Texas Hurricane Pantry Recipes: Delicious Meals During and After the Storm

Hurricanes are a fact of life in Texas, and with them comes the need to be prepared. While stocking up on water, batteries, and other essentials is crucial, having a well-stocked pantry for delicious and easy meals is just as important. This post provides a variety of recipes using shelf-stable ingredients, perfect for weathering the storm and enjoying comforting meals during power outages and limited access to fresh produce.

## Planning Your Hurricane Pantry: Key Ingredients

Before diving into recipes, let’s discuss essential pantry staples for hurricane season. These ingredients are versatile, have a long shelf life, and can be combined to create a variety of meals:

* **Canned Goods:** Canned beans (black, pinto, kidney, chickpeas), canned tomatoes (diced, crushed, whole), canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas), canned fruit (peaches, pineapple, fruit cocktail), canned tuna, canned salmon, canned chicken.
* **Grains:** Rice (white, brown, instant), pasta (various shapes), quinoa, oats (rolled, quick-cooking), couscous, crackers (saltines, graham crackers), bread (white, wheat – consider freezing ahead of time).
* **Proteins:** Peanut butter, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), jerky (beef, turkey), protein bars, powdered milk.
* **Fats & Oils:** Vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shortening, mayonnaise (shelf-stable packets).
* **Condiments & Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, sugar, spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg), hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, vinegar (white, apple cider), soy sauce, honey, syrup.
* **Other Essentials:** Coffee, tea, sugar substitutes, baking powder, baking soda, chocolate chips, marshmallows, dry yeast, bullion cubes (chicken, beef, vegetable).
* **Water:** Essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Store at least one gallon per person per day for several days.

Remember to check expiration dates regularly and rotate your stock to ensure freshness. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences when stocking your pantry.

## Recipes for Hurricane Season

Here are some delicious and easy recipes you can make with pantry staples during and after a hurricane:

### 1. Black Bean Burgers

These flavorful burgers are a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re surprisingly easy to make with canned black beans.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/4 cup chopped onion (dehydrated onion can be substituted)
* 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (dehydrated bell pepper can be substituted)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for cooking
* Burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
2. Add the rolled oats, onion, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well to combine.
3. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more rolled oats.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
6. Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings.

### 2. Tuna Melts

A classic comfort food that’s quick, easy, and satisfying.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup chopped celery (dehydrated celery can be substituted)
* 1 tablespoon chopped onion (dehydrated onion can be substituted)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread slices
* Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
* Butter or margarine

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Spread the tuna mixture evenly on bread slices.
3. Top with cheese slices.
4. Spread butter or margarine on the outside of the bread slices.
5. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or broiler if you have access to power.

### 3. Chicken and Rice Soup

A warm and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (12.5-ounce) can chicken, drained and shredded
* 4 cups chicken broth (made with bouillon cubes)
* 1/2 cup rice
* 1/4 cup chopped carrots (dehydrated carrots can be substituted)
* 1/4 cup chopped celery (dehydrated celery can be substituted)
* 1/4 cup chopped onion (dehydrated onion can be substituted)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, rice, carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
3. Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
4. Serve hot.

### 4. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

A simple and satisfying meal that can be customized with various pantry staples.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (any shape)
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

### 5. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches

A classic and easy snack or meal that’s packed with protein and potassium. If bananas are unavailable, consider using apple slices or other shelf-stable fruit, if available.

**Ingredients:**

* Bread slices
* Peanut butter
* Bananas (if available, otherwise use shelf-stable fruit or jelly)

**Instructions:**

1. Spread peanut butter on bread slices.
2. Slice the banana and place it on top of the peanut butter. Alternatively, spread jelly or other toppings.
3. Top with another slice of bread.
4. Enjoy!

### 6. Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts

A healthy and filling breakfast or snack.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup rolled oats or quick-cooking oats
* 1 cup water or milk (powdered milk reconstituted)
* Salt to taste
* Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
* Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
* Honey or syrup (optional)
* Cinnamon (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a saucepan, combine the oats, water or milk, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are cooked to your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the dried fruit, nuts, honey or syrup, and cinnamon, if desired.
4. Serve hot.

