Easy 3-ingredient meals to supplement your diet during lockdown

Most of us should probably already know that Singapore has eased some COVID-19 measures and have entered into phase 1’s lifting of restrictions. For many of the office workers, we are still advised to Work From Home as much as possible. With that, it would mean that we are currently in our third month of being cooped up at home. 

Whether you have been taking away your cai png from the coffee shop below your block or pampering yourself with food deliveries (while helping boost the F&B economy) – why not try whipping up some simple, nutritious and healthy meals this month? Read on to find out some delicious and easy 3-ingredient recipes to ease your boredom and hone your culinary skills: 

Banana Breakfast Pancakes
Even though you might not feel very active while working from home, do remember to start your day with a proper breakfast instead of just drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. This will help you to be more productive and alert throughout the day. Whip up an easy stack of banana pancakes with just: 

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 medium egg
• 2 tablespoons of self-raising flour 

Steps: Mash the banana in a bowl and mix in the whisked egg and flour until smooth. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes while you heat and coat your frying pan with butter, over medium heat. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the frying pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with optional berries or maple syrup on the side. 

Baked Thyme & Lemon Salmon
Salmon has many health benefits that can keep our diet on track during lockdown. It is a great source of protein, vitamins and healthy omega-3 fats that can boost immunity and cognitive functions. Make use of your oven to have a healthy lunch with the following ingredients: 

• Olive oil
• 500g salmon fillet (or other fish of preference)
• Lemon slices
• Thyme, salt and pepper (optional) 

Steps: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down inside a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and pour enough olive oil to cover the top of the fillet. Scatter lemon slices and thyme over the salmon fillet then place in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes. Remove when the fillet has turned a solid and opaque pink colour, and serve. 

Clean & Creamy Carbonara
On days you feel like having some comfort food, consider making this healthy carbonara alternative compared to the pasta dishes you find in restaurants. After all, this will be a home-cooked meal and a great plus of cooking at home is being able to control the ingredients going into your meals: 

• 500g spaghetti
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps: Add salt to boiling water and prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Whisk the eggs well in a large bowl but ensure not to create bubbles within the mixture,  then add the grated cheese into the bowl. Drain the spaghetti water while leaving a few tablespoons behind. Use tongs to remove the cooked spaghetti for 15-30 seconds and directly mix the spaghetti into the egg mixture. Stir in the leftover spaghetti water until your preferred consistency and garnish with more cheese and pepper on top. 

Icy Watermelon Margaritas
Finally, at the end of the week, you can treat yourself and reward our good efforts at maintaining a healthy diet and your sanity while working from home. Create a small batch of watermelon margarita cocktails and invite your friends to a video call to kick back and chill out together, virtually:  

• 2 cups watermelon juice (half a small ripe watermelon) 
• 2 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoon tequila 
• Sea salt (optional to line the rim of your glass)

Steps: Cube half a ripe watermelon and blend them until smooth. Add the watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila and ice into a cocktail shaker (if you have) and stir/shake to combine. Taste the cocktail and tailor it to your preference by adding more of any of the ingredients. Dip your serving glasses in lime juice and hold it upside down over a plate of sea salt to garnish. Add more ice in the serving glass and pour your cocktail mixture over. 

Et Voila! Congrats on making it through another week of working from home and picking up new simple yet impressive homemade recipes along the way.