Lana Oconnell
Being a university student often means learning to balance tuition fees, rent, and feeding yourself while on a budget. While pizza and ordering in can be a student's best friend, it can get expensive. Here are some budget-friendly alternatives to consider when you're a broke university student.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quick and easy to make | Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, pizza, sandwiches, leftovers, eggs, potatoes, pasta |
| Cheap | Ramen noodles, eggs, potatoes, pasta, rice, canned tuna |
| Filling | Potatoes, pasta, rice |
| Healthy | Eggs, frozen vegetables, potatoes, leftover vegetables |
| Use coupons | Paper coupons, coupons from apps, newspapers, mailbox circulars |
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What You'll Learn
Ramen noodles with vegetables and eggs
Ramen noodles are a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal that can be dressed up in many ways. Here's a recipe for ramen noodles with vegetables and eggs that's perfect for broke university students.
Ingredients:
- Ramen noodles (one pack)
- Water (according to package instructions)
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., broccoli, zucchini, spinach, kale, carrots, peas, mushrooms, scallions)
- Eggs
- Seasoning (e.g., salt, pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds)
Instructions:
First, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand or need to use up; just make sure they're cut into small pieces.
Next, measure the water according to the package instructions for your ramen noodles and add the seasoning packet. Bring the water to a boil. You can speed up this process by starting with hot tap water.
Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles. It can be helpful to break the noodles up slightly to make serving easier. Keep the heat on high and bring the noodles to a boil again.
Now, it's time to add the eggs. Crack an egg into the boiling soup and use a utensil to beat it slightly, just enough to break the yolk and mix it throughout the noodles. You don't want to mix it too well.
Add your prepared vegetables to the pot. If you're using leafy greens like spinach or kale, you can add a large handful, as they'll cook down significantly.
Continue cooking the ramen on high heat until the egg whites are set, about 1-2 minutes.
Finally, serve your ramen noodles with vegetables and eggs. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, and if you'd like, add a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Variations:
You can also make this dish as a fry-up. Instead of cooking the noodles in boiling water, soak them in boiling water for 2 minutes to soften, then drain and run under cold water, breaking up the noodles with your hands as you do so. Prepare your vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Heat some neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, in a pan. Toss in the drained noodles along with 2 tablespoons of water to loosen them up. Add soy sauce to taste and toss the noodles using chopsticks or tongs. Cook on high heat for 1 minute, then make 2 divots in the noodles and break the eggs into each hole. Scatter the vegetables on top, add frozen corn if using, and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes until the egg whites are set.
This dish is versatile and can be adapted to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. You can also top it with chilli oil, red chilli flakes, or kimchi for some spice, or add meat like ground beef or bacon for a non-vegetarian version.
So, there you have it—a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal for university students or anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner solution.
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Rice with potatoes and onions
Ingredients:
- Rice: Preferably use long-grain white rice for this dish. You can buy rice in bulk to save money, and it will last a long time in your pantry.
- Potatoes: Go for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked. They are usually affordable and readily available.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions are perfect for this dish. They add a savory flavor and can be bought in bulk and stored for several weeks.
- Oil: Use any cooking oil you have on hand, such as vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the dish.
- Optional: You can also add garlic, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or spices (such as paprika or cumin) to give it an extra kick, depending on your preference and budget.
Instructions:
Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice with water a few times until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch. Then, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling a certain amount of water, adding the rice, reducing the heat, and simmering until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. This should take around 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork when it's done, and set it aside.
Cook the potatoes and onions: Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Peel and slice or chop the onions. Heat some oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions to the pan. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan, to ensure everything cooks evenly. Stir occasionally, so they don't stick to the pan. Cook until the potatoes are tender, and both the potatoes and onions have a slight golden color. This should take around 15-20 minutes as well. Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs, to taste.
Combine and serve: Once the rice and potatoes are cooked, simply mix them together. You can do this by gently folding the rice and potatoes together in a large bowl or directly in the pan. Serve it up while it's hot. This dish is great on its own, but if your budget allows, you can serve it with a fried egg on top or a side of steamed vegetables.
This meal is a great example of how a few simple and inexpensive ingredients can come together to create a tasty and satisfying dish. It's a budget-friendly option that will keep you full and fueled during those busy university days.
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Homemade pizza with tortilla base
As a university student, it is understandable that you may be on a tight budget and may not have the time or energy to cook elaborate meals. A tortilla pizza is a quick, easy, and cheap meal that can be made in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla: You can use a store-bought soft flour tortilla or make your own.
- Oil: Olive oil is recommended, but you can use any cooking oil you have.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano are suggested, but you can also add salt and any other seasonings you like.
- Tomato Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own by pureeing canned tomatoes and seasoning with salt.
- Toppings: Chicken breast, green bell pepper, and green onions are suggested, but you can use any toppings you prefer, such as caramelized onions, basil, or other vegetables.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is recommended for its good melting characteristics, but you can use any cheese you like or have available.
Method:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place your tortilla on a baking sheet. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Bake in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden.
Remove the tortilla from the oven and spread on your tomato sauce. Arrange your chosen toppings over the sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle on some oregano for extra flavor.
Slice your pizza into wedges and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra-crispy base, use a cast-iron skillet to bake your pizza. This will catch the melted cheese around the edges, creating a crispy, browned crust.
- If you like your pizza with a puffed-up crust, use a baking stone or baking steel. However, this will increase your preparation time due to the preheating required.
- If you want to ensure a crisp base, sprinkle on the cheese first, followed by the sauce.
- This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste and the ingredients you have available.
So, there you have it! A simple, tasty, and budget-friendly meal that is perfect for a busy university student. Enjoy your homemade pizza and feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations.
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Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
The simplicity of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is part of its appeal for busy students. Bread, peanut butter, and jelly are the only essential ingredients, and these can be purchased cheaply from most grocery stores. The sandwiches can be made in advance and frozen, or the ingredients can be stored in a dorm room or student accommodation, ready to be assembled quickly when hunger strikes.
The versatility of this sandwich is another reason for its popularity. Students can add their own twist with different types of bread, peanut butter, and jelly, or add extra ingredients such as sliced bananas, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For those with peanut allergies, there is the option to substitute hummus for the peanut butter.
The nutritional value of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is also a factor in their reputation as a good food choice for students. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can keep students feeling fuller for longer, and the jelly provides a quick energy boost from natural sugars.
For students struggling with food insecurity, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be a lifeline. They are a cheap, filling, and tasty option that can be provided by food banks and colleges, or made at home by students on a tight budget.
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Baked chicken with salad
First, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice—basil and rosemary work well. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken before baking for a tangy flavour. Place the chicken in the oven at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad. A classic chicken salad uses celery for crunch and green onion for flavour, but you can also add other vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, or tomato. You can also add nuts and fruit, like grapes or apples, for extra texture and flavour. To make the salad creamier, add mayonnaise, or Greek yoghurt, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then slice or shred it and add it to the salad. You can serve this as a sandwich, wrap, or on a bed of salad greens.
This is a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that can be made in bulk and eaten over a few days. It's a great option for university students looking for a cheap and tasty meal.
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