I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent the last two weeks eating lots of sweets and very rich meals. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not how I usually eat and I’m ready to get back into my normal routine. I’ve also been struggling with being inspired in the kitchen and motivated to put some effort into the meals I’ve been cooking as I’ve just been craving easy, simple, comfort food.

In trying to get re-inspired in the kitchen myself, I came up with these 5 easy meals using Tare Shop ingredients and thought I’d share them with you!

Instant oatmeal:

Oatmeal is a classic and easy breakfast, and so satisfying in the winter!

Cook the instant oatmeal mix in the microwave or stovetop, and add in any additional toppings you want! The mix contains quick oats, dried cranberries, toasted coconut chips, pumpkin seeds, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom – but I love adding some nut butter, syrup, and fresh cut apples!

Tare Shop Cost: ~$1.17 per serving

Falafel Salad

The falafel mix has been popular since day 1 when we brought it in. It’s so easy to make, and so delicious! 

To make the falafels add 1 cup of mix with 1 cup of water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then fry in oil! Add it to some greens and some of your favourite veggies and favourite salad dressing for a filling and delicious meal. 

My go to: a mix of kale and lettuce with red peppers, red onions, avocado, sunflower seeds, and a tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup).

Tare Shop Cost: $1.53 - makes about 8 falafels

Spicy lentil bowl

This spicy lentil mix is so good and so easy to make – it’s also very filling! 

Cook the spicy lentil mix and serve over rice. You can also add some cooked veggies to the bowl if you want!

Tare Shop Cost: $2.25 per serving, the lentil mix makes 4 servings

TVP Pasta Sauce

TVP stands for textured vegetable protein and is an excellent vegan or vegetarian substitute for ground beef and can be used for so many things! I love using the minced TVP in pasta sauces and serving over pasta.

To add in the TVP to the sauce and cook until its soft. Top it over your favourite type of pasta!

Tare Shop Cost: ~ $1.40 per serving

Bean Tacos

I saw this recipes on @plantbasedrd’s account on TikTok and knew it would become a staple! It’s quick, easy, and healthy!

Tortillas:

2 cups flour

½ tsp salt

¾ water

Mix and knead for a few minutes, divide into 8 and roll or press them out

Bean filling:

Fry a chopped onion with cooked black beans (see our guide to cooking legumes here), chipolte peppers, seasoning, and other veggies if you want! Add a little bit of veggie stock and lightly mash the mixture.

Put it all together:

Heat up your tortillas. Add 2-3 tbsp of the filling to each tortillas and fold it over. Fry them lightly in some oil filling once each side is browned. Serve with some salsa of your choice! 

Tare Shop Cost: $0.22 per taco, the bean and tortilla recipe makes enough for 8 tacos

Bonus tips

Here are some added tips to help you save money and food waste:

• use what you already have at home. Shopping from your fridge or pantry first and using up produce is the way to go.
• shop the sale section. When buying produce for any of these recipes, see if you can find any produce that's going to go bad soon so you can get some savings, AND help reduce food waste!