It’s time to stock the pantry and learn how to use what you have inside. I don’t have to mention that this is a trying time and many of you might be pushed out of your comfort zones when it comes to cooking and planning. I understand. But nonetheless, we need to cook right now.

It is essential to get your pantry stocked and I wrote about what I have been building up my pantry with HERE. Canned tomatoes are one of my go to staples, and I talk about them a lot, but what exactly do I use them for? Here are five ideas to get you started:

Homemade Tomato Sauce. Yes tomato sauce can be bought in a jar, at the supermarket, and I sometimes do fall back on a jar of Rao’s. But grocery stores are a fickle friend these days, so why not make your own and put the rest in the freezer? Click HERE for an easy pizza sauce recipe.

Homemade Soups. Canned tomatoes are a staple in so many of my soup recipes – here’s why. Tomatoes are naturally acidic and acidic foods (think citrus, vinegars) – help brighten food and lift flavors up. Try my Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Barley and Swiss Chard. Delicious and easy!

Bowl Love. Tomatoes go with everything, and I mean everything. My Black Bean Burrito Bowl is using fresh tomatoes here, but no worries, sub out a small can of diced tomatoes for the fresh (which aren’t technically in season right now anyway). Click HERE for the recipe.

Delicious Chili’s. No chili recipes is complete without diced tomatoes. Does it get any better than Turkey and Red Bean Chili? A total crowd pleaser!

Indian Cooking. Get out of your cooking comfort zone and try something exotic. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala uses flavorful Garam Masala, coconut milk and diced tomatoes for a delicious combination of ingredients.

Now, go forth and buy a couple of cans of tomatoes before they are sold out in the store! And let me know how you are using them too.