### 7. Rice and Beans

A simple and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with protein and fiber.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup rice
* 2 cups water
* 1 (15-ounce) can beans (black, pinto, or kidney), rinsed and drained
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Onion powder (optional)
* Garlic powder (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
2. Stir in the beans, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, if desired. Heat through.
3. Serve hot.

### 8. Canned Salmon Patties

A great way to get your omega-3s from shelf-stable salmon.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained, skin and bones removed
* 1/2 cup crushed crackers (saltines or Ritz)
* 1 egg (powdered egg can be substituted, follow package instructions for reconstitution)
* 1/4 cup chopped onion (dehydrated onion can be substituted)
* 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for cooking

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the salmon, crushed crackers, egg (or reconstituted powdered egg), onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
5. Serve with crackers, lemon wedges, or your favorite sauce.

### 9. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry (Pantry Version)

Using canned sweet potatoes and chickpeas, this curry is flavorful and satisfying.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
* 1 onion, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained and cubed
* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup vegetable broth (made from bouillon cube)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion (or rehydrated dehydrated onion) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic (or garlic powder), curry powder, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.

### 10. Corn and Black Bean Salsa with Tortilla Chips

A refreshing and flavorful salsa that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, rehydrated)
* 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried minced bell pepper, rehydrated)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, or substitute with dried cilantro)
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Tortilla chips, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the corn, black beans, red onion, red bell pepper, and cilantro (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the corn and bean mixture and stir to combine.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.

### 11. Canned Sardine and Crackers

A very simple but nutritious meal containing omega-3s and protein

**Ingredients:**

* Canned Sardines in oil or water
* Crackers (saltines or your choice)
* Hot sauce (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Open the can of sardines.
2. Place sardines on crackers.
3. Add hot sauce to taste.

### 12. Dehydrated Fruit Leather

This recipe requires some advanced planning, but dried fruit leather is a perfect snack.

**Ingredients:**

* Fruit puree from your favorite fruit like apples, peaches, or berries.

**Instructions:**

1. Puree your fruit until smooth.
2. Spread puree thinly on a dehydrator sheet.
3. Dehydrate per your dehydrator’s instructions.

## Tips for Cooking During a Hurricane

* **Safety First:** If the power is out, use battery-powered lights or flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards. Never use a charcoal grill or gas stove indoors for heating, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
* **Conserve Water:** Use paper plates and utensils to minimize dishwashing. Cook one-pot meals to reduce the amount of water needed for cooking and cleanup.
* **Be Creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of pantry staples. You might be surprised at what you can create.
* **Prioritize Shelf-Stable Foods:** Focus on using ingredients that don’t require refrigeration to avoid spoilage.
* **Cook Outdoors Safely:** If you have a portable propane stove or grill, use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Keep a safe distance from your house and other flammable materials.
* **Check Expiration Dates:** Always check the expiration dates on canned goods and other pantry staples before using them. Discard anything that has expired.
* **Stay Informed:** Monitor weather updates and emergency alerts to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any safety advisories.

## Staying Safe and Healthy During and After a Hurricane

Beyond cooking, here are some essential tips for staying safe and healthy during and after a hurricane:

* **Stay Informed:** Monitor weather updates and emergency alerts from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
* **Evacuate if Necessary:** If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow their instructions and evacuate to a safe location.
* **Stay Indoors:** During the storm, stay inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors.
* **Avoid Floodwaters:** Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. They can be contaminated and dangerous.
* **Beware of Downed Power Lines:** Stay away from downed power lines. They can be live and extremely dangerous.
* **Boil Water:** If your water supply is disrupted, boil water before drinking or using it for cooking.
* **Practice Good Hygiene:** Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
* **Address Mold Growth:** After the storm, check your home for mold growth and take steps to remove it.
* **Seek Medical Attention:** If you experience any health problems, seek medical attention promptly.

## Conclusion

Preparing for a hurricane doesn’t have to be daunting. By stocking a well-prepared pantry and having a plan for cooking and staying safe, you can weather the storm with confidence and enjoy comforting meals even during challenging times. Remember to stay informed, prioritize safety, and take care of yourself and your loved ones.