5 Easy Recipes to Combat COVID-19 Boredom

With many of us finding ourselves staying at home more due to the ongoing global health situation, it's not surprising that feelings of boredom can creep in. Cooking, however, offers a delightful escape, allowing you to engage your senses, learn something new, and keep busy while contributing positively to your health and that of your loved ones. Here are five easy recipes that not only fight boredom but can also boost your immune system, which is crucial during these times.

1. Immune-Boosting Soup

Starting with something warm and comforting, this soup is packed with ingredients known for their immune-boosting properties.

• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought, low-sodium)
• Vegetables: Garlic, onion, carrots, spinach, and kale
• Proteins: Lentils, chickpeas, or shredded chicken
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and turmeric
• Steps:
  1. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
  2. Add chopped vegetables and cook until they begin to soften.
  3. Stir in lentils, herbs, and spices, then pour in the broth.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add spinach in the last few minutes.
  5. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

💡 Note: For added nutrition, consider throwing in a handful of nuts or seeds towards the end of cooking for an extra crunch and boost of nutrients.

2. Citrus Burst Salad

This refreshing salad isn’t just about flavor; it’s about loading up on Vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system.

• Ingredients: Oranges, grapefruit, avocado, mixed greens, walnuts, feta cheese
• Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper
• Steps:
  1. Peel and slice citrus fruits, removing any pith.
  2. Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Arrange greens on a plate, top with citrus slices, avocado, walnuts, and feta.
  4. Drizzle with dressing, and enjoy immediately.

3. Powerhouse Smoothie

A smoothie that’s not only delicious but also packs a punch with antioxidants and vitamins.

• Ingredients: Spinach, kale, banana, ginger, blueberries, chia seeds, almond milk
• Steps:
  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Pour into a glass, and garnish with additional seeds or fruit if desired.

🥗 Note: For an extra immune boost, consider adding a teaspoon of raw, local honey to your smoothie, which is rich in antioxidants and can help with seasonal allergies.

4. Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herb

Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3s, which can help regulate immune function.

• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, garlic, dill, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  3. Mix minced garlic with olive oil and herbs, spread over salmon.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

5. Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a great way to incorporate protein-rich quinoa into your diet, enhancing your fiber and nutrient intake.

• Ingredients: Bell peppers, quinoa, spinach, feta cheese, walnuts, garlic, olive oil
• Steps:
  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, sauté garlic, then add spinach until wilted.
  3. Mix cooked quinoa with spinach, feta, and walnuts. Season to taste.
  4. Fill the hollowed-out peppers with the quinoa mixture.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender.

These recipes are designed to not only keep you occupied but also to boost your immune system. Engaging in cooking can be therapeutic, offering a way to combat boredom while also promoting health. Whether you're cooking alone or making these dishes for your family, they provide a sense of accomplishment, the joy of creation, and, importantly, a nutritious meal that can support your well-being during challenging times.

Can these recipes help in actually preventing COVID-19?

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These recipes focus on boosting overall health with ingredients known for their immune-supporting properties. While no food can prevent or cure diseases like COVID-19, a nutritious diet can help in maintaining a strong immune system, potentially making it harder for infections to take hold.

Are these recipes suitable for all dietary restrictions?

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Most of the recipes can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. For example, the soup can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. The smoothies and salads are inherently flexible in accommodating dietary restrictions. Always check ingredients for any allergens or dietary concerns before cooking.

Can these dishes be made in advance?

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Absolutely! The soup, salad, and stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance. The salmon is best cooked fresh, but all other dishes can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage, just heat or bring to room temperature before serving for best results.

What can I do if I don’t have some of the ingredients listed?

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Cooking is all about creativity and substitution. For instance, if you don’t have quinoa, you could use brown rice or couscous in the stuffed peppers. Feel free to substitute any vegetable or protein based on what you have at hand, keeping in mind the balance of flavors and textures.