Prison Gourmet: Creative Recipes Using Commissary Items

Introduction

In the unique environment of a prison, where resources are limited and creativity is abundant, inmates have developed ingenious ways to prepare meals using only the items available in the commissary. These recipes not only provide sustenance but also serve as a reminder of the outside world and the comfort of home-cooked meals. This guide will walk you through some of these inventive recipes, offering a glimpse into the culinary ingenuity found behind bars.

Orange Chicken Substitute

To make an Orange Chicken Substitute, you’ll need pork rinds, strawberry jelly, Kool Aid, and Top Ramen seasoning. Start by crushing the pork rinds into a fine powder. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of pork rinds with 1/4 cup of strawberry jelly, 1 tablespoon of Kool Aid, and 1 teaspoon of Top Ramen seasoning. The jelly acts as a binder, while the Kool Aid and seasoning provide the tangy and savory flavors reminiscent of orange chicken. This dish is not only a tasty treat but also a reminder of the comfort food from home.

Tamales

Creating tamales in prison involves using unconventional ingredients like Cheetos and hot water. Begin by crushing 1 cup of Cheetos into a fine powder. Mix the Cheetos powder with 1 cup of hot water to form a dough-like consistency. Once the dough is formed, shape it into a tamale shape using your hands. This recipe is a creative way to enjoy a traditional dish using the limited resources available.

Soup

Making broth from Corn Nuts and pork rinds is a common practice in prison. To start, crush 1 cup of Corn Nuts and 1 cup of pork rinds into a fine powder. In a pot, mix the crushed Corn Nuts and pork rinds with 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the broth through a sieve to remove any solids. This broth can be used as a base for various soups, adding a rich flavor to your meal.

Burritos

Cooking beans and rice in a 6×6 paper box with a cereal bag as a lid is a unique method used in prison. Start by cooking 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of beans separately. Once cooked, mix them together in a bowl. Place the mixture in a 6×6 paper box and cover it with a cereal bag. Use a stinger (an electric boiling utensil) to heat the box. The stinger heats the box from the outside, allowing the food to cook evenly. This method provides a portable and convenient way to enjoy a hearty meal.

Menudo

Substituting pork rinds for meat in menudo is a common practice in prison. To make this dish, you’ll need pork rinds, chili lime Corn Nuts, and tortillas. Crush 1 cup of pork rinds and 1 cup of chili lime Corn Nuts into a fine powder. Mix the pork rinds and Corn Nuts with 4 cups of water to make a broth. Add the broth to a pot and bring it to a boil. Simmer the broth for 30 minutes, then add tortillas and any other desired ingredients. This recipe is a creative way to enjoy a traditional dish using the limited resources available.

Tacos

Adding Top Ramen seasoning to refried beans and instant rice is a popular way to make tacos in prison. Start by cooking 1 cup of refried beans and 1 cup of instant rice separately. Mix the beans and rice together in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Top Ramen seasoning to the mixture for added flavor. Use tortillas to wrap the mixture and create tacos. This recipe is a tasty and filling meal that can be enjoyed anytime.

Sweet and Sour Pork

To make a Sweet and Sour Pork Substitute, you’ll need pork rinds, jelly, Kool Aid, and Top Ramen seasoning. Crush 1 cup of pork rinds into a fine powder. In a bowl, mix the pork rinds with 1/4 cup of jelly, 1 tablespoon of Kool Aid, and 1 teaspoon of Top Ramen seasoning. The jelly acts as a binder, while the Kool Aid and seasoning provide the tangy and savory flavors reminiscent of sweet and sour pork. This dish is not only a tasty treat but also a reminder of the comfort food from home.

Conclusion

These recipes showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of inmates in prison. By using limited commissary items, they create meals that not only provide sustenance but also bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. Whether it’s a sweet and sour pork substitute or a hearty burrito, these recipes offer a glimpse into the culinary world behind bars.