Bored of The Lockdown? Try These 6 Healthy Recipes Today

Since the lockdown began, our priorities took a radical shift. Just look at your Google search, what did you recently look for? Somewhere along the lines of ‘things to do in quarantine’ and ‘immunity-boosting food’ right?

That’s because we are not accustomed to having extra hours of leisure in our hands. The resulting monotony slowly leads us to the brink of compromised sanity. Additionally, the pandemic has made us overly cautious about our health. That’s why the need to beat the boredom and maintain a healthy body. Two different yet interlinked priorities.

But what if I tell you that you can kill two birds with one stone?

Of the many pastimes that trended through the seemingly long months of lockdown, cooking took the top spot. That happened because it’s a good way to kill time and get a much-needed health boost in the present health crisis.

Curious? If yes, then without further ado, let’s move over to six best recipes that are fun enough to kill the time and also fill your plate with wholesome goodness.

Mango Salsa

It’s officially mango season in the US! So why not celebrate this time with finger-licking mango salsa? Here’s what you need.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangoes

• ⅓ cup cilantro

• 4 cherry tomatoes

• ½ cup finely chopped onions

• 1 medium bell pepper

• 2 tbs lime juice

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper

Preparation

Making mango salsa is as easy as ABC. Begin by peeling the mangoes and dicing it into small pieces. Take a bowl and add the mangoes, cilantro, chopped onions, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper and give it a little mix. Now add the lime juice and seasoning as per taste. Mix it again and enjoy it with some tortilla chips.

A bowl of mango salsa is packed with goodness. It’s low in calories, cholesterol-free, and loaded with Vitamin C.  Mango is in itself delivers dozens of health benefits including boosting immunity.

Kale Crisps

You cannot talk about nutrition and health and not include Kale. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods known to us.  Vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A antioxidants, you name it, Kale has it for you. But, you don’t have to munch on a salad to enjoy it. Turn those green leaves into some crunchy and delicious crisps instead.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of Kale

• 1 tbs olive oil

• Salt for seasoning

Preparation

To prepare kale crisps, begin by preheating the oven to 350℉. Now separate the leaves from the step and rip them into bite-size pieces. Add the kale, olive oil, and seasoning into a bowl and mix until all leaves are evenly coated. Spread the leaves on a baking tray (make sure they don’t overlap) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn brown.

Breakfast Parfait

A word to the wise, start your day with a healthy breakfast. Something like a breakfast parfait. This delicious combination of your favorite fruits, granola, and yogurt will not only keep your body fit but also your mind. It’s very common to feel the anxiety and stress of COVID-19. The situation is worrisome indeed. While you can always visit the California medical clinic for guidance, practicing self-care can help too. For example, an addition of probiotics and fiber can ease anxiety. And a breakfast parfait is just the right choice.

Ingredients

• ½ cup yogurt

• ½ cup granola

• Honey

• 3 strawberries (or fruit of choice)

Preparation

Once you have all the ingredients in place, all you have to do is assemble them in a glass. Begin by slicing your favorite fruit (strawberries, blueberries, banana, etc.) into small pieces. Now take a glass container and make several layers of granola, fruits, and yogurt until the glass is filled to the top. Finish with a drizzle of organic honey and enjoy your healthy breakfast.

Butter Roasted Carrots

Carrots are always lurking around in the refrigerator waiting to be used. It’s time that you give them a wash and turn them into a mouth-watering side of roasted carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced carrots

• 1 tsp garlic paste

• 2 tbs butter

• 1 tbs honey

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Take some butter and garlic in a pan and stir on low heat. Set the pan aside and add honey, salt, and pepper to the mixture once the butter cools a little. Now toss the carrots in the pan and place it into the oven at 425℉ for 20 minutes or until tender. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and serve with some mashed potato and chicken breast.

Chickpea Fritters

Chickpeas are little golden balls of health. Incorporating them into your diet once a while is a healthy habit. But a hummus dip is not all that chickpeas are worth. Here’s how to turn them into delicious fritters.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas

• ½ cup diced onions

• ⅓ cup parsley

• ¼ cup almond or all-purpose flour

• Salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste

Preparation

In a food processor, blend one cup of chickpeas (soaked overnight), diced onions, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Turn this mixture into small cakes and let them sit for some time. Now heat some oil in a skillet and fry the cakes until golden. All that’s left to do is dip the fritters in green chutney or sour cream and bite onto your yummy creation.

Egg and Avocado Toast

Couldn’t have missed a list of healthy food recipes without American millennial’s favorite breakfast, Avocado toast. Now you may be familiar with a classic recipe but this one comes with something extra.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 egg

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread

• Chilli flakes

• Salt to taste

Preparation

Roast your bread slices until crispy and golden brown. Take the first slice and cut a small hole in the center. Crack an egg in the hole and let it cook for some time. Now mash or slice your avocado and spread it over the second bread slice. Take the first slice and place it on top of the other. Sprinkle some chili flakes on top and feed your hungry self with a double-decker egg avocado toast.

So while the world is dealing with a pandemic, let’s stay indoors and cook ourselves a delicious plate of goodness. After all, only we are responsible for our own health.