5 Easy Quarantine Recipes to Try at Home

With many of us staying at home due to quarantine, cooking at home has become more essential than ever. Cooking can be both therapeutic and a delightful way to explore new flavors and skills. Here are five simple recipes that you can try, ensuring that your quarantine time includes some culinary delights.

1. DIY Pizza Night

Pizza is universally loved and incredibly versatile. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade pizza:

• Dough: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
• Toppings: Your choice! Classic options include tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and anything else you love.

Steps:

1. Mix water, yeast, sugar, and oil in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add flour and salt, mix until dough forms.
3. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1-2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface, transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. Add sauce, toppings, and cheese. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden.

2. Quarantine Quiche

A quiche is an excellent way to use up leftovers and enjoy a light meal or snack:

• Ingredients: 1 pie crust, 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk or cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 cup of cooked vegetables or meat (like spinach, bacon, or mushrooms), salt, and pepper.

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pie crust in a pie dish.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add in your vegetables or meat.
3. Pour the mixture into the crust.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set. Let cool before serving.

3. Homemade Bread

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread filling your home:

• Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Steps:

1. Mix water, yeast, sugar, and oil in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add flour and salt. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1-2 hours.
4. Shape into a loaf, let rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

4. No-Bake Energy Bites

If you're looking for something quick and energy-boosting, these no-bake bites are perfect:

• Ingredients: 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of flaxseeds, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls. Store in the refrigerator.

5. Instant Pot Chili

For a comforting and hearty meal, an Instant Pot chili is a time-saver:

• Ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1 can each of kidney beans, black beans, and tomatoes (diced or crushed), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper.

Steps:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté, cook the meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add onions, garlic, and spices; cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, and enough water or broth to cover. Stir well.
4. Close lid, set to seal, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.

💡 Note: These recipes are flexible; adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand!

In these unique times, cooking at home can be a delightful way to pass the time and nurture your well-being. Whether it's mastering the art of homemade pizza or simply whipping up some energy bites, these recipes offer both simplicity and satisfaction. Remember, the key to culinary success in quarantine is flexibility with ingredients and an openness to try new methods. By exploring these easy-to-follow recipes, you're not just feeding your body, but also nourishing your soul with new experiences and perhaps even discovering new favorite dishes.

How can I ensure my pizza crust turns out crispy?

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Preheat your oven with a pizza stone if you have one, and make sure the dough is rolled out thin for a crispier base. Also, using a high oven temperature and a quick bake time helps.

Can I freeze these recipes for later?

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Yes, all of these recipes freeze well except for the no-bake energy bites which are best consumed fresh. Just wrap individual servings well and store in freezer-safe containers or bags.

What substitutes can I use for common ingredients not available?

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For eggs, consider using applesauce or mashed bananas in baking recipes. For bread flour, use all-purpose flour with a little added vital wheat gluten. Get creative with your pantry!