Let’s face it! Some nights (or most nights), you only imagine just staying in on a Saturday night instead of going out to crowded nightspot, dressed to the nines. In case that happens, your night-in can be special as long as the right food is served. They should be comforting, tasty, and most preferably easy to eat as your body is planted on the couch. So whether you’re alone or with your partner, enjoying each others company with a couple of DVD’s, here’s a couple of tasty meal suggestions that could very well make a couch-potato the happiest.
Cheeseburger Dip
The whole idea of a cozy night-in is to do as little as possible, including minimal effort when it comes to eating. And with the right attitude and enthusiasm, this meal would be perfect. Who wouldn’t love a nice juicy cheeseburger on a Friday night? But burgers can be messy and most likely keep your eyes focused on the meal, and not the movie.
Make this yourself by setting up the oven on high heat. In that time, sauté some onions on a hot skillet with a pound of ground beef, stir in tomato puree and some Worcestershire or Barbeque sauce, add salt and pepper to taste. Once the ingredients simmer, pour them into a baking dish and top it with grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
You can eat this with Ritz crackers, baguette slices, or you can eat it with some of your favorite pastas.
Chicken Noodle Soup
It’s raining outside and you’re watching a laid back rom-com. Blankets and plush pillows won’t do because you’re missing a bowl of savory chicken noodle soup. A big porcelain soup-mug of your choice is crucial. It’ll keep your hands warm and there’s generally no need to worry if it might spill. Just make you the chicken meat is boneless, cubed and stocked with carrots, peas and herbs!
Vegetable Gratin
A comforting movie night is incomplete without cheese dishes. But missing out on a serving of vegetables can spell bad news as you’ll be spending the night munching on junkfood, so it’s only fair that you get some nutrients and fiber.
Compromise your sinful cravings with some nutrition by cooking your favorite veggies in a gratin. All you need is some salt and pepper, some chopped garlic, veggies, potatoes, cooking cream, butter and mozarella. You’ll be surprised how fast it takes to prepare this dish. Simply heat the cooking cream with the garlic and butter over low heat until it simmers. Add in salt and pepper to taste, throw in your veggies, take it off the stove and pour onto a baking dish. Add more salt and pepper if you’d like, top it off with cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes in high-medium heat.
Microwaved-Potatoes With Toppings
If you’re a light eater, a baked potato could be just what you need. Get a large Russet potatoes and clean them thoroughly by washing and scrubbing them to remove any dirt. Brush each side of the potato with olive oil and use a fork to poke the potato several times to allow heat ventilation as it cooks. Leave it in the microwave on high heat for 5 minutes. Once it is soft, slice the center of it and add in your favorite topping. Add cheese, vegetables, meat, or even Cheeseburger Dip we mentioned earlier!
Sushi Platter
A sushi platter can be perfect for a night in. It’s perfect for sharing and there’s usually no need for cleaning. Just remember to keep it zen with a pot of green tea ready and some sturdy sauce-plates ready to avoid spilling soy sauce.
Do you have any dishes that’s absolute perfection for a night in? Share with us on our Forum.