Dear Visitor, Do you ever open your fridge and freezer and think, “There’s nothing here — I’ll just have to order a takeaway”?
That was me last week, coming home from Vienna. I was tired, my mood was low, and the freezing cold made the idea of venturing out for groceries really unappealing. So instead, I took stock of what I actually had. |
| IN THE FRIDGE
- Lots of carrots
- Three eggs
- Paneer - Goat's cheese
- Cooked beetroots | IN THE FREEZER
- Mixed vegetables
- Frozen peas - Salmon
- Apples | IN THE PANTRY
- Red lentils
- Rice
- Porridge oats
- Millet
- Ground flaxseeds
- Dried apricots & raisins
- Onions, ginger, garlic
- Butternut squash
- Ghee & coconut oil - Herbs & spices - Almond milk |
| | Most people might look at this and think, “That’s basically nothing" — not enough to make something that's truly tasty and nourishing.
I saw something different. I saw possibilities.
Because over the years I’ve learned how to work with what I have. As long as there are some vegetables (fresh or frozen), a source of protein, healthy fats, and a few herbs and spices, I can put together a nutrient-dense meal that actually tastes delicious.
It’s been five days now. I still haven’t been grocery shopping — and I’ve eaten well every single day.
So how is this possible? Well, let me show you.
| | | What I Actually CookedAll made from what I had left: Morning stewed apples: Frozen apples, millet, ginger, cinnamon, raisins, and a little ghee. Salmon stir-fry: Frozen salmon, frozen veg, onions, ginger, garlic, spices, cooked in ghee. Lentil & veg soup / dhal: Red lentils, frozen veg, ginger, garlic, spices. Kitchari with carrots: Yellow-split mung beans + basmati rice, carrots, ghee, 5-spice mix. Kitchari with frozen veg: Same base, different vegetables — endlessly adaptable. Evening porridge: Oats, ground flaxseeds, dried apricots, cinnamon, almond milk. Butternut squash dhal: Red lentils, butternut squash, ginger, garlic, spices.
And I still have some butternut squash left — enough for two more meals. Five days, no shopping, and every meal nourishing, warming, and bursting with flavour.
| | | When Shopping Feels HardIt’s okay to feel unmotivated or anxious about going out. If you have even a few basics at home, you can still eat well. A few tips:
Make it easier: Keep a running list for quicker shopping trips. Stock up when you DO shop. Consider online delivery if leaving the house feels overwhelming. - Prep a few lentils soups and freeze them.
Work with what you have: One protein + whatever vegetables + healthy fats = a meal Spices make everything flavourful Frozen is just as nourishing as fresh
Keep it simple:
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| Top Tip!Before traveling, I cook with whatever fresh vegetables are left to avoid waste. But I also make sure to leave some pantry staples and frozen essentials so I have something to come home to - especially when I know I'll be tired and not want to shop right away. |
| My Free eBook For Tough Days‘The Grief-Friendly Pantry’ contains base recipes like the ones I’ve shared, designed for days when you feel unmotivated or low. Inside you’ll find: - Breakfast, lunch & dinner recipes that work with what you have
- A versatile shopping list of pantry essentials
- Smart ingredient swap tips so you're never stuck
- The foundations for simple, nourishing meals
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| Because what looks like an “empty” fridge doesn’t have to mean stress or takeaway. Sometimes it’s just an invitation to get creative with what you already have.
Much love,
Sabine
P.S. What's your go-to meal when you have almost nothing in the house? I'd love to hear what works for you.
P.P.S You may have noticed that pasta or tinned tomatoes don't feature in my go-to recipes. I'll explain why in a future newsletter.
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Sabine Horner
77 Millfield Lane
York YO10 3AW
United Kingdom
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