Recipe Zone

Welcome to the Recipe Zone!

Here, you'll find a collection of easy, delicious meal ideas that you can make using ingredients from our pantry. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, we've got something for everyone!

Want to take it up a notch?

We’ll also highlight optional ingredients that aren't in the pantry, but could help "level up" your dish for an extra burst of flavour, texture, or nutrition.

Get inspired and start cooking today!

Breakfast

Breakfasts
Overnight Oats

A quick and easy one you can
Main Ingredients:
- Porridge oats
- Milk
- Tinned fruit
- Yoghurt

**Optional Ingredients to Level Up:**
- Honey or jam (for sweetness)
- Cinnamon or mixed spice
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, if affordable)
- Granola (for topping)

**Instructions:**
1. In a jar or bowl, mix 1/2 cup of porridge oats, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of yoghurt.
2. Add your tinned fruit (drained if you prefer less liquid) and stir in any optional extras, like honey, cinnamon, or seeds.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, give it a good stir and top with a little extra fruit or granola if you have it.

Oats & Tinned Fruit Breakfast Flapjacks

Main Ingredients:

  • Oats
  • Tinned fruit (e.g., peaches, pears, or mixed fruit)
  • Milk
  • Yoghurt (optional for topping)
  • A small amount of butter or margarine (if available)
  • Honey or jam (optional for sweetness)

Optional Ingredients to Level Up:

  • Cinnamon (for extra flavour)
  • A small amount of sugar (if you prefer sweeter flapjacks)
  • Chopped nuts or seeds (optional for extra texture)
  • Granola (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.

  2. Prepare the tinned fruit: Drain the tinned fruit and mash it up with a fork or blend it in a food processor until smooth. If you want a chunkier texture, you can leave some pieces intact.

  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of oats (roughly 180g) with any optional dry ingredients like cinnamon, chopped nuts, or seeds.

  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed tinned fruit, 1/2 cup of milk (or more if needed to adjust consistency), and a tablespoon of honey or jam (if using). If you have butter or margarine, you can melt around 2 tablespoons and add it to this mix for a bit of richness.

  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully combined. The mixture should be thick, but if it’s too dry, add a bit more milk.

  6. Bake: Line a baking tray with baking paper and pour the mixture into it. Press it down gently to make an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.

  7. Cool and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Cut into squares or bars.

  8. Optional topping: Once cooled, serve with a dollop of yoghurt on top for extra creaminess or drizzle with a little more honey or jam if you like it sweeter.


Enjoy!

These flapjacks are easy to make, affordable, and packed with oats, fruit, and a touch of sweetness. They're a great breakfast option that can be prepped ahead and stored for a few days, so you can grab them on the go! You can adjust the fruit and sweetness depending on what you have available or your personal preference.

Porridge with fruit

Main Ingredients:
- Porridge oats
- Milk
- Tinned fruit

Optional Ingredients to Level Up:
- Honey, jam, or sugar
- Cinnamon
- Yoghurt (for a creamy topping)

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of porridge oats and 1 cup of milk.
2. Cook over a medium heat, stirring occasionally until the oats are soft and the milk has absorbed.
3. While the porridge is cooking, heat the tinned fruit in a separate pan (or use it cold).
4. Once the porridge is ready, serve with the heated or cold tinned fruit on top.
5. Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a spoonful of yoghurt for extra flavour.

Eggs on Toast

Main Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Bread

Optional Ingredients to Level Up:
- Cheese (if affordable)
- Butter or margarine for the toast
- Fresh herbs (optional, if available)

Instructions:
1. Toast 2 slices of bread until golden brown.
2. Fry or scramble 1-2 eggs to your liking.
3. Butter the toast (if desired) and top with the eggs.
4. If you have cheese, add it on top while the eggs are still warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if you have any for extra flavour.

Fruit & Yoghurt Parfait

Main Ingredients:
- Tinned fruit
- Yoghurt
- Cereal or granola

Optional Ingredients to Level Up:
- Honey or jam (for extra sweetness)
- Chopped nuts or seeds (if affordable)

Instructions:
1. Layer 1/2 cup of yoghurt, tinned fruit, and cereal or granola in a bowl or jar.
2. Drizzle with honey or jam for extra sweetness if desired.
3. Top with chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture if you have them.

Simple Breakfast Smoothie**
**Main Ingredients:**
- Tinned fruit
- Milk
- Yoghurt

**Optional Ingredients to Level Up:**
- Honey or jam (for sweetness)
- Oats (for added fibre)
- Frozen fruit (if available and affordable)

**Instructions:**
1. In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of tinned fruit, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of yoghurt.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. If you want to thicken the smoothie, add a spoonful of oats or some frozen fruit.
4. Taste and add honey or jam if you'd like a little more sweetness.

