Cooking as a college student can be a struggle. We often don't have enough money for all the fresh produce, yet we don't want to eat all processed, packaged foods. Meal plans can be expensive and so is eating out all the time. Don't worry though! I've assembled a list of tips and tricks to ease into college cooking (and avoid eating ramen for every meal!)
1. Look at what is on sale in the produce section.
Instead of going into the grocery store looking for a specific type of produce that may or may not be in season, look first at what the store has on sale. Not only will you save money, but you can expand your produce palette too!
2. Peppers and onions will be in almost every meal.
Peppers and onions stretch a dish out incredibly well. You might not have a large amount of whatever protein you're cooking with, but that's okay! Just add some peppers and onions and you have a meal.
3. Buy in bulk when you can.
Buying in bulk saves money. Obviously, don't buy items that will spoil in bulk, but feel free to stock up on your mac and cheese!
4. Spice up your boring meals.
So a box of mac and cheese might not be the ideal dinner, but add some cayenne pepper and garlic powder and you've improved your dish immensely!
5. Meal prep on your nights off.
Some nights are busier than others. Take the nights where you don't have a ton to do and prep your meals for the week. You will be grateful for it when you come home from the library late at night and all you have to do is pop your dinner in the microwave.
6. Use Pinterest.
Pinterest ins't all difficult crafts and impossible desserts. There are thousands of pins devoted to making budget meals! No need to try to come up with ideas on your own–use what others are putting out there.
7. Buy off-brand.
Most of the time the supermarket "brand" tastes just as good as the name brand and it is way cheaper.
8. When cooking for more than one, use your friends.
Most nights you'll only be cooking for one. On the nights you ending up cooking for more than one, have your friends bring food. Someone can bring dessert, someone else can bring a side dish and another person can bring the wine. That way you won't end up having to make and pay for the entire meal.
9. Make soup.
Whenever I make a large pot of chili, I have dinner for the next week. If you have a busy week ahead, spend Sunday making a large pot of soup.
10. When all else fails, call for pizza.
Some days, no matter what you try, you just can't get it together. You run out of food, you burn your dinner. Have the number for your favorite local pizza place available. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just enjoy your pizza and try again tomorrow!
