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Tin Can Cook: 75 Simple Store Cupboard Recipes
Food writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe presents Tin Can Cook, bringing together seventy-five recipes that you can rustle up from tinned and dried ingredients. If you’ve ever struggled to make a dish because the recipe calls for an exotic ingredient you’ve never heard of, then this is the book for you. Jack does away with the effort; all her dishes are exciting and new, but you won’t have to look further than your local supermarket to make them.
Jack's recipes include Red Lentil and Mandarin Curry, Catalan Fish Stew, Pina Colada Toast and many more delicious and creative ideas. Simple and affordable, Tin Can Cook strips away the blinding glamour and elitism of many cookbooks and takes it back to the basics: making great-tasting food with ordinary ingredients.
Jack's recipes include Red Lentil and Mandarin Curry, Catalan Fish Stew, Pina Colada Toast and many more delicious and creative ideas. Simple and affordable, Tin Can Cook strips away the blinding glamour and elitism of many cookbooks and takes it back to the basics: making great-tasting food with ordinary ingredients.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2019
388 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Jack Monroe
33 books73 followersJack Monroe is a British food writer, journalist and activist known for campaigning on poverty issues, particularly hunger relief. Monroe has published a blog and several books of "austerity recipes", and has campaigned alongside various British charity organisations. Monroe initially rose to prominence for writing a blog titled A Girl Called Jack (now renamed Cooking on a Bootstrap), and has since written for publications such as The Echo, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, and The New Yorker. Monroe identifies as non-binary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 17, 2019
In a lifetime first for me, I purchased an actual cookery book for myself. All such books I’ve previously owned have been gifts from over-optimistic friends and family. I’m trying to gradually get over my lifelong difficulties with eating and aversion to cooking; they’re no longer funny when you’re reaching mid-thirties. I find Jack Monroe’s recipes much less intimidating and more manageable than the vast majority. I am very easily overwhelmed by long (3+) ingredients lists, specialist terms, and equipment requirements (not everyone has a blender). As I’ve successfully made several recipes from Monroe’s website, it seems reasonable to expect that I can make some from ‘Tin Can Cook’ as well. I appreciate the focus on tins, as they’re much easier to deal with than piles of fresh ingredients that go off quickly, especially when you’re cooking for one small and unreliable appetite. There are plenty of simple, promising ideas for quick dinners in here, as well as a couple of desserts I might try when I have visitors. Most of the recipes are vegetarian, which is likewise very helpful for me. Although I’m lucky enough not to worry about being able to afford food, I also appreciate the frugality angle. Moreover, the book is a compact softback rather than a grandiose hardback. Jack Monroe makes cooking approachable like no other food writer I’ve come across. If more cookery books were like this, I wouldn’t be so afraid of them.
April 1, 2020
I own quite a few cookbooks so was excited to get a copy of this. As it turns out it’s just not for me.
There weren’t many of the recipes that really appealed to me at a first glance and those I did make were not highly rated by my partner, who acts as my Guinea pig.
I also prefer a more visual style of book. I’ve used all of Miguel Barclays books with great success, and talked others into using his books too. For budget friendly recipes his books far outweigh these I’m afraid.
There weren’t many of the recipes that really appealed to me at a first glance and those I did make were not highly rated by my partner, who acts as my Guinea pig.
I also prefer a more visual style of book. I’ve used all of Miguel Barclays books with great success, and talked others into using his books too. For budget friendly recipes his books far outweigh these I’m afraid.
May 15, 2022
I love Jack Monroe, love, love, love her! I read her first cookbook, A Girl Called Jack, in order to get money-saving yet delicious recipes, most which cost 30 pence in 2013 (36 U.S. cents or 0.35€). But I was bowled over by Monroe's compassion and good sense.
So every time I buy one of Monroe's cookbook I feel as if I'm supporting her cause. Even now, with a slew of cookbooks to her credit and a worldwide audience, Monroe is so generous with her funds and time that I want to do whatever I can to put a little in the till. (Here's hoping Monroe really does stand for Parliament!)
