Recipes  

you_are_are Home » Special Feature » 10 recipes that take 10 minutes (or less!) to lower the electricity bill

10 recipes that take 10 minutes (or less!) to lower the electricity bill

In collaboration with
Hilo

During the winter, we’re all looking to save electricity, and the kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive rooms in a home. Luckily, it’s possible to make quick and tasty recipes that require little of it. In collaboration with Hilo, here are 10 quick dishes that require no more than 10 minutes of cooking time, so as not to consume too much electricity during that winter rush hour.

1. Arugula, Trout and Yellow Beet Salad

A winter salad? That’s right! Especially since it only requires the energy of the oven for the fish’s short cooking time. This delicious blend of arugula, dill, lemon, store-bought precooked yellow beets and dried cranberries is as colourful as it is delicious.

2. Cheddar, Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese

All cooking appliances that plug into the wall are supposed to be more energy efficient than the oven. So by opting for cooking with a sandwich press to prepare your grilled cheese you can save electricity. Apple butter, cheddar, apple and bacon are a perfect match between two slices of bread.

3. Ravioli with Kale Pesto

To make things easier and spend less time in the kitchen, prepare this recipe using store-bought ravioli and grilled eggplant. It is advisable to always defrost food in advance before cooking, as is the case with pasta. This saves on cooking time. By adding your own homemade kale pesto, you can enhance the flavours of this dish that’s made in less than 25 minutes.

4. Cod with Pesto and Grapefruit Couscous

You can reduce your electricity consumption by cooking your fish quickly on the stovetop rather than in a conventional oven. Here, pan-seared cod is served with store-bought pesto, couscous and peas, as well as grapefruit supremes for a meal filled with freshness. 

5. Zucchini, Pea and Feta Omelet

Say yes to a delicious omelette that only requires a short prep time in a pan. Break up the bottom of the omelette as it begins to cook to speed up the cooking time and reduce electricity consumption. Then sprinkle with zucchini, peas and feta cheese for a generous meal.

Electricity-saving trick

After using the oven to cook your meal, leave the door open. The hot air from within can be used to heat the ambient air and avoid stressing the baseboard heaters.

6. Panzanella Salad with Legumes and Chicken

Leftover cooked chicken is always a welcome addition, especially in a meal-sized salad. For this dish, we’re inspired by an Italian recipe made of lettuce, tomatoes and baguette croutons browned in the oven. To reduce your electricity bill, avoid opening the oven door while cooking. It's best to turn on the oven light and look through the window to make sure nothing is burning. Quick and delicious! 

7. Cheese, Zucchini and Cauliflower Gnocchi

In this gnocchi dish, vegetables are in the spotlight. Zucchini is added to a creamy béchamel sauce along with blanched cauliflower florets. Covering the pan allows the water to boil faster for an all-in-one meal that allows you to reduce your electricity consumption...and dishes!

8. Sautéed Eggplant, Tofu and Cucumber with Peanut Sauce

Simplify weekday life with this vegetarian meal that’s a crowd-pleaser. Made with cubed eggplant and tofu, cucumber, ginger and peanut sauce, this quick pan stir-fry brings together surprising flavours beautifully. Here’s a hot tip: choosing the ring on the stove whose size is closest to that of your pan will avoid heat loss. 

9. Crispy Pork Tenderloin

Tasty bite-sized pieces of pork tenderloin coated in breadcrumbs and cooked in the pan is always a good idea! You can manage your cooking by turning off the burner before it’s done, since the residual heat will be enough to finish the dish. The crispy pieces of meat are served with a creamy yogurt sauce for a lip-smacking dish made in no time.

10. Quick Flap Steak and Tomato and Avocado Salad with Soy Sauce

You can help save energy by opting for a meat that can be cooked on the stove quickly, such as flap steak. Serve with curry powder, green onion and garlic, as well as a vegetable salad with a lime and soy sauce vinaigrette for an ideal dish to break the routine.

With these delicious recipe ideas, all you have to do is put on your apron and get cooking! This is a great way to try to reduce your electricity bill, and also help in the collective effort to reduce energy waste.

This article is a collaboration between RICARDO and Hilo, a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec.