Whether you’re counting down the days until payday, don’t want to brave the cold and head to the supermarket or simply can’t stand waste, there are myriad reasons why you might be raiding the veggie crisper and cobbling together a meal out of seemingly nothing. If your apples are looking a little sad, or you’re not sure what to do with the half jar of curry paste rattling around, we’ve rounded up some of our absolute favourite bottom-of-the-fridge meals for your mid-week dinner inspiration.

Cavolo nero and cannellini bean soup with parsley salsa

Credit: Mark Roper

Nourishing, warming, and full of flavour – Georgie Esdaile’s supergreens and bean soup is everything comfort cooking should be.

Matt Preston's brinjal and banana skin curry

Matt Preston’s quest to find the best use for banana peels comes to a conclusion with this minimal waste curry.

Palisa Anderson's upside-down apple hazelnut butter cake with ice cream

Palisa puts a modern Tassie twist on a retro cake classic.

Sticky caramel apple scones

These sweet scones hero a classic flavour pairing worth bobbing for - caramel and apple!

Cider-glazed apple galette

Georgina Esdaile shares this crispy classic from France. It's layered, but not complicated!

Cabbage curry noodles

“Trust the amount of cabbage here - similar to spinach, it shrinks and wilts to half its size. Big shout out to the eggyness of the noods: not only does it give a great chew, it takes on the curry vibe like a champ.” – Sam Parish

Green curry chicken meatballs with rice noodles

Matt Preston gives green curry a family-friendly makeover with tasty chicken meatballs and rice noodles.

Beetroot and cashew dumplings with tomato coconut curry

“Great produce and flavours but simple cooking – that’s what makes for a successful dinner.”

Minestrone verde with poached fish and salmoriglio (herb sauce)

"This features a super-simple poaching technique that is a great way to try different seasonal fish. You could also keep this soup vegetarian by leaving out the seafood and serving it topped with grated parmesan."

Minestrone with sausage, beans and cavolo nero

“I used pork and fennel sausages, but any Italian-style pork sausages would work just as well." – Silvia Colloca

No-waste minestrone

It's all about no-waste with maximum taste.

Ribollita (bread soup) with crunchy croutons

Hearty and rich, this nourishing one-pot soup will keep you going through the chilliest days.

Garlic and parmesan potato soup

“You know those viral TikTok parmesan potatoes that had a moment? Well, consider this those flavoursome beauties in soup form. Simply roast the veg, then add stock and sour cream to the pan before blending with a stick blender to a silky smooth soup. One pot, maximum flavour!” – Emma Knowles