---

### 6. **Egg and Toast with a Side of Yoghurt**
**Main Ingredients:**
- Eggs
- Bread
- Yoghurt

**Optional Ingredients to Level Up:**
- Cheese (for the eggs or toast)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Butter or margarine

**Instructions:**
1. Toast 2 slices of bread.
2. Fry or scramble the eggs to your liking.
3. Serve the eggs on top of the toast with a spoonful of yoghurt on the side.
4. Add cheese to the eggs while they cook or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you have them.

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These recipes use affordable ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets, making them both budget-friendly and nutritious. You can always adjust the recipes depending on what you have available. Enjoy!

Lunch

Lunch
Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Main Ingredients:

  • Pasta
  • Mushroom soup (used as a sauce)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas or sweetcorn)

Optional Level-Up:

  • Chicken (cooked and diced) or leftover cooked meat
  • Cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, heat the mushroom soup, adding a little water or milk to thin it to your desired sauce consistency.
  3. Stir in the tinned vegetables and any leftover chicken or meat for protein.
  4. Once the pasta is done, drain it and toss it with the mushroom sauce.
  5. Optional: Top with cheese or fresh herbs if available.
Soup & Rice Bowl

Main Ingredients:

  • Rice
  • Chicken soup or mushroom soup (used as a sauce)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas or carrots)

Optional Level-Up:

  • Canned beans (for extra protein)
  • Meat (chicken, beef, or pork)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, heat the chicken or mushroom soup.
  3. Stir in tinned vegetables and any leftover meat or beans for extra protein.
  4. Once heated through, pour the soup and vegetables over the cooked rice.
  5. Optional: Add extra seasoning like herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for more flavour.
Veggie & Bean Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients:

  • Pasta
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., sweetcorn, peas, or carrots)
  • Tinned beans (e.g., kidney beans or butter beans)
  • Olive oil or any dressing (optional)

 

Optional Level-Up:

- Diced cooked chicken or meat

- Cheese (e.g., grated or cubed)

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. While the pasta cools, drain and rinse the tinned vegetables and beans.
  3. Toss the pasta, vegetables, and beans together in a bowl.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil or any available dressing for extra flavour.
  5. Optional: Add diced chicken, meat, or cheese for extra protein and richness.
Veggie & Bean Stir-Fry

Main Ingredients:

  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, or mixed veg)
  • Tinned beans (e.g., kidney beans, butter beans)
  • Rice or noodles

Optional Level-Up:

- Meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or pork, cooked and sliced)

- Soy sauce or any available seasoning

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook your rice or noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil (if available) and stir-fry the tinned vegetables and beans.
  3. Add in any leftover meat (optional) and stir-fry until everything is hot.
  4. Serve the stir-fry over the rice or noodles.
  5. Optional: Drizzle with soy sauce or your preferred seasoning for extra flavour.
Creamy Chicken RIce

Main Ingredients:

  • Rice
  • Chicken soup
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas or carrots)

Optional Level-Up:

- Cooked chicken (to add more protein)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. Heat the chicken soup in a pan, adding tinned vegetables to it for added texture and nutrition.
  3. Stir in any cooked chicken (optional) to boost the protein.
  4. Serve the soup and vegetables over the rice, and enjoy!

Dinner

Dinner
Chicken and Veggie Casserole

Main Ingredients:

  • Rice or pasta
  • Chicken soup
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, or sweetcorn)

Optional Level-Up:

- Cooked chicken or any other meat

- Cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook your rice or pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan, heat the chicken soup and stir in tinned vegetables.
  3. If you have any leftover cooked chicken or meat, add it to the pan for extra protein.
  4. Once the rice or pasta is ready, mix it with the chicken soup and vegetable mixture.
  5. Optional: Top with cheese and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Mushroom Noodles

Main Ingredients:

  • Noodles
  • Mushroom soup
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas or carrots)

Optional Level-Up:

- Chicken (cooked and diced)

- Fresh herbs or cheese (for extra flavour)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat the mushroom soup and add tinned vegetables.
  3. Stir in any leftover chicken (optional) for added protein.
  4. Once the noodles are cooked, drain and toss them in the creamy mushroom sauce.
  5. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese for extra flavour.
Veggie and Bean Curry with Rice

Main Ingredients:

