Recipes only using non perishables

[AuntGinny]

I've been thinking of coming up with a collection of meals that I always have in store (in case of trickier months). Also that I can easily give to somebody else in need if we don't end up needing them. So completely or almost completely made up of non perishables.

Most of what I've come up with are pastas so far. I know there's the beans on toast type meals but I was really thinking of things that are healthy-ish and hearty for a family to sit down with, maybe in substitution for family classics like a roast dinner or lasagne.

Have a look at camping recipes maybe?
In our campervan I always have tins of corned beef, spam, ratatouille, tinned new spuds. Jars of lazy onions, garlic etc.
Look in Lidl and Aldi for prepared veg in jars, vac packs of potato and onions. Also sachets of meatballs
I've only used these when in dire need though!

I buy the bags of frozen soffrito (diced up carrot, onion and celery) and the sachets of pre cooked green lentils (Aldi do cheaper ones), together with a tin of tomatoes, some dried herbs and garlic powder you can make a fairly tasty, veggie bolognese type sauce in twenty minutes.

Hasn't Jack Monroe done a book called Tin Can Cook which is based on meals using tins? Not sure if exclusively tins but will have some great ideas for you.

Lazy onions and garlic! That's how to do a lot of recipes hadn't thought of that

Most home made Vegetarian Indo-East African meals are made from unperishables in the UK. Rice, All dals, and then you have all your tinned chickpea / kidney bean/ sweetcorn / spinach / potato curries etc.

Risotto - or fishcakes - with tinned salmon

Falafel: www.coop.co.uk/recipes/storecupboard-falafel
Tuna sweetcorn pilaf www.coop.co.uk/recipes/tuna-and-sweetcorn-pilaf
Chickpea curry www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tomato-chickpea-curry
Lentil and sweet potato curry www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lentil-sweet-potato-curry

Spaghetti with anchovies, tinned tomato, tin anchovies chopped with scissors & jarred olives + onion, pop everything in fry pan and heat to reduce tomatoes, cook spaghetti as per packet instructions.

Campbell’s chicken soup, add small amount of water and frozen veg - use as pasta sauce

Another recommending lazy onions/garlic paste as good in a pinch.
I also always have stock of stock/capers/olives/spices/dried chillis etc.
Freezer has blocks of cheese (goes a bit grainy but fine for cooking). Frozen lemon juice (ice cube tray then airtight) great for eg hummus/dressings etc. Also freeze lemon and lime chunks.

Veggie chilli - could use tinned beans and sweetcorn, plus frozen peppers and onions.

Chickpea curry using a paste plus some frozen peas and cauliflower.

Lentil bolognaise using those packets of cooked lentils.

Pea soup and bread from the freezer.