French Onion Pasta Bake Recipe

Dive into the comfort of a hearty French Onion Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures. This recipe brings together the richness of French onion with the satisfying taste of baked pasta, with ingredients sourced from eco-friendly options at Wasteless Pantry.

Ingredients:

  • 375g dried penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme, divided
  • 30g French onion seasoning mix
  • 2 tsp garlic granules
  • 25g butter
  • 2 large brown onions, diced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 300mL cream
  • 1 1/2 cup grated cheese
  • Optional: added veggies of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Cook the pasta until it’s almost al dente, then drain.
  2. Onion Mixture: In a frypan, melt butter with oil, and sauté onions until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in garlic and 1 tsp thyme, cook for 30 seconds. Add French onion mix and white wine, reducing the liquid by half.
  3. Combine: Stir in the cream and remaining thyme, season with pepper, and mix with the pasta. If adding quick-cook veggies like spinach, fold them in now.
  4. Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  5. Serve: Garnish with thyme and enjoy warm.

Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry: Purchasing your ingredients from Wasteless Pantry promotes a sustainable cooking approach. By choosing a store that offers bulk purchasing, you reduce packaging waste and only buy what you need, which helps in minimizing food wastage. Wasteless Pantry’s commitment to providing high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that your meals are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.

This French Onion Pasta Bake is ideal for a cozy dinner or gathering, providing a comforting and satisfying meal that supports your commitment to a healthier planet.


Magic of Sprouting: A Guide to Home-Grown Superfoods

Sprouting at home is an enjoyable and healthy hobby, and Wasteless Pantry has everything you need to get started with our home sprouting guide. Our very own sprouting enthusiast, Belinda, has compiled a list of seeds and grains that have proven successful in sprouting, ensuring a wide range of options for you to try.

Successful Sprouting Seeds:

  • Mung Beans: Extremely easy to sprout, practically starting to grow with just a hint of water.
  • Chickpeas and Adzuki Beans: Offer a slightly more robust flavor and texture.
  • Poppy, Coriander, Sesame, Mustard, Linseed and Fenugreek Seeds: Known for their health benefits and sprouting reliability.
  • Grains and Other Seeds: Including whole wheat grain, brown rice, and even buckwheat and millet.

Amanda from Wasteless Pantry has also found success with lentils, popping corn, and sunflower kernels. However, larger beans like Borlotti and Soya might do better in a jar due to their size, as flat sprouters can sometimes lead to mold issues if the seeds take too long to sprout.

Here’s How You Can Start Sprouting:

  1. Soaking: Place your chosen seeds in a jar covered with water for 12 to 24 hours.
  2. Draining: Use a lightweight, mesh fabric to cover the jar, tipping it to allow both drainage and air circulation.
  3. Rinsing: Continue to rinse and drain the seeds each day for 2 to 5 days until they begin to sprout.
  4. Storing: Once sprouted, keep them in the fridge to slow down growth and maintain freshness. Consume them quickly to enjoy their peak flavor and nutritional value.

Sprouting isn’t just for the health-conscious; it’s for anyone wanting to add a bit of homegrown vitality to their diet. Wasteless Pantry provides all the essentials for getting started on your sprouting journey, making it easy and fun to grow your own superfoods right in your kitchen. Happy sprouting!



Warm Baked Oat Meal Recipe

As Winter’s approach calls for warm, comforting foods, and a warm baked oatmeal recipe is perfect for chilly mornings. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of rolled oats with a blend of sweet and rich ingredients like maple syrup, chocolate chips, and cinnamon from Wasteless Pantry, ensuring quality and minimal waste. The addition of fresh, mashed bananas and a choice of milk enhances the creamy texture, while a topping of fresh berries adds a burst of freshness. Baked until bouncy, this oatmeal dish is best served warm, drenched in milk or cream, providing a satisfying start to any cold day. This nutritious breakfast option not only warms you up but also keeps you full, making it an ideal winter staple.

Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry:

1/4 cup of maple syrup

2 cups of rolled oats

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup of choc chips

1 tsp of cinnamon

2 tsp of vanilla extract

2 tbsp coconut oil

Ingredients from elsewhere:

2 cups of milk ( you can use any eg. almond, oat, dairy)

1 egg (or 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal in 3 Tbsp of water)
1 banana smashed other desired fruit and fruit to top, I have used berries 🙂

Method

1. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add in the wet ingredients and stir until combined

3. Pour into a baking dish, place desired fruit onto, and sprinkle with a few choc chips

4. Cook at ~160 C for ~ 50 mins or until bouncy to touch

5. Serve in a bowl with milk or cream!

Sourcing ingredients from Wasteless Pantry for your baked oatmeal not only supports local and sustainable business practices but also ensures you’re using high-quality, fresh ingredients. By buying from a bulk store like Wasteless Pantry, you can purchase exactly the amount you need, reducing food waste and avoiding unnecessary packaging. This eco-friendly approach contributes to a smaller carbon footprint while allowing you to enjoy a delicious, wholesome breakfast that’s good for both you and the planet.


Warm Apple Cinnamon Porridge Recipe

As the cooler months set in, there’s no better way to start your morning than with a warm and comforting bowl of Apple Cinnamon Porridge. This simple yet nutritious recipe blends rolled oats, fresh apples, chia seeds, and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. Gently cooked in your choice of milk and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this porridge makes for a hearty breakfast that’s both delicious and healthy. Top it off with sliced apples, cranberries, and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a breakfast that will warm you from the inside out.

Warm Apple Cinnamon Porridge Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or nut-based)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Porridge Base
    In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 large chopped apple, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of your choice of milk (depending on how creamy you like your porridge) and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

  2. Cook the Porridge
    Set the saucepan over medium heat, stirring the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Cook for about 9-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The porridge is ready when it thickens and the oats become soft.

  3. Serve and Enjoy
    Once cooked, spoon the porridge into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. I love adding extra apple slices, dried cranberries, and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, flavorful touch.

This warm apple cinnamon porridge is a fantastic way to start your day with a mix of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s not only filling but also packed with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthy spice of cinnamon and ginger, making it a delicious and nourishing breakfast.

Why Buy Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry?

At Wasteless Pantry, we offer bulk, packaging-free ingredients such as rolled oats, chia seeds, and maple syrup, allowing you to make this delicious porridge with minimal waste. By purchasing in bulk, you buy only what you need, helping reduce unnecessary packaging and your environmental footprint. Choosing sustainable ingredients not only benefits the planet but also ensures you have fresh, high-quality products for all your cooking and baking needs.

Supporting Wasteless Pantry means supporting a zero-waste lifestyle, making it easier to reduce single-use plastics and excess waste in your kitchen. Every small step, like choosing bulk ingredients, contributes to a more sustainable future.


Winter Warmer Lentil Soup Recipe

Here’s a comforting winter warmer lentil soup recipe that’s perfect for soup weather! This simple and delicious recipe features a hearty mix of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic sautéed in olive oil, combined with a rich blend of lentils, split peas, barley, and aromatic seasonings like bay leaves. You can use either homemade or store-bought stock, and after simmering, blend the soup to create a smooth, creamy texture. Serve with crusty bread, and garnish with parsley and a swirl of cream for an extra touch of warmth. Perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings!

Ingredients
1-2 tbsp Olive oil
2 cups diced onions
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups diced celery

plus these from Wasteless Pantry:

2 tsp garlic granules (or 2 fresh cloves)
1 cup of soup mix (mix of lentils, split peas and barley) or split peas
36g dried chicken or vegetable stock plus 2L water (or 8 cups of chicken or vegetable stock)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper

Method
In a large saucepan, heat oil and cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic over medium heat until softened. Stir in soup mix or split peas, stock and the bay leaf.
Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 2.5 hours, stirring frequently.
Puree warm soup with a blender. Serve with crusty bread and garnish with some parsley and cream on top 😄

Sourcing ingredients from Wasteless Pantry for your winter soup not only ensures quality and freshness but also supports sustainable practices. Shopping at Wasteless Pantry allows you to buy in bulk, reducing packaging waste and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, choosing local and bulk options helps in reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and packaging. This way, you contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying a nutritious and delicious meal.


Winter Warmers without Waste

Winter is upon us, and although the chill isn’t as biting as it used to be, there’s still nothing like the comfort of a hot drink or a warm meal to soothe the soul. At Wasteless Pantry, we’re all about finding ways to keep cozy without creating waste. From hot beverages to sustainable baking and soothing baths, here are some waste-free winter tips to help you stay warm and eco-friendly this season.

