Home > FEATURES > Grocery Ninja: Not Following a Recipe Will Save You Money

Grocery Ninja: Not Following a Recipe Will Save You Money

When deciding what to make for dinner, many of us rely on recipes. While recipes are helpful, they can also be limiting—sometimes requiring ingredients we don’t have or overcomplicating the cooking process. But what if you could cook confidently without a recipe, using only what’s already in your kitchen? With a little creativity and a few simple techniques, you can turn whatever you have on hand into a delicious meal—no grocery trip required.

Start with What You Have:

The first step in cooking without a recipe is assessing what’s already in your kitchen. Open your fridge, freezer, and pantry, and take note of what’s available.

Look for key ingredients in three main categories:

Proteins – These could be meats like chicken, beef, or fish, or plant-based options like beans, lentils, tofu, or eggs.

Not following a recipe can save money and lead to new and delicious meals. (Laverne Stewart/The Courier)

Carbohydrates – Rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, or tortillas can provide a satisfying base.

Vegetables and Fruits – Fresh, frozen, or canned veggies add nutrition and flavour. Fruits can be used in salads, sauces, or desserts.

Once you know what’s available, think about what combinations make sense. You don’t need a recipe to create a balanced meal—just mix a protein, a carb, and some veggies, then enhance with spices or sauces. Cooking this way simplifies meal preparation and avoids unnecessary steps or ingredients.

Use Simple Cooking Methods:

When cooking without a recipe, relying on basic, versatile cooking techniques makes the process easier:

Sautéing – Quickly cook meats, veggies, or tofu in a pan with a little oil. Add garlic, onions, or spices for flavour.

Roasting – Toss vegetables, potatoes, or meat with oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden brown.

A popular option is sheet pan dinners. Simply toss a protein, a carbohydrate, and vegetables together on a baking sheet with some oil and spices, then roast at 350°F until fork-tender.

Boiling/Simmering – Perfect for soups, pasta, or grains like rice and quinoa.

Soup is an easy go-to meal. Simply combine leftover meats, beans, vegetables, and pasta or rice in broth. If you don’t have broth, you can make a simple version with water and a bouillon cube.

Grilling – If you have a grill or a grill pan, this method adds great flavour to meats and vegetables. The char from grilling enhances the taste of both.

Stir-Frying – A quick way to cook up leftovers using a bit of oil and a simple sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, a sweetener of your choice, and spices like ginger and garlic.

Seasoning Is Key:

Good seasoning makes all the difference. Even simple ingredients can shine when properly flavoured. Keep a few basics on hand:

Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing natural flavours.

Garlic & Onion Powder – Quick ways to add depth.

Dried Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary) – Great for Italian and Mediterranean-style dishes.

Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, Curry Powder) – Bring warmth and complexity to different meals.

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Mustard, Hot Sauce – These can be used to create salad dressings, sauces, or marinades with minimal effort.

Get Creative with Substitutions:

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t stress—just substitute! No pasta? Try rice or quinoa. No tomato sauce? Blend canned tomatoes or mix a bit of ketchup with water. No fresh herbs? Dried ones work too. The key is flexibility.

Remember, this is your kitchen and your meal. You’re in control, and getting creative in the kitchen can be fun.

Think in Meal Templates:

If you don’t know where to start, use simple meal templates instead of strict recipes:

Stir-Fry: Protein + veggies + soy sauce + rice/noodles.

Soup: Broth + protein + veggies + grains (rice, pasta, beans).

Salad: Greens + protein + veggies + nuts/seeds + dressing.

Tacos/Wraps: Tortilla + protein + veggies + sauce.

Casserole: Protein + veggies + starch + cheese or sauce, baked.

Cooking without recipes is all about confidence and creativity. By understanding basic cooking methods, using simple seasonings, and being open to substitutions, you can turn whatever is in your kitchen into a delicious meal.

So next time you’re staring at your fridge wondering what to make, skip the recipe book and trust your instincts—you might just create your new favourite dish!

Laverne Stewart has spent her entire career as a writer, journalist, and communications professional.She’s won multiple literary and journalism awards for her work. After a year in radio, she made the move to TV news, spending 11 years with CTV in Halifax, Saint John, and Fredericton. Stewart has also worked in government communications, most recently in the Office of the Premier. Stewart is a published author and now works on feature stories from her community and beyond. Her life is full and happy thanks to the people who are in it. She is married to her husband Robert. She is mother to Mary Louise and Nicolas. Also included in her family is Sally, a Labrador retriever, and three cats; Dusty, Joe, and Clancy. She can be reached at lavernestewart24@outlook.com.

You may also like
N.B. boosts investment for fighting wildfires
Another wintry mix expected on Sunday
Fourth suspect pleads guilty in alleged St. George copper wire scheme
N.B. Medical Society sounds alarm on removal of physician incentives in Charlotte County, Sussex

Leave a Reply