5 Ways to Use

When you’re a busy mom, trying to save money, or simply avoiding another grocery run, your pantry is your best friend. Most of us have hidden meals sitting in our cabinets — grains, cans, lone vegetables in the fridge, leftover herbs, and seasonings.

This post begins your 5 Ways to Use… series focused on making full meals from what you already have. These ideas are frugal, fast, and low-waste.

1. Tomato–Onion–Carrot–Potato Soup with Miso + Parmesan Rind

A nourishing, zero-waste soup using classic “base vegetables” that almost everyone has.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Onion
• 1–2 carrots
• 1–2 potatoes
• 1-2 tomatoes (or canned
• Tomato paste (optional)
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• 1 tbsp miso
• Salt, pepper, herbs

Instructions:

Sauté onion, carrot, and potato in oil until softened. Add tomato and tomato paste, cook until jammy. Add water/broth + Parmesan rind. Simmer 20 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in miso. Blend or leave chunky. Finish with olive oil or herbs.

2. Savory Oatmeal with Herbs + Seasonings

Oats don’t have to be sweet — they can be rich, savory, and filling.

Ingredients:

Oats Water or broth Herbs + seasonings Optional: egg, cheese, leftover veggies, canned fish

• Oats
• Water or broth
• Herbs + seasonings
• Optional: egg, cheese, leftover veggies, canned fish

Instructions:

Cook oats in water or broth. Season generously. Add toppings like eggs, greens, pesto, or a drizzle of oil.

3. Tomato Paste Pasta with Sardines

A high-protein pantry pasta using only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tbsp tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Sardines (or anchovies/tuna)
• Garlic/onion
• Pasta

Instructions:

Fry tomato paste in oil until dark red. Add garlic/onion. Add sardines and break apart. Add a splash of pasta water. Toss pasta into sauce. Finish with chili flakes or lemon.

4. 2–3 Ingredient Bean Dip + Quick Flatbread

Your emergency “snack plate becomes a meal” recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of beans
• Olive oil Seasonings
• Flatbread: flour + water + salt

Instructions:

Blend beans with olive oil + seasonings. Make flatbread: mix flour + water + salt and cook in a hot pan 1–2 min/side. Serve with veggies or chips.

5. Pantry Fried Rice (Using Any Leftovers)

The easiest clean-fridge dinner that turns scraps into a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice
• Egg(s)
• Soy sauce or miso
• Frozen or leftover veggies
• Oil
• Optional: canned chicken, tofu, sardines, spam

Instructions:

Heat oil + cook veggies. Push aside and scramble eggs. Add rice + break up. Add soy sauce or miso. Fry until hot and slightly crispy.

Final Thoughts

You probably have more food than you think. Before another grocery run, check your pantry, fridge, and freezer . There’s almost always a full meal waiting to be made. These recipes help you stretch your budget, cut waste, and simplify life as a busy parent.