No groceries nights are where pantry cooking shines. You only need a few flexible combinations.
Pantry dinners to save the night
1) Pasta + canned tomatoes + garlic + olive oil.
2) Beans on toast with chili flakes and lemon.
3) Instant ramen upgraded with egg and frozen veg.
4) Canned tuna pasta with peas and lemon.
5) Rice + fried egg + soy sauce + sesame oil.
6) Chickpea curry from canned chickpeas and coconut milk.
Pantry list to maintain
Keep 10 core items and rotate: pasta, rice, canned beans, canned tomatoes, eggs, onion, garlic, frozen veg, broth, and one protein.
When your fridge is empty, start from pantry-friendly recipes.