We’ve all got them; half-used jars, forgotten tins, and the odd bag of lentils buried at the back of the cupboard. But these humble ingredients are often the key to some of the easiest, most satisfying meals - especially when the fridge is running low.
To help you turn those back-of-the-cupboard finds into something delicious and nutritious, we’ve pulled together a our go-to recipes. They’re full of flavour and designed to make the most of what you’ve already got on hand.
This is the perfect batch cooking recipe. Easy to make, packed with nutrition and very versatile. It’s great with pasta, quinoa, jacket potatoes or rice; and it’s equally popular with adults and kids alike.
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Hearty, flavourful and simple to make, this rich gnocchi bake is packed with goodness and easy on the washing-up. A perfect weeknight dish to satisfy everyone and any leftovers can be reheated for a quick lunch the next day.
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Wondering what to do with a glut of summer courgettes? This recipe is a combination of two of our favourite courgette recipes from Healthy Made Simple and it’s completely delicious. Creamy and indulgent but packed with fibre and protein, it freezes well making it a great batch-cook recipe that you’ll keep coming back to.
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We know that our orzo recipes are a huge hit with our community, so we wanted to share this Tomato & Basil Orzo from Healthy Made Simple. This simple, family staple comes together in no time and without any fuss. Orzo recipes are a brilliant swap for a risotto — they’ve got that same creamy texture but are much quicker to make.
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This white bean chilli, popular in North America, is a fresh spin on the classic red chilli. It’s packed with creamy white beans, fragrant spices and zesty lime juice. It’s bursting with flavour and perfect for when you want something hearty and nourishing.
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These zero-fuss noodle dish takes just 15 minutes to put together, making them perfect for busy weeknights. They're flavoured with fiery chilli, maple syrup, tamari, spring onions and bursting with nourishing vegetables.
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This mushroom ragu pure comfort – rich, hearty and full of umami flavours. It’s delicious served with silky pappardelle pasta and a peppery green salad. We think you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!
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This is quick and easy cooking at its best, showcasing what you can do with a few simple ingredients. We love it as a lazy lunch, or as part of a bigger spread with lots of tasty dips and nourishing salads. If you can, use good quality butter beans and olive oil, as you’ll really notice the difference.
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Minimal effort for maximum pleasure, these irresistible chocolate cookies are so simple — no need for chilling or rolling into balls. Make them in just 20 minutes and enjoy with a cup of tea.
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This warm rice salad is absolutely delicious, full of texture and really satisfying. Turmeric roasted cauliflower, shallots and lentils make up the base, while the rice is cooked with fragrant cardamon pods, cloves, cashews and a cinnamon stick. It’s all brought together with an amazing dressing of oozy roasted garlic, lemon juice and maple. Just as delicious eaten cold, so it’s perfect for lunch the next day.
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This curry tastes so good and it couldn’t be easier to put together! It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again, and is ideal for when you’re staring into the cupboard for inspiration.
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A nourishing, one-pan dinner in under 20 minutes! Packed with veggies and loaded with flavour, this cosy Super Green Tortelloni Soup is everything you need midweek. Truly a no-fuss bowl of goodness.
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Easy baking is our forte at Deliciously Ella. We’re all about simple bakes packed with plants — here that’s a nourishing mix of oats, nuts, seeds — that come together with little time and effort. These Miso & Macadamia Oat Bites might sound fancy but they couldn’t be more foolproof and contain loads of plant-based goodness.
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This is your sign to add our new cosy ragu to your weekly pasta rotation! It’s packed with deliciously creamy red kidney beans and hearty root vegetables like carrots and celery. What’s more, the flavour benefits from having some time in the fridge (or freezer), making this a perfect prep-ahead recipe.
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This cosy, comforting veggie-packed minestrone is easy to make, full of flavour and such an easy way to get your five-a-day! The homemade walnut and parsley pesto is the perfect way to finish it — if you’re short on time simply use shop-bought pesto.
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Packed with veggies, this one-pan wonder, is perfect for when you need a bowl of something cosy and nourishing. It’s light on prep, low on washing on washing up and best eaten cosied up on the sofa. To make it child-friendly, simply leave out the chilli flakes and salt.
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Made with simple, storecupboard ingredients, this recipe makes a hearty, comforting dinner. Simmering the black beans in veggie stock with cherry tomatoes, garlic, coriander, chilli and red onion gives each mouthful loads of flavour.
View RecipeThis is your sign to add our new cosy ragu to your weekly pasta rotation! It’s packed with deliciously creamy red kidney beans and hearty root vegetables like carrots and celery. What’s more, the flavour benefits from having some time in the fridge (or freezer), making this a perfect prep-ahead recipe.
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