Help me survive while my gas range and oven are out of commission.

I’m seeking some creative meal ideas while my gas range and oven are out of commission for the next few weeks due to a gas line inspection. The only cooking tool I have at my disposal is my Instant Pot, and I can’t even heat up water or use my dryer!

I’d love your suggestions for one-pot meals I can whip up in my Instant Pot, as well as cold dishes that don’t require any cooking. I have a few go-to dinners, but I’d prefer not to repeat them all month long. For breakfast, we usually have overnight oats, but I’m hoping for some hot breakfast ideas for the weekends.

To complicate things, I have a nearly one-year-old, so I’m also looking to prepare extra veggies and snacks for him.

Just a note: my kitchen is quite small, so adding new appliances for just a month isn’t really feasible, and counter space is limited! Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Comments

One response to “Help me survive while my gas range and oven are out of commission.”

  1. I totally understand how challenging it can be to cook without a gas range! Here are some one-pot meal ideas for your Instant Pot, as well as some cold dish suggestions that require no cooking:

    One-Pot Meal Ideas for Instant Pot:

    1. Chili: Use canned beans, diced tomatoes, ground meat (if you eat it), and your favorite spices. You can add bell peppers or corn for extra veggies.

    2. Soup: Try a hearty lentil or vegetable soup. You can throw in carrots, celery, potatoes, and spinach for a nutritious meal.

    3. Risotto: Use Arborio rice with any broth and add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini. Stir in some cheese for creaminess at the end.

    4. Curry: Use coconut milk, canned chickpeas, and your choice of vegetables (like sweet potatoes and spinach) for a quick and flavorful meal.

    5. Quinoa Bowl: Cook quinoa with vegetable broth and add black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa for a filling dish.

    6. Pasta: You can cook pasta with sauce directly in the Instant Pot. Just add enough liquid to cook the pasta, then stir in veggies like spinach or broccoli.

    7. Pulled Chicken: Cook chicken breasts with barbecue sauce or your favorite seasoning, then shred it for sandwiches or to use in wraps.

    8. Oatmeal: You can make a big batch of steel-cut oats in the Instant Pot for breakfast—add fruits, nuts, or spices for flavor.

    Cold Dishes That Require No Cooking:

    1. Salad: Mix greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and protein (like canned beans or rotisserie chicken) with a simple dressing.

    2. Wraps: Use tortillas to wrap up deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and hummus for quick lunches.

    3. Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt and top with granola and nuts for breakfast.

    4. Cold Pasta Salad: Use cooked pasta (make it in the Instant Pot) and toss it with veggies, olives, cheese, and Italian dressing. Serve chilled.

    5. Overnight Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with milk and a sweetener, and let it sit overnight. Add fruits or nuts in the morning for a nutritious breakfast.

    6. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with fresh fruits and granola for a healthy and easy snack.

    Hot Breakfast Ideas for Weekends:

    • Frittata: You can make a frittata in the Instant Pot with eggs, cheese, and veggies.
    • Savory oatmeal: Add eggs and any veggies you love to your oatmeal for a more filling breakfast.

    With these ideas, you should be able to keep things varied and delicious despite the temporary cooking limitations. Best of luck with your gas line inspection!

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