Bored of your classic cereal for breakfast? Want some flair without having to prepare an extravagant breakfast? COVID-19 has given me the opportunity to explore more diverse breakfast options without resorting to the most efficient, bland-tasting breakfast. Lately, having the urge to try something different for breakfast, I’ve created several recipes that might help with the struggles of having an empty pantry. Most of these recipes only need a few ingredients and can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
- The tuna cheese melt: on days when I ran out of eggs but was too lazy to pick up a fresh carton, I opted for an alternative protein. Canned tuna has a good variety of nutrients such as vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and protein. Moreover, it is easily spreadable on a piece of toast or English muffin. Top the combination with some cheese and you have a gourmet breakfast you may even find on a menu at a top tier hotel.
- Chives pancake
: Having eaten pancakes for an entire month, I thought that adding some savory flair to the traditional pancake would help stimulate my appetite. For those who prefer green onions, there are plenty of pre-made frozen green onion cakes at your local Chinese supermarket. Otherwise, add some chopped chives to your pancake mix and sprinkle some salt and pepper instead of sugary syrup for a unique flavour profile. - Gourmet Oatmeal: Quaker’s instant oatmeal has been a staple in my residence for many years. The day we ran out of Quaker instant oatmeal, my father would rather skip breakfast than to try something else. If you’re looking for something different than your typical brown sugar topped microwavable oatmeal, there’s a few options.
Chocolate banana oatmeal: this simple recipe combines sliced banana with a handful of chocolate chip to help flavour the oatmeal- Apple cinnamon oatmeal: two ingredients present in most kitchens include apples and cinnamon powder which create an excellent topping for the plain oatmeal.
- Savory Mexican oatmeal: For those who are a fan of more savory breakfast items, try adding some shredded cheddar, corn, tomatoes and cilantro to top the oatmeal
- Spinach pancakes:
When looking for a healthier pancake alternative, I’ve always looked to hide ingredients in my pancake mix. If you’re a fan of fruits, adding bananas, apples or berries into the mix can instantly add ingredients without disturbing the pancake texture. For myself, using the leftover spinach in my fridge helped turn my breakfast into a colorful one of a kind treat. - Falafel Omelet: For those looking for a gourmet version of the regular omelet, try adding falafels and spinach for a change in texture and flavour. On days where I feel like going vegetarian with my meals, falafels make for a great protein replacement.
