Thank you to Cans Get you Cooking for sponsoring this post

There’s no doubt that being in the throes of a pandemic has seriously impacted the way I shop, cook, and eat. Feeding a family of five for every meal and snack of the week feels like I’m running a commercial kitchen. And because I’m trying to hit the grocery store as infrequently as possible, what I put in my cart has changed.

I’m not the only one. According to Nielsen, there’s been a dramatic shift in what consumers are buying, including among canned goods, which are up more than 200 percent. It makes sense, since we’re all looking for simple solutions to getting meals on the table using ingredients that last. Plus, canned goods are an affordable option with little food waste, offering great value and comfort.

It’s with that in mind that I thought I’d share a bit about the canned foods I routinely stock in my own pantry and how I use them to make wholesome, comforting meals. You’ll also find eight favorite recipes below. Here goes:

Beans and Chickpeas –– These are year-round staples in my house that I use throughout the day. Beans can be turned into simple tacos or breakfast huevos, chickpeas add a bump of good nutrition to salads, and both are excellent tossed with virtually any cooked grain for a satisfying supper.

Tomatoes — I turn to canned tomatoes for everything from pasta sauces to soups and stews. They’re packed at the peak of ripeness, so they tend to be fuller-flavored than fresh for much of the year.

Seafood — The entire crew in our house has been leaning heavily on canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and clams, since they deliver quick protein to lunch or dinner. Canned salmon and tuna are excellent in salads like this one and if you’ve developed a taste for sardines, here are a slew of serving ideas.

Vegetables — My top picks for canned vegetables are pumpkin, artichoke hearts, corn, and diced chiles. You might find this savory strata nice to have on hand for any meal of the day.

Coconut milk — I lean on canned coconut milk for myriad dishes, including curries and soups. It adds loads of richness and flavor, even when you opt for the “lite” version, which I usually do.

Broth — Another “must have” in the pantry, vegetable and chicken broth are always on hand. Broth is an essential for homemade soups and stews, but also a good way to add flavor when cooking grains or vegetable dishes.