What to cook in March: Budget-friendly meals for uncertain times
Simple, hearty recipes packed with pantry staples
Food prices were already expected to rise in 2025, thanks to a weaker Canadian dollar, climate change–related supply chain disruptions and reduced cattle numbers. But now, a trade war with the U.S. is adding to the pressure.
If you're feeling the pinch at checkout, cooking with pantry staples can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing flavour. Below is a collection of cheap and cheerful, mostly meatless dishes that are packed with pantry MVPs like lentils, rice and chickpeas. And, of course, there's pasta — because keeping a box (or five) on hand just makes life a little easier.
Image | The (Chickpea) Picnic Salad by Rebekah Peppler
Caption: (Photography by Joanne Pai)
Open Image in New Tab
Caramelized onion pasta
Image | Caramelized onion pasta - crop
Caption: (Photography by Amina Al-Saigh)
Open Image in New Tab
One-pot chickpea curry
Image | Chickpea Curry with Spinach
Caption: (Photography by Dhivya Subramanian)
Open Image in New Tab
Image | Tandoori chickpea wraps - Dhivya Subramanian
Caption: (Photography by Dhivya Subramanian)
Open Image in New Tab
Red lentil soup
Image | Lentil soup crop - Amina Al-Saigh
Caption: (Photography by Amina Al-Saigh)
Open Image in New Tab
Rice and peas
Image | Rice and peas - Dwight Smith CROP
Caption: (Photography by Owais Rafique Marketing Inc.; styling by Matthew Chin)
Open Image in New Tab
Master recipe for a pot of beans
Image | Steve Sando's master recipe for a pot of beans (crop)
Caption: (Photography by Ed Anderson)
Open Image in New Tab
Instant tan tan shin ramyun
Image | Instant Tan Tan Shin Ramyun - James Park
Caption: (Photography by Heami Lee)
Open Image in New Tab
French onion soup pasta
Image | French Onion Soup Pasta and Handpies Aviva Wittenberg
Caption: (Photography by Aviva Wittenberg)
Open Image in New Tab
Lentil shepherd's pie
Image | lentil shepherd's pie
Caption: (CBC Life)
Open Image in New Tab
Kunde (black-eyed peas and tomatoes in peanut sauce)
Image | Kunde
Caption: (Photography by Khadija M. Farah & Jennifer May)
Open Image in New Tab
Herby labneh pasta
Image | Herby labneh pasta - Amina Al-Saigh (crop)
Caption: (Photography by Amina Al-Saigh)
Open Image in New Tab
Seaweed brown butter pasta
Image | Seaweed Brown Butter Pasta - Hetty Lui McKinnon
Caption: (Photography by Hetty Lui McKinnon)
Open Image in New Tab
Khichdi
Image | Khichdi
Caption: (Photo: Shayma Owaise Saadat)
Open Image in New Tab
Misir wot
Image | Misir Wot Lentil Stew crop
Caption: (Photography by DL Acken)
Open Image in New Tab
Vegan ragu bolognese
Image | Ragu Bolognese
Caption: (Photography by Lauren Toyota)
Open Image in New Tab
Zucchini dal
Image | Zucchini dal - Dhivya Subramanian
Caption: (Photography by Dhivya Subramanian)
Open Image in New Tab
Skillet lasagna
Image | skillet lasagna
Caption: (Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)
Open Image in New Tab
Puda (chickpea flour pancakes)
Image | Chickpea pancakes (puda)
Caption: (Photography by Diana Muresan)
Open Image in New Tab
Baby bok choy and rice vermicelli soup
Image | crop Hetty Lui McKinnon's Baby Bok Choy and Rice Vermicelli Soup
Caption: (Photography by Hetty Lui McKinnon)
Open Image in New Tab
Polos ambula (young jackfruit curry)
Image | Polos Ambula (Young Jackfruit Curry)
Caption: (Photography by DL Acken)
Open Image in New Tab
Golu molu (buttered roti)
Image | crop Aman Dosanj's Golu Molu hand-held roti
Caption: (Photography by Dominique Lafond)
Open Image in New Tab
Jeera rice
Image | Jeera Rice Joe Thottungal - My Thali: A Simple Indian Kitchen
Caption: (Photography by Christian Lalonde)
Open Image in New Tab
Breakfast bean ragout
Image | Breakfast Bean Ragout
Caption: (Credit: Matt Basile)
Open Image in New Tab
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Province
2 days ago
- The Province
Vancouver lingerie brand Understance sets sights on more Canadian stores
With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Vancouver-based lingerie brand Understance is eyeing a further expansion across Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The company, which was founded in 2021 and is subsidiary of the international lingerie manufacturer Shenzhen Huijie Group Co., offers size-inclusive lingerie, including bras in sizes 28A to 48N. With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year. We caught up with company director Jiayi Lyu to learn more. Q: What is Understance? A: Understance is a Vancouver-based lingerie brand. We take a solution-oriented, rather than fashion-oriented, approach to making undergarments. Our goal is to make all of our customers feel comfortable and supported. Q: What makes it unique? A: What sets Understance apart is our focus on fit, comfort, and education. We offer one of the most extensive size ranges available in North America, from cup sizes A to N and band sizes from 28 to 48. We split bras into eight size groups and take a tailored approach to each. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On our website and at our stores, we guide you to the best match for your size and shape. We've built proprietary resources like Branatomy, an educational page that helps customers better understand their breast shape and how it impacts bra fit. Our products are engineered to be as functional as they are beautiful. Our innovations, like FlexWire, are a testament to the thousands of hours our product team spends in the fitting rooms. Q: Who is the target customer? A: Our customer is anyone who wants to feel supported, understood, and comfortable, especially those who have felt overlooked by traditional lingerie brands. That includes people going through life transitions like pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, and weight changes, more mature customers who prioritize fit and comfort over trends, and anyone with unique fit challenges. We believe everyone deserves to feel good in their bra, and in their own skin. