By Neva Bass, Features Editor
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and isolating is imperative: School is cancelled, athletics are canceled, many weekend jobs are suspended, and most extracurriculars are canceled. Students find themselves scheduling their own days with both new limitations and new freedom. Inevitably school will be a part of that equation, but what students choose to fill the remainder of their days with is almost entirely their decision. One possibility is to use it to create or maintain a healthy meal plan to enjoy during the days of online school.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
One lunch for the online schooler to enjoy is roasted butternut squash soup. This recipe would unfortunately take slightly too long to make during the one and a half hour lunch break, but you can make it ahead during an afternoon or on a weekend. The soup can be refrigerated and only takes several minutes to heat up for a quick and easy lunch break. Recipe HERE.
Gluten free, vegan
2. Caprese Sandwich
Another healthy lunch option for students to try out is a caprese sandwich. This sandwich is quick, easy, and delicious. No advance prep time is required; it can easily be made in the time allotted for the distance learning lunch break. The sandwich in the video tutorial is made with an english muffin, simply because I have no bread on hand at the moment. Caprese sandwiches are best made with a baguette or toast. Grapes pair perfectly for a side dish. Improvisation is one of the hallmarks of quarantine cooking; do not be daunted if you see an ingredient you do not have, simply research easy substitutes. Recipe HERE.
Vegetarian, option to be vegan if vegan bread
3. Quinoa Avocado Macro Bowl
Macro bowls, otherwise known as buddha bowls, are a fantastic way of getting all the great nutrients needed to energize you for the second half of your online school day. Meal prep is advised; cook the quinoa and saute the spinach ahead of time. The sautéed spinach can be substituted with fresh arugula or other greens if desired to reduce preparation time. Option to add sautéed brussel sprouts or any other vegetables you may have in your fridge or freezer. Recipe HERE.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free
4. Mini Pizzas
Mini pizzas are a quick, easy, and scrumptious way to grab a bite of lunch. The prep time is under five minutes, and yet they taste exquisite. No advance prep is needed for this dish. It is advised to make mini pizzas in batches of 4 or 5; they are sure to be an instant hit. Recipe HERE.
Vegetarian
5. Seasoned Lentils
Seasoned lentils are the comfort food you did not know you needed. Cook the lentils ahead of time if you want a quick meal construction. This lunch is guaranteed to be a fan favorite. Option to use as taco or wrap filling. Recipe HERE.
Vegetarian