3 Easy Ways to Cook Without an Oven or Stove-Top

Written by Sam Shanahan

Now that the fueling stations and dining hall are closed, you may be looking for new ways to get your snacks and meals in. If you’re struggling to find the resources or time to cook, we have some ideas! Cooking doesn’t always have to involve a stove-top or an oven. In fact, using other household appliances can make cooking more convenient because of the easy prep and quick clean up. Whether you are a beginner or expert chef,  and wanting quick and easy meals, give these appliances a try! 

1. Use the Microwave

Often times people think the microwave is only good for popcorn or frozen meals. However, the options are almost limitless in the microwave, from eggs, to stir-fry, and even enchiladas!

Tips:

• Arrange foods evenly on a plate or bowl, and frequently stir or rotate foods for even cooking. 

• Do not use metal or foil in the microwave, as they can cause a fire. 

• For faster cooking, cut foods into smaller pieces if possible. 

• Before cooking, use a fork to pierce foods with a skin, such as potatoes or sausages. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the food item from popping open. 

• Cover dishes with a paper towel to eliminate splattering and decrease cooking time. 

Recipes:

• Eggs 3 Ways

• ​Stir Fry  *Tip: you can replace the tofu with pre-cooked chicken (if preferred) and use microwave rice to make an athlete's plate.

• Enchiladas *Can be made with flour tortillas.

• Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

• DIY Kodiak Cakes in a Mug *Use blueberry's or nuts to add additional flavor.

2. Be a Crock-Star

Slow cookers are great for your “dump-n-go” meals because you can leave the pot unattended for hours and make your house smell delicious! Did you also know you can cook bread in there too?

Tips:

• Coat the inside of the slow cooker with a non-stick spray to avoid having to scrub the pot later. You can also try slow cooker liners. 

• Place hard vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, at the bottom of the pot to increase the moisture and to cook faster. 

• Add dairy products, like milk and cheese, at the end of cooking (15-30 mins left) to prevent the dairy from overheating and curdling.

• Avoid taking the lid off if you don’t have to because it can take up 30 minutes to get back to its original temperature each time it is taken off. 

• Save the leftovers for meals later in the week!

Recipes:

• Cornbread 

• 3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken

• Breakfast Egg Casserole

• Cheesy Spinach Tortellini 

• Chunky Applesauce​

3. Mix it Up With the Blender

Blenders aren’t just for smoothies and shakes, you can make soups, pasta sauce, hummus, and even salsa. They are also great for adding in extra veggies to eliminate the tastes and textures that many people find unappetizing.

Tips:

• Add liquid and lighter ingredients first, then add heavier ingredients. This helps to move the ingredients and blend faster. 

• Cut round foods in half, such as an orange, to blend faster. 

• To clean the blender, rinse out once finished, add a few drops of soap + warm water to the max line, then blend to clean!

• Start your blender at a slower speed, then work your way up to faster speeds to help preserve the motor and blades.  

Recipes:

• Pasta Sauces: Romesco, Creamy Sundried Tomato, and Pesto

• 5-Minute Tomato Soup

• Hummus

• Restaurant Style 4-Minute Salsa

• Pre-Made Smoothie Bags