A Week’s Tasty two-course
to Make During Self-isolation
Social distancing for COVID-19 means more of us are cooking at home. But it’s not just about staying indoors. Now more than ever, we also need to be healthy—and more creative in the kitchen. For many London commuters, that involves learning new skills.
The following recipes have been chosen for their ease, affordability, and immune-boosting properties. However, there’s also some variety and even occasional indulgence. With two courses daily, here’s your stay at home healthy restaurant menu.
Monday – Turbocharged greens and traditional comfort
Starter: Broccoli and spinach soup served with crackers or bread
Main: Roast chicken with potato
Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and minerals to fortify the body against illness. Spinach, meanwhile, has plenty of antioxidants and beta carotene for an immunity boost.
Lean meats like chicken can also help out by strengthening immune cells in the body—hence the old recommendation for chicken soup when we’re ill. For vegans and vegetarians, a selection of gourmet mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, oyster, etc.) would make for a good substitution, perhaps cooked in olive oil with garlic.
Tuesday: Medicinal Mediterranean medley
Main: Turkey mince balls in tomato sauce with basmati rice and roast mixed vegetables
Dessert: Apple tart with vanilla ice cream – an alternative, soft apple tart:
You can roast pretty much any vegetable, so experiment with a mix of your choice. A good base to build on is a combination of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and red or yellow peppers.
As for dessert, well apples keep the doctor away. Actually, this one’s just indulgence—because it’s vital to keep your spirits up too.
Wednesday – Protein, protein, and peas
Starter: Sardine yoghurt pate or smoked salmon pate with rice crackers
Main: Steak and kidney pie served with steamed broccoli and peas
For immunity boosts, we tend to think of fruit and veg. But, as mentioned above, protein is hugely important. Antibodies and immune cells depend on a supply of good quality proteins.
So there’s plenty of fish on the menu today, as well as liver and kidney—both of which are superfoods full of much-needed vitamins and minerals. Peas are another good source of protein to stay at home healthy.
Thursday – Curative Caribbean
Main: Poached haddock and poached egg, served with basmati rice and peas
Dessert: Mixed fruits with yoghurt
The egg adds some protein to the fish in this dish with traditional rice and peas. But vegans can substitute both for big leafy greens, walnuts, and other goodies.
You can also get vegan yoghurt for dessert, and add a mix of fruits of your choice. Bananas and oranges are widely available and keep with the tropical theme.
Friday – Florets and burgers
Starter: Cauliflower soup served with bread or crackers
Main: Grilled carrot and tofu burgers served with roast carrots, red onions, and potatoes
Cauliflower and broccoli are great in a soup, especially with the superfood spinach. And if you can save a few small florets for the garnish, it’ll make for a more special soup.
The main here is satisfying and again full of vegetable goodness. Mushroom burgers or grains like lentils are also good substitutes for vegetarians and vegans. See here our vegan catering delivery if you would like a substitute for your soup.
Saturday – Quick and easy pie
Starter: Spinach and ricotta rustic pie
Main: Chicken breast served with mixed vegetables
This pie is quick and easy to make at home, and the cheese can easily be switched for plant-based. Veg with plenty of colours is a good sign of a high nutritional content, so we suggest a mix of peppers, red and white onions, carrots, and courgettes—lightly grilled or roasted with extra virgin olive oil.
Sunday – Over to you!
Hopefully, this post has given you ideas for staying healthy—and controlling weight—while in isolation at home. And if so we’d love to hear some. Sharing stay-at-home recipes are likely to become a bit of a trend before long.
So what’s on your menu for Sunday?
Stay at home healthy!