakshuka.
5 Nut butters
The easiest lunch of all? A piece of toast spread with butter and peanut butter! But this pantry staple is good for more than crackers and toast, try adding it to smoothies, to oats or to a dressing for a salad.
