This article was originally published in the Freshers 2015 print edition of The Linc. If you’re a student and want to get your work in print, send us an email and get involved!
It’s easy when you’re at university to slip into bad habits of takeaways and pot noodles, but there are plenty of easy meals you can cook at home that keep you healthy as well as tasting fabulous.
If you’re an expert in the kitchen or have never cooked in your life, these are the perfect solutions to your busy student life – they don’t cost too much either!
‘The Italian Classic’
This is your go to meal. It’s easy, tastes good and will keep your parents happy when
you send them a snap – Spaghetti Bolognese.
Buy the pasta in bulk and measure how much you need in the bowl before you cook it, to prevent cooking for the army and not just you. Pretty much any vegetable can go in a Spag Bol so put them in and get that five a day.
‘The 9am’
For those early morning lectures it’s important to start the day with a good breakfast without spending too much time. You’ve always got the quick options of oatmeal or fruit and yoghurt to keep breakfast healthy but substantial.
But if you fancy trying something a bit more interesting then the one to try is the “English Muffin and Egg topping.” It’s really easy to make and to save time you can boil your eggs in advance and leave them in the fridge. Simply toast your English muffin, add butter, a slice of tomato and sliced boiled egg and you’re good to go.
‘The Home Favourite’
It’s not quite as good as your mum’s but it’ll be that taste of home. Behold the “Sunday Dinner Pie”.
Simply cook whatever you would for a Sunday dinner: meat, potatoes, vegetables. Add the gravy into the pot and cover with ready made puff pastry and place into the oven. Coat with butter for a more golden top. Wait until the pastry is done and then taste the goodness. Why not offer this dish to your flatmates too?
‘The Night In’
For those nights when you and your flatmates put a film on, put your feet up and relax. It’s always good to have good food accompany you. Give the “Tortilla Pizza” a try.
Simply place your tortillas in a dish and layer with your tomato puree or salsa. Add the cheese and any other toppings and place in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. It’s a much cheaper way than ordering pizza and it tastes great. You can also try it with pitta bread, too!
‘The Perfect Pudding’
The tasty treat for when you need it. No matter what the excuse there is always an easy recipe to satisfy that sweet tooth without bursting the bank. “Brownie in a mug” is a great recipe for so many reasons. It’s quick, it’s cheap and it creates little washing up!
You need 4 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Put them in a mug with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and mix together well to ensure there aren’t clumps. Once mixed, place in the microwave for about 1 minute. There you have the perfect pudding.
Enjoy!