What a year. So far 2020 has brought a lot of hardship and has found people trapped at home almost full time. Though a lot of countries are doing well at holding off a second wave of the virus, many are heading into the colder months. And that means bracing all over again for potential lockdowns and quarantines. In the spring when Ontario went into lockdown, I had a lot of chats with friends about not knowing what to cook with the ingredients they had in their homes. So I started making recipes based on what different friends and family had in their house. I decided to collect some of the favourites here in a list. Here are 12 Easy Quarantine recipes. (That I hope you won’t be stuck inside eating for too much longer.)
1. The Easiest No Knead Bread
So this one is an older recipe, but honestly, a lot of people were requesting an easy bread recipe for their quarantine. And this one is literally one of the easiest I’ve ever made. It takes a bowl, some plastic wrap, over night waiting time, and very little skill. Don’t let yourself be lacking bread!
2. Roasted Veggie & Chicken Wrap
These pitas have a couple different parts, but none are tricky. And if you are stuck at home anyway, then why not build yourself a fun lunch. There are instructions for making your own pitas, but of course if you have pitas in your house or in your grocery delivery then just use those!
3. Chipotle Chicken Pizza
Nothing says staying home and eating comfort food like pizza. Easy pizza dough, shredded chicken, smokey cheese and spicy chipotle tomato sauce. This one is a winner. If you’re up for mutli day pizza eating, then just double the dough recipe and keep the extra in the fridge or freezer. It ages super well and becomes better after a day or two in the fridge. Perfect for quarantine!
4. Rice & Lentil Salad
I know at the beginning of quarantine in the spring I needed something filling that needed very little effort. Being stressed and tired means you don’t want to be creative but you still want a tasty meal. This salad is all of that. This can be as simple as canned lentils and minute rice, and you’ve got yourself a winning meal.
5. Fudgy Chocoholic Cake
Everyone needs a sweet treat for their stay at home time. And bonus, if you’re gluten free and are craving sweetness, then this cake is the one for you. I’m a sucker for a super fudgy chocolate cake.
6. Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is always a winner. And if you’re reading this right at the end of the gardening season, you are almost guaranteed to have found at least one jumbo zuke that was hidden underneath all the leaves. As, of course, is tradition. Don’t worry if you don’t have Einkorn flour, you can use fully white flour and it’s just as yummy.
7. Jammy Oatmeal Crumble Bars
This one is a real winner. We ate this multiple times this spring and summer. It works as a wort of cookie bar but also as a dessert with a big scoop of ice cream. Use whatever jam you have in the fridge and Enjoy!
8. Spicy Maple Brussels Sprouts
I love Brussels Sprouts, and something about adding a bit of sweet & spicy really makes them awesome. Our favourite for these to go along side was either BBQ or Roasted chicken. But I definitely had a few big bowls for lunches through the spring.
9. Balsamic Roasted Roots
Not only is this quarantine recipe really yummy, but it also happens to be root vegetable season! Honestly, there’s something about a great side dish that just makes me so happy. If I’m stuck for time, or just don’t have the energy, I can throw something like this together and add a simple protein for a full meal.
10. Bean & Mushroom Burger
I had to add one to this list for all my vegetarian friends. I love a good veggie burger, and this one is a great one to try if you’re new to making your own. Also if you’re like me, your digestion will appreciate this one. Easy on the tummy and super filling, perfect comfort food.
11. Chocolate Chili
It’s also chili season! Chili = Comfort Food. Chocolate = Comfort Food. This recipe basically = The ultimate comfort food! Sweet and Spicy, rich and filling. Using Hummingbird Chocolate and Stalwart Brewery Beer. There’s not much more I need to say about this one. It’s chocolate chili for goodness sake!
12. French Style Peas
This recipe was the one recipe I did just for me. I love mushrooms and peas so much, and it is just a comforting dish for me. It might not be the season for peas anymore, but I have made this with canned peas, as well as frozen peas. Always with great success.
I hope you get some good ideas from this list and that you aren’t in lock down for too long. Let me know which one of these was your favourite! Stay Safe. Wash Your Hands. Wear a Mask. Eat Good Food. <3
LizaLeigh