Warm Up with Waste-Free Hot Beverages

There’s something about wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a cold day that brings instant comfort. At Wasteless Pantry, we have everything you need to make the perfect winter drink, without any waste:

  • Hot Chocolate
  • Loose Leaf Black Teas
  • Herbal Teas
  • Coffee Beans
  • Turmeric Latte
  • Chai Latte
  • Beetroot Chocolate Latte (just add beetroot powder with cacao powder and your sweetener of choice to your milk)

If you’re in need of tea or coffee-making accessories, we’ve got you covered with strainers, mugs, and more—all available without unnecessary packaging.

Relax with Waste-Free Bath Teas

Warm baths are another great way to chase away the winter blues. Did you know you can make your own bath teas using our herbs and teas? Simply fill one of our reusable strainers or soap nut bags with your favorite herbs, add them to your bath, and enjoy the soothing aromatherapy benefits. For an extra indulgent experience, mix in a little bicarb soda and Epsom salts, both available at Wasteless Pantry. This combination will soften your skin and help relieve muscle tension—perfect after a chilly day.

Nourishing Winter Foods

When it comes to warming winter meals, we’ve got a fantastic range of ingredients for hearty, comforting dishes:

  • Start your morning with porridge made from oats, muesli, buckwheat, millet, or quinoa. Sweeten it up with our honey, maple syrup, dried fruits, or sugars.
  • For lunch or dinner, try a warming dahl, stew, curry, casserole, or soup. We carry a wide variety of beans, lentils, split peas, powdered stocks (vegan-friendly), and herbs and spices to make these dishes both comforting and nutritious.

But winter meals don’t always have to be super healthy! If you’re craving something sweet, you can make a delicious dessert using our custard powder or even warm up with some brownie mix. And the beauty of going package-free is that you can buy just enough to make a single mug of custard or a quick chocolate mug cake—no waste, just indulgence.

Sustainable Winter Baking

For many of us, winter is the perfect time to get into baking. Not only does it fill your home with delicious smells, but the oven also helps keep the kitchen warm! To make your baking sessions more sustainable, consider using reusable silicone baking sheets or muffin cups to reduce the need for single-use baking paper or pattie pans. These eco-friendly options are available in our stores and are a great investment for reducing waste in your kitchen.

On-the-Go Warmth

If you’re heading out but still want to keep your food or drinks warm, we offer a range of travel coffee mugs and beverage bottles. These products will keep your goodies warm for hours and are perfect for waste-free lunches or commutes.

Why Buy from Wasteless Pantry?

At Wasteless Pantry, we believe in providing high-quality, packaging-free alternatives that allow you to enjoy life without creating unnecessary waste. Whether you’re stocking up on ingredients for a cozy winter meal, buying just enough for a one-off recipe, or picking up reusable products, every choice you make contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our bulk options mean you only buy what you need, reducing both food and packaging waste, and making your winter more eco-friendly.


Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

As the weather cools down, it’s time to enjoy hearty, nourishing meals that keep you warm. This Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup is not only quick and healthy but also incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. It’s a perfect go-to meal for the colder months and is a great way to use up leftover veggies in your crisper. Best of all, you can find many of the ingredients in bulk at Wasteless Pantry, helping you make a delicious meal while reducing waste.

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

From Wasteless Pantry:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic granules or flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 4 teaspoons chicken stock powder
  • 1/2 cup couscous or elbow pasta
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

From your local grocer:

  • 2 medium brown onions, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 2 large parsnips (or substitute a handful of green beans), chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 chopped onions, 3 chopped celery stalks, 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Simmer the Soup
    Add the remaining chopped vegetables—3 potatoes, 2 parsnips (or green beans), and 2 carrots—along with 4 teaspoons of chicken stock powder and 1.5 liters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the Couscous or Pasta
    Stir in 1/2 cup couscous and 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes. Continue cooking, uncovered, for about 2 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. If you’re using elbow pasta instead of couscous, add the pasta after the vegetables have simmered for 5-10 minutes, as pasta takes longer to cook.
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    This recipe serves 4, depending on appetites. If you like more broth in your soup, feel free to add additional chicken stock and water to your taste. Serve with crusty, stale bread for dunking, and enjoy the warming flavors.

This soup is incredibly versatile—swap in any hard vegetables you have on hand, like broccoli stalks, cauliflower, or cooked beans (such as navy, kidney, or chickpeas). You can also portion out any leftovers and freeze them for a ready-to-go meal in the future.

Why Buy Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry?

