Navigating Home Cooking During the Pandemic: My Food Choices and Recipes
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, many of us find ourselves spending more time at home than ever before. Restaurants are closed or operating at reduced capacity, which means that cooking has become an essential pastime and a way to nourish both body and soul. In this article, I will share the types of food I cook at home while navigating the challenges of social-distancing and the impact on my grocery shopping habits.
Adapting to a New Rhythm: My Weekly Menu
One of the biggest adjustments during the pandemic has been my increased involvement in home cooking. I now bake bread or make pizza 3-4 times a week. It feels therapeutic to knead and shape dough, knowing I’m preparing a wholesome meal for myself. On other days, I roast or spatchcock a whole chicken, either in pieces or whole. My favorite method is to grill it, making sure it’s crisp on the outside yet tender on the inside. To complement these protein-based dishes, I often make brown rice, whole grain couscous, or whole wheat pasta, which I find nutritious and satisfying.
Simple but Delicious Alternatives
While I enjoy preparing whole meals from scratch, there are times when I opt for convenience foods that are still healthy. During a particularly busy week, I rely on take-and-bake pizzas from Papa Murphy’s. These pizzas come in larger sizes and are designed to be made at home, making them perfect for extending a meal over a few days. Similarly, I have prepared baked chicken breasts with sides of rice or pasta, along with frozen vegetables. Another go-to is a skillet of fried potatoes, eggs, and cheese, which can be made quickly and requires minimal cleanup. Lately, I have been experimenting with salmon patties, which provide a nice change of pace and pack a seafood punch.
Grocery Shopping During the Pandemic
Living in a one-bedroom apartment, I aim to minimize trips to the store, which means making my grocery runs count. I have developed a routine to ensure I have enough supplies for weeks at a time. I have stocked up on instant oatmeal, which can be prepared quickly and easily, and frozen chimichangas before the pandemic, bringing back a comforting nostalgic feeling when I eat them now. Apples store well and have become a go-to snack, providing a refreshing alternative to more processed options. When I do venture to the store, my first stop is often Uwajimaya, the Asian grocery store close to my apartment. It is less busy and, more importantly, less crowded, which helps mitigate my exposure to viruses.
Quick and Healthy Meals
On days when I’m pressed for time, I often revert to simple and nutritious meals. Greek salad is a reliable choice that requires only a few store-bought ingredients. I also make a big salad with lots of yogurt and dairy products, such as pork chops, raisin bread, bananas, bok choy, and clementines. For those mornings when I need something quick, I turn to spinach, broccoli, and kale, but they can be expensive and often of poor quality. I find it easier to stick to what is readily available, such as a mix of scrubby little offerings in the grocery store. These items might not be ideal, but they are still better than nothing, and they guarantee a balanced meal with minimal effort.
As we continue to adjust to the new normal, home cooking has become a source of comfort and resilience. Whether it’s a homemade pizza, a skillet of potatoes, or a simple Greek salad, these meals not only nourish my body but also bring a sense of normalcy to my days. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic has made me a better cook, and I look forward to continuing this journey of culinary exploration.