My Easiest Go-To College Meals

Time to cook an elaborate meal can be scarce while juggling school demands, club meetings, activities, and personal responsibilities. When I need to meet pressing assignment deadlines as well as satisfy my growling stomach, here are my quick fixes:

1. Pesto Alfredo Pasta

Combine pesto, alfredo sauce, arugula, and baby spinach in a large pot with cooked pasta. Enjoy with a side of your choice (I personally prefer sweet pickles).

I love this dish because it is very convenient, especially when made in large batches. This light and tasty dish can be eaten hot or cold, meaning it’s pretty much ready-to-eat at all times: a college student’s dream!

2. Vegetable Sambar with Rice and Sauteed Cabbage

Sambar is a lentil soup, containing various vegetables and spices. It brings me back to my mother’s cooking, filling me with warmth and love.

To make the sambar, cook your veggies of choice (I prefer carrots, tomatoes, onions) in a pot, using an oil of choice. Now, I fill the pot with water. For convenience purposes, I use pre-made sambar mix, which can easily be found at any nearby Indian store. I add a generous amount to the stew and mix it in well. I allow the sambar to come to a boil, which is when I add cilantro for freshness. Add salt and lemon to taste.

To make the cabbage stir-fry, temper rye, curry leaves, and cumin seeds in oil. Once the rye seeds begin to pop, add your chopped cabbage to the pot and cook well. I add chili powder, turmeric, and salt to taste. Feel free to add seasoning of choice, personalizing the cabbage side dish to your taste buds!

Serve both sambar and the cabbage stir fry with rice, quinoa, or grains of choice.

3. Beans and Veggies with Rice

This hearty and comforting meal is a healthy fix for the cold late-nighters or post-midterm slumps. It is packed with protein (feel free to add protein of choice) and tastes like home.

Stir fry onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, corn, peas, and green beans in a pan. You can use any vegetables you like. Add canned beans (I use black beans) to the pan and stir well. Spices and flavorings are up to personal preference (garlic powder, oregano, tomato paste, cayenne pepper, the choices are endless!)

Serve the stew with rice, quinoa, or grains of choice. I enjoy this meal with pickled turmeric, pickled mango, or cucumbers.

4. Cream Cheese Sanwhiches with Fruit and Yogurt

When my sweet-tooth is screaming, I always whip up this satisfying meal.

Toast two slices of bread. Spread generously with cream cheese. Add any sweet jams, marmalades, honey, or nut butters on top. Customize with spices such as cinammon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder. I relish eating slices apples with vanilla yogurt as a refreshing side dish. I personally add a texture twist by combining my favorite cereal or granola into the yogurt, giving the fruit-dip a sweet surprise.

5. Build-Your-Own Nachos

When feeling lazy, I love to throw together a big plate of nachos. I place my first pile nacho chips onto a plate and then cover with a Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend. Then, I add beans, corn, and onions. I repeat the nachos, cheese, and toppings for one more layer. I heat the nachos in the microwave until the cheese melts. When ready, I serve my nachos with extra cheese and salsas on top.

I love this dish is because it is so customizable and almost zero effort. All you need to do is pile and microwave. Does it get any easier? I don’t think so.

Please let me know in the comments below which recipes you will be giving a shot!