If you find yourself in quarantine, cooking could be a delightful way to pass the time while also taking care of your culinary needs. Here are some top quarantine recipes to try that are not only delicious but also relatively simple with ingredients most likely available in your pantry or can be obtained with limited grocery runs.
Egg in a Mug
Are you craving a quick, filling breakfast or a snack that doesn't require a lot of kitchen time? Here's a straightforward recipe for an Egg in a Mug:
- 1 Egg
- 1-2 tbsp of Milk (or water for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional: Diced veggies, ham, or cheese
How to Make:
- Grease the inside of a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray or butter.
- Crack the egg into the mug and add milk, salt, and pepper. Beat it well with a fork.
- Stir in any optional ingredients like cheese or ham.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking after 1 minute, until the egg is set.
🥚 Note: Cooking times might vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Quarantine Ramen Upgrade
Ramen isn't just for college students anymore; with some simple additions, it can become a gourmet meal:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instant Ramen Pack | 1 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Frozen or Fresh Greens | A handful |
| Soy Sauce | 1-2 tbsp |
| Chili Oil or Sriracha | To taste |
| Green Onions (optional) | A few stalks |
Steps to Create:
- Prepare ramen according to package instructions but use only half the seasoning packet for less sodium.
- While the water is boiling, add the greens and cook until just wilted.
- Crack an egg into the boiling ramen water, cover, and let it poach until the white is set.
- Add soy sauce and chili oil, then garnish with green onions.
🍜 Note: You can also poach the egg separately if you prefer a firmer yolk.
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake
For a meal that's a bit more involved but results in a delightful comfort food, try this one-pan chicken and rice bake:
- 4 Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks
- 1 Cup Long Grain Rice
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Carrot, diced
- Salt, Pepper, and Herbs (e.g., thyme, paprika)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- In an oven-safe pan or skillet, heat olive oil, and brown the chicken on all sides.
- Remove chicken, add onion, garlic, and carrot, and cook until softened.
- Add rice, stirring to coat, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Nestle chicken back into the rice, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
🍗 Note: This dish works well with any cut of chicken, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Quarantine Banana Bread
With those ripe bananas you've been eyeing, make a loaf of comforting banana bread:
- 3 Very Ripe Bananas
- 1/3 Cup Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- Pinch of Salt
- 1.5 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- Optional: Nuts, Chocolate Chips
Recipe Guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
- Sift in baking soda, salt, and flour, then fold gently until combined.
- Add any optional ingredients.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
🍌 Note: For a healthier version, use half whole-wheat flour and reduce the sugar.
As we wrap up this culinary journey, remember that cooking during quarantine is not just about feeding yourself but also about finding joy and creativity in the kitchen. These quarantine recipes not only provide delicious meals and snacks but also engage your mind with straightforward yet interesting preparation methods. So, go ahead, grab your apron, and start cooking something delightful today.
Can these recipes be adapted for different dietary needs?
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Absolutely! Many of the ingredients in these recipes can be substituted to cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. For example, you can use dairy-free milk for the Egg in a Mug or chickpea flour for an egg-free version.
How can I make these recipes more nutritious?
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Adding more vegetables, using brown rice instead of white, or incorporating whole grain flour are great ways to boost the nutritional profile of these meals.
Can I make large batches of these recipes for future meals?
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Yes! Many of these recipes can be doubled or tripled for meal prep. Just be mindful of cooking times for larger portions and ensure you have adequate storage for leftovers.