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Q: Is there a hero design in the collection? A: We don't believe that there is a perfect bra for everybody. What works well for 44G simply won't work for 30B. For the petite size range (A-C cups), our core product at the moment is Light 'n Free; for the middle size range (D-DDD cups), we recommend Zoe and Ivy; for the full size range (G-J cups), we recommend Salma and Ginger; and for the fuller size range (K-N cups), we recommend Addison and Dominique. These products best represent the Understance approach: gentle but supportive, forgiving but precise, sophisticated and simple at the same time. Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Q: What more can you share about the brand's store plans following the U.S. tariff changes? A: Due to recent tariff changes affecting U.S. imports, we've made the difficult decision to pause U.S. shipping beginning April 24. With a $59 bra now subject to more than $95 in additional duties, continuing to serve our U.S. customers under these conditions would compromise our commitment to accessible, fair pricing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In light of this, we are turning our focus to strengthening our presence in local markets, with a particular emphasis on retail expansion across Canada. Our newest boutique in Burnaby's Metrotown Centre marks an exciting step forward. This location allows us to bring our solution-based, inclusive lingerie offerings even closer to Canadian customers and visitors — complete with expert fittings available in-store. Q: What is the price range for the products? A: Our pricing reflects both quality and accessibility. Most bras range between $59 and $72, while our sleepwear and lounge collections start around $45. Q: And where can people learn more? A: At one of our four boutique locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where our expert team offers personalized fittings and guidance tailored to your unique shape and needs. Each store carries our full range of solution-based lingerie, including exclusive collections and in-depth fit support. You can also explore our entire collection, fit resources, and Branatomy guides online at Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports Local News Sports Vancouver Whitecaps
The Province
4 days ago
- The Province
Canadian footwear brand's summer collection is all about friendship
Leading into the summer season, Maguire Shoes has released a capsule collection of "vibrant" designs The Girlfriends Collection from Maguire Shoes features four Canadian multidisciplinary artists: Audrey Roger, Jaya Hamel Limoges, Sandrine Bergeron, and Sarah Power. Photo by Betsy-May Smith / Maguire Shoes Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The launch:Maguire Shoes Girlfriends Collection This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The buzz: Maguire Shoes is a Canadian cool-girl brand. Led by two powerhouse women — and sisters — Myriam Maguire and Romy Belzile-Maguire, the Montreal-headquartered company has built a fanbase for its trendy-yet-timeless accessories designs. Leading into the summer season, the company has released a capsule collection of 'vibrant' designs dubbed the Girlfriends Collection. Featuring six footwear styles, the capsule includes wonderfully wearable (and colourful) styles ranging from slingbacks to kitten heels to mules. The shoes are all handmade in Italy or Spain, according to the brand. A standout style in the collection, the Merida Sandal, which features a low block heel and a sparkling, tinsel-like top, are a perfect summer slide. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Girlfriends Collection from Maguire Shoes. Photo by Betsy-May Smith The campaign features four Canadian multidisciplinary artists: Audrey Roger, Jaya Hamel Limoges, Sandrine Bergeron, and Sarah Power. 'This campaign is all about capturing beauty; the energy of Montreal, the authenticity of our casting, and the ineffable charm of the collection,' Veronique Nguyen, art director at Maguire Shoes, said in a statement. 'We wanted something aspirational, but never out of reach. Just real, genuine moments with people who inspire us — girlfriends hanging out, juxtaposed with the vibrant backdrop of the city. 'Nothing overly polished, just an authentic energy that feels true to Maguire.' The full collection is available online and in stores. The price: From $220. The retailer: Vancouver Canucks Family & Child Vancouver Canucks News Local News
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canadian footwear brand's summer collection is all about friendship
The launch: Maguire Shoes Girlfriends Collection The buzz: Maguire Shoes is a Canadian cool-girl brand. Led by two powerhouse women — and sisters — Myriam Maguire and Romy Belzile-Maguire, the Montreal-headquartered company has built a fanbase for its trendy-yet-timeless accessories designs. Leading into the summer season, the company has released a capsule collection of 'vibrant' designs dubbed the Girlfriends Collection . Featuring six footwear styles, the capsule includes wonderfully wearable (and colourful) styles ranging from slingbacks to kitten heels to mules. The shoes are all handmade in Italy or Spain, according to the brand. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. A standout style in the collection, the Merida Sandal, which features a low block heel and a sparkling, tinsel-like top, are a perfect summer slide . The campaign features four Canadian multidisciplinary artists: Audrey Roger, Jaya Hamel Limoges, Sandrine Bergeron, and Sarah Power. 'This campaign is all about capturing beauty; the energy of Montreal, the authenticity of our casting, and the ineffable charm of the collection,' Veronique Nguyen, art director at Maguire Shoes, said in a statement. 'We wanted something aspirational, but never out of reach. Just real, genuine moments with people who inspire us — girlfriends hanging out, juxtaposed with the vibrant backdrop of the city. 'Nothing overly polished, just an authentic energy that feels true to Maguire.' The full collection is available online and in stores. The price: From $220. The retailer:
