Going off to college and have no idea how to survive without your mom’s cooking or take-out food? We know how demanding and stressful it is to be a student. You’re busy with your classes, homework, and curricular events. Being on your own for meals is added stress.
If you live on your own in student apartments, you have the luxury of enjoying an independent kitchen instead of eating out or ordering food at the campus canteen. Based on your apartment setup, you should have a fully equipped and functional kitchen, allowing you to cook lots of delicious foods during your time in college.
To help alleviate some of that school stress, here is a list of 7 easy foods to cook in a college apartment:
1. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Bean and cheese burritos are fast, inexpensive, and easy to make. These burritos are also considered vegetarian-friendly. Make 5-10 extra to stock your fridge or freezer with. When you have an assignment due or an exam the next day and don’t have time to cook, you can easily just grab one and reheat it to eat!
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix your refried beans, a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. You can also choose to add extra seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Spread the mixture on your tortilla, topping it with some cheese. Roll it up and bake for 7-10 minutes.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken
Want a tasty and easy food to cook in your college apartment? The honey garlic chicken is a delicious and simple meal that can be baked or pan-fried. Lean chicken breast coated in easy homemade honey garlic seasoning for a healthy lunch or dinner. You can make this easy but fancy choice for you and your college friends to enjoy.
For the ingredients, you need:
- 1-pound lean chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
To bake, start with heating your oven to 37F°F. In a bowl, mix your honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cut your chicken into evenly sized pieces. Place your chicken on the baking dish. Add your cornstarch and pour your mixture onto the chicken, coating evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes to enjoy the crispy caramelized chicken.
You can also make this tasty dish by heating a pan over medium high heat. Sear and cook all the way through until the chicken pieces are done and golden. Add your honey, garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce mixture. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly, and voila, it’s all ready to be enjoyed!
3. Italian Pasta with Peas
The Italian pasta with peas is an easy, affordable, creamy dish that requires minimal ingredients. This simple and tasty 10-minute dish only requires:
- Frozen or fresh peas
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Then, add the peas to the pasta and boiling water. When draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water. Add in grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and you’re all set to enjoy this yummy dish.
4. Avocado Toast with Egg
The Avocado Toast with Egg is perfect for a delicious breakfast, snack, or light meal. It is a healthy meal with good carbs, protein, and healthy fats. For this quick and easy spread, start with toasting 2 slices of whole-grain bread.
In a bowl, mix and mash the avocado, salt and pepper. You can also add in some cilantro and lime. Spread the mixture on the slices. Top with fried, poached, or scrambled egg and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired.
5. Mac & Cheese in a Mug
When you’re in a time crunch, this mac & cheese in a mug requires only a few ingredients and is ready in only 5-6 minutes. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a filling snack. Add your macaroni and water in a large microwavable mug. Microwave for 3 ½ minutes.
If there’s any remaining cooking water, pour it out. You can also microwave for another 30 seconds to a minute for the water to absorb. Add in your milk and shredded cheese and microwave for 1 more minute.
Season with some salt and pepper. Stir well and you’re all set to dig in!
6. Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich
This Mediterranean tuna salad sandwich is filling, healthy, and easy to make. It’s full of Mediterranean flavors, so you won’t be missing the mayo! Start off with toasting two slices of whole-grain bread.
In a small bowl, break your tuna chunks into very small pieces. Add basil, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and black olives. Add in some extra virgin oil and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the tuna salad on your toast and enjoy.
7. Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a popular take-out choice that everyone loves! You can easily make this colourful meal for you and your friends in your college apartment. All you need is:
- 2 ½ cups cold cooked white long grain rice
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
In order to prevent mushy rice, cold rice is essential. To make the cold rice, combine rice, salt, and 3 ½ cups of water in a saucepan, bringing to a boil. Bring heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the water is absorbed. Use a fork to fluff the rice and then put the rice in the fridge. Keep it in the fridge uncovered for at least 35 minutes before using for fried rice.
Heat the sesame oil in your pan and add in your onions, peas, and carrots. Fry until tender. Then, pour in your eggs while scrambling and mixing them together with the veggies. Finally, toss in your rice and pour the soy sauce on top. Mix well and serve once heated throughout.
