3 Things You Can Cook in College That Aren’t Cup Noodles
Image credit: Photo by Charles on Unsplash
Whether it be classes, work, going out, wasabi maki combo or utter laziness, cooking is not high on the docket list of most college students.
This is evident in the high marketability and success products like ramen and Kraft-mac have with this age demographic. It is no secret that these processed foods are not desirable for your waistline, and, more importantly, they are not desirable for your health. However, simple tricks like planning out your meals and eating out less can help you avoid these undesirable effects!
Meal prep does not have to be some ornate thing that only the Kayla Itsineses of the world do. It can be something as simple as opting to boil the half dozen eggs in your fridge on a Monday night while watching "The Bachelor." Or, you could make quinoa and grilled chicken breast for the week to use for lunch and dinner. Separate everything in food storage containers for each day so that you will be able to grab and go.
“Random tips would be to one, invest in a crockpot. Two, I roast like five different veggies in the beginning of the week. It’s easy to have a variety and make different things, without having to do a full-on meal prep,” senior occupational therapy major Katharine Kelly said.
Living on Route 1 is both a blessing and a very evil curse. As a student, you have so many great options from pho to every style of pizza one could possibly summon. However, you are a student, and thus, for most of you, funds are limited.
Some advice would be to put a cap on the number of times a week that you grab takeout. By making this promise to yourself, you’re not only helping your wallet significantly, but your health too.
Compiled is a list of three healthy recipes that can be cooked on a college time schedule and budget:
If you like ramen, try this recipe from Blue Apron:
Ramen Noodle Salad
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients:
2 eggs
½ lb cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
2 scallions
6 oz. green beans
½ pound of ramen noodles
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon furikake (Asian spice) - optional
Directions:
First things first, get the water boiling for the soft-boiled eggs. While you wait, take care of the produce: Halve the green beans and tomatoes, and cut the scallions. Then, cut the cucumbers and place them in a bowl to marinate with the vinegar, sesame oil, salt and pepper.
Drop the egg(s) in the boiling water and cook them for 6 minutes to 7 minutes to get them soft-boiled, but KEEP the water boiling on the stove. When done, take the eggs out and run them under cold water for 30 seconds. Peel the eggs when done.
Then, put the ramen noodles and green beans in the boiling water, cook for 2 minutes to 3 minutes, then drain and run under cold water.
While the beans and noodles cook, in a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, sliced white bottoms of the scallions, remaining vinegar and remaining sesame oil.
Then, add everything together and enjoy your Asian masterpiece!
“Even if you don’t plan all your meals on one day, plan them all out and only go shopping once! You’ll save time and money, and won’t impulse shop,” said senior anthropology major Hannah Goodtree, who tested this ramen recipe. She added that “Trader Joe’s is the cheapest supermarket, which no one knows but it’s amazing.”
If you like Chipotle:
So not exactly, Chipotle, but it’s a healthy, lighter take. This recipe from mindbodygreen.com is made with quinoa instead of the traditional rice bowl, and you can add whatever Mexican fixings your heart desires.
Image credit: Rachel Clair
Quinoa Salad
Cook time: Approximately 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh, frozen or canned corn (if frozen, defrost for recipe)
1 medium avocado, diced
8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Directions:
Cook the quinoa over the stove top in water, allow it to boil, and reducing it to a simmer for around 20 minutes. If you are feeling particularly lazy, grab some frozen or microwaveable packets of quinoa available at most grocery stores.
While cooking, get the mixings ready: Cut the avocado, slice the cherry tomatoes, open and rinse the black beans and corn with water. In another bowl, whisk the olive oil, lime, salt and pepper to make a light dressing.
After the quinoa is cooled slightly, dump it in a large bowl and add the toppings. Then, drizzle the dressing over the bowl and toss everything together. If you want, put the salad in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes, or eat it as is!
Big fry fiend? Go for this hot take inspired by a recipe from Skinny Ms:
Grilled chicken breast and sweet potato “fries”
Photo courtesy of sophomore, finance and operations management major, Yosi Talalaminaei
Cooktime: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For baked chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the sweet potato fries:
2 large sweet potatoes, peel and sliced into thin strips
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lime juice
Directions:
This is really just a simple chicken breast, which every functioning adult needs to learn how to make.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Sprinkle chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic or garlic powder. Then, pop in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 F.
While that is cooking, slice up the sweet potatoes, but be careful as they are sometimes tough to cut. Then toss with olive oil, salt, cayenne and lime juice. Bake these for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, or until they are soft. If you are feeling brave and healthy, add some brussel sprouts or broccoli into the mix!
Serve everything together, and enjoy this healthy take on bar food.
Make a healthy choice when procrastinating studying by whipping up these nutritious recipes!