Now that that's off my chest, I want to discuss the cookbook. As a working mom, I sometimes don't have anything in the refrigerator to cook (even with a stay-at-home dad, as there's always so much to do!) The solution? Canned food turned into delicious meals! What genius! Unlike fresh chicken, vegetables or fruit, you can stockpile cans to be ready for any emergency or just for when you want dinner ready with as little fuss or in as little time as possible. Monroe’s Tin Can Cook will be indispensable.
So every time I buy one of Monroe's cookbook I feel as if I'm supporting her cause. Even now, with a slew of cookbooks to her credit and a worldwide audience, Monroe is so generous with her funds and time that I want to do whatever I can to put a little in the till. (Here's hoping Monroe really does stand for Parliament!)
Now that that's off my chest, I want to discuss the cookbook. As a working mom, I sometimes don't have anything in the refrigerator to cook (even with a stay-at-home dad, as there's always so much to do!) The solution? Canned food turned into delicious meals! What genius! Unlike fresh chicken, vegetables or fruit, you can stockpile cans to be ready for any emergency or just for when you want dinner ready with as little fuss or in as little time as possible. Monroe’s Tin Can Cook will be indispensable.
June 13, 2019
just had my first read through and I'm impressed :) lots of ideas of what to do with tins, lots I want to try especially the soups and the chocolate cherry fudge :)
chapters are
breakfast + brunch
soups
beans
potatoes
pasta
fish
meats
puddings
it has a comprehensive index for such a small book so hopefully that will increase your ability to find what you want quickly.
I was also surprised by the nutritional information the book begins with, listing various things you can buy tinned.
overall so far I think it's a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection as during a lifetime there's always a time when you need to tighten your purse strings to save money but you still need to eat and this book will help with that :)
Update : - )
Made the carrot cake overnight oats recipe using drained can of sliced carrots and amazed it tastes like carrot cake : ) but more importantly has 2 of your 5 a day in it : )
also my larder is now full of tins n jars of paste for my next recipe try outs : )
Update : - )
Made the cockles spaghetti for tea this week as I was curious, used to have cockles when I was a kid :) so sent hubby off for a jar from waitrose and was pleasantly surprised, they weren't chewy but soft and the bursts of vinegar in your mouth when eating the finished dish was surprisingly yummy, second portion I fridged overnight n nuked the next day and although not as saucey it was still delish, will definitely make again and it didn't make the kitchen smell of fish :)
got the ingredients for trying the fudge recipe next :)
Update
I made the fudge but did rum n raisins as the favouring but made mine on stove top, really yummy.
also made a version of her crumble using tinned apples from Morrison's and it was really nice, in all the years of making Apple crumble I've always used cooking apples so using tinned apple slices is a good quick hack. :)
also last night made the spicy rice and 2 bean soup, only I used the bag of 3 mixed peppers and an onion as they wanted using. I added extra water n extra paprika and was again pleasantly surprised how nice it was. had leftovers nuked for lunch today and it was more like a risotto, thick, filling, tasty n comforting on a very rainy day.
so all the recipes I've tried so far have been really great n there's still lots I want to try :)
chapters are
breakfast + brunch
soups
beans
potatoes
pasta
fish
meats
puddings
it has a comprehensive index for such a small book so hopefully that will increase your ability to find what you want quickly.
I was also surprised by the nutritional information the book begins with, listing various things you can buy tinned.
overall so far I think it's a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection as during a lifetime there's always a time when you need to tighten your purse strings to save money but you still need to eat and this book will help with that :)
Update : - )
Made the carrot cake overnight oats recipe using drained can of sliced carrots and amazed it tastes like carrot cake : ) but more importantly has 2 of your 5 a day in it : )
also my larder is now full of tins n jars of paste for my next recipe try outs : )
Update : - )
Made the cockles spaghetti for tea this week as I was curious, used to have cockles when I was a kid :) so sent hubby off for a jar from waitrose and was pleasantly surprised, they weren't chewy but soft and the bursts of vinegar in your mouth when eating the finished dish was surprisingly yummy, second portion I fridged overnight n nuked the next day and although not as saucey it was still delish, will definitely make again and it didn't make the kitchen smell of fish :)
got the ingredients for trying the fudge recipe next :)
Update
I made the fudge but did rum n raisins as the favouring but made mine on stove top, really yummy.
