Stock Your Pantry with Canned Goods for Convenience and Health

Stock Your Pantry with Canned Goods for Convenience and Health

You don’t have to break the budget to enjoy a healthful meal! Canned goods are making a comeback thanks to their versatility and affordability. From tomato products to chickpeas, give these tried and true pantry staples a fresh look.

Even for the most organized among us, it can feel like a overwhelming task to get any dinner on the table for the family during the week, let alone a healthy one. So, what’s the secret to making weeknight dinners a cinch? According to dietitian Ellie Krieger, three components are key: a well-stocked pantry, a little bit of planning, and not overthinking it. 

With the right ingredients in your pantry and freezer, dinner is never as hard as it might seem. Ellie says that she always keeps canned goods (like tomatoes) in her pantry, since she says they are a busy home cook’s best friend. Not only do they make a great base for sauces, but they offer a powerful nutrition punch with their high lycopene content.  She is also a big fan of beans (more specifically, white beans, pinto beans, chickpeas), as well as frozen seafood, as these high protein options can create endless delicious combinations in the kitchen.

Learn more about how Ellie keeps weeknight dinners healthy here.

For other pantry food inspiration, check out some of our favorite posts:

Best Budget-Friendly Foods for the Pantry
Tried and True Pantry Staples

Ellie was our RD of the month! Learn more about her here. And don’t forget to check out some of her favorite recipes featuring canned tomatoes!

Winter Caprese Toasts with Roasted Tomatoes and Pesto
Shakshuka Pita Pizzas
Creamy Tomato Soup with Popcorn

Shakshuka

Shakshuka

Take your breakfast game to the next level with this ethnic Shakshuka recipe. Filled with warm spices, hearty tomatoes, and gooey eggs, this is sure to become your favorite weekend breakfast. #KitchenTravel

Eating the same things for breakfast everyday can get monotonous, so spice things up with this ethic recipe for Shakshuka. This vegetarian dish contains high levels of protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which makes it a well-balanced breakfast to start your day off right. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes! Whether you serve it for brunch, a special occasion, or even on a weekday, it’s a recipe that everyone is sure to love.

What makes shakshuka so delicious (and nutritious) is the combination of eggs and the tomato base. Eggs add a heafy dose of protein, while the canned tomatoes provide a plethora of antioxidants (such as lycopene) that play an integral role in the reduction of certain types of diseases and cancers. In fact, numerous studies have linked lycopene consumption with prostate cancer protection. While lycopene is present in other fruits such as watermelon and pink grapefruit, tomatoes, which are the second most consumed vegetable (second to potatoes) in the U.S., account for more than 85% of the lycopene in the American diet. Interestingly, cooked tomato products—as in processed tomatoes, including tomato sauce and canned tomatoes—may hold particular significance. The lycopene from cooked and processed tomatoes is more bioavailable than that of fresh tomatoes. Heating or processing breaks down the tomato cell matrix and promotes isomerization of lycopene from all-trans isomers to the more bioavailable form of cis-isomers. Research shows that single daily servings of processed tomato products produce significant increases of lycopene concentrations in blood and buccal mucosal cells in healthy adults.

So, go ahead and enjoy this recipe for Shakshuka over the weekend! Your body and taste buds will thank you.

Yield: 6 servings

Shakshuka

Take your breakfast game to the next level with this ethnic Shakshuka recipe. Filled with warm spices, hearty tomatoes, and gooey eggs, this is sure to become your favorite weekend breakfast. #KitchenTravel

Cook Time 10 minutes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. chili powder
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 6 large eggs
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small bunch parsley, chopped

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 
    2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion turns translucent. 
    3. Mix in the garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute.
    4. Add the tomatoes into the pan. Use a spoon to break down the tomatoes then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
    5. Use a spoon to make 6 small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, until the whites have set and the yolk is still jiggly. 
    6. Garnish with the chopped cilantro and parsley. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for other delicious breakfast recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Zesty Tomato Smoothie
Breakfast Egg Bake
Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka

Mediterranean Baked Fish

Mediterranean Baked Fish

So easy, and yet so elegant. This recipe for Mediterranean Baked Fish allows your taste buds to travel the world, from the comfort of your own kitchen! #KitchenTravel

Your taste buds will be swimming in happiness with this Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe. Thanks to simple ingredients and a fast cook time, you can get this quick and healthy dinner on the table for any night of the week. 

The flavor of the fresh cod fillets mixes beautifully with the artichokes, canned tomatoes and kalamata olives, and the feta cheese crumbles on top helps complete the Mediterranean taste. For those whom follow the Mediterranean diet this will fulfill all the components; high protein from the cod fillet, and packed with vegetables and olive oil for a low carb nutritious meal!

The canned tomatoes marry all the flavors together wonderfully.  Canned tomatoes are a real powerhouse ingredient.  Adding the bright red color comes from the nutrient of lycopene.  Lycopene is rich in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and has been proven to protect the body against many chronic diseases. Similar to most nutrients, it’s more natural to obtain lycopene from foods rather than supplements. In order to achieve maximum health benefits associated with lycopene, it is recommended to consume tomato products with a heart healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. That’s why we recommend enjoying lycopene and its health benefits through delicious foods such as this recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!