When you purchase ingredients from Wasteless Pantry, you’re choosing a more sustainable way to shop. Our bulk options allow you to buy only the quantities you need, helping to reduce food waste and unnecessary packaging. From olive oil to garlic granules and couscous, we offer high-quality, packaging-free ingredients that help you create delicious meals while reducing your environmental impact. By shopping at Wasteless Pantry, you support a zero-waste lifestyle, making it easier to enjoy meals like this Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup without generating waste.


Apple Pie Porridge Recipe

If you love the flavors of a classic apple pie, this Apple Pie Porridge is the perfect way to start your day! It’s a warm, hearty breakfast that combines the natural sweetness of apples with comforting spices like cinnamon and ginger. The best part? You can get all the ingredients at Wasteless Pantry, making it an environmentally friendly meal that reduces packaging waste. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a great balance of nutrition and flavor for a healthy start to your morning.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of fine salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups dairy or nut milk (depending on how thick you like your porridge)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, whisk together the oats, chopped apple, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, salt, milk, and maple syrup until combined.
  2. Cook the porridge: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for about 9 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and the oats are soft.
  3. Add the finishing touches: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using) for added flavor.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Serve your apple pie porridge hot, and feel free to add your favorite toppings! Sliced apples, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup are great options.

Benefits of Buying Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry

At Wasteless Pantry, you can purchase all the ingredients for this Apple Pie Porridge without the wasteful packaging. Bring your own containers to stock up on rolled oats, chia seeds, and spices—and enjoy the ability to buy just the quantities you need. By shopping at Wasteless Pantry, you are reducing unnecessary plastic waste while supporting sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to choose the freshest ingredients available, making this comforting breakfast both delicious and environmentally conscious.

This recipe not only helps you stay full and energized but also aligns with your zero-waste goals by reducing food packaging and waste. With a focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients, it’s a win for both your health and the planet.


Enjoy this Apple Pie Porridge as a quick, nutritious breakfast, and feel good about reducing waste by shopping at Wasteless Pantry. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a cozy treat any time of year!


Sustainable Teas and Bulk Coffee Beans

If you’re like me, nothing beats the simple pleasure of savoring a good cup of coffee or tea. The smell of it brewing, the warmth of the cup in your hands, and that first delicious sip—there’s just something magical about it. But you can take this moment of joy even further by making your drink in a waste-free way with bulk coffee beans and loose leaf teas.

Ditch the Wasteful Coffee Pods

Pod coffee makers are convenient, but all the waste associated with single-use pods takes away from the experience. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives that are just as quick and satisfying, without the environmental impact.

At Wasteless Pantry, we offer coffee beans in bulk without plastic packaging. You can bring your own container, and we even have grinders on-site so you can enjoy freshly ground beans every time. Once you’ve got your coffee beans home, be sure to store them at room temperature—not in the fridge! (A common myth debunked by our friends at Yahava.)

How to Brew Waste-Free Coffee

There are several sustainable brewing methods to choose from, but my personal favorite is the stovetop espresso maker. It’s a classic, zero-waste option that brews smooth, rich coffee in just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill the bottom chamber of your espresso maker with water.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground coffee beans per person into the basket.
  3. Twist on the top, place it on the stove, and heat for around 5 minutes.
  4. Enjoy a fresh, aromatic coffee ready for your next break!

This method eliminates the need for disposable coffee pods, filters, or packaging, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.

Try Loose Leaf Teas for a Zero-Waste Brew

If you’re a tea lover, making the switch to loose leaf tea is an easy and sustainable change. At Wasteless Pantry, we offer a wide range of loose leaf teas that you can buy in bulk with your own containers, reducing unnecessary packaging.

For an even lower waste option, try growing your own herbal teas at home. Fennel, chamomile, mint, raspberry leaf, and lemongrass are all easy to grow and add beauty to your garden.

When it’s time for tea, a simple strainer over your mug works perfectly, or you can use a tea pot or plunger for larger batches. Not only do loose leaf teas taste fresher, but the leftover tea leaves make excellent compost for your garden.

The Benefits of Buying from Wasteless Pantry

By purchasing your coffee and tea from Wasteless Pantry, you’re reducing packaging waste, supporting sustainable shopping practices, and ensuring that your daily brew is both delicious and eco-friendly. Plus, you can bring your own containers, making it easy to buy just what you need, without the waste!