  • Rice
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, or mixed veg)
  • Tinned beans (e.g., kidney beans, butter beans)
  • Tomato sauce or curry powder (optional)

Optional Level-Up:

- Meat (e.g., chicken or beef)

- Coconut milk (if available)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat a bit of oil (if available), then stir in curry powder or tomato sauce to create a base for the curry.
  3. Add in the tinned vegetables and beans, along with any cooked meat (optional).
  4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.
  5. Serve over the cooked rice.
Veggie & Chicken Bake

Main Ingredients:

  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, or sweetcorn)
  • Chicken soup
  • Rice or pasta

Optional Level-Up:

- Cheese (for topping)

- Cooked chicken (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook your rice or pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Mix the rice or pasta with the tinned vegetables and chicken soup.
  4. Stir in any leftover cooked chicken (optional) for extra protein.
  5. Pour into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Pasta with Mushroom

Main Ingredients:

  • Pasta
  • Mushroom soup (used as a sauce)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas or sweetcorn)

Optional Level-Up:

- Meat (e.g., cooked chicken, beef, or pork)

- Cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, heat the mushroom soup and stir in tinned vegetables.
  3. If you have leftover meat, add it to the pan for extra protein.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in the mushroom soup sauce.
  5. Optional: Top with cheese and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes for a crispy topping.

Snacks

Snacks
Savoury Oat Crackers

Main Ingredients:

  • Oats
  • Flour (if available)
  • Salt
  • Butter or margarine (if available)

Optional Level-Up:

- Cheese (for topping or adding into the dough)

- Herbs (e.g., dried thyme or rosemary)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of flour (or just oats for gluten-free), a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or margarine).
  3. Add in some dried herbs or grated cheese for extra flavour.
  4. Add a little water to form a dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Cut into small squares or shapes and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Quick RIce Cakes with TInned Fruit

Main Ingredients:

  • Rice (cooked)
  • Tinned fruit (e.g., peaches, pears, or mixed fruit)

Optional Level-Up:

- Yogurt (for topping)

- Honey or cinnamon (for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice and let it cool slightly.
  2. Shape the rice into small, compact cakes (using a spoon or your hands).
  3. Drain and chop the tinned fruit into small pieces.
  4. Top each rice cake with a spoonful of the fruit and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Veggie & Bean Dip with Crackers

Main Ingredients:

  • Tinned beans (e.g., kidney beans or butter beans)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., sweetcorn, peas, or carrots)
  • Salt and pepper

Optional Level-Up:

- Garlic (if available)

- Cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Blend together tinned beans and vegetables (such as sweetcorn or peas) in a food processor or mash them by hand.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and any available herbs or garlic for added flavour.
  3. Serve as a dip with crackers, bread, or cut vegetables (if available).
Pizza Toast

Main Ingredients:

  • Bread
  • Tomato sauce (or tinned tomatoes)

Optional Level-Up:

- Cheese (for topping)

- Dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)

Instructions:

  1. Toast a slice of bread until crispy.
  2. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on top of the toast, or use tinned tomatoes for a chunkier version.
  3. If you have cheese, add a slice or sprinkle of grated cheese on top and place under the grill for a few minutes until melted.
  4. Optionally, sprinkle with dried herbs for added flavour.
Sweet Oat Energy Bars

Main Ingredients:

  • Oats
  • Tinned fruit (e.g., peaches, pears, or mixed fruit)
  • Honey or jam (optional)

Optional Level-Up:

- Peanut butter or any nut butter (if available)

- Dried fruit or seeds (if available)

Instructions:

  1. Blend together oats, a tin of fruit (drained and chopped), and a spoonful of honey or jam to sweeten.
  2. Mix until you have a sticky, dough-like consistency.
  3. Roll into small bite-sized balls and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Optional: Roll the bites in coconut flakes, seeds, or dried fruit for an extra boost.

Kid Friendly Recipe Ideas

Getting children involved in cooking offers a fun and educational experience that benefits them in many ways.

It helps develop their fine motor skills as they chop, stir, and measure ingredients.

Cooking also teaches them about nutrition, fostering healthy eating habits early on.

Beyond the kitchen, it builds confidence, responsibility, and teamwork, especially when they help with meal prep for the family.

Plus, kids are more likely to enjoy and try new foods when they've had a hand in making them.

So, not only does cooking together make a fun activity, but it also helps children develop valuable life skills!

