When I moved into my first apartment at the end of my freshman year at UBC, one of the things I found great joy in was cooking meals for myself. With the move, I acquired a new sense of freedom to cook what I wanted to eat, and I was no longer restricted by the options in the dining halls around campus. Whether I am stressed from trying to complete assignments and readings, or I am feeling a little down from missing my family, I find a lot of comfort in food.
Today, I will be sharing some recipes to keep you warm in the cold weather, and to give you maximum comfort during a grueling submissions period. Mushrooms are a special feature in a couple of these recipes as they are great in cold weather! These recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and easy on the wallet. And, delicious (obviously!).
Recipe 1: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Who said fancy can’t be simple? Don’t be daunted, this risotto actually only takes twenty minutes to whip up, and it is warm, silky, and decadent.
You will need (for a single serving):
- 6-7 sliced cremini mushrooms
- Half of a small white onion, OR one shallot, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons of heavy cream
- About 2 1/2 cups of chicken OR vegetable stock
- ½ cup of arborio rice
- Some chopped parsley
- Some olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Step 1: Heat up some oil in the pan (medium-low heat), then add your onions and sliced mushrooms. Once soft and fragrant, add your minced garlic. We add the garlic in the end to avoid burning it.
Step 2: Add your uncooked rice to the veggies and the oil and mix for a minute to get the grains a bit toasted.
Step 3: Add one cup of stock to the pan and mix well to get any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring, as the stock gets absorbed.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add another cup of stock to the pan and cook with the lid covered for about 13 minutes. Keep checking on it and stirring it to avoid it sticking together.
Step 5: After most of the liquid has been absorbed, taste the rice and check if it still has a bit of a bite in the middle. If you would like it softer, add more stock and keep stirring, until you have a glossy, smooth consistency, and the rice is cooked to your liking.
Step 6: Add in your cream and mix well. Add your seasonings, salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Turn the heat off, and add in your parsley and mix.
Step 8: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some cheese if you like!
Recipe 2: Mars Bar Hot Chocolate
A low effort recipe yielding a rich, caramelly, chocolate drink that competes with coffee shop quality? This mug of comfort is out of this world (get it?). You can thank me later.
You will need (for a single serving):
- One whole Mars bar
- 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips/chunks
- 1 cup milk
- Optional: a couple tablespoons of heavy whipping cream
Step 1: Heat up milk in a pan.
Step 2: Break up your Mars Bar into smaller pieces and add it to the milk. Also add in your chocolate chips.
Step 3: Mix and heat until there are no lumps and all is silky smooth.
Step 4 (optional): In a separate bowl, using a whisk whip up your cream.
Step 5: Pour your hot choc into your favorite mug, garnish with some whipped cream if you’d like. Wrap your fingers around the warm mug, and sip the chocolatey goodness.
Recipe 3: Mushroom Toast
This makes for an easy (that’s an understatement) light lunch or snack. Not a fan of mushrooms? Try it out with tofu or chickpeas!
You will need (for a single serving):
- 7-8 mushrooms, sliced or diced (I like using cremini mushrooms, but use whatever mushroom you like)
- Two pieces of thick bread (sourdough goes great with this!)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A pinch of oregano or pizza seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Step 1: Stick your bread in the toaster, or fry it in a pan!
Step 2: In a pan, add your butter (medium-low heat). Once melted, add your mushrooms.
Step 3: Once your mushrooms are nice and toasty, add your garlic.
Step 4: Add salt and pepper to taste, the oregano, and the chili flakes. Turn the heat off.
Step 5: Remove your bread from the toaster, and spoon your mushrooms on to your toast.
Drizzle the top with a bit of olive oil to garnish if you’d like. Enjoy!
Want to try making these recipes in a dorm? A rice cooker should do the trick! Let us know how it went or if you have any comforting recipes you want to share in the comment section below!
You are really great Oishi. I love all particularly the chocolate drink