also made a version of her crumble using tinned apples from Morrison's and it was really nice, in all the years of making Apple crumble I've always used cooking apples so using tinned apple slices is a good quick hack. :)
also last night made the spicy rice and 2 bean soup, only I used the bag of 3 mixed peppers and an onion as they wanted using. I added extra water n extra paprika and was again pleasantly surprised how nice it was. had leftovers nuked for lunch today and it was more like a risotto, thick, filling, tasty n comforting on a very rainy day.
so all the recipes I've tried so far have been really great n there's still lots I want to try :)
June 5, 2019
So impressed with this cook book. Written in Jack's inimitable and endearing style it was intended to help those living on food bank parcels or with very limited budgets to create simple, nutritious meals in a short time and it does this beautifully. Pitched at the novice cook but in no way patronising for those with more experience it's a lovely read and I already know I'll be using this lots!
For me personally it hits another sweet spot though, and that's in spoonie friendly cookery. For those of us living chronic life, suffering from disability and severe fatigue cooking is a massive energy drain and often impossible. With rheumatoid arthritis in my hands food prep itself is a challenge I could do without, even with years of experience as a chef.
As someone who's spent years 'cooking from scratch' it's been a big adjustment to buy pre-prepped food without losing control over what's in it (see ready meals - useful but not every day!). So discovering Jack on Twitter a couple of years ago felt like fate was smiling. I now happily eat tinned potatoes, olives, mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, fruit, along with frozen peppers, stir fry veg, and spinach. Often cheaper, nutritionally sound and so easy as it's already peeled \chopped\sliced and often partially cooked, it's helped me cut down on wastage and save pennies! I also make my own wholemeal seeded bread and pizza bases - with a stand mixer and a slow cooker bread is an effortless wonder.
Additionally as I've followed Jack's books and picked up more of her vegetarian recipes I'm only eating meat a couple of times a week, good for the environment and my budget! Highly recommend this, a fabulous variety of breakfasts, breads, soups, meat and vegetarian main courses, plus desserts will not leave anyone wanting for variety.
For me personally it hits another sweet spot though, and that's in spoonie friendly cookery. For those of us living chronic life, suffering from disability and severe fatigue cooking is a massive energy drain and often impossible. With rheumatoid arthritis in my hands food prep itself is a challenge I could do without, even with years of experience as a chef.
As someone who's spent years 'cooking from scratch' it's been a big adjustment to buy pre-prepped food without losing control over what's in it (see ready meals - useful but not every day!). So discovering Jack on Twitter a couple of years ago felt like fate was smiling. I now happily eat tinned potatoes, olives, mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, fruit, along with frozen peppers, stir fry veg, and spinach. Often cheaper, nutritionally sound and so easy as it's already peeled \chopped\sliced and often partially cooked, it's helped me cut down on wastage and save pennies! I also make my own wholemeal seeded bread and pizza bases - with a stand mixer and a slow cooker bread is an effortless wonder.
Additionally as I've followed Jack's books and picked up more of her vegetarian recipes I'm only eating meat a couple of times a week, good for the environment and my budget! Highly recommend this, a fabulous variety of breakfasts, breads, soups, meat and vegetarian main courses, plus desserts will not leave anyone wanting for variety.
April 22, 2020
Interesting ideas
There’s definitely some interesting recipes in this book although some of them sound quite bizarre.
Most recipes use only a few ingredients and seem pretty straightforward to make.
If only this book had some colour photos it would be much better,there’s no photos of the food only some useless pencil sketches.
There’s definitely some interesting recipes in this book although some of them sound quite bizarre.
Most recipes use only a few ingredients and seem pretty straightforward to make.
If only this book had some colour photos it would be much better,there’s no photos of the food only some useless pencil sketches.
