Ella's Pantry

All Recipes

188 recipes found

Minestrone in minutes

Minestrone in minutes

When you're craving a warming, homemade soup but don't have much time, this is the recipe I turn to. Minestrone in minutes comes together in just eight minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something nourishing and delicious. Using frozen vegetables means there's no chopping involved, and they're actually packed with nutrients since they're frozen at peak ripeness. The pesto stirred through at the end adds wonderful flavor without any fussing, while the whole thing costs very little to make. It's honest, satisfying comfort food that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to eat well.

23 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Vegan ramen

Vegan ramen

My favorite weeknight dinner has to be this vegan ramen, and honestly, it comes together faster than ordering takeout. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is yet how deeply satisfying the flavors become, thanks to the miso and sesame base that builds such a rich broth. Shiitake mushrooms are packed with immune boosting compounds, plus they add that meaty umami depth you crave in a good bowl of ramen. From prep to table in just 25 minutes, this is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but won't stress you out on a busy evening.

(6)
4.2
25 mins
Dairy-FreeVegetarianVeganNut-FreeEgg-Free
Cheat's ramen noodle soup

Cheat's ramen noodle soup

When I'm craving authentic ramen but don't have hours to simmer bone broth, this is my go to shortcut. Using quality chicken stock as your base means you can have a deeply flavoured, restaurant worthy bowl on the table in just 40 minutes without any fuss. The ginger is packed with anti inflammatory properties and really lifts the whole broth, while the five spice and Worcestershire sauce add layers of umami complexity that taste like you've been cooking all day. It's honestly one of the easiest ways to impress yourself with dinner, and because you're mostly just heating and combining ingredients, there's minimal cleanup involved too.

(3)
4.3
40 mins
Dairy-FreeNut-Free
Hearty pasta soup

Hearty pasta soup

This is my go to recipe when I want something comforting but don't have much time. It comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The beauty of this soup is how simple it is to throw together, plus it's incredibly budget friendly since it relies on pantry staples and frozen vegetables. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that's great for your heart health. The creamy tortellini makes it feel indulgent while the fresh basil adds a bright finishing touch that takes it from ordinary to something special.

(6)
4.5
40 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeVegetarianVeganNut-FreeEgg-Free
Kale soup

Kale soup

This is one of my favorite weeknight suppers because it comes together in under an hour and practically takes care of itself once everything hits the pot. The star of the show is cavolo nero, a type of kale that's absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals while adding such a beautiful earthy depth to the broth. What I love most is how forgiving this soup is, letting you swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, and the whole thing costs just pennies per bowl. With aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh basil, it tastes like you've spent ages simmering it, when really you've only spent thirty minutes cooking. This is pure comfort in a bowl.

55 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Chunky vegetable soup

Chunky vegetable soup

This chunky vegetable soup is one of my go to meals when I want something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 30 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, you'll have a warming bowlful ready before dinner time. I love how packed it is with vegetables like asparagus and broad beans, which are brilliant sources of fiber and keep you feeling full. The best part? It's incredibly affordable to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Every spoonful is hearty and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

(7)
4.3
1 hr 10 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-Free
Roasted vegetable soup with halloumi ‘croutons’

Roasted vegetable soup with halloumi ‘croutons’

This is one of my favourite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've spent all day cooking. Using frozen chargrilled vegetables saves so much time and effort, while still delivering that delicious smoky flavour. The tomatoes bring brilliant lycopene, which is great for heart health, and the crispy halloumi cubes add a fun salty contrast that makes this soup feel special rather than everyday. It's comfort food that doesn't require any fussing around, perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying without the stress.

40 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Pasta e fagioli

Pasta e fagioli

This is my go to comfort food when I want something hearty and deeply satisfying without breaking the bank. Pasta e fagioli is the kind of rustic Italian dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part is how economical it is to make. Dried beans are incredibly affordable and packed with fiber and plant based protein, so you're getting serious nutrition for very little money. The long, slow cooking time means you can mostly leave it to simmer away while you get on with other things, and the result is a thick, creamy soup where the beans break down into the broth and create their own wonderful sauce. It's pure comfort on a budget.

(5)
4.2
9 hrs 20 mins
Dairy-FreeVegetarianVeganNut-FreeEgg-Free
Crock Pot - Style Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Crock Pot - Style Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There's something magical about coming home to a bowl of creamy, loaded baked potato soup simmering away in your crock pot all day. This recipe is one of my go to comfort foods because you literally just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and forget about it until dinner time. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does all the heavy lifting for you, which means minimal effort on busy weekdays. Potatoes are packed with potassium and vitamin C, so you're getting real nutrition alongside all that delicious cheesy, bacon studded goodness. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

(2)
4.0
5 hrs 15 mins
Gluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Rotel & Ranch Taco Soup

Rotel & Ranch Taco Soup

This is one of my go to weeknight dinners when I need something quick and satisfying. Rotel and ranch taco soup comes together in just thirty minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy nights when you haven't planned ahead. Ground beef is packed with protein and iron, which helps keep your energy up throughout the day. What I love most is how budget friendly this recipe is using simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients. The combination of zesty Rotel tomatoes and creamy ranch creates this incredibly comforting flavor that my whole family devours. Plus, with minimal prep work, you'll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time in the kitchen.

30 mins
Nut-FreeEgg-Free
Spiced red lentil, turmeric and spring greens soup

Spiced red lentil, turmeric and spring greens soup

This vibrant soup has become my go to weeknight dinner because it's ready in under an hour and costs just pennies per bowl. Red lentils are packed with protein and fibre, making this a genuinely nourishing meal that keeps you satisfied for hours. The warm spices, turmeric in particular, give it an earthy comfort that feels like a proper hug in a bowl. Fresh spring greens add a peppery brightness at the end, while a squeeze of lime and swirl of yogurt lift everything beautifully. It's simple enough for a busy Tuesday but impressive enough to serve to friends.

50 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Jerusalem artichoke & celeriac soup

Jerusalem artichoke & celeriac soup

This creamy soup brings together two wonderfully earthy vegetables that I absolutely love. Jerusalem artichokes are brilliant because they're packed with inulin, a type of fiber that's fantastic for your digestive health. The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward it is: just one hour from start to finish, and most of that is hands off cooking time. Once everything is simmering together, you can relax while the vegetables become silky and tender. The celeriac adds a subtle celery note that balances the nuttiness perfectly, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. Topped with oregano crostini and a dollop of olive tapenade, it's comfort food that feels a bit special without any fussy techniques.

1 hr
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free