Yield: 4 servings

Mediterranean Baked Fish

Mediterranean Baked Fish

So easy, and yet so elegant. This dish allows your taste buds to travel the world, from the comfort of your own kitchen! #KitchenTravel

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes
  • ½ cup fresh chopped basil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 (4 oz.) cod filets
  • ½ cup crumbled feta
  • 1 (15 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained
  • 4 oz. kalamata olives
  • 2 Tbsp. capers
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
    2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and saute until the onion turns translucent. Then mix in the canned chopped tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to just a boil then remove it from the heat.
    3. Nestle the cod filets into the sauce and sprinkle the feta cheese on top. Add the artichokes into the sauce, in between the fish. Layer the lemon slices on top of the cod filets. Sprinkle the olives and capers on top.
    4. Transfer the pan into the oven and bake it for 15-25 minutes or until the cod is fully cooked. Enjoy!
For other delicious tomato-based recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Walnut and Mushroom Ragu
Sausage Tortellini Soup
Huevos Rancheros

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Take a trip to Italy without ever leaving the comfort of your kitchen! This recipe for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a delicious Italian dish that will have your taste buds singing its praises.

Your weeknights just got a whole lot tastier with this recipe for creamy tomato basil chicken! If you are looking to incorporate more global flavors and nutrition into your dinners, then this is the dish for you. Filled with fresh basil, minced garlic, and creamy tomato sauce, you’re sure to enjoy every bite. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and easy to make, so what’s not to love?

One of the other key ingredients in this nutrient-packed recipe is canned diced tomatoes—another fan favorite food found in various dishes around the globe. The incorporation of canned tomatoes enhance the flavor and juiciness of the meal itself, making it something the whole family will enjoy. Since this dish contains canned tomatoes (which are a wonderful source of the antioxidant lycopene) and other vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, you have a great source of nutrients and protein for your next meal!

Not only is this tomato basil chicken healthy and delicious, but it can be easily prepared in no time at all thanks to the use of a slow cooker. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip up this Italian-inspired recipe this week and let us know what you think!

Watch how to make this recipe here.

 

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Take a trip to Italy without ever leaving the comfort of your kitchen! This recipe for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a delicious Italian dish that will have your taste buds singing its praises.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
  • ¾ cup tomato pasta sauce
  • ¾ cup evaporated milk
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. dried basil
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato pasta sauce into a crock pot. 
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch then pour it into the crock pot. Mix in the garlic, salt basil, and black pepper. 
  3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. 
  4. Mix in the fresh basil and enjoy!
For other dinner dishes, check out some of our favorites:

Shakshuka Pita Pizzas
Curried Veggie Rice Bowl
Swiss Chard Pecan Lasagna

2🍅22 THE YEAR OF THE TOMATO!

Did you know that 2022 is the year of the tomato?

January marks the time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and resolutions for good health. Even though it’s natural to start off the New Year thinking about all of the goals you want to set, don’t get too caught up in extreme health trends. Instead, we encourage you to focus on a well-rounded, sustainable, and healthful diet, as this makes a significant difference when it comes to preventing chronic diseases (such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer). Everyone is different, so find a strategy that feels right for you. This month, we’re sharing some tasty and nutritious recipes (featuring canned and jarred tomatoes, of course) that will fuel your body and soul for the upcoming year. Plus, keep an eye out on our social media channels for more inspiration on how to use those canned tomatoes and jarred sauces in your kitchen! This month we’re featuring easy recipes that are easy, healthy, affordable, and #SimplySatisfying

January 1st is always #NationalBloodyMaryDay!

Go out for your favorite Bloody, or try making your own at home! This is our favorite variation from our RD buddy Christy Wilson!

HOW TO OBSERVE: Enjoy a Bloody Mary. Select your favorite combinations and get ready for the new year. Have you tried pickled beans or asparagus?

Of course, the best way to celebrate the day is with friends. And remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Use #NationalBloodyMaryDay and tag @TomatoWellness to share on social media.

GET INSPIRED WITH NEW RECIPES

This completely plant-based Easy Mediterranean Artichoke Chickpea Bake can be whipped up in minutes! And with minimal ingredients, this healthy recipe is a cinch to turn to on your busy weeknights.

RD Toby Amidor, “When fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, turn to canned as a healthy alternative. Check out these 12 ways to incorporate canned tomatoes into healthy recipes.”

CANNED AND JARRED TOMATOES: EASY AND TRENDING

Making healthy meals doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. By using canned goods, you can actually get dinner on the table in no time at all without breaking the bank!

Since Gen Z consumers are constantly looking for more ways to boost their fruit and vegetable intake while eating more plant-based meals, canned products are looking like the hot trend of 2022!

Restaurants have had another rough year of pivots, supply chain and labor issues and starts and stops. Please continue to go out, order delivery or curbside and help our friends in Hospitality as they continue to battle back into business.