April 21, 2020
Not for me
Sorry to say I don’t think I will be cooking any of the savoury dishes but the desserts look good
Sorry to say I don’t think I will be cooking any of the savoury dishes but the desserts look good
March 3, 2020
One should seek balance in all things, so I figured that I indulge in enough fancy, rare ingredient, food porn cookbooks that I ought to try something that’s the opposite. Get a couple cheap recipes into the rotation. The ones that are bean/lentil based seem pretty solid, though some from the meat chapter seem dicey as Hell; in other words, some good inexpensive vegetarian/vegan recipes in here.
February 28, 2020
Great recipes and would love to try but...
I am in the U.S. and can't quite figure out our canned equivalent to some of the ingredients. I wish she had the measurements and possible substitutions for this audience. Otherwise excellent concept of a cookbook. I heartily agree that canned goods are not evil, especially with today's technology. And they don't have to be fancy smancy brands either. Thank you for the fantastic ideas!
I am in the U.S. and can't quite figure out our canned equivalent to some of the ingredients. I wish she had the measurements and possible substitutions for this audience. Otherwise excellent concept of a cookbook. I heartily agree that canned goods are not evil, especially with today's technology. And they don't have to be fancy smancy brands either. Thank you for the fantastic ideas!
May 31, 2019
Chef and writer Jack Monroe has written a book for food bank users, to create simple, delicious, nutritious meals from canned vegetables and meat, mainly cooked in one pot on a hob. I’m sure its appeal will be much wider!
There are 75 recipes in this 150 page book, plus information on the nutritional content of the food in cans (‘Canspaining’). The recipes are split into sections (breakfast, soups, pasta, meat, puddings etc), and almost all recipes are quick and look very simple. Several are veggie or vegan, and as the ingredients are from cans there is no waste.
There are lots of useful hacks and tips (making chilli oil in a blender, cooking pasta in tinned soup), which makes it both incredibly inventive and fun, and perfect for less experienced cooks including kids and students.
An instant classic!
There are 75 recipes in this 150 page book, plus information on the nutritional content of the food in cans (‘Canspaining’). The recipes are split into sections (breakfast, soups, pasta, meat, puddings etc), and almost all recipes are quick and look very simple. Several are veggie or vegan, and as the ingredients are from cans there is no waste.
There are lots of useful hacks and tips (making chilli oil in a blender, cooking pasta in tinned soup), which makes it both incredibly inventive and fun, and perfect for less experienced cooks including kids and students.
An instant classic!
August 29, 2019
The first cookbook that I have read cover to cover, and so I am going to count it towards my goal for the year!
#TinCanCook includes plenty of ideas to jazz up your tinned food, interspersed with tips that I found super useful. I also valued the odd glimpses into Jack Monroe’s own experiences with depression and struggling to make ends meet.
I love that this book has been produced without the hardcover and glossy photographs that usually hike the price up. At £6.99 RRP it’s a much lower price in comparison to most other food publishing.
Perfect for people in need of inspiration at minimal cost or time - this book would also make a great donation to Food Banks.
If you don’t already follow Jack Monroe on Twitter, then you really should! @bootstrapcook
#TinCanCook includes plenty of ideas to jazz up your tinned food, interspersed with tips that I found super useful. I also valued the odd glimpses into Jack Monroe’s own experiences with depression and struggling to make ends meet.
I love that this book has been produced without the hardcover and glossy photographs that usually hike the price up. At £6.99 RRP it’s a much lower price in comparison to most other food publishing.
Perfect for people in need of inspiration at minimal cost or time - this book would also make a great donation to Food Banks.
If you don’t already follow Jack Monroe on Twitter, then you really should! @bootstrapcook
May 31, 2019
Not quite what I was expecting compared to Monroe other books but I'm looking forwards to cooking some of these recipes.
The recipes are written in Jack's recognisable style and takes everyone back to the basics of cookery. I think it's designed for people who can't cook at all, which is brilliant as so many people struggle to put a balanced meal together let alone create one on a small budget or with the long life food given out in food parcels.
