As the Coronavirus pandemic takes hold in the UK, the prospect of self-isolation draws nearer.
During this difficult time, many people may find themselves unable to go to work or school and be stuck at home.
But do not worry, even if the shelves are empty and you have no idea what to cook, we have put together a list of seven recipes you can make from just 15 ingredients so you will never struggle for a meal.
Below is your essential shopping list to keep you stocked up and not eating the same meal for weeks on end:
- Pasta
- Mince (vegetarian is necessary)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Rice
- Chicken (or chicken alternative)
- Oats
- Tuna
- Olive oil
- Dark chocolate
- Carrots
- Natural yoghurt
- Tinned beans
- Onions
Here are seven very simple ideas that do not require much effort, so you will have plenty of time to carry on with all that admin work are making you do!
- Tuna pasta or tuna jacket potato
A classic meal that makes the perfect light lunch.
Either one will keep you going until dinner time.
Instead of using mayonnaise, or a creamy sauce, natural yoghurt is a great healthy alternative and can be used in many other recipes.
Alternatively, use beans instead of tuna for that classic jacket.
2. (Pasta of your choice) Bolognese
To make the perfect bolognese, all you need is some peppers, onions, mince, tinned tomatoes and dark chocolate (yes, you did read that correctly).
Bolognese sauces can be expensive and making your own is much healthier anyway.
- Cook the mince in a pan of olive oil with the onions and peppers
- Once the vegetables are soft, add in the tinned tomatoes and two squares of dark chocolate- this gives it extra flavour with minimal ingredients
- For best results, leave to simmer for 30 minutes before cooking your pasta
3. Shepherd’s pie
Using the same method to make your bolognese, use this as the base of your pie.
If you are feeling adventurous, add chopped carrots and baked beans to the other vegetables.
- Whilst the mince and veg and frying, boil your potatoes for 15 minutes, then mash with a spoonful of natural yoghurt
- Place mince mixture into a Pyrex dish, spreading potatoes on top
- Be sure to mark a pattern onto the top of the potato to crisp up
- Bake for 20 minutes
4. Chicken paellaÂ
Using just your shopping list above, this paella is straightforward and effortless.
If you happen to have a few spices lying around the house, feel free to add as you please – if not, that is where the dark chocolate comes in handy!
- Begin by frying your onions in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil
- Boil your rice in hot water then, once soft, add to the frying pan
- In a separate pan fry your chicken until golden brown
- Add the chicken to the onions and rice, with a dollop of natural yoghurt
- Use two squares of dark chocolate for the final touch
- Serve while hot
5. Overnight breakfast oats
One of the simplest recipes out there – requiring just two ingredients.
- Weigh out your oats and add double the amount of water in millilitres
- Leave to soak overnight and voila!
For breakfast options, add some natural yoghurt and grate some dark chocolate on top.
6. Chicken potato bakeÂ
This recipe is made up of all the basic ingredients you have always had in your kitchen, but never thought to combine.
- Chops your potatoes into small cubes (or as close as you get to a cube shape), leaving the skin on for flavour and goodness
- Mix with olive oil and natural yoghurt, then bake in a dish for 10 minutes
- Add your chicken on top, spreading evenly in the tray, and adding a dash of olive oil and seasoning
- Bake for 25 minutes
7. Three-step pepper pasta
This last meal is simplicity at its finest, with humble ingredients that make a hearty meal.
All you need are peppers, onions, pasta of your choice, olive oil and tinned tomatoes.
- As you would expect, fry your chopped peppers and onions with the tomatoes in a teaspoon of olive oil
- Boil your pasta
- Drain and mix!
