5 Easy COVID-Friendly Recipes for Home Cooks

The unprecedented times that the world is experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed many of us to rediscover the joys of home cooking. With social distancing measures in place, it has become essential to make meals at home not only as a way to save money but also to ensure safety. Here, we delve into five simple, yet delightful recipes that cater to the home cook looking for COVID-friendly meal ideas.

1. Avocado Quinoa Salad

This salad is perfect for those looking for a healthy and nutritious dish that can be prepared with minimal physical contact and ingredients that have a longer shelf life.

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: feta cheese or sunflower seeds for added flavor

How to Make:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. Mix cooled quinoa, avocados, black beans, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
3. Whisk lime juice with salt and pepper for the dressing, then pour over the salad and toss.
4. If desired, crumble feta cheese or sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for added texture.

🥑 Note: Remember to wash all produce thoroughly before use.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken and Potato Stew

This recipe is ideal for batch cooking, requiring minimal preparation and offering a comforting meal that can last several days.

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6-8 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. Add all ingredients into a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken with a fork before serving.

🍲 Note: Consider cooking larger batches to reduce the frequency of food handling.

3. Vegetarian Chili

A robust chili recipe that can be altered based on the ingredients available at home, promoting food conservation.

• 2 cans (15oz each) of kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients.
2. Simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.

4. Garlic Herb Roasted Chickpeas

This snack is not only delicious but also nutritious, promoting healthy eating and can be made in bulk for snacking over time.

• 2 cans (15oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with oil, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Coconut Lentil Soup

A heartwarming soup that uses ingredients with a longer shelf life, ideal for times when frequent grocery shopping is not an option.

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14oz) coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender, about 30-40 minutes.

In these trying times, making use of pantry staples and minimizing trips to the grocery store not only helps in maintaining social distancing but also encourages the use of items we already have at home. These recipes offer versatility, nutritional benefits, and the comfort of home-cooked meals.

The importance of careful food handling and preparation cannot be overstated during a global health crisis. By preparing meals at home, we reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Cooking in bulk also minimizes food waste, which is crucial when we aim to be as efficient and responsible as possible with our resources. Moreover, these meals are designed to be easily adapted to the ingredients on hand, promoting sustainable living and reducing the need for frequent grocery trips.

Each of these dishes promotes good health, affordability, and the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. As we navigate through this global challenge, let us do so with resilience, creativity, and a sense of togetherness, even as we cook apart.

Can I modify these recipes for allergies?

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Yes, absolutely. Substitute or omit ingredients based on dietary restrictions. For instance, replace chickpeas with another bean or lentils if you’re allergic to legumes.

How long can I store these dishes?

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Most of these recipes can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. The roasted chickpeas can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

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These recipes can be made kid-friendly by adjusting spice levels or incorporating familiar flavors and textures that children enjoy.

Can I use frozen produce?

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Frozen produce works well, especially in soups or dishes where the texture isn’t crucial. Just ensure they are thoroughly defrosted or added directly into boiling dishes.