Covid 19 coronavirus: Lockdown cooking made easy - 11 recipes you can whip up in no time

Baking is a great form of therapy and this banana bread is simple as. Photo / Eatwell

The uncertainty and pressure brought on by an unexpected lockdown can seem overwhelming, but there is one thing you don't have to stress about - the cooking.

We have handpicked 11 recipes that are easy and practical; some use just a few pantry staples, while others can be made with the kids. Hopefully these fuss-free recipes will help to make the days without take away food more bearable, even if just a little.

A good start: Out of this world overnight oats

Overnight oats are an easy, healthy breakfast. Photo / Eatwell

Soaking oats overnight makes them easier to digest and means that you have a healthy breakfast for the kids, ready for them to grab, no heating or messing around required.

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No bake snack: Fridge flapjacks

No bake fridge flapjacks. Photo/ Eatwell

When everyone is home and hungry, or even if you do manage to get out of the house you need sustenance. These flapjacks are simply mixed together in a bowl, spread on a tray and placed in the fridge to set.

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Leftover fun: Chicken salad sushi rolls

Leftover chicken makes great sushi. Photo / Eatwell

With some leftover chicken and a sachet of 90 second rice these rolls become super easy, and rather fun.

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Bake yourself calm: Easy banana bread

Baking is a great form of therapy and this banana bread is simple as. Photo / Eatwell

Even though most of us are even busier trying to work from home, there is something about a lockdown that makes you want to bake.

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Plan ahead: Mini mousse

Mini choc mousse cups. Photo / Eatwell

Occupy their afternoon and encourage them to eat their dinner with the promise of a cute mug of chocolate custard mousse for dessert.

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From the pantry: Simple tuna linguine

Easy peasy tuna pasta. Photo / Eatwell

Hook into this pantry staple that's high in protein and low in fat with this quick but impressive pasta.

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One-pan wonder: Baked chicken with tomatoes, aubergine and olives

One pan dishes make for easy dinner. Photo / Eatwell

Italian flavours come to life in this tasty and satisfying meal that is a cinch to make. We love to serve this on a bed of orzo, with a crunchy green salad on the side.

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Humble and hearty: Beef, red wine and mushroom stew

Slow cooked beef and mushroom stew. Photo / Eatwell

Let your oven or slow cooker do most of the work in creating this comfort meal. Leftovers freeze well too.

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Use what you have: Egg fried rice with chicken and prawns

Leftover rice and a few other goodies is all your need to make tasty fried rice. Photo / Eatwell

An affordable protein, eggs provide endless options for breakfast, lunch and, in this case, a crowd pleasing dinner.

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Lighten up: Light butter chicken

Lighter than take-out butter chicken. Photo/ Eatwell

Some of our favourite takeaway meals taste amazing because they are packed with sugar and fat. Butter chicken, everyone's favourite, is a great example of that, so why not switch it out for a lighter version like this one.

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Warm up: The ultimate hot chocolate

A comforting hot chocolate is just what we all need right now. Photo / NZH

There is a certain romance to making hot drinks on the stove, mixing and watching the liquid start to become hot before pouring it into drinking mugs. This is the warm comfort we all need right now.

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