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Canned Food Combinations You’ll Wish You’d Known About Earlier
Kitchen Tips
We’ve all been there – looking at our pantry, trying to figure out which canned foods we can combine to make a decent meal. Using multiple cans to make a single dish is convenient because it eliminates a lot of chopping and cooking. While there are many unappetizing combinations you can put together, we’re here to provide you with a list of canned foods you can use to make meals you’ll likely want to make again and again. Some are extremely simple, while others require a few extra ingredients or spices. We’ve also included some that allow you to change up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
Loaded Chicken and Potatoes
You can combine canned chicken and canned potatoes for a meal that is unexpectedly good – Loaded Chicken and Potatoes. It has the same fun feel as loaded tots or loaded nachos and is just as easy to make. Starting with precooked, canned potatoes saves time in both chopping and cooking. You can also make them in the air fryer instead of the oven for convenience.
Start with a layer of canned potatoes. If they’re whole potatoes, you can cut them into quarters or slices. Then you’ll add the canned chicken on top. We like the idea of seasoning the potatoes and chicken before adding your favorite toppings. You could use a generic or Mexican seasoning mix, depending on the flavor profile you want. You could add cheddar cheese and cooked bacon before baking, and then top with fresh ingredients like sour cream and green onions after the potatoes are warm and the cheese is melted.
Canned Pumpkin and Chickpea Hummus
Pumpkin hummus can be as simple or fancy as you like. The three main ingredients all come in a can or jar – unsweetened pumpkin, chickpeas, and tahini. Chickpeas taste surprisingly good with pumpkin. The combination works year-round, but it’s especially fun in the fall. Using orange juice instead of lemon juice with your olive oil can be especially tasty. And if you don’t have tahini, you can grind up sesame seeds (or any nut, really) to make your own. You can even make it with pre-made hummus from the grocery store and canned pumpkin to save all the work (and the tahini).
You can add as many spices or herbs to pumpkin hummus as you like. You can go with cumin and minced garlic for seasoning, or even use nothing but pumpkin spice. You can take it a step further than a simple olive oil topping by adding ingredients like pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup. The pumpkin flavor also invites you to dip fruits like apples and pears in addition to your usual pitas and veggies.
Pantry Pasta
There’s almost no wrong way to make pantry pasta. The trick is to look in your pantry and see what you have that will go with pasta, especially if you’re out of jarred pasta sauce. A touch of pesto would be nice, but you could also go with non-Italian sauces like chili crisp, gochujang, or a similar condiment. A lot of people use canned anchovies for the salty and umami part of the pasta, but you can also use fish sauce. Canned items such as olives, artichokes, regular or sun-dried tomatoes, chilies, garlic, capers, and toasted pine nuts are also great choices.
The pasta dish begins with sauteing alliums like onions or shallots and garlic in olive oil or butter before adding any sauces, canned goods, lemon juice, cooked pasta, and Italian seasonings or fresh herbs. You can use either pasta water or canned chicken broth to thicken the sauce, and top with Parmesan or other cheese when you’re done (if you have any).
Texas Caviar
Because Texas caviar is so easy to make, it’s an easy option for potlucks and lazy summer dinners. While you could certainly go the long way with this dish, you can also make the whole thing without cooking or chopping a single vegetable if you like. Texas Caviar calls for canned ingredients like black-eyed peas, black or pinto beans, and whole kernel corn. While you can use fresh bell peppers and fresh red onions, it’s also possible to use canned versions instead. Canned red onion slices work especially well because they’ve already been marinated in vinegar. Canned green chiles, jalapeños, and garlic are also good options to take the flavor up a notch.
Once you’ve gathered your canned ingredients, all you need to do is open them, drain them, and mix them together in a bowl. We recommend adding some fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice for added freshness. You can also season it with salt, pepper, cumin, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Texas Caviar can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, salads, or grilled meats.
Bottom line
When it comes to canned food combinations, the possibilities are endless. By thinking creatively and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, you can turn simple canned foods into delicious and satisfying meals. Whether it’s Loaded Chicken and Potatoes, Pumpkin Hummus, Pantry Pasta, or Texas Caviar, these canned food combinations will surprise you with their flavor and convenience. So the next time you find yourself staring at your pantry, don’t underestimate the power of canning. With a little imagination and the right combination, you can create fantastic dishes you’ll wish you’d known about sooner.
FAQS
Can I use canned fruit in combination with other canned foods?
Absolutely! Canned fruits can add delicious sweetness and texture to a variety of dishes. Consider adding them to salads, desserts, or even savory recipes like glazed ham with pineapple.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options for canned food combinations?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options. You can combine canned beans, lentils, vegetables, and tofu to create delicious and nutritious meals. Try making a chickpea and vegetable curry or a black bean and corn salad.
How do I get the best flavor from canned ingredients?
To maximize the flavor of canned ingredients, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before use. In addition, seasonings, herbs, spices and fresh ingredients can enhance the flavor profile of your dishes.
Can I substitute fresh ingredients for canned ones in these combinations?
While the article focuses on canned combinations for convenience, many recipes can be adapted using fresh ingredients. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipes to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Can I use expired canned goods for these combinations?
It is always a good idea to check the expiration dates on canned foods and give priority to using products within their recommended shelf life. Using expired canned goods can compromise the taste, quality, and safety of your dishes, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and opt for fresh and unexpired ingredients.
Are there any special storage tips for canned food combinations?
Once opened, transfer any leftover canned food to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Consume leftovers within a few days to preserve their quality. In addition, always store unopened canned goods in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal shelf life.