All smart cooks know that always having a few basic pantry staples on hand is critical for those times when making it to the market is just not going to happen or a quick supper is needed. Here we have recipes that rely on things every cook should have in her cupboard: cans of beans, tomatoes, coconut milk, and dried pasta.

Recipes Using Beans and Lentils

Recipes Using Pasta and Polenta

Recipes Using Coconut Milk

Recipes Using Canned Tomatoes