Local Flavors at the Greenmarket

Here are five fast, easy, and delicious recipes to whip up anytime in your dorm room microwave.

Perfect Oatmeal

• Place ½ cup of rolled oats, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ cup whole milk and a pinch of salt in a microwave safe bowl.
• Stir.
• Microwave on high for 90 minutes or longer for a softer consistency.
• Stir add-ins, such as nuts, fruit, seeds, or other seasonings. Folding in savory additions like nori, tahini, sesame sauce, sriracha, steamed vegetables, or kimchee makes oatmeal a hearty meal.

Omelette in a Mug

• Use a large (12 to 16 ounce), microwave safe mug.
• Crack two eggs into the mug and stir with a fork.
• Add a tablespoon of milk or water, along with any other additions like cherry tomatoes, herbs, bell peppers, or cheese.
• Heat for 30 seconds, stir, heat for another 30 seconds, stir, heat for 20 seconds.
• Let cool and enjoy.

Acorn Squash Bowl

• Wash outside of whole squash and microwave for one minute to soften it. Remove and let cool enough to handle.
• Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise from stem end to pointed base and scoop out seeds and strings.
• Place squash halves cut side down on a rimmed microwave-safe dish, add six tablespoons on water, and cook for five minutes on full power or until tender.
• Using oven mitts, flip the squash halves to sit cut side up and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, along with salt and pepper or maple syrup.
• Microwave for another one to two minutes until butter is melted or oil is warm enough to dissolve salt or syrup.
• Place on a plate to cool before eating.

Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese

• In small microwavable dish with lid, microwave ¾ cup of frozen cauliflower covered for about a minute.
• Remove from microwave and chop the cauliflower into small pieces.
• Microwave for another 50 seconds, then add one ounce of shredded cheese.
• Microwave for another 10 seconds.
• Stir in one tablespoon of heavy cream until sauce forms and and enjoy.

Microwave Spiced Lentils

• In a large (16 oz) microwave safe mug mug, combine 3/4 cup rinsed drained canned lentils lentils, 1/2 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce.
• Microwave on high for one and half to two and a half minutes or until hot.
• Top with 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt and garnish with chopped fresh mint and roasted salted almonds.