What To Eat During Quarantine: A Guide to Eating Out and Cooking with Limited Ingredients

Introduction

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many restaurants have been forced to close their doors, leaving people with limited options for eating out. This article seeks to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to navigating the food landscape during quarantine. It will include a list of restaurants offering takeout/delivery, tips for utilizing pantry staples, ideas for meal prepping during quarantine, and recipes for cooking with limited ingredients.

List of Restaurants Open for Takeout/Delivery

Although many restaurants are closed due to COVID-19, some are still open for takeout/delivery. Below is a list of some of the most popular national chains, local restaurants, and delivery services available:

National Chains

Many national chains are still open and offering takeout/delivery service. These include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and more. Most of these restaurants also offer online ordering/delivery through third-party services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEats.

Local Restaurants

Many local restaurants are open for takeout/delivery as well. These vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local restaurant to see what options are available. Some cities even have “takeout only” restaurants that specialize in takeout/delivery orders.

Delivery Services

In addition to the above, many food delivery services are available. These include Postmates, Instacart, and AmazonFresh. These services allow you to order from a variety of restaurants and grocery stores, and have them delivered right to your door.

A Guide to Local Grocery Stores Offering Curbside Pickup

In addition to takeout/delivery, many grocery stores are now offering curbside pickup. This allows customers to place their orders online and pick them up at a designated time. Below is a list of some of the most popular grocery stores offering curbside pickup:

List of Grocery Stores Offering Curbside Pickup

Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Wegmans, Costco, Aldi, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and Trader Joe’s are all offering curbside pickup. Many of these stores also offer online ordering/delivery through third-party services like Instacart and Shipt.

Tips for Shopping Safely

When shopping for groceries, it’s important to practice safety measures. Wear a face mask, stay six feet away from others, and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after touching any surfaces. If possible, opt for contactless payment options such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Tips for Making the Most of Pantry Staples

If you’re unable to go out and buy groceries, it’s important to make the most of the ingredients you already have. Here are some tips for stocking your pantry and utilizing canned goods:

Stocking Your Pantry

When stocking your pantry, focus on non-perishable items that can last for months. These include rice, pasta, beans, quinoa, oats, nuts, nut butters, canned vegetables and fruits, frozen vegetables, shelf-stable dairy products, and condiments like ketchup and mustard.

Utilizing Canned Goods

Canned goods are a great way to get your daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Look for low-sodium varieties and add them to salads, soups, stews, casseroles, and more. You can also use canned goods to make smoothies, sauces, dips, and other creative dishes.

Freezing Foods

Freezing is another great way to extend the shelf life of food. Fruits and vegetables can be washed, chopped, and stored in freezer bags for months. You can also freeze leftover cooked meals and breads for future use.

Ideas for Meal Prepping During Quarantine

Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money during quarantine. Here are some tips for planning ahead and prepping ingredients:

Planning Ahead

Before you start prepping, plan out your meals for the week. Make a list of ingredients you need and try to use ingredients that can be used for multiple meals. This will help you save time and reduce food waste.

Prepping Ingredients

Once you have your list of ingredients, start prepping. Wash and chop fruits and vegetables, cook grains, and assemble ingredients for quick meals like sandwiches and salads. This will save you time throughout the week and make cooking easier.

Recipes for Meal Prepping

There are plenty of recipes that are perfect for meal prepping. Try making large batches of soups, stews, chili, casseroles, and grain bowls. You can also make overnight oats, egg muffins, and smoothie packs for easy breakfasts. Check out this list of 50 meal prep recipes for more ideas.

Recipes for Cooking with Limited Ingredients

If you’re stuck at home with limited ingredients, there are still plenty of recipes you can make. Here are some ideas for breakfast, lunch & dinner, and snacks:

Breakfast Ideas

Try making omelettes with whatever veggies you have, breakfast burritos with eggs, potatoes, and cheese, or French toast with stale bread. Overnight oats are also a great option, as they require no cooking and can be made with pantry staples like oats, almond milk, and honey.

Lunch & Dinner Ideas

Tacos are always a hit, as they can be made with canned beans, frozen corn, and whatever toppings you have on hand. Soup is also a great option, as you can use whatever veggies, beans, and grains you have in your pantry. Salads are also a great way to get your daily servings of veggies and can be topped with nuts, seeds, and canned tuna for added protein.

Snack Ideas

For snacks, try making energy balls with oats, nut butter, and honey, or roasted chickpeas with spices. You can also make your own trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips. Popcorn is another great option as it requires just popcorn kernels, oil, and salt.

Conclusion

Navigating the food landscape during quarantine can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right resources and knowledge, you can still enjoy delicious meals without having to leave your home. This article provided a comprehensive guide to eating out and cooking with limited ingredients, including a list of restaurants offering takeout/delivery, tips for utilizing pantry staples, ideas for meal prepping during quarantine, and recipes for cooking with limited ingredients. For further reading, check out this list of 25 pantry recipes and this list of 10 budget-friendly recipes.