Breakfasts
DIY Sandwich Wraps

Main Ingredients:

  • Bread (or wraps if you have them)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., sweetcorn, peas, or carrots)
  • Cheese
  • Optional: Cooked chicken, ham, or tuna

Instructions:

  1. Lay out the bread or wraps and let the kids help by spreading cheese, tinned vegetables, and any optional protein (chicken, tuna, or ham) on top.
  2. Add a pinch of salt or any seasonings for extra flavour.
  3. Roll the wrap up tightly (kids will love this part!) and slice into smaller pieces for easy eating.

Level-up Tip: If using bread, you can toast it lightly or cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters!

Pasta Salad with Veggies

Main Ingredients:

  • Pasta (any kind you have)
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, sweetcorn, carrots)
  • Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  2. Let the kids help by draining the pasta and stirring in the tinned vegetables.
  3. Add some cubed cheese for extra flavour and protein.
  4. Drizzle a little melted butter or oil for extra flavour.
  5. Let the kids mix it all together—perfect for little hands to help!
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Optional: Add some herbs or a simple dressing.

Easy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas

Main Ingredients:

  • Tortillas (or wraps)
  • Tinned beans (e.g., kidney beans, black beans, or baked beans)
  • Cheese

Instructions:

  1. Mash the beans (or leave them slightly whole) in a bowl.
  2. Spread the bean mixture onto one half of a tortilla.
  3. Add a good amount of cheese on top of the beans.
  4. Fold the tortilla over and cook on a hot, dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and the cheese has melted.
  5. Let the kids help with spreading the beans, adding cheese, and flipping the quesadillas.
  6. Slice into triangles for easy eating.
DIY Veggie Pizzas

Main Ingredients:

  • Bread or wraps (for base)
  • Tomato sauce or tinned tomatoes
  • Tinned vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, sweetcorn, peas)
  • Cheese

Instructions:

  1. Toast a slice of bread or wrap and spread some tomato sauce (or crushed tinned tomatoes) on top.
  2. Let the kids add their favourite toppings—tinned vegetables, cheese, or even a sprinkle of herbs.
  3. Pop it under the grill for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.
  4. Slice it up and serve—kids will love customizing their own mini pizzas!
    Tuna & Sweetcorn Patties

    Main Ingredients:

    • Tinned tuna
    • Tinned sweetcorn
    • Bread crumbs or crushed crackers
    • An egg (optional)
    • Salt and pepper

    Instructions:

    1. Drain and mash the tuna and sweetcorn together in a bowl.
    2. Add bread crumbs or crushed crackers to help bind the mixture.
    3. Crack in an egg (optional) and mix together. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Let the kids shape the mixture into small patties.
    5. Fry in a pan with a little oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
    6. Serve with a simple dip or alongside a salad for a balanced meal.
    Veggie & Cheese Stuffed Wraps

    Main Ingredients:

    • Tortillas (or wraps)
    • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, sweetcorn, carrots)
    • Cheese
    • Optional: Cooked chicken or ham

    Instructions:

    1. Lay out the wraps and let the kids help by adding a layer of cheese and tinned vegetables to the center of each wrap.
    2. If you have cooked chicken or ham, they can also add some for protein.
    3. Roll up the wraps tightly and cut them into smaller, kid-friendly pieces.
    4. Serve with a side of ketchup or a simple yogurt dip for extra fun.
    Quick & Easy Soup & Toast Soldiers

    Main Ingredients:

    • Tinned soup (e.g., tomato soup, chicken soup, or vegetable soup)
    • Bread (for toast)

    Instructions:

    1. Heat the tinned soup on the stove or in the microwave.
    2. Toast a slice of bread and cut it into "soldiers" (long strips).
    3. Serve the warm soup with the toast soldiers on the side for dipping.
    4. Let the kids dunk their soldiers into the soup—it's a fun and interactive lunch!

     

    DIY Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits

    Main Ingredients:

    • Yogurt
    • Tinned fruit (e.g., peaches, mixed fruit)
    • Granola or cereal

    Instructions:

    1. Spoon yogurt into small cups or bowls.
    2. Let the kids layer the yogurt with tinned fruit (drained and chopped).
    3. Top with granola or cereal for a crunchy texture.
    4. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra sweetness.
    5. These are perfect for making as a fun, customizable snack or light lunch.
    Egg Fried Rice

    Main Ingredients:

    • Rice (cooked)
    • Eggs
    • Tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, sweetcorn)
    • Soy sauce (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Cook the rice if it's not already made.
    2. In a large frying pan, scramble the eggs until cooked through.
    3. Add the cooked rice and tinned vegetables to the pan and stir together.
    4. Add a splash of soy sauce for flavour (if available) and cook for another few minutes.
    5. Let the kids help with stirring the rice and cracking the eggs.