Easy Recipes

Usually the words canned and goodness aren’t synonymous with each other. Canned food has a very bad reputation and maybe rightfully so if compared against their fresh counterparts. As much as most of us would like to buy, cook and eat fresh ingredients that isn’t always possible. You might not have enough time or cook enough to buy fresh ingredients all the time or the canned alternative is significantly cheaper. Canned foods can be great and convenient and here are the canned food products I prefer;

Canned Tomatoes – Canned tomatoes are a regular on my grocery list. I find them convenient and value for my money. I use fresh tomatoes for salads and sandwiches but when it comes to sauces, braises and stews; canned tomatoes work best for me. You can forget about them
Corned Beef – Most people have a problem with the texture of corned beef more than the taste. if that’s the case, I can’t really help you but it’s worth a try. Corned beef works well on toast, in between sandwiches or a hash. My favourite way of having corned beef though is with Pita bread. I fry the corned beef with onion and peppers, add it into some pita bread with some lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch
Tuna – Canned Tuna ranks at the top of my acceptable canned goods. Besides it being the star in sandwiches and salads try stuffing quesadillas or enchiladas with tuna in place of chicken or ground beef. Canned tuna also makes for great fish cakes. Try this recipe here. This recipe is one of the most loved on my site and most people can’t believe it’s made from just a simple can of tuna. This recipes works well with canned salmon too, I’m working on this version to post soon.

: Tuna Fish Cakes – Recipe on http://www.vanillascentedkisses.com

Beans & Legumes – Beans and legumes are worth the effort when made from scratch but if you don’t have the time to, canned substitutes work just as fine in curries or chilies. Rinse them out of that brine they are stored in and you can make great meals. I often keep canned beans, lentils and chickpeas in my pantry to use when I’m in a rush. Find a Bean and Lentil chili recipe here & Stewed Kidney Bean recipe here. We also can’t forget how great those canned baked beans are with our breakfast.

Bean & Lentil Chili – Recipe on http://www.vanillascentedkisses.com

Pilchards & Sardines – Canned pilchards and sardines have been proven to be an affordable way to add omega 3 in our diets. Oily fish isn’t readily accessible for many as the price of fresh fish can be unsustainable but it is necessary to have them as part of a healthy balanced diet. I’d definitely recommend adding a few cans when you do your grocery shopping. I’ll update this blog with recipes of great ways to prepare canned pilchards and sardines.

Many great meals can be made from canned foods with a little creativity. So next time you’re pressed for time or penny pinching, try your luck with these canned substitutes. If you have any canned foods that you swear by that aren’t part of this list please do let me in the comments and I’ll updated the list.

Love,