Pantry to Plate: 17 Simple Soups, Stews, and Sauces from What You Already Have

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Ever stared into your pantry, wondering how to turn those canned goods and dried staples into something delicious? Well, wonder no more! This guide will show you how to create mouth-watering soups, stews, and sauces using pantry staples. These easy recipes are budget-friendly, comforting, and perfect for busy days.

1. Classic Tomato Soup

Got canned tomatoes? Blend them with broth, garlic, and dried basil for a comforting tomato soup. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, garlic powder, and basil.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth (optional) and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

2. Hearty Lentil Stew

Lentils are a pantry powerhouse. Simmer them with canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices for a protein-packed stew that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, and paprika.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3. Pantry Chili

Canned beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices create a rich, flavorful chili. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an easy, comforting dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.

4. Creamy Coconut Curry Soup

Canned coconut milk meets curry powder and canned chickpeas in this flavorful, dairy-free soup. Add dried or frozen vegetables for extra depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until soft, then add curry powder and ginger powder.
3. Pour in coconut milk, chickpeas, and broth.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until flavors meld.
5. Season with salt and serve hot.

5. Simple Rice and Bean Stew

Cook rice and mix it with canned beans, stock, and spices like cumin and paprika. It’s an easy, filling dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add beans, broth, cumin, and paprika.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper before serving.

6. Spicy Peanut Sauce

Blend peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a versatile sauce perfect for noodles or stir-fries.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
2. Add water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
3. Use as a dipping sauce, drizzle over noodles, or mix into stir-fries.

7. Quick Marinara Sauce

Simmer canned crushed tomatoes with garlic powder, onion flakes, and Italian seasoning for a homemade pasta sauce that’s better than store-bought.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve over pasta or use as a pizza sauce.

8. Vegetable Miso Soup

Mix miso paste with dried seaweed and soy sauce for a quick umami-packed broth. Add any leftover veggies for extra goodness.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 3 tbsp miso paste
• 1/2 cup dried seaweed
• 1/2 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat water in a pot until warm but not boiling.
2. Stir in miso paste until dissolved.
3. Add seaweed, tofu, and soy sauce.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

9. Rustic Barley Soup

Simmer pearl barley with canned vegetables and broth for a simple, hearty soup. This filling dish is great for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
3. Add barley, diced tomatoes, broth, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10. Spicy Black Bean Soup

Blend canned black beans with vegetable broth, cumin, and smoked paprika for a protein-rich soup with a kick. Serve with a squeeze of lime and tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, and smoked paprika.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a thicker consistency (optional).
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

11. Thick and Creamy Potato Soup

Use instant mashed potatoes or canned potatoes with evaporated milk for a rich, comforting soup. Top with chives or bacon bits for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes or 1 can (15 oz) canned potatoes, mashed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine mashed potatoes, broth, and milk.
2. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

12. Canned Tuna Chowder

Combine canned tuna with cream, corn, and broth for a seafood-inspired chowder that’s ready in minutes. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) corn, drained
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat and sauté onions until soft.
2. Add vegetable broth, tuna, and corn.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add milk or cream.
4. Heat through and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm with crackers or bread.

13. Basic Gravy Sauce

Whisk together flour, broth, and butter (or oil) for a quick homemade gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes or roasted meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in broth, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

14. Savory Mushroom Sauce

Use canned mushrooms, broth, and cornstarch for a creamy mushroom sauce that’s perfect for pasta or meats.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 oz) mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan and add mushrooms.
2. Stir in flour and garlic powder.
3. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

15. Velvety Pumpkin Soup

Blend canned pumpkin with coconut milk and warm spices for a cozy, fall-inspired soup. Serve with crusty bread for the perfect autumn meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine all ingredients.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Blend for a creamy texture if desired.
4. Serve warm, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds.

16. Red Lentil Dahl

Cook dried red lentils with canned tomatoes, curry powder, and coconut milk for a thick, spiced stew. Serve over rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions.
2. Add lentils, broth, and spices.
3. Simmer until lentils are soft and thickened.

17. Quick Alfredo Sauce

Use powdered Parmesan, evaporated milk, and garlic powder for a creamy pasta sauce that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in flour.
2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
3. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over pasta.

Pantry Cooking Tips for Success

• Stock Up Smart: Keep pantry staples like canned beans, tomatoes, coconut milk, and grains for quick, easy meals.
• Spice It Up: A well-stocked spice rack can turn basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
• Batch Cooking: Soups and stews often taste better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.

Pantry Cooking Must-Haves

• Airtight Storage Containers – Keep pantry staples fresh and organized.
• Spice Rack Organizer – Keep spices in order and easily accessible.
• Immersion Blender – Perfect for blending soups directly in the pot.

Happy cooking! Share your creations with us on Pinterest!