7 Recipes You Can Make With Forever Foods
Introduction
When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a stockpile of “forever foods” is essential. These are non-perishable food items that have a long shelf life and can be stored for an extended period of time without spoiling. While they may not be the most exciting options when it comes to meal planning, they are a reliable source of sustenance during emergencies.
But who says you have to sacrifice taste and variety when using forever foods? With a little creativity and some essential ingredients, you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals using ingredients from your emergency pantry. In this article, we will explore seven recipes that you can make using forever foods. Let’s get started!
1. Black Bean and Corn Salad
This refreshing and flavorful salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you need a light and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 can of sweet corn (drained)
– 1 bell pepper (diced)
– 1 red onion (diced)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, sweet corn, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean and corn mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve this black bean and corn salad as a side dish or a light lunch. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for your emergency meals.
2. Tuna and Chickpea Salad
Tuna is a popular forever food due to its long shelf life and versatility. Combine it with some canned chickpeas, and you have a protein-packed salad that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1 cucumber (diced)
– 1 tomato (diced)
– 1/4 cup of diced red onion
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the tuna, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna and chickpea mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
This tuna and chickpea salad is not only delicious but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or enjoy it with whole wheat crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Using freeze-dried vegetables from your emergency pantry, you can create a flavorful and nutritious stir-fry. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups of freeze-dried mixed vegetables
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Rehydrate the freeze-dried vegetables according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the rehydrated vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
This vegetable stir-fry is a great way to incorporate nutritious vegetables into your emergency meals. You can also customize it by adding protein sources like canned chicken or beef.
4. Lentil Soup
Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This hearty lentil soup will keep you warm and nourished during emergencies. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup of dried lentils
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 carrots (diced)
– 2 stalks of celery (diced)
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Add the lentils, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This lentil soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal for emergencies.
5. Rice and Bean Casserole
Combining rice and beans is a classic way to create a hearty and nutritious meal. This rice and bean casserole is a comforting dish that can be made entirely with ingredients from your emergency pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup of white rice
– 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 bell pepper (diced)
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Add the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese, if desired.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
This rice and bean casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed during emergencies. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, keeping you energized and full.
6. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a versatile grain that can be used in various dishes, including salads. This quinoa salad is packed with flavor and can be customized with different vegetables and herbs. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup of quinoa
– 2 cups of water or broth
– 1 cucumber (diced)
– 1 bell pepper (diced)
– 1 tomato (diced)
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or basil)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and fresh herbs.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This quinoa salad is not only delicious but also a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal during emergencies.
7. Oatmeal Energy Bars
When it comes to emergency snacks, oatmeal energy bars are a fantastic option. They can be made using common pantry items and provide a quick and nutritious source of energy. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup of peanut butter or almond butter
– 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup of dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
– 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
– Optional: chocolate chips or shredded coconut for added sweetness
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter or almond butter, honey or maple syrup, dried fruit, nuts, and any optional ingredients.
2. Stir well to combine, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
5. Cut into bars or squares and store in an airtight container.
These oatmeal energy bars are not only delicious but also a convenient source of energy during emergencies. They are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a great snack to keep you going during challenging times.
Conclusion
Being prepared for emergencies doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety in your meals. By utilizing the power of forever foods, you can create flavorful and nutritious dishes that will sustain you during challenging times. The recipes shared in this article are just a starting point, and you can customize them to suit your taste preferences and the ingredients available in your pantry. Remember, proper meal planning and regularly rotating your emergency food supply will ensure that you always have a reliable source of sustenance during emergencies.
My 2 Cents
While forever foods are essential for emergency preparedness, it’s important to remember that they shouldn’t be the only component of your long-term food supply. Supplementing with fresh produce, meats, and dairy, when possible, will provide a well-rounded diet during extended emergencies. Additionally, don’t forget to regularly check the expiration dates on your forever foods and rotate them to maintain their quality and nutritional value. Cooking with forever foods doesn’t have to be boring or bland. With a little creativity, you can turn these staple ingredients into tasty and satisfying meals that will keep you nourished and uplifted during challenging times. Stay prepared and stay safe!