The concept of this book is amazing and I love that so many of these books (and so many cans of food that Monroe has organised) are being donated to food banks all over the country.
The recipes are written in Jack's recognisable style and takes everyone back to the basics of cookery. I think it's designed for people who can't cook at all, which is brilliant as so many people struggle to put a balanced meal together let alone create one on a small budget or with the long life food given out in food parcels.
The concept of this book is amazing and I love that so many of these books (and so many cans of food that Monroe has organised) are being donated to food banks all over the country.
June 24, 2019
It often feels frustrating that foodbanks have to specify non-perishable donations but Jack Monroe, erstwhile Foodbank recipient, has taken a sow's ear and made a silk purse from it that will be useable by all kinds of people. The dishes are filling, interesting and on the whole healthy (certainly no less healthy for being based around tins I've not hung onto this book because the book has been designed to be cheap to buy and buy it I shall.
May 30, 2019
I was greatly excited about this book - not least because Brexit is causing me massive worry! It’s not my favourite of Jacks BUT for those of us living off food banks or living off store cupboard items post brexit or even whilst unwell and unable to work - this will be a lifesaver. I’ll be using this to top up my own storecupboard and will be donating several copies to my local food bank!
May 31, 2019
Tin can cook
We all have those random tins in our cupboards or keep bypassing those tins of coconut milk or tinned vegetables. This book I was a little dubious about but found myself bookmarking things I wouldn’t of thought of. Great imagination and thought has gone into this. Will be trying out many recipes in this book even though I’m usually a more from scratch cook.
We all have those random tins in our cupboards or keep bypassing those tins of coconut milk or tinned vegetables. This book I was a little dubious about but found myself bookmarking things I wouldn’t of thought of. Great imagination and thought has gone into this. Will be trying out many recipes in this book even though I’m usually a more from scratch cook.
May 31, 2019
I love Jack
Put food snobbery aside. Get past any prejudices you may have regarding canned food, and try these recipes. You will have an epiphany (and more money in your pocket). That's got to be worth the meagre price of this book. You'll love it, promise!
Put food snobbery aside. Get past any prejudices you may have regarding canned food, and try these recipes. You will have an epiphany (and more money in your pocket). That's got to be worth the meagre price of this book. You'll love it, promise!
June 1, 2019
This is a small book that packs a punch. Don’t be deceived by the frugal paper and lack of images, the recipes are practical, well written, and enticing. The variety and creativity is astonishing. I like to ‘read’ cookbooks as well as cook from them, this delivers on all counts!
June 2, 2019
I really love the purpose of this book and regardless of our circumstances I'm pretty sure we've all got a tin of something in a cupboard we don't know what to do with. I found lots of recipe inspiration, particularly a couple which I think will become a staple part of my repertoire at home.
August 3, 2020
Would not categorize this as a ''cookbook''. There is no cooking involved. Just dump various canned food into pot and heat. The combinations sound quite unappetizing. No photos of what any of the dishes are supposed to look like.
July 22, 2019
Has become my frugal recipe bible, with a huge selection of vegan-friendly or vegan-adaptable recipes, which are delicious and so inexpensive to make.
April 1, 2020
I'm a huge fan of the author; the book didn't disappoint, & our local food bank were pleased with their copy, too!
February 25, 2020
A good idea but the recipe I tried did not come up to the review given by Jack in the book - it was disgusting!
March 15, 2022
Long live the tin !!! First came across Jack Monroe on BBC Food Programme podcast episode “Yes We Can” back in 2020 and found it fascinating how over the years I’d absorbed so much misinformation surrounding tinned food about its nutritional value / taste etc. Our relationship with tinned food is in complete contrast with e.g. Spain where it’s treated as high quality / luxury - why??
