She Strengthens

Cooking on a Shoestring: Turning Kitchen Scraps into a Feast

As someone who’s committed to cooking most of their meals at home, I’ve faced my fair share of dinnertime dilemmas. When ingredients are scarce and the thought of ordering takeout is tempting, it’s easy to give in. But I’ve learned to resist the urge, and instead, get creative with whatever I have on hand.

The Art of Making Something from Nothing

So, how do you turn kitchen scraps into a satisfying meal? It all comes down to three simple strategies.

Start with a Solid Base

Find a staple ingredient that can serve as the foundation of your meal. This could be a bag of rice, a box of pasta, or even a can of beans. Something starchy and filling can make a great base for your dish. And let’s be honest, if you’re running low on food, you probably don’t have a lot of meat or fish lying around, so this is a great way to fill yourself up.

Get Creative with Canned and Frozen Veggies

I’m a big fan of frozen veggies, but canned ones work just as well. This is the perfect opportunity to use up those old veggies that have been lingering in your freezer or cupboard. Mix them with some rice and bouillon for a quick risotto, or toss them with some pasta and simple seasonings for a tasty and filling meal.

Seasoning is Key

When you’re making do with what you have, seasoning can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to get liberal with the garlic, onions, and herbs. Crush some garlic cloves and toast them in olive oil, caramelize some onions, or sprinkle some Old Bay seasoning to give your dish a boost of flavor.

A Recipe Born from Necessity

Recently, I found myself facing a kitchen emergency, and I came up with a recipe that’s become a staple in my household. Introducing Smashed Garlic & Brussels Sprouts Pasta!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen or fresh Brussels sprouts
• Crushed red pepper
• Olive oil
• Several garlic cloves (I use a lot – around 7!)
• Pecorino
• Ditalini pasta (or any other pasta you have on hand)
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare, simply smash the garlic cloves on the back of your knife, toast them in olive oil, and then add in the Brussels sprouts. Cook your pasta, strain, and then toss everything together with some pecorino and crushed red pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra pecorino and red pepper.

This recipe is a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can turn kitchen scraps into a delicious meal. So next time you’re faced with a culinary emergency, don’t reach for the takeout menu – get creative and see what you can whip up!