Quarantined inside?
If you are like many, you might be finding yourself dabbling more in the kitchen with ripe bananas, breakfast items, and comfort foods. Well, at least according to Google!
Google has stockpiled top searched recipes, which include banana bread, pancakes, and mac and cheese. But if trying to prepare foods that are both delicious and nutritious, you have come to the right spot!
We compiled the most popular food searches and transformed them using wholesome ingredients. Enjoy these healthiest and best recipes that nourish the body, mind, and soul!
15 Popular Recipes In Quarantine Made Clean
On the hunt for the best banana bread recipe? What about fried rice? Whip up these "clean," good, and simple recipes that likewise offer a nutritional punch!
1. Pancakes
Nothing says "Good morning!" like cinnamon apple pancakes!
These naturally sweet, grain-free pancakes are made with almond flour as an alternative to pancake mix or wheat flour. They are low in carbs while being high in fiber and protein.
For a pancake recipe free of flour, gluten, and lactose, make sweet potato pancakes as follows:
1. Mesh the flesh (no skin) of one medium-sized sweet potato with two eggs or a 1/2 cup of egg substitute.
2. In a medium-low heated, greased skillet add a spoonful or two (depending on the desired size) of the sweet potato batter.
3. Cook for approximately four minutes, or until golden brown, then flip to the other side.
4. Serve with apples or bananas, yogurt, nut butter, honey, or maple syrup. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and brown sugar can also be added to the batter to enrich the flavor.
2. French Toast
More of a French toast type of breakfast person? We have the recipe for you!
This stuffed French toast recipe features thick, whole-wheat French toast slices stuffed with a blend of ricotta Neufchatel cream cheese and cinnamon.
The wholesome breakfast is recommended to be served alongside a sweet berry compote and turkey sausage for the ultimate satisfaction.
3. Oatmeal
For those needing or desiring a convenience recipe, prepare overnight oats!
The oats are simple to prepare and completely versatile to harness your favorite toppings and flavors. Learn how to prepare vegan, peanut butter, and yogurt options as well.
4. Waffles
On the hunt for a keto-friendly, low-carb breakfast option? Give this chaffle recipe a go!
Cheese + waffle = chaffle. (Get it?)
The chaffle is not confined to common breakfast foods, though. It can serve as bread and be built into a pizza without the need for pizza dough.
5. Brussels Sprouts
Not only are these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts delicious, but simple to prepare.
Really, all you need is a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, including olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Enjoy the sprouts alongside a protein source for a balanced meal, including that family favorite pot roast recipe or new roasted chicken recipe.
6. Chili
If searching for an easy, delicious, and quick dinner recipe, look no further than this 30-minute turkey chili recipe! Not only is it hearty, but rich in nutrients and flavor.
The chili is also versatile, so feel free to use black beans or other varieties or omit beans entirely. It can be bulked with carrots and other veggies, too.
For a fun chili night in, set out toppings for the family to customize their bowl. Delicious topping ideas include avocado, sour cream, jalapeño, and shredded cheese.
(Slow cooker option for ultimate convenience cooking also included!)
7. Chicken Soup
Looking to cozy up to a warm bowl of chicken soup? Give this chicken tortilla stew recipe a try!
The stew is crafted with just the right amount of spice and protein to keep you full and energized!
8. Curry
Slightly sweet, slightly spicy, ultimately packed with flavor! If you enjoy Thai, you must try this healthy and tasty green curry recipe.
The curry is packed with flavor and nutrients from chicken thighs, Thai basil leaves, lime juice, and other fresh ingredients.
If looking for a plant-based option, this curry roasted butternut squash and cauliflower with chickpeas is another best recipe to write home about!
9. Mac and Cheese
On the prowl for comfort food without all the added calories that often come with it? The search is over with this King Ranch Chicken mac and cheese the whole family will love!
The kid-friendly and parent-approved pasta dish is loaded with protein from rotisserie chicken breast and Greek yogurt. Fiber and other nutrients are supplied from whole wheat noodles and peppers.
Quick, easy, and nutritious… Now that is a "Winner, winner (King Ranch) chicken dinner!"
10. Meatloaf
Does anything feel more like home cooking than meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
We cleaned up the dinner plate to serve one nutritious meal. Do not worry, though, the hearty entrée is still guaranteed to satisfy the entire family!
This skinny meatloaf recipe uses turkey and extra lean ground beef to lower saturated fat, overall fat, and calories. The richness from the meat and spices pairs perfectly with this light, yet satisfying mashed cauliflower with mushroom gravy recipe!
Pair with other preferred veggies as desired, including asparagus, broccoli, and green beans.
11. Salmon
Hook and reel in the best salmon recipe!
Blackened salmon is topped with sweet and savory champagne sauce. It is also complemented with Cajun cauliflower florets and stew okra for a completely authentic Cajun experience.
Now that is quite the catch!
12. Fried Rice
Miss your beloved Chinese stir fry? Rather than calling in for takeout, whip up this healthy vegetable fried rice!
The rice is packed with protein and fiber from plant-based sources, including tofu and veggies. It is perfectly seasoned with Chinese Five Spice, soy sauce, garlic, amongst the many.
13. Banana Bread
Whether trying to use up ripened bananas or inspired by Chrissy Teigen’s banana bread recipe, banana bread has become quite the Internet sensation.
Instead of using gobs of sugar and butter, though, enjoy this healthy banana bread recipe! The recipe uses all-natural ingredients, including applesauce, honey, and, of course, bananas.
Really, this recipe is one to go bananas over!
14. Brownies
Is there anything better than a warm pan of gooey brownies fresh out of the oven that melts in your mouth? If only flour was not flying off the shelves…
But we have a solution! This healthy and fudgy avocado brownie recipe yields all you want in a brownie, all without the need for flour!
Top with your favorite scoop of ice cream or fresh berries and whipped cream for good measure.
15. Margarita
Have a virtual happy hour with coworkers, family, or friends? Celebrating #TacoTuesday? Or, perhaps you simply just want to unwind...
Whatever the reason, why not sip on the tropical flavor of a margarita? But not just any margarita...
Conventional margaritas generally contain high amounts of sugar and pack on unwanted calories. In fact, just one 8-ounce margarita can provide upwards of 500 calories.
Enjoy this guilt-free frozen strawberry margarita recipe, which supplies a mere 130 calories per serving while being undoubtedly refreshing!