While condo living in the Philippines provides a cozy sanctuary during the dreaded rainy season, the monsoon showers may still urge you to look for activities you can do during the season and seek comfort in a nice hearty meal. Forget about food deliveries or risking getting sick by going outside to buy food. You can easily create tasty meals right in the comfort of your condo. Indulge your cravings with these 8 rainy day recipes to try.
1. Creamy and Aromatic Pumpkin Soup
Solo condo living doesn’t have to be as cold and gloomy as the rainy season. Warm and nourish your tummy with a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup. The smell of this dish filling your condo space is enough to cheer you up. Pumpkin soup is incredibly easy to make and can be personalized to suit your taste. In a saucepan, combine 1 kilogram of pumpkin (puree), 2 medium onions (sliced), 2 cloves of garlic, 2 to 3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock, and 1 cup of milk. Reduce the heat and let simmer until the pumpkin is tender. Remove from heat and mix everything in a blender until smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, cinnamon and rosemary. To make it extra rich and creamy, add a dollop of yoghurt, sour cream or creme fraiche.
2. Prime Steak with Bleu Cheese
Steak on a rainy night is a meat lover's dream. Incredibly satisfying, steak is considered complete in terms of protein content and range of amino acids. If you’re worried about fat and calories, stick to steak cuts such as flank, top loin, sirloin, filet mignon, and tenderloin. Hearty recipes for good quality steak usually involve two simple ingredients: salt and pepper. Remember that one of the secrets of cooking the best steak is grilling or frying it with high heat. Cook each side of a medium-sized steak for 3 to 5 minutes. Add bleu cheese while still cooking. Remove the steak from heat and let stand for another 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Zesty Veggie Salad
Don’t underestimate the power of a delicious salad to brighten a rainy night. A zesty salad maybe catalogued under easy recipes to cook, but it’s packed with revitalizing ingredients that can uplift your mood. This fresh and lively salad recipe is perfect for those rainy nights when you want something light yet filling. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and onions. Feel free to use your preferred vegetables. Add cooked meat such as salmon, chicken or beef. For a simple yet energizing dressing, combine in a small bowl sugar, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Adjust to taste and add to your salad bowl.
4. Watermelon and Citrus Power Smoothie
The benefits of condo living include being able to relax in a comfortable space despite the weather. When it’s raining hard outside, why not relax in your condo as you give your immune system a nutrient boost? Beat the cold and flu season with a delicious and antioxidant-packed smoothie. Freshly squeezed lemon and grated ginger transform this watermelon smoothie into a powerhouse drink, which can also serve as a meal replacement. Watermelon grows easily during the rainy season and is brimming with vitamins and minerals. For an extra citrus kick, consider adding orange and lime. In a high-speed blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until you’ve achieved your preferred consistency. If it's too thick, slowly add water while blending.
5. Chicken Adobo on a Bed of Jasmine Rice
Chicken adobo definitely has a rightful place in the list of hearty rainy day recipes. The blend of garlic, vinegar and soy sauce gives this Philippine national dish a widespread mouthwatering appeal. Adobo sauce is often enriched with coconut milk and the dish is often made with pork. But for quick cooking during a rainy night, a lighter and simpler chicken recipe should prove capable of satisfying your tummy. Put oil in a frying pan and bring to medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until light brown. Set aside. Return the pan to low heat and sauté garlic. Add vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken. Serve with jasmine rice for a delicate floral and buttery aroma.
6. Hearty Cheesy Pie
Isn’t there anything more comforting on rainy night than a hearty cheesy pie? It’s tasty, gooey, and highly customizable. It’s quick to make and everything is bundled up in a puffy dough. In a large bowl, combine ready-made dough mix, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked ham, and your choice of veggies (carrots and broccoli work great). Pour over mixture on a pie plate and bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a 400°F pre-heated oven. Let stand for 7 to 10 minutes before serving.
7. Homemade Apple and Cinnamon Yogurt
Craving for a satisfying dessert? Having yoghurt ensures that you get a healthy dose of active probiotics which are effective at warding off illnesses and harmful microorganisms. While it’s convenient to buy ready-made yoghurt, did you know that you can easily make it? With a yoghurt maker, making your own yoghurt can be healthier and cheaper in the long run. To make a delicious home-made apple and cinnamon yoghurt, mix in a large bowl sliced apples and chilled plain yoghurt. Add cinnamon for a bodied and earthy taste. Sprinkle brown sugar or use Stevia powder for a healthier option.
8. Juiciest Rainy Day Hamburger
Who can say no to a succulent burger on a rainy night? Unfortunately, not all hamburgers are created equal. The meat, cooking method and toppings can mean the difference between good and blah burgers. Indulge without having to ruin your diet with extra-lean ground beef. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, milk, and cayenne pepper. Form your patties and start heating your pan or grill. Cook the patties 5 minutes per side or until well done. Use whole-wheat bun and add veggies like tomatoes and romaine lettuce for added nutrition.
With these 8 rainy day recipes, you can satisfy your cravings despite the wet season. Remember that an organized condo kitchen ensures that preparing delicious meals is easy and safe. Go ahead and savor these meals perfect for the rainy season.