This year, I am starting my spring cleaning in the pantry, hoping to make use of the untold number of boxes, cans and jars I’ve ignored for far too long. With a little creativity and back-of-the-box recipes, these staples become found money. Think of it as a fund you’ve been paying into which is paying out tasty dividends.

I seem to always have peanut butter and half-full boxes of couscous in my pantry and several opened bags of peas in the freezer. They are all put to use in this unexpected combination. It’s a great side dish for a simple chicken or steak dinner or, on its own, as a vegetarian/vegan entree when using vegetable broth.
-- Jeanne Besser