Need new recipe inspiration using pantry staples like beans and rice? Check out these recipes, courtesy of Hoboken-based chef, healthy cooking expert, and YouTuber Julie Hartigan, of CookingwJulie.com. With easy vegan, no-cook, comfort food, and a much-deserved decadent dessert that takes just 15 minutes, you’re sure find something you love here.
For more easy ideas be sure to follow Julie and watch her three-times-per-week Quarantine Kitchen recipe videos at @cookingwjulie on Instagram and Facebook, and on YouTube.com\CookingWJulie.
Spicy Chick Pea & Roasted Pepper Shakshouka
You can make this with just about any cooked or raw veggie, canned beans, and tomato-based sauce including salsa or marinara. Also, it’s easy to rock for work-from-home lunch for one in an omelet pan. Get the recipe.
No-Cook Greek Shrimp & Rice Bowls
Grain bowls are the perfect way to use up leftovers and ingredients you already have on hand. Plus they’re easy to pull together for lunch. Pro tip: Always keep a bag of frozen cooked shrimp on hand: just grab a handful and run under cool water to defrost in seconds! Get the recipe.
Grandma’s Pasta Fagioli
Like a hug from your grandma, this Italian comfort food stew uses just a few easy things from the pantry. You can swap in bacon for the pancetta or skip that step and swap in vegetable broth to make it vegan. Get the recipe.
Moroccan French Lentil & Butternut Squash Stew
This vegan dish comes together all in one pot using just a handful of ingredients and spices. Bonus: You can leave some of the spices out if you don’t have them and it will still be amazing! Make a big batch of this to freeze in individual portions for later. Pro tip: If you swap in regular lentils it will cook even more quickly. Get the recipe.
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Because we could all use a little chocolatey treat right now! These take just 15 minutes in the oven or Instant Pot using ingredients you probably already have. Get the recipe.
We hope these recipes inspire you to cook something great while you’re stuck at home. Enjoy!
About Julie Hartigan
Julie Hartigan: Professional chef and recipe developer who left a career as an engineer to pursue her passion for all things food, cooking, cocktails, and fun! A longtime Jersey resident, Julie splits her time between Hoboken / Asbury Park and loves exploring both cities’ ever-changing dining and cocktail scenes…while she talks shop with the chefs. By day, Julie works with brands such as Weight Watchers, Bed Bath Beyond, Real Simple, Food Network, and others and shoots cooking videos, writes recipes, and appears on TV to share her tips and tricks. She’s thrilled to bring a “Chef to Chef” perspective to Jersey Bites and introduce you to the standout spots, dishes, and drinks on her must-try list! Follow Julie’s culinary adventures and get her recipes, cooking tips, and easy entertaining ideas on Instagram @cookingwjulie and on Facebook at Cooking w Julie.
