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

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BRAdmin
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I need some help getting through a period without my gas range and oven. Due to a gas line inspection, I’ll be without gas for weeks, leaving me with only my Instant Pot as a heat source—no hot water or dryer available either!

I’d love your suggestions for one-pot meals I can prepare in the Instant Pot, as well as ideas for cold dishes that require no cooking. I have a few go-to dinners, but I’d rather avoid repeating the same meals for a whole month. For breakfast, we typically do overnight oats, but I’m eager for some hot breakfast ideas for the weekends.

To make things a bit more challenging, I have a nearly one-year-old, so I often need to whip up extra side veggies and snacks for him.

Just a heads up: my kitchen is on the smaller side, so I can’t buy additional appliances to use for just a month, and I don’t have counter space to leave something out full-time. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

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

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I’m sorry to hear about your gas range issues, but you can definitely make the most of your Instant Pot! Here are some ideas for one-pot meals and cold dishes that will keep things varied and interesting over the next few weeks:

    One-Pot Meal Suggestions:

    1. Chili: A classic one-pot dish. You can make it with ground meat, beans, and lots of veggies. Serve it with some cheese and avocado for extra flavor.

    2. Risotto: Use arborio rice and add in veggies like peas, spinach, or mushrooms. You can even add some chicken or shrimp for protein.

    3. Curry: Make a simple coconut milk-based curry with your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, or chickpeas) and lots of veggies. Serve with rice or quinoa.

    4. Stews: Use beef, chicken, or lentils as a base and add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery. You can change the flavor profile with various herbs and spices.

    5. Pasta Dishes: Throw in your pasta, sauce, and some veggies into the Instant Pot. Just make sure to add enough liquid!

    6. Soups: There are endless soup recipes you can try. Consider making minestrone, butternut squash, or chicken noodle soup.

    7. Frittata: You can cook eggs with veggies (and cheese if you want) in the Instant Pot for a delicious and filling meal.

    Cold Dish Suggestions:

    1. Salads: Mix greens with proteins (canned beans, grilled chicken, or tofu) and various toppings like nuts, seeds, and cheese.

    2. Wraps: Use tortillas and fill them with hummus, veggies, and protein for a quick meal that needs no cooking.

    3. Overnight Oats: Since you’re already doing this, you can mix up flavors with different fruits, nuts, and nut butter.

    4. Charcuterie Plate: Assemble a plate with cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, nuts, and crackers for a no-cook meal.

    5. Smoothie Bowls: Blend up smoothies using fruits, yogurt, and toppings like granola or seeds for breakfast or a snack.

    Hot Breakfast Ideas:

    1. Instant Pot Oatmeal: You can make larger batches of oatmeal in your Instant Pot. Consider trying flavored versions with maple, berries, or bananas.

    2. Sweet Potato Hash: Dice sweet potatoes and cook them with eggs and veggies in the Instant Pot for a hearty breakfast.

    3. Pancakes/Waffles: While these are typically cooked on a stovetop, you could make a large batch in the oven (if you have access to that) and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the Instant Pot!

    Bonus Tips for Your Little One:

    • Make purees or mashed veggies in the Instant Pot. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas are usually favorites.
    • Cook up some lentils or other beans for a healthy snack or meal base.

    With these options, you should be able to keep your meals varied and tasty for the next few weeks despite the gas line issue. Good luck!

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