Also, so many vegan recipes in this, buzzin to try all of these:
Roasted tomato, white bean & mandarin soup
White bean, spinach & garlic soup
Black bean daal
Chilli roasted chickpeas
Black bean & peanut stew
Red lentil & mandarin curry
Patatas bravas
🥫🥫🥫
Also, so many vegan recipes in this, buzzin to try all of these:
Roasted tomato, white bean & mandarin soup
White bean, spinach & garlic soup
Black bean daal
Chilli roasted chickpeas
Black bean & peanut stew
Red lentil & mandarin curry
Patatas bravas
🥫🥫🥫
August 16, 2019
Some interesting ideas
When I saw this book I was already the proud owner of one of Jack Monroe's previous books. I love her creativity and inventiveness to turn unappealing or limited ingredients into delicious recipes. This book is a great addition to her collection of cookbooks, and I can definitely see why she was inspired to write it but there are not many recipes that appeal to me personally or inspire me to try them, especially since I don't eat fish. The information at the beginning of the book about the different nutrients in tinned food was really interesting.
When I saw this book I was already the proud owner of one of Jack Monroe's previous books. I love her creativity and inventiveness to turn unappealing or limited ingredients into delicious recipes. This book is a great addition to her collection of cookbooks, and I can definitely see why she was inspired to write it but there are not many recipes that appeal to me personally or inspire me to try them, especially since I don't eat fish. The information at the beginning of the book about the different nutrients in tinned food was really interesting.
October 12, 2019
Useful, mainly uses tins so you could always rustle something up from this if you keep your store cupboard ready for emergencies, and nothing depends on a supply of fresh fruit and veg. It's not all vegetarian, and while I'm also not a vegetarian there's something quite unappealing to me about the idea of tinned meat or seafood (especially when she suggests rinsing off whatever sauce it has been cooked in) so I probably won't follow her down that path, but the recipes using beans, tomatoes and tinned veg look interesting. Good index.
April 13, 2020
Excellent, practical and tasty tin-can cookery
if you need to live on tinned food, this could be a lifesaver of a cookbook. If you don’t, it’s an informative, chatty and fun romp around the kitchen cupboard, mashing up canned combinations that work. I enjoyed the chatty style, humour and straight-talking. Worth a punt of anyone’s money, even if you only ever us3 a handful of the recipes.
if you need to live on tinned food, this could be a lifesaver of a cookbook. If you don’t, it’s an informative, chatty and fun romp around the kitchen cupboard, mashing up canned combinations that work. I enjoyed the chatty style, humour and straight-talking. Worth a punt of anyone’s money, even if you only ever us3 a handful of the recipes.
July 4, 2020
brilliant recipes and I love the theme. I'm wanting to try to reply less on fresh foods as you can't tell what is going to happen, we saw that at the start of COVID
I was a little disappointed by some of the recipes for things like soup and beans. It seems like your going through all that effort to recreate what you had from the start
I have over 20 recipes bookmarked so far and that's just to start with. I can't wait to get cooking
I was a little disappointed by some of the recipes for things like soup and beans. It seems like your going through all that effort to recreate what you had from the start
I have over 20 recipes bookmarked so far and that's just to start with. I can't wait to get cooking
January 17, 2024
Got this for Christmas 2023. A lot of really great recipes here, with easy to get ingredients and fun ideas. I really loved that she pointed out a lot of easy substitution or addition ideas, such as using baked beans in the place of fancier and harder to get beans (I always have baked beans in my cupboard! That's a brilliant idea!) I've already cooked something from it - the goulash, 5/5 - and have turned down a lot of recipe ideas.
May 8, 2021
This is a great budget book, I prefer a larger format and pictures but I appreciate this book serves its purpose. This book lead to me trying tinned stewed steak for the first time and it did taste like dog food. There are plenty of vegetarian recipes though. Must admit I don't turn to this book regularly but a few recipes are useful for camping like the potatas bravas and pasta ones.
August 1, 2021
A different take on the everyday of cooking. Really good if you are on a limited budget in that it helps you to cook simple, tasty food.
On the other hand, it is worthwhile and interesting to read through, looking at recipes for ideas and things you haven't thought about before.
A good source-book and one that will stay on the bookshelf. Good, simple approach to cooking.
On the other hand, it is worthwhile and interesting to read through, looking at recipes for ideas and things you haven't thought about before.
A good source-book and one that will stay on the bookshelf. Good, simple approach to cooking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews