It is 3pm in the afternoon, you have cleaned the house, scrubbed the vessels a squeaking clean and more importantly sanitised every conceivable nook and cranny. After all, you don’t want a visitor without a nucleus to make you its host (pun intended).
It’s a Sunday, and hence no work, at least not the “work from home” type. It’s leisure time if you can call it that. I mean it’s been a kind of a leisure break anyway, for most part of the COVID19 lockdown phase.
All things said and done, there’s always a place in the tummy for a snack. Everyone loves a tidbit now and then, especially at tea time. Who knows this better than parents. Mothers, especially, are used to the rumblings of a hungry child. But why oh why do they get hungry so soon – is a question they always ask. As the kids have been well fed since breakfast through lunch, it’s a wonder they get hungry so soon. In clockwork precision, they cry out for a munchie, and before you know it, the cry has spread like wildflowers across the house.
The unpredictable snack time is upon you. In a sane world, snack time comes once a day and is usually something light to go with tea or coffee, or milk. Since we are not in a sane world anymore, snack time can strike anytime, and variety becomes a compulsion.
Since going to a nearby food stall is not an option anymore, you think of ingenuine ways to go creative at home. I know that this makes you end up spending the entire day between work and the kitchen, which, to be honest, is not easy. Whether you engage in household chores or try to keep the kids entertained, this is one chore that can send your brain into a tizzy. The sporadic snack time may not be in your control, but surely the amount of time you spend dishing it up is. Also, children’s patience levels don’t demand elaborate recipes; so here are my 5 minute recipes to help you out.
- Microwave Omelette in a Mug
- Microwave Mac and Cheese
- Barbecued Chicken Nachos
- Microwave Chicken Quesadilla
- Microwave Plain Cheesecake with Strawberries
- Strawberry-Vanilla Duet
- Open Avocado Egg Sandwich
- Chilly Cheese Toast
- Dill Vegetable Dip
- Spicy Peanut Chaat
Microwave Omelette in a Mug
Microwave Omelette in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1 capsicum (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 tomato (diced)
- 2 cheese cubes (grated)
- 4 eggs
- 4 ham slices (diced, or cooked chicken / luncheon meat))
- green chilli (as required)
- salt (as per taste)
- pepper powder (as per taste)
Instructions
- Take two big microwave friendly mugs.
- Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl and distribute it evenly between both the mugs.
- Place the mugs in the microwave and set the timer for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Dig in straight from the mug. Take care to avoid a scalding hot sensation if digging into it soon after it's out of the microwave oven.
Additional notes:
You could use a bowl instead of mugs, with a possibility of increased time in the microwave – depending on the size of the bowl and its depth of course.
Pause the timer every 30 to 40 seconds to stir the contents of the mugs to not allow it to bubble over.
Microwave Mac and Cheese
Microwave Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup (or100gm) elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup (75gm) shredded cheese
- 4 tbsp milk
- green chillies (minced) (as per taste)
- salt (as per taste)
- chilli flakes (as required)
- mixed herbs (as required)
Instructions
- Take two big microwave friendly mugs.
- Divide the macaroni evenly in both the mugs and partially fill the mugs with water.
- Add salt to the mix.
- Microwave them for 3 minutes and stir.
- Add the milk, cheese, salt and minced chillies (if required). Stir the mix.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds and add chilli flakes and mixed herbs as garnishing.
Additional notes:
It helps to place a dish under the cup since there are chances of a spillover.
You could replace milk with sour cream for a creamier alternative.
Bowls could be used instead of mugs, with a possibility of increased microwave time – depending on its size.
Barbecued Chicken Nachos
Barbecued Chicken Nachos
Ingredients
- ¼ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 cup Rotisserie chicken (or paneer) (shredded)
- 1 cup (or 100gm) cheese (shredded)
- 1 packet Dorito chips
- 1 tbsp Guacamole paste
- 1 tbsp sour cream (I used the Amul brand)
- 1-2 drops lime juice
- 3 tpsp BBQ sauce
- salt (as per taste)
Instructions
- Spread the Dorito chips on a microwave-friendly plate.
- In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with the chicken/paneer and spread it over the chips.
- In a bowl, add the chopped tomato, onion, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the mixture over the chicken (or paneer).
- Spread the cheese and garnish with green onions.
- Microwave for 30 seconds and serve the dips on the side.
Microwave Chicken Quesadilla
Microwave Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup chicken cooked (or leftover meat) (shredded)
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning (easily available at stores)
- 4 medium-sized ready flour/corn tortillas
Instructions
- Microwave the tortillas for 1 to 2 minutes. They should be slightly crispy.
- Add the chicken/leftover meat, bell peppers, and Taco seasoning in a bowl and mix well to form a what-we’ll-term a ‘mixture’.
- Microwave the ‘mixture’ for about 1 to 2 minutes. The bell peppers should be soft.
- Spread the shredded cheese over the tortilla and add the ‘mixture’ over it. Spread yet another layer of cheese over the ‘mixture’. The other tortilla should be placed on the top.
- Microwave it for another 30 seconds, and voila – the quesadillas are ready to be devoured.
Microwave Plain Cheesecake with Strawberries
Microwave Plain Cheesecake with Strawberries
Ingredients
- 4 fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 sheets crushed crackers
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 6 drops Vanilla extract
- 150-170gm softened cream cheese (I used the Philadelphia brand)
Instructions
- Spread the butter on a microwave-friendly glass or ceramic glass bowl. Tilt the bowl to coat the sides as well. Or use a silicone brush to spread the butter on all the sides.
- Crush the crackers until they are of a fine powder consistency, and add it to the butter in the bowl. Mix well.
