When you want to relax and unwind, spending hours in the kitchen is probably not high on your agenda. These seven easy-peasy recipes are perfect for a chill day, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor and comfort. From breakfast to dinner and even a sweet treat, these recipes have got you covered.
1. Avocado Toast with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Toast the bread to your liking.
- Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mashed avocado onto the toast.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add your favorite toppings.
2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. pasta
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the pasta, vegetables, garlic, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
3. Grilled Cheese with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: sliced ham or turkey, tomato slices, avocado
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, butter side down, in the skillet.
- Top each slice with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and any additional toppings.
- Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter side up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
5. Banana Oat Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Maple syrup and sliced bananas for serving
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the banana, oats, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Blend until smooth.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and sliced bananas.
6. Classic Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1-2 tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the tomato slices on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
7. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, and melted coconut oil.
- Stir in the oats and chocolate chips until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
These recipes are sure to make your chill day even more relaxing and delicious. Enjoy!