[dropcap]G[/dropcap]iven the current state of emergency, it is likely that most of you are staying home in self-isolation. Unfortunately, this is not a choice but a mandatory thing to do. The good news is that most of you will end up with plenty of spare time on hand during the lockdown.
Also, with a full stockpile of fresh and canned ingredients, it is a good time to learn some simple and basic recipes. And I am not referring to anything complicated here, but something more in line to manage your ultimate staycation.
In this article, I will share with you some of the simplest recipes you can make using basic pantry staples. Because a lot of our teen girl audience are in self-isolation right now and are trying to figure out what to eat, we decided to share with you three simple and quick recipes you can make with pantry ingredients. These recipes require no cooking skills and only a few basic kitchen ingredients that everyone already has.
Oven-Baked Potatoes
Vegetables are the absolute essentials as they can last for a while, and easy to incorporate and serve with other meals. Potatoes, if properly stored, can last for up to 3-4 weeks. Not only can they last long, but they are also easy to prepare and super delicious.
For this recipe you will the following ingredients:
A few medium to large russet potatoes
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 tablespoons sea salt
Directions:
As you can see, to make the Best Oven Baked Potatoes, you only need a few ingredients. Start by washing the potatoes and giving them a nice rub, to remove any dirt from them. Then, pat the potatoes dry using a paper towel. After, just rub some olive oil over them, and sprinkle with some salt. Place them on a baking sheet, and bake for about 45 minutes at 425 degrees F.
You can serve them with your favorite dressing, such as ranch, sour cream, or topped with bacon. Additionally, this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for days to come. It is a perfect side dish to pair with various meats, and rich in fiber.
Homemade Classic Chili
Probably the most important items in any food pantry are herbs, pasta, and beans. You can always find canned beans in the kitchen pantry. Beans are essential for everyone’s diet, have plenty of proteins, and very affordable. Fortunately, there are plenty of recipes that you can make with them. One of our favorite recipes that we make over and over is this classic chili.
Ingredients needed:
Some olive oil
1 onion
Garlic (optional)
1 pound lean ground beef (also optional, as this recipe can be made without any meat)
Various herbs (chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt)
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
1 red bell pepper
1 can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can of pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1/2 cup canned sweet corn (rinsed and drained)
Directions:
Start by adding some olive oil to a pot. Over medium heat, sauté some chopped onions for about 5 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and brown it as well for another 5-7 minutes. Please note, the ground beef is optional and can be skipped, especially if you are interested in a vegetarian version. Once the meat has browned, add the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and the seasonings. Stir well, and add then add the sweet corn, bell pepper, broth, and the canned beans. Simmer for 25 minutes, and you are done!
This recipe might sound complicated, but it is truly very easy and quick to prepare. Feel free to top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Also, if you have a slow cooker, you can easily make slow cooker chili. Simply dump the ingredients in the pot, and cook it on LOW for 6 hours.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that is super easy to make. I am guessing most of you have some chicken breasts in the fridge or freezer, and some rice in the pantry. If you do not have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on a stove. However, making it in the crockpot is the easiest way, as you simply dump the ingredients in the pot and let it cook on LOW. Also, the flavor is amazing and is perfect to feed the whole family.
Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Skinless and boneless chicken breasts (but you can also use thighs, or drumsticks)
1 1/2 cup long grain brown rice or white rice
1 onion (diced)
3 cloves of minced garlic (optional)
Herbs (such as dried basil, oregano, parsley flakes, salt and pepper)
3 cups chicken broth (veggie or beef broth will work as well)
2 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
Directions:
First, brown the chicken breast on a skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step is not mandatory, and can be skipped. However, it adds extra flavor to the meat. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, and stir to combine. Then, add on top the chicken breasts. Cover the lid, and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of delicious and easy recipes you can make at home during self-isolation! Also, they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for days to come. We hope you can give them a try, and add these recipes to your rotational meals.