- Use a spoon or a spatula to make the crust out of the mixture and press it down against the bottom of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add the filling over the crust.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and set the timer for 4 minutes.
- Pause every 45 seconds so that the cheesecake doesn’t bubble over.
- You could freeze the cheesecake before serving.
- Garnish with strawberry bits while serving.
Additional notes:
Although this cheesecake recipe doesn’t take much time in its preparation, it would do well to plan in ahead to ensure that there is enough time to cool the dessert. I mean you don’t want to cool it at an hour which is well past dessert time.
Strawberry-Vanilla Duet
Strawberry-Vanilla Duet
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 cjups Vanilla ice-cream
- 2 scoops strawberry ice-cream
- sugar (as per taste)
Instructions
- Add the vanilla ice cream and the strawberries together in the blender.
- Once blended, pour the milk in small batches to achieve your preferred consistency. I prefer it thick but thin enough to sip without the sipper snorting with its thickness.
- After pouring the blend into the glasses, add a scoop of strawberry ice-cream to keep the eyes magically rivetted.
Additional notes:
You could also offer some variations, in adding finely chopped dark chocolate or Nutella to the top of the drink.
Open Avocado Egg Sandwich
Open Avocado Egg Sandwich
Ingredients
- ½ lemon
- 1 radish (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp chives (chopped)
- 2 avocadoes
- 4 eggs (hard boiled)
- 4 bread slices (toasted)
- chilli flakes (as required)
- salt (as per taste)
- pepper powder (as required)
Instructions
- Make sure that the hard-boiled eggs are cold and grate them using a cheese grater. You may simultaneously toast the bread.
- Mash the avocado until you get the desired consistency. Add salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to the mashed avocado.
- Spread the mashed mixture over the toast and sprinkle egg shavings on top.
- Line the top with the sliced radish, and squeeze some lemon over it before serving.
Chilly Cheese Toast
Chilly Cheese Toast
Ingredients
- 4 tsp oil
- 2 green chillies (chopped)
- 2 onions (diced)
- ½ capsicum (diced)
- 4 bread slices
- 2 tbsp Cheddar cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 4 tsp butter
- salt (as per taste)
- pepper powder (as per taste)
Instructions
- Drizzle some oil on a pan. When sufficiently heated, add the diced onions, capsicums, and green chillies till you get what we’ll term a ‘mixture’.
- Season the ‘mixture’ with salt and pepper, then follow it with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Place the bread slices in a separate pan and spread the ‘mixture’ over the bread.
- Sprinkle some Mozzarella cheese on top, cover and let cook for 2 minutes. The toast is ready to be served now.
Additional notes:
You may choose to fry or air-fry the bread if you happen to have an air fryer at home.
Dill Vegetable Dip
Dill Vegetable Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp fresh dill weed
- 1 carrot (cut in strips)
- 1 bell pepper (cut in strips)
- 1 cucumber (cut in strips)
- salt (as per taste)
Instructions
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, dill weed, and salt. Mix them well together.
- Partially fill small shot like glasses with the dip.
- Chop the bell pepper, carrot, and cucumber lengthwise to keep it standing in the dip.
Additional notes:
You are free to add more vegetables of your choice.
Spicy Peanut Chaat
Spicy Peanut Chaat
Ingredients
- 4 cups peanuts (roasted)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 cup tomato (chopped)
- 1 tso lemon juice
- chaat masala (as per taste)
- red chilli powder (as required)
- salt (as per taste)
Instructions
- Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl, and you are all ready to serve this pastime!
I cannot say if I have perfected the art of delivering the best in the least amount time, but these “go-to” 5 minute recipes have never failed to satisfy anyone’s food cravings. Even when things go back to normal, post-COVID, you could refer to these recipes when you want something quick and tasty all at once.
I’d be happy to receive your feedback if you happen to have tried one or more 5 minute recipes from this article. I’d be glad to receive your kid’s feedback too, as, in my opinion, kids are often the best critics and will offer a piece of honest advice. Post your comments on this article or even better, subscribe to the site for automatic updates on recipes food-related posts.
15 Comments
Fabulous Carmelita. Loved reading your blog. Such a great article. The recipes are so easy, doable and just apt for the present scenario given the limited resources and the lockdown. Hope to try some of them as my family is perennially hungry and managing work-from-home and household chores has become challenging and a daunting task too. Thanks once again. Loved reading your article.
Many thanks for your appreciation. Priya.
Do let me know how the recipes turned out and post your images as well. Thanks again.
Super recipe and you explained it so well Carmelita.
Thanks Anita; which recipe in particular did you like or try?
Carmelita, absolutely quick and easy to make recipes. Gonna try each one since all ingredients suggested are available at the shop next door.
Priya
Sure, Priya, please go ahead and let me know how it turned out.
With winter approaching, it would be a great idea to have these super quick snacks piping hot to beat the nip in the air.
Priya
That too, though primarily it’s quick snacks for the kids who are ever impatient and want variety.
Wow! Can’t wait to try these. Enjoyed reading the article especially when you said visitor without a nucleus to make you its host
Ha ha ha yes, I was trying to make a point about the virus.
But boy, has the virus given me much opportunity to try out these snacky time savers!
Am in love with this recipes, Lita. Who would have thought simple recipes like this would be so delicious.
Very helpful article. I like how you also manage to make it fun to read. Especially, the line “visitor without a nucleus to make you its host” cracked me up.
Yeah, and the visitor is a parasite which eventually copies the cell structure of its host.
Will certainly try the cheesecake. Will be good to take it into school for a shared morning tea.
Did you try the cheesecake recipe eventually?