COOKING IN THE COVID-19 KITCHEN

How to make the most of what your already have in the cupboard, fridge

Rachel Kuntz

More stories from Rachel Kuntz

Rachel Kuntz

No need to hoard cans of soup from the store when you can make it at home.

Many people are rushing to empty out grocery stores and supermarkets, leaving some with a limited amount of food. 
If you have to self-quarantine at home due to Coronavirus/ COVID-19 and can’t access a grocery store, don’t forget about the items you already have at home.
Here are a few minimum-ingredient, quick and easy ‘Rona ideas , to avoid the grocery store visits:

  • Tomato soup:

No need to hoard cans of soup from the store when you can make it at home. Just add milk or water … and Ritz crackers or Goldfish.

  • Sandwiches

Just replace the bread with the tortillas or bagels.

  • Stir fry vegetables

Don’t let your vegetables go bad and use the carrots, string beans, broccoli, peppers, etc., to create a sauteed mixture with some seasoning. You can even add chicken or beef as well. 

  • Chicken and waffles

No need to call Colonel Sanders; avoid the KFC trip and make it at home. Your bank account will thank you later.

  • Fried rice

Remember when you had to put that bag of frozen vegetables on your head after you hurt yourself? Take it out of the freezer and add the cooked vegetables to the rice in the back of the cupboard or pantry.

  • Chicken

Chicken is pretty versatile; you can roast, fry, grill, bake, broil, etc. This is a perfect opportunity to try out different ways to season it and spice up your meals in the future.

  • Potatoes

Like chicken, potatoes are versatile in what you can do with them, so try something new. Make your own hash browns. Like Samwise Gamche says, “Mash ‘em, boil ‘em … put ‘em in a stew.”

  • Beef stew

Ingredients in a stew can include any combination of vegetables and may include meat, especially tougher meats suitable for slow-cooking.

  • Spaghetti 

Spaghetti sauce can be easily prepared as long as you have the pasta at home. Even if you don’t have sauce, boil that salt water, strain, add butter or olive oil and little salt and grated parmesan. 

  • Chef salad

Whip up this salad consisting of hard-boiled eggs, varieties of meat, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and tossed lettuce or other leafy greens.