Read Article
Easy and Healthy Recipes to Cook During Quarantine
- By Tina Montalbo
- Apr 03, 2020
- 0 Comments
Food has always given comfort to people. In these trying times and in this new normal, we are all in need of sustenance and relief. During this lockdown and quarantine, it is best to make the most of what you have in the kitchen and make sure that it lasts for as long as the quarantine does.
It is also advisable to eat healthy during this pandemic and keep ourselves strong. While getting ready for lockdown, for sure, you were able to pick up some canned goods and instant meals to be included in your pantry. Even with instant and canned meals, you can incorporate something healthy into your menu to balance it out.
Here are five easy recipes to follow which you can make with simple ingredients you already have. This is to lessen your burden of rushing to the supermarket often and risking being outside and getting the virus.
Let’s start with breakfast:
Photo credit: iStock
1. Luncheon meat Fred Rice (serves 2 to 3)
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of Canola oil, divided
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of 1-day old rice
- 1 small can Luncheon Meat, diced
Preparation
- Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a large skillet in medium heat
- Add eggs and cook until cooked through, 2-3 minutes, set aside
- Let it cool before dicing into small pieces
- Add remaining oil, add garlic and cook luncheon meat, stirring occasionally
- Add rice, toss to combine
- Stir in eggs
- Serve hot
For those who have active kids and who wants to go snacking all the time, here’s something fast, easy and popular with them:
2. Mac and cheese ( serves 4)
Ingredients
- 5 cups milk
- 500 gms/ 1 pack elbow macaroni, dry
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- You may sneak in 1 carrot, boiled and mashed for a healthier alternative
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil.
- Add the pasta and stir constantly until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, then add the cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
If you are working from home, here’s a quick dish you can make during lunch break:
Photo credit: RachaelRay.com
3. Teriyaki Chicken with a side of beans ( serves 4)
Ingredients
- 1 kilo chicken thigh fillet, sliced into chunks
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 kilo Baguio beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (a pinch each)
Preparation
- Sear the chicken thighs evenly in a pan, then turnover
- Add the soy sauce and brown sugar, stirring and bringing to a boil
- Stir until the sauce has reduced and evenly glazes the chicken
- Toss Baguio beans in olive oil, salt and pepper
- Bake Baguio beans in toaster for 15 minutes on high
- Serve with rice
At times, you may want to save gas and use some of your electric appliance to cook such as an oven toaster. Here’s a light healthy dish that is easy to do for dinner;
Photo credit: TasteOfHome.com
4. Toaster Cream Dory (serves 4)
Ingredients
- 3 pieces fillet cream dory
- 1 cup native tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Turn toaster and preheat on high for 10 minutes
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Top with tomatoes and garlic
- Place the fish on a baking dish greased with remaining olive oil. Bake in the oven toaster on high for 10 to 12 minutes or until fish is cooked through
- Serve with rice and steamed vegetables
Finally for dessert that is so easy, you don’t need to bake it.
Photo credit: TheUnlikelyBaker.com
5. Mango Fridge cake (serves 9)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cream
- 1 can condensed milk
- 11 large rectangular graham crackers
- 3 cups mangoes, chopped
Preparation
- Combine cream and condensed milk until thick
- Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream in a square glass baking dish
- Layer graham crackers on top, then cover with a layer of sweetened cream
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the mangoes on top, then layer with cream again
- Repeat steps 2 to 3 until no more ingredients remain. (The top layer should be mangoes and should not be covered with cream.)
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours
As the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pushes us to be inside our homes, make the most of this time to be with family. Embrace home-cooking and make each meal you create your own special way to bring love and comfort to your loved ones.
Share this article
Post A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.