Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

From Homemade Bread to Pickles, 20 Recipes to Master While Indoors

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Laura Grande

As we all continue to do our part for the greater good and practice self-isolation in an effort to flatten the curve of human coronavirus, we're also finding ourselves with quite a bit of extra time on our hands. So what better time than the present to test out all those recipes you have bookmarked? From homemade sourdough bread to pickled veggies and West African chicken wings, we've got a variety of recipes for all experience levels and dietary needs. Happy cooking!

  • No-Knead Olive Za’atar Bread
     
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    No-Knead Olive Za’atar Bread

    <p> Now that we've all got a bit more time on our hands around the house these days, this fool-proof recipe is the perfect introduction to the world of homemade bread. Although it requires an allotted chunk of time to allow the dough to rise, you’ll soon be off to the races. We especially love the Middle Eastern flavour combo of za’atar with salty kalamata olives. Check out more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/blog/trending-international-spices/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trending spices to see if they're worth the hype</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/no-knead-olive-zaatar-bread/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">No-Knead Olive Za’atar Bread</a></strong> </p>
  • 30-Minute Instant Pot Curry
     
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    30-Minute Instant Pot Curry

    <p> Even if you have oodles of time on your hands, we totally get that you don't always want to spend it concocting elaborate meals. Which is why this cozy, adaptable gem is perfect for all experience levels and dietary needs. Long after this self-isolation period is over, we guarantee you'll still make this a staple in your weekly rotation. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/healthy-instant-pot-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy Instant Pot dinners</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/30-minute-instant-pot-curry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30-Minute Instant Pot Curry</a></strong> </p>
  • Dill Pickles
     
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    Dill Pickles

    <p> Few things make our mouths water more than fresh, crunchy homemade pickles. The whole process takes about two weeks from start to finish, but there's never been a better opportunity to tackle this new foodie dream project than the present. Find four more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/4-easy-ways-to-preserve-the-best-of-summer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy ways to preserve seasonal foods</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-dill-pickles/18699/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Dill Pickles</a></strong> </p>
  • Vegan Lentil Burgers
     
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    Vegan Lentil Burgers

    <p> Jam-packed with flavour, fibre and protein, these low-fat veggie burgers will convert even the biggest carnivores in your life. Although we love them grilled, given the current circumstances, they're just as delicious pan-fried. Heat one tablespoon of grapeseed oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry until well browned. Bon appetit! For more balance, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/mostly-plant-based-recipes-where-meat-isnt-the-star/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(mostly) plant-based recipes where meat isn't the star</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-lentil-burgers/20343/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vegan Lentil Burgers</a></strong> </p>
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Nigella-Seed Cabbage Slaw
     
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    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Nigella-Seed Cabbage Slaw

    <p> Break out the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-curry-recipes-deliver-comfort/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">slow cooker</a> and enjoy this traditional chicken shawarma recipe that boasts such warming spices as cinnamon, turmeric and cumin, and pairs perfectly with a light and airy slaw. For more inspiration, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/meal-prep-ideas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">simple meal prep ideas to plan like a pro</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/slow-cooker-chicken-shawarma/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Nigella-Seed Cabbage Slaw</a></strong> </p>
  • Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs
     
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    Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs

    <p> Homemade meatballs is a fun recipe you can tackle as a family. These uber savoury <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/make-ahead-vegetarian-dinners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vegetarian</a> versions are loaded with lentils, onions, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce and nutritional yeast. Plus they are full of protein and fibre. Can I freeze this? Get the deets on <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/blog/how-to-freeze-food/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to freeze fruit, cheese, leftovers and more</a>! </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lentil-mushroom-meatballs/19517/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs</a></strong> </p>
  • Grandma Mary’s Perogies with Potato-Cheese Filling
     
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    Grandma Mary’s Perogies with Potato-Cheese Filling

    <p> The very notion of making homemade perogies can be daunting, nevermind actually <em>attempting</em> them. Fear not! In the midst of self-isolation, this mouth-watering potato-and-cheese version is an absolute must-try for first-timers. You can't go wrong with a "secret" ingredient from a Ukrainian-Canadian grandmother, amiright? </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grandma-marys-perogies-with-potato-cheese-filling/16335/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grandma Mary’s Perogies with Potato-Cheese Filling</a></strong> </p>
  • Delicious Ways to Make Pesto Without Basil
     
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    Delicious Ways to Make Pesto Without Basil

    <p> Try your hand at a variety of homemade condiments for all your favourite meals. Whether you drizzle it over a fresh pasta salad or plate of grilled veggies, we're shaking things up by looking for creative, basil-free ways to make pesto. Think: kale, roasted red peppers, peas and even <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-avocado-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">avocado</a>. After all, there's more than one way to love a good pesto. </p> <p> Get the recipes for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/best-pesto-recipes-without-basil/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Incredibly Delicious Ways to Make Pesto Without Basil</a></strong> </p>
  • Gluten- and Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Lasagna
     
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    Gluten- and Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Lasagna

    <p> If you're anti gluten or dairy, it can be a little difficult to find a reliable lasagna recipe. Look no further! This delicious vegan variety is waiting for you to test it out. The almost entirely hands-free recipe allows you more time to get a head start on all that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/ultimate-spring-cleaning-checklist-1937104/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spring cleaning</a>. Plus, you get to skip pre-cooking the noodles altogether. It's a win-win. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-gluten-free-slow-cooker-lasagna/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gluten- and Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Lasagna</a></strong> </p>
  • Homemade Pickled Veggies
     
