Easy Meals to Make if you are Bored
If you’ve ever found yourself bored at night, and you want to do something different you can always make a meal!
There are “bored night” meals to make at home if you don’t feel like going out to the grocery store, because they have ingredients from pantry staples you are sure to have on hand.
Here are some easy meals to make when you’re bored:
1. Casseroles are Always Easy
Casseroles can be made by a formula, so they can be made with what you’ve got:
1 cup main ingredient – which is the protein, which can be meat or tofu
1 cup second ingredient – which is the vegetables, like celery or mushrooms
1-2 cups starchy ingredient – which is potatoes, noodles, rice, etc.
1 ½ cups binder – which is something thick and saucy, like canned cream soup, sour cream or pureed foods
¼ cup “treat” – which is anything you like, such as olives, almonds, etc.
Seasoning – which are herbs or spices you like, or blends like Italian seasoning
Topping – which is cheese, bread crumbs, etc.
Combine the foods you chose from each category, and put in a buttered 2 to 2 ½ quart casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350F for about 50 minutes. It is done when the top is browned and there is bubbling around the sides of the dish.
2. Soup is Comforting and Simple
Soup can be made by formula, too:
Vegetables – Vegetables create the foundation for your soup. The classic vegetable mix is one onion, 3-4 stalks of celery and 2 carrots, but use whatever vegetables you want. A can of tomatoes is a classic addition, too.
Protein – If you’re using meat, 1-2 pounds is good. It will taste better if you brown it beforehand. If vegetarian or vegan, a block of tofu or can of beans is good.
Grains or noodles – These add substance and texture. Grains can be cooked along with the soup, but pasta should be cooked separately beforehand to avoid over cooking.
Liquid base – Water can always be used, but you can also use various broths. Vegetable broth for vegetarian and vegan soups, and beef or chicken broth for meat-based soups. Of course, you could still use vegetable broth for meat soups.
Herbs and spices – Use herbs and spices that reflect your own taste and preferences.
Once you have all the ingredients together, cook it to the consistency that you like!
3. Use Rice to Make Rice Pudding for Dessert
Ingredients
3 cups white rice, cooked
3 cups milk
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon, grated
1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
Method
Combine cooked rice, milk, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan. Add raisins and vanilla.
Cook for 25 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Mix in lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spoon pudding into a serving dish and dust with remaining cinnamon.
Serve either chilled or at room temperature
These ideas will give you something to do, and provide a meal, too!