Whether you're a new student or a returning student, you may be contemplating how to feed yourself for the semester without having to eat out all the time. You need to stay energized and nourished for the semester ahead to make it through classes, study sessions, and exams.
It may seem easier to stop for some fast food, but eating a home-cooked meal can be therapeutic, filling, nutritious, and a money-saver. Here’s a list we’ve put together of easy recipes for students to make life easier.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a filling meal to get you through classes, essay writing, and everything else your day throws at you (plus it’s a colleg-student staple!). We have multiple ways to make mac and cheese.
For example, there's the one-pan mac and cheese topped with salsa. This dish offers comfort without all the calories, and it's easy to make. Your comfort food is ready in under 30 minutes.
Another option is to add shredded ham or bacon on top for a crunchy effect. And a fresh salad would make a great side dish.
Curried Chickpeas with Spinach
To make this yummy, versatile meal, sauté onion, ginger, and garlic with olive oil over medium heat until the onion is soft. Add curry powder, ¼ cup of water, and spinach, then continue to sauté until softened. The water will steam the spinach. Drain the chickpeas and add them along with tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir it well and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. Serve with rice or bread and enjoy.
Beef and Black Bean Stir-Fry
This dish can be ready in under 10 minutes and contains fewer than 300 calories. It is a healthy mid-week choice.
To prepare the meal, heat one tablespoon of oil in a pot. Add ginger and garlic, add the beef and cook until tender. Add the beans and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the black bean sauce and some water. Be sure to mix every ingredient properly so everything gets evenly cooked. Cook for two more minutes, then you can serve with rice or pasta.
Baked Sweet Potato with Smoky Beans
This easy recipe for baked sweet potatoes makes a great mid-week meal. The recipe involves cooking the sweet potatoes in an oven at 180° for 45 minutes. Cook the onions in olive oil until soft, stir in some vinegar, tomatoes, and paprika, simmer until thick. Add your beans and cook for five minutes. Split your potatoes, mash the insides, place the beans between them, add some sour cream, and enjoy.