Learn how to create impressive meals with everyday canned goods.
You won’t believe the creative ways chefs use these 8 pantry staples!
Even the most accomplished and decorated chefs lean heavily into tins to make life easier.
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Which canned foods truly stand out, though?
The Best Canned Foods to Have on Hand
1.
Beans and Legumes
If beans were a superhero, their superpower would be versatility.
From hearty soups and spreads to zesty salads, these fiber-rich gems can do it all.
Tinned Fish & Seafood
Another highly versatile ingredient is tinned fish, often loaded with protein andhealthy fats.
Corn jokes that she’s loved tinned fish long “before it was cool.”
Valerio will make a simple dinner ofAglio e Oliomade with canned salmon.
For a quick lunch, its canned salmon with lettuce and Italian dressing.
It’s rich and savory and can add tremendous flavor and protein to simple dishes.
The black beans are fermented, lending a salty and slightly sweet taste that complements the fish.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the base of countless culinary masterpieces worldwide.
I’vewaxed poeticabout them before, too!
Season with salt and pepper and, if needed, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milkis one of those ingredients that can turn a ho-hum dinner into something special.
Corn says coconut milk is one of her “most used” canned ingredients.
She likes buying the tiny 6-ounce cans and using them insmoothies.
Ran uses coconut milk when she’s craving something sweet.
Spam
Yes, you read that right!
She uses Spam as a protein for fried rice and a filling for sandwiches.
Rich in vitamins and nutrients, pumpkin packsanti-inflammatoryproperties, isblood-sugar-friendlyand may help manage high blood pressure.
But it’s also incredibly delicious in bothsweet and savoryapplications.
Franklin says it’s “perfect” for adding a cream-like texture and consistency to dishes like pasta.
Canned Chiles
Chiles are an integral part of meals worldwide, and they offer powerfulhealth benefitslinked to longevity.
They can be cooked with ground beef or turkey for a quicktaco fillingor mixed into cornbread.
Franklin particularly loves canned jalapenos for their milder flavor.
They may not always get top billing, but they’re essential to a successful performance.
With thesepantry-friendlystaples on hand, you’re always just a can opener away from a delicious meal.
