Cooking Without a Stove
If you’re stuck in tight quarters with limited cooking appliances and tools, you’ll need to get creative. Take stock of what equipment you have on hand and try these unique ways of cooking something for yourself. If you’re a keen home cook, these easy recipes will give you a sense of normalcy in these tough times.
-
Clothing Iron
Special Equipment:
- Clean clothing iron with cotton setting
- Heatproof surface
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Directions:
- Preheat clothing iron on cotton setting.
- Prepare sandwiches as per method or following special directions below.
- Wrap each sandwich in a single layer of parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a sandwich package on a heatproof surface (ironing board).
- Place hot clothing iron on top of sandwich package, pressing lightly. Cook, pressing occasionally, until sandwich is golden and heated through, about 3 - 5 minutes per side.
-
EasyGrilled Ginger Pear Gouda Sandwiches
Instead of making the Ginger Pear Chutney for this recipe, purchase your favourite chutney from the grocery store or try a peach chutney.
-
EasyGrilled Brie and Onion Sandwiches
Buy prepared caramelized onion topping in the jams/chutney section of your local grocery store. If you can’t find it, buy your favourite jam and omit the tomatoes.
Instead of using a barbecue, skip forward to start this recipe at step 4.
-
EasyRoasted Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
If you do not have fresh garlic available, use 1/8 tsp garlic powder for garlic called for in this recipe. Don’t worry about baking the sandwiches; slice the bread into 1/2 inch slices and use the method above until the sandwich is golden and heated through.
-
EasyReuben Panini
-
Kettle
Special Equipment:
- Kettle
- Medium to large bowl
- Large plate or lid to cover bowl
- Colander, tongs or strainer spoon
Directions:
- Boil a full kettle of water.
- Place vegetables in a bowl. Pour water over vegetables to cover. Cover bowl with a large plate or lid.
- Let sit until vegetables are tender-crisp, replacing water with boiled water if necessary.
- Proceed with the recipe.
TIP: Alternatively, vegetables can be boiled inside the kettle as long as no element is visible inside.
-
EasyGreen Beans with Balsamic Butter
The green beans can be cooked using a kettle of boiled water or a microwave.
Instead of reducing balsamic vinegar and fresh onion (which is very fragrant), mix together 1 tbsp Nona Pia’s Balsamic Glaze and 1/4 tsp of onion powder. Cream in the softened butter with a spoon. Add the mixture to the hot green beans until melted.
-
EasyQuick Glazed Carrots
The carrots can be cooked using a kettle of boiling water or a microwave.
Cook the glaze in 30 second increments in a microwave.
-
EasyBreakfast in a Jar
-
Easy
-
Microwave
Special Equipment:
- Microwave
- Medium to large microwave-safe bowl
- Large plate or lid to cover bowl
- Colander, tongs or strainer spoon
Directions:
TIP: Cook items in increments, stirring in between so heat is evenly distributed.
TIP: Set a plate overtop of the bowl to steam foods and prevent splashing in the microwave.
-
EasyOne Pot Tortellini Dinner
Cook this dish using the microwave. Be sure to stop the microwave frequently to stir and check on the progress of the tortellini.
-
EasyQuick Black Bean Soup
This recipe can be cooked in a microwave instead. The main ingredients: black beans, broth and salsa are non-perishable products that can be stored in a cupboard.
-
Toaster Oven
Special Equipment:
- Toaster oven
- Oven-safe baking sheet
- Oven mitts or tea towel
- Trivet or tea towel
Directions:
TIP: Do not use a toaster oven unless it is provided by management of the accommodation. They may not be permitted in the facilities.
TIP: Avoid fragrant or smoky foods if you are in a small space.
-
EasySouthwestern Quesadillas
This recipe calls for a barbecue, however, it can easily be cooked using a toaster, hot plate or microwave.
-
EasyNachos in a Packet
This recipe calls for a barbecue, however, it can easily be cooked using a toaster, hot plate or microwave.
Remember, if using a microwave, do not use aluminum foil.
-
Blender
Special Equipment:
- Blender
- Tall glasses or cups
Directions:
TIP: Place your hand on top of the blender lid when running it to prevent the top from “burping” off.
TIP: Only fill a blender 1/2 full.
-
EasyBreakfast in a Blender
-
Easy
-
EasyMango Coconut Smoothie
Mango can be bought frozen, or be replaced by other fresh or frozen fruits.
-
Hotplate/Stove
Special Equipment:
- Hot plate or stove
- Cookware
- Oven mitts or tea towel
- Trivet or tea towel
Directions:
TIP: Do not use a hotplate unless it is provided by management of the accommodation. They may not be permitted in the facilities.
TIP: Avoid fragrant or smoky foods if you are in a small space.
-
MediumCheese Omelette
-
EasyOne Pot Spaghetti
-
No Cooking Required
Special Equipment:
- Medium or large bowl or container
- Small bowl or container
- Fork and spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Directions:
TIP: Keep perishable foods on the counter for no more than 2 hours. For this and other information about how long you can keep foods, see our Store Food Safely guide.
-
EasyHoney and Ginger Tomato Salad
Simple ingredients, no cooking required. Canned tomatoes can be used if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.
-
EasyChia and Coconut Overnight Oats
-
EasyTurkey Caesar Wraps
Buy packaged fully cooked turkey or chicken breast strips near the deli section of your local grocery store.
-
EasyQuick Chickpea Salad