4 Cooking Tips For College Students | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

4 Cooking Tips For College Students

A busy schedule doesn't mean you can't have homemade food

10
4 Cooking Tips For College Students
Wikimedia Commons

I moved off campus and dropped my meal plan as soon as I could so that I could cook for myself. It’s something I have always enjoyed but I quickly realized that it’s a lot harder when you have to stock the kitchen yourself. Here are some tips and tricks I have picked up

1. SPICES ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Spices and seasonings are what will add interest and variation to anything you cook. Some good basic spices and seasonings are: salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, cumin, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic salt, and Lawry’s chicken rub. Go for the ones sold in plastic baggies rather than the ones in plastic containers if you can. Those plastic shakers are convenient but they tend to be pricier. Condiments and sauces like soy sauce, sriracha, ketchup, jarred pasta sauces, or (insert your favorite here) are also a good idea.

2. HAVE SOME BASE INGREDIENTS YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN STOCK

By base ingredients I mean versatile foods that can be used in a variety of dishes. Things like eggs, chicken, tofu, beans, rice, oatmeal, or pasta/noodles are all good base ingredients. You may have noticed that all the base ingredients are either carbs or proteins. These are the most filling parts of a meal and the blank canvas that produce and sauces are added to to make all sorts of things. If, for whatever reason, you cannot get fruits or vegetables, you will still be able to go to classes on a full stomach if you have a carb or a protein.

3. FIND SOME GO-TO RECIPES

Planning is your friend when you are on a tight schedule. A lot of meals can be prepped at the beginning of the week just by chopping up the ingredients (a surprisingly time consuming task) and sticking them in containers in the fridge. If you have two dishes you plan on cooking that week that require tomatoes, then chop enough for both and use as needed, if you want to make salad with chicken in it for lunch all week, cook up all that chicken Sunday night.

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE

You don’t need to get fancy and use lots of dishes to make a meal.You could make your own burrito bowls with some rice, beans, the protein of your choice, and some veg (some parsley too if you’re feeling fancy). It’s an easy meal to take for lunch in a container. There are also several ways to make one-pot pasta or you could stick to the classic college diet of ramen noodles with some easy upgrades. Remember, have fun and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Tasty food does not have to be complicated and you don’t have to be a five star to make it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23782
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9934
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7194
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments