As a student, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet while keeping expenses low. However, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to prepare nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Here are five easy and healthy recipes that are budget-friendly and perfect for college students.

Recipe 1: Vegetable stir-fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon of oil (such as olive oil)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1/4 cup of water
• Rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and water.
6. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles.

This stir-fry is a versatile recipe that can be customized based on the vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Recipe 2: Pasta with tomato sauce

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and basil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the sauce over the pasta and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This simple tomato sauce can be used with any type of pasta and is a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal.

Recipe 3: Quinoa Salad with Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup of sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa and place it in a pot with 2 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the quinoa cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the red and yellow peppers, carrot, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir to combine.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 4: Baked Sweet Potato with Avocado

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Wash and prick the sweet potatoes with a fork.
3. Bake for about 45 minutes or until they are soft when poked with a fork.
4. Remove from the oven and let the sweet potatoes cool.
5. Cut the sweet potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
6. Mash the sweet potato flesh with a fork.
7. Stir in the diced avocado and olive oil.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 5: Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of oatmeal
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of jelly
• Honey to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the oatmeal and water to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the water has been absorbed.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the oatmeal cool.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and jelly.
5. Sweeten with honey to taste.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

Eating healthy on a budget as a student can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By following the five easy and healthy recipes mentioned in this article, students can enjoy tasty and nutritious meals that won’t break the bank. These recipes are also versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Additionally, students can save money on groceries by shopping in bulk, making a meal plan, and taking advantage of sales and discounts at local grocery stores. By being mindful of their eating habits and making smart choices, students can maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank.

FAQs

1. Can these healthy recipes be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, many of the ingredients used in these recipes can be easily swapped for vegetarian or vegan alternatives. For example, substituting tofu for chicken or using a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
2. Can I make these recipes in bulk to save time and money? Definitely! These recipes are perfect for meal prepping and can be made in bulk to save time and money throughout the week. Simply double or triple the ingredients and store in airtight containers for easy and convenient meals.
3. Can I use frozen fruits and vegetables in these recipes? Yes, using frozen fruits and vegetables is a great way to save money and still get the nutrients you need. Just be sure to defrost them before using in your recipe.
4. How do I make these recipes gluten-free? Many of the ingredients used in these recipes can be easily substituted for gluten-free alternatives. For example, using gluten-free pasta or swapping regular flour for almond flour.
5. Do I need any special kitchen equipment to make these recipes? No, you don’t need any special kitchen equipment to make these recipes. Just a few basic kitchen tools such as a knife, cutting board, pot, and pan are all you need to get started. With these simple and affordable ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and more satisfying meal in no time!