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    Homemade Pickled Veggies

    <p> Who knew making pickled veggies could be so easy? The good news is that this easy-peasy recipe is great for pickling all your leftover veggies before they go bad. It also happens to be one of the easiest ways to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/blog/building-a-zero-waste-kitchen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">build a zero-waste kitchen</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/homemade-pickled-veggies/11312/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Homemade Pickled Veggies</a></strong> </p>
  • Salmon Cakes
     
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    Salmon Cakes

    <p> Raise your hand if you've ever made salmon cakes? If not, there's no better time than the present with this simple recipe that your family will gobble up in no time. If you've got more time on your hands, you can even make your own <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/homemade-hand-sanitizer-diy-1937389/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY hand sanitizer</a> for post-meal hand-washing. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-salmon-cakes/16830/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Salmon Cakes</a></strong> </p>
  • Air Fryer Banana Bread
     
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    Air Fryer Banana Bread

    <p> Baking banana bread is so much quicker in an air fryer, thanks to the convection-like heat and the need for less batter. And there's no better time to test out a new recipe in your trusty appliance. Don't have an air fryer? No need to fret. We've got plenty of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/best-banana-bread-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">banana bread recipes that will provide all the comfort you need</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/air-fryer-banana-bread/22709/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Air Fryer Banana Bread</a></strong> </p>
  • Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup
     
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    Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup

    <p> In these uncertain times, there are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. The meaty mushrooms make it a reliable belly-filler, too. Find more of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/ina-garten-best-soup-stew-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten's best soups and stews</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cream-of-wild-mushroom-soup/17346/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup</a></strong> </p>
  • Perfect Sourdough Loaf
     
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    Perfect Sourdough Loaf

    <p> There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade bread in your kitchen – and since you'll be home for awhile to enjoy it, why not dive into learning how to make it from scratch? With a few readily available ingredients and a little bit of time, you can learn the basics of working with sourdough. Bonus: the slow fermentation process makes the bread easier to digest, an the taste is positively heavenly. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/sourdough-bread-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Perfect Sourdough Loaf</a></strong> </p>
  • Middle Eastern Sumac Chicken with Date Syrup, Lemon and Pecans
     
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    Middle Eastern Sumac Chicken with Date Syrup, Lemon and Pecans

    <p> We love a good, hearty Middle Eastern dish that looks like you put a <em>lot</em> of effort into it (even when you didn’t). So if you're looking for something new to try, we recommend this gorgeous, tangy and juicy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/popular-chicken-breast-recipes-you-need-to-try/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chicken</a> dish featuring mouth-watering date syrup and toasty pecans. It'll brighten your dinner table during these times stuck indoors. Watch this handy video on <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/kitchen-basics/video/shortform/how-to-prep-food-for-freezing/video.html?v=473210947679" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to prep food for freezing</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/sumac-chicken-date-lemon-pecans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Sumac Chicken with Date Syrup, Lemon and Pecans</a></strong> </p>
  • Bobby Flay's Falafel
     
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    Bobby Flay's Falafel

    <p> Get the kids involved in helping you prepare these moist, golden falafels that are served up with a trio of savoury sides. While indoors, you might also find it helpful to learn which <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/10-foods-you-can-eat-after-the-expiry-date/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">foods you can still eat after their expiry dates</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bobby-flays-falafel/20290/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Falafel</a></strong> </p>
  • Slow Cooker Saag Paneer
     
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    Slow Cooker Saag Paneer

    <p> Looking for new and exciting ways to eat your greens? We’ve got the perfect healthy slow cooker recipe for you. This saag paneer is loaded with spinach, fresh cheese, spices and a hint of lime juice, leaving your taste buds happy. You can also try out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/indian-inspired-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Indian-inspired breakfast recipes to spice up your morning</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/no-more-boring-greens-slow-cooker-saag-paneer-has-arrived/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Saag Paneer</a></strong> </p>
  • West African Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings
     
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    West African Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings

    <p> The spicy, savoury flavours of this West African specialty is a mouth-watering crowd-pleaser. In the absence of a crowd, however, that just means more for you. Frying these chicken wings twice – first at a lower temperature and once again at a high one – creates a super-crispy skin. You'll also be ahead of the curve: West African cuisine happens to be one of the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/hottest-food-trends-of-2020/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">top food trends for 2020</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/west-african-spicy-peanut-chicken-wings/19613/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">West African Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings</a></strong> </p>
  • Make-Ahead Veggie Strata and Sourdough Bread
     
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    Make-Ahead Veggie Strata and Sourdough Bread

    <p> If you're not a huge fan of same-day cooking, this is one make-ahead recipe you'll want to introduce into regular rotation. Make this the day before you want to devour and pop it into the oven when it’s go-time. What makes this strata even more delicious is that it’s made with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/sourdough-bread-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sourdough bread</a>, an artisan-style loaf that is easy to digest and adds incredible texture. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/make-ahead-veggie-strata/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Make-Ahead Veggie Strata and Sourdough Bread</a></strong> </p>
  • Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates
     
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    Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates

    <p> Who says vegans can't enjoy a hearty "seafood"-inspired pasta dish? This gorgeous show-stopper will brighten your table and your mood. It's so good, in fact, that it'll even convert the staunchest meat-eaters in your home. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-scallops-with-spaghetti-crispy-kale-and-pomegranates/15256/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates</a></strong> </p>
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