This week is the first time in my life that I’ve gone to supermarkets and not been able to get all the things I wanted. It’s also the first time when I’ve worried about not being able to go out and buy essentials because we might find ourselves in lockdown or in self-isolation at some stage. I know I sound like a privileged twat, but it’s true. We live in a time where we usually have the choice to buy whatever we want, whenever we want.

So, like most people this week, I’ve delved deep inside my cupboards to have a look at what we’ve got in, in case of emergency. The thought of 14 days in isolation is far from ideal but is now a reality that many people are facing in these seriously strange times that we find ourselves in.

Despite the publicised panic buying and the resulting stripped supermarket shelves emptied of loo roll, flour, eggs, meats and tinned goods, I can’t imagine for one minute that most of us will go without much over the coming weeks if we’re sensible. Although we may have to seriously tighten our belts as work takes a nosedive. And we absolutely have to think of others. Leaving vulnerable or at-risk people and those providing vital services without basic provisions is not ok.

We may have to make do, we may have to work out a few simple ingredient swaps, and we may have to go without. In comparison to the global emergency, it’s the least of our worries, really.

I can understand why people are motivated to panic buy, even if it is misguided. We’re all anxious about the weeks ahead and want to have some control over it by making sure our immediate needs are met. It’s rational to want to stock up if we know that something is in short supply – and therefore we might not be able to get it. But stocking up is what’s making the supply short; it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You only need to go to supermarket at the moment to see this in action. It’s like Christmas Eve in an alternative dystopian reality. Shoppers have their trolleys piled up with all the necessities like loo roll alongside the “essentials” – a dozen Gu desserts and 10 packs of Lurpak Butter – whilst walking around decked out in PPE.

Local shops and businesses are coming to the rescue and rallying round, offering deliveries and pick up points for local suppliers.

The store cupboard is also our friend. That tin of chickpeas that’s hiding at the back, that half a packet of split lentils with the bag clip, even that tin of corned beef, it might just be their moment to shine. There are probably tonnes of meals we can rustle up with a few simple ingredients right from our kitchen cupboards.

I found an open pack of red lentils at the back of my cupboard, so I made some carrot and lentil soup. It’s a really basic recipe but did us for lunch for a couple of days.

Here’s how I made…

Spiced Carrot & Lentil Soup