Can’t Get To The Shops? We Asked The Team For The Pantry Meals They Have On Constant Rotation

Picture this: a handful of wilting vegetables, an otherwise empty fridge, and no motivation to head to the shops at dinnertime. It stings every time—and we've all been there. 

To dodge that kind of heartbreak, do yourself a favour and pack your pantry with some non-perishable, no-frill staples. We get it, a can of beans and a bag of oats don't scream excitement, so we teamed up with LiveLighter—the crew reminding us the humble legume can be low-key iconic—to ask our team for their go-to pantry staples turned epic eats. 

Bean Quesadillas

"I always have beans and little corn cans in the pantry,” says Business Director Annie. 

With a few flour tortillas, a brown onion, Mexican seasoning, jalapenos and cheese, she pulls together her fool-proof bean quesadillas for a simple dinner that hits every time. 

The kicker? Beans are loaded with fibre, protein, iron, zinc, and slow-burning carbs, so they're ticking all the boxes health-wise too. 

Mexican Bean Soup

As a long-time vegan, Head of Client Experience Sal is all about plant-based protein like beans and lentils. She loves to whip up a chipotle Mexican bean soup with pinto and black beans, topped with corn chips and some vegan sour cream. Other faves include a lentil bolognese, quick dahl, creamy garlicky cannellini beans on toast, and a solid bean salad. 

If the night calls for it, she's whipping up a “girl dinner of homemade hummus, veggie sticks and bread.” 

Mi Goreng

Design Lead Eric is always armed with a pack of mi goreng for emergency weeknight dinners. “I always have a supply at the ready,” he says. 

“Add a fried egg and some frozen peas, carrots or corn on top…it always hits the spot.”

White Bean And Anchovy Salad

Office chef and Client Service Manager Maddy has a go-to salad for nights that call for a quick and easy (by her standards) dinner: a decadently dense salad of cannellini beans, anchovies, parmesan, leafy greens and plenty of extra flavour from any fresh herbs she might have hidden away in the crisper.

Chickpea Brownies

Resident elite athlete and Senior Client Service Manager Sophie knows how to get creative with healthy staples, even when it comes to sweet treats. 

She shares her digs with gluten-free and dairy-free housemates, so she's always extra careful with the ingredients she uses. Enter: chickpea brownies. Her no-fuss, foolproof answer to a sweet treat for the whole house. 

“They're actually bomb,” she says. 

Refried Bean Tacos 

Our Editorial Manager ANZ Issy keeps refried beans and mini soft tacos in the pantry for an after-work feed on the go. Topped with whatever veggies, cheese, salsa or other toppings she can wrangle from the fridge, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights. 

Lentil Curry

When Account Manager Ana needs an easy dinner that still feels nice and nutritious, she opts for a lentil curry, adding any extra ingredients she might have on hand at the time. 

“Lentils, curry powder, coconut milk and whatever veggies I have lying around—that’s it,” she says. “Maybe a bit of coriander and Greek yoggy to jazz it up.”

Overnight Oats And Pancakes

Sales Manager Bon says her pantry is never without oats and almond milk—a dynamic duo when it comes to whipping up a quick brekkie like porridge, scrambled oats or banana oat pancakes. 

“Overnight oats always slap,” she says. “I usually have the extra toppings too—fruit, honey and a bit of yoghurt."

Ready to get cooking with your own pantry staples? For more tasty recipes (and useful nutrition resources), head to LiveLighter. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by LiveLighter and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.