No Kitchen No Problem: How To Cook Without A Kitchen

Some people would think that not having a kitchen is the end of the world. Don’t worry, you won’t have to spend the rest of your time eating take-out and frozen meals.

There are multiple reasons why you may not have a kitchen. It could be because you’re renovating, moving into a new home that does not come with a fully stocked kitchen (for whatever reason) or you’re moving out of your parent’s place to head to life in a college dorm (my personal favorite).

This post will give you some pointers on how to cook without a kitchen.

Common Situations When You Don’t Have A Kitchen

All I Have Is A Kettle

Some noodles only need boiling water like flat rice noodles and vermicelli, for example. Put the noodles in a bowl and pour water on them, once the noodles are cooked to your preferred consistency, drain them.

You can also cook any frozen vegetable with a kettle. Since frozen veg already comes pre-blanched all you have to do is defrost your vegetables by pouring boiled water on them. If your vegetables are still not to your liking, drain the water from the veg and repeat the process.

All I Have Is A Microwave

Microwaves can cook almost anything if not all things. It can braise, roast, bake, and even steam. If you have potatoes on hand, you can microwave whole potatoes to make mashed potatoes. To do this, set your potatoes to cook in the microwave until fork tender. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, mash the potatoes then stir in milk and butter.

Not everyone is going to be surprised that rice can be cook in the microwave since you can buy Minute Rice. However, normal rice can be cooked in your microwave as well. All you have to do is use two cups of water and one cup of rice, season, and set to cook. Stir every five minutes until done. This will only take about twelve minutes to cook. Bear in mind, that microwaves vary so the timing in yours might be slightly different

Do you want breakfast made using your microwave, let’s make bacon and eggs?

Transfer your bacon to a sheet of paper towel in a microwave safe plate. Set the bacon to cook until it becomes crisp. Just be aware that the fat will be drained on the paper towels.

Put your cracked eggs in a bowl, stir the eggs well and place it in a microwave safe bowl. Keep an eye on it so that it isn’t overcooked. This should take about a minute and a half. Be sure to check it after every 30 seconds.

How To Cook Without A Kitchen

Here are a few recipes you can try in a crockpot.

Avgolemono Soup & Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground lamb
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. sea salt, divided
• ½ tsp. black pepper, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix to combine the ground lamb, coriander, cumin, onion, rosemary, oregano, 1 tsp. of salt, ¼ tsp. of pepper, and the garlic.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, and place them in the cooker. Add the Bone Broth, carrots, onion, garlic powder, remaining 1 tsp. of salt, and remaining ¼ tsp. of pepper.
3. Close the lid, and allow to cook for 8 hours on low. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs.
4. Whisk 1 tbsp. of the hot liquid from the slow cooker into the lemon and egg mixture.
5. When it is incorporated, add 1 more tbsp. and whisk again. Repeat until you have added 4 tbsp.
6. Pour the egg mixture in a thin stream back into the cooker, stirring constantly. Serve immediately.

Serves: 6                                 Prep Time: 20mins                Cook Time: 8 hrs.

Chicken & Jalapeño Stew

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs. boneless and skinless chicken thigh meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 oz. bacon, chopped
• 2 (6-ounce) cans chopped chili peppers, undrained
• 8 oz. button mushrooms, halved
• 1 (16-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, undrained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• Dash cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, bacon, chilies and their juice, mushrooms, tomatoes and their juice, onion, carrots, Bone Broth, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Close the lid, and allow to cook for 8 hours on low. Stir in the cilantro just before serving.

Serves: 6                                 Prep Time: 10mins                 Cook Time: 8 hrs.

Mushroom & Cauliflower Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 lb. cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, drained
• ¼ cup Vegetable Stock
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the cauliflower, mushrooms, onion, tomatoes, Vegetable Stock, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Close the lid, and allow to cook for 8 hours on low. Using a potato masher, lightly mash the sauce to break up the cauliflower.
3. Stir in the basil just before serving.

Serves: 6                                 Prep Time: 20mins                Cook Time: 8 hrs.

Conclusion

One doesn’t need to have a traditional kitchen in order to enjoy a home cooked meal. Once you have electricity, you can use an instant pot, air fryer, slow cooker, or a hot plate. When you don’t have electricity, there are also a variety of propane based outdoor appliances you can cook on. This includes your backyard grill, and smoker. Now you know what to do in this situation.