By Abby Ng
Most cafes and restaurants are closed under the enhanced community quarantine, which means a break from brunches, spontaneous lunches, or happy hours with friends. You might find yourself craving a lot of different meals and snacks during this time. So here are 13 simple recipes that require ingredients already on hand to satisfy your cravings and make quarantine much more bearable. There’s a good mix of sweet and savory recipes to make your cooking experience much more fun. You can prepare these meals with your family and add your own personal touch!
Honey Garlic Chicken
You can opt for chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe, depending on your personal preference. The best part of this recipe is that the sauce only needs five simple ingredients to make. You only need honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and garlic and you’re good to go!
Tip: Chicken breasts have less fat and more protein!
Find the full recipe here (https://cafedelites.com/easy-honey-garlic-chicken/)
Taco Salad
This mouthwatering recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. You only need ground beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cheese, and the fruit of your choice. The recipe below makes four servings so it’s perfect for you and your family!
Tip: You can add corn kernels, tortilla chips, or Doritos to your salad!
Find the full recipe here (https://www.saltandlavender.com/low-carb-taco-salad-recipe/)
Potato Mojos
Who doesn’t love Shakey’s classic potato mojos? Since all Shakey’s branches in Metro Manila are closed, might as well try and recreate it! This is surprisingly easy to make, with only potatoes, fried chicken breading mix, eggs, oil, and ranch dressing as its ingredients. You can make your own homemade ranch dressing or opt for another dip you may like better.
Tip: You can also make homemade honey mustard and cheddar cheese sauces! Maybe consider gravy too?
Find the full recipe here (https://www.pepper.ph/food-hack-shakeys-mojos-3/)
Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Here’s a recipe for those who want to kick things up a notch. Aside from your bacon, spinach, and chicken, you will need some mozzarella, cream cheese, and chopped artichokes. This could just be a new family favorite!
Tip: Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
Find the full recipe here (https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a30982780/bacon-and-spinach-stuffed-chicken-recipe/)
Tofu Pad Thai
This is a recipe you didn’t think you needed until now! For this vegan-friendly recipe, your main ingredients will be tofu, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and some chopped peanuts to make the dish feel closer to home. The remaining ingredients are simple and probably in your pantry already!
Tip: Share this with meat lover members of the family so they can appreciate vegan food too!
Find the full recipe here (https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/easy/a48188/tofu-pad-thai-recipe/)
Pork Braised in Sweet Soy Sauce
This might just be one of the easiest recipes yet. This recipe is simple and can easily be a staple at home, only needing pork loin, oil, soy sauce, sugar, and some green onions to complete the dish!
Tip: Add some chili garlic oil for some additional flavor.
Find the full recipe here (https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/braised-pork-in-sweet-soy-sauce/)
Pesto Pasta (Vegan-friendly)
This recipe adds a twist to the classic pesto pasta. You will be adding some corn, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, making it packed with nutrients without skimping on taste. What makes it even better is that it’s vegan-friendly!
Tip: Feel free to explore other vegetables you think would go well with the dish.
Find the full recipe here (https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19636089/creamy-tuscan-chicken-recipe/)
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Pepperoni pizza has been a crowd favorite for the longest time. I mean, who doesn’t love a good pizza at home? This recipe makes it more fun by turning them into easy to eat pizza rolls, using pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, butter, and garnish that are either in your pantry or easy to find!
Tip: Use marinara sauce or tomato salsa as a dip!
Find the full recipe here (https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pepperoni-pizza-rolls/)
Ravioli Lasagna
Here’s another pasta recipe you definitely would not want to miss out on. Your main ingredients will be ground beef, whole milk ricotta, frozen cheese ravioli, and mozzarella, with some additional seasoning. This is definitely a fun take on lasagna!
Tip: You can substitute beef for pork.
Find the full recipe here (https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a52150/ravioli-lasagna-recipe/)
Overnight oats
Overnight oats are one of the most versatile recipes that are perfect for breakfast, merienda, and even a midnight snack if you want! There are so many ways to make them, and you can add pretty much anything you like to make it your own. You will just be needing rolled oats, milk, and your choice of fruit and sweetener.
Tip: Honey, Milo powder, and peanut butter are recommended sweeteners!
Find the full recipe here (https://wholefully.com/8-classic-overnight-oats-recipes-you-should-try/)
Homemade Turon
Turon is a Filipino favorite and probably something we should all learn to make. You only need your ripe saba bananas, lumpia wrapper, and brown sugar then you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon with this sweet treat!
Tip: You can add some sliced jackfruit.
Find the full recipe here (https://panlasangpinoy.com/turon/)
Cinnamon Pretzel Bites
If you want a snack or some dessert with just the right amount of sweetness, you should give this pretzel recipe a try! This one makes 60-72 bites in one go. You will be needing instant yeast, brown sugar, flour, butter, baking soda, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. There is also a cream cheese dip in the link below that goes perfectly with the pretzels!
Tip: Caramel sauce is great for this too!
Find the full recipe here (https://lmld.org/cinnamon-sugar-soft-pretzel-bites/)
Mug cake
Need something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Mug cakes are easy, microwavable treats that do not disappoint. The options are so varied and the possibilities are endless with this one. The common ingredients are all purpose flour, baking powder, and oil. The rest are up to you! Here is a simple cookies and cream mug cake you can try at home.
Tip: There are egg-free recipes for vegans too. You can also use dairy-free chocolate and non-dairy milk!
Find the full recipe here (https://kirbiecravings.com/cookies-n-cream-mug-cake/)
