Yahoo Movies Sick of ramen and mac and cheese? These simple recipes will help anyone learn to cook
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It’s late September, and that means two things: homecoming is just around the corner for plenty of colleges, and lots of college students are getting sick of their meal plans.
Sure, pizza and orange chicken sounded great on your orientation tour, but you could get burnt out on your favorite foods pretty quickly if that’s all you ate.
This list of recipes can change that. Each of these recipes is made with only utensils and gadgets that would be allowed in a college dorm room: think mixing bowls, a cutting board, rice cooker or an air fryer. The ingredients are pretty universal and inexpensive, too. Don’t expect any pork shoulders or grilled peaches.
These recipes provide plenty of meal options, from easy grab-and-go breakfast options to a veggie-filled bowl that would be great during a midday study break at the library. These meals are even great options for the cash-strapped recently graduated or the beginner home cook.
Set yourself up for an easy breakfast with this recipe for overnight oats
Oats are a great, nutrient-dense food high in fiber and protein. You mix oats, milk and yogurt in the evening and by the morning, you have a filling, ready-to-eat breakfast. Step it up with a few slices of banana and a handful of blueberries.
This recipe adds chia seeds into the mix, which are available at most grocery stores. They pack even more fiber into the meal. Feel free to omit them if they’re unavailable.
Brunch without the hassle? Try French toast in a mug
If you crave a decadent brunch but don’t want your wallet to suffer, this single-serving recipe could hit the spot.
Think of it like a French toast casserole. Bread is diced into cubes, soaked in the egg and milk mixture, and heated until everything firms up. It’s sweet, surprisingly filling and comes together in about three minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up milk before it goes bad and bread before it goes stale.
Air fry Brussels sprouts for a delicious side dish
Air fryers have been the ‘it’ kitchen gadget for a few years, and for good reason. They’re compact, let food develop a crisp exterior and come up to heat quicker than a conventional oven. While you might save your air fryer for tots and mozzarella sticks to help get you through a late-night time crunch, this recipe allows a healthier option.
Roasted Brussels sprouts, once deeply caramelized and golden brown, are a far cry from steamed or boiled ones.
Some colleges and universities allow air fryers in dorms. Check and see if yours does, otherwise, maybe save this recipe for when you’re off-campus.
Chicken salad is an easy lunch or dinner option
This chicken salad is so easy and so convenient, it’s become a staple in my house for a fast and healthy lunch. This recipe doesn’t overdo it with the mayonnaise — just a little mixed with some honey mustard goes a long way.
It uses canned chicken, another easy buy from any grocery store. Since the canned chicken is shelf-stable, this is a great recipe to have on hand for something filling when dining halls may be closed.
Escape to Greece with a quick Mediterranean bowl
A fresh, healthy meal is easier than you can imagine, even in a dorm room. This Mediterranean bowl calls for a bed of cooked rice, diced vegetables, some feta cheese and optional garnishes for a nutritious, filling meal.
It might be asking a lot to have a college student stuff their mini-fridge with fresh produce, but 27-year-old you will thank you.
