You look around your dorm and all you have is a microwave, a Keurig, and a mini-fridge. What the heck kind of food could you make from that? Of course, there's the classic Cup of Noodles with the hot water setting on your Keurig, but what about when you want a real person meal?
Look no further! Here are some of my favorite recipes for making meals that don't feel (or taste) like you made them in your 13'x13' shared living space.
Here's an easy omelet idea!
If you're like me, you probably just ate a granola bar and a banana that you stole from the dining hall. But if you're looking for something with a little bit more protein, here it is!
What you'll need: a small bowl, a fork or whisk, shallow bowl, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of milk, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon of butter (or margarine), cheese, and any other toppings you like in your omelet (ham, veggies, etc.).
First, whisk (or use your fork as a makeshift whisk) the eggs with the milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Next, you'll need to melt the butter or margarine in a small bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Pull the bowl out of the microwave and add your egg mixture to the butter or margarine. Stir them together. Put the bowl back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until your egg is nearly cooked. Pull the bowl out and add your cheese and toppings to the eggs.
Finally, microwave for another 30 seconds and then enjoy!
During a cold fall or winter night, why not microwave up some chili?
Picture this: you just got home from class after trudging through the rain, snow, and wind. What could warm you up more than a nice mug full of chili?
What you'll need: 1 tablespoon of olive oil or margarine, a quarter of an onion (chopped), 1/2 green bell pepper (chopped), 1/2 pound of ground beef, as much or as little chili powder as you'd like, 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 cup of canned chickpeas with the liquid, 1/2 cup of canned green beans with the liquid, 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce, a small casserole dish, and a spoon.
First, put the olive oil and chopped onion in the casserole dish and microwave for one minute. Add the chopped peppers and microwave for another minute.
Next, add the ground beef. Microwave for 5 minutes. Remove the dish from the microwave and stir for another 3 or 4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked. No one wants any foodborne illnesses living in their chili!
Remove the dish and drain the fat from the beef. Add in the chili powder and brown sugar and stir. Microwave for another 1 minute.
Finally, stir in the chickpeas, green beans, and tomato sauce. Microwave for another 10 to 15 minutes, making sure the beef is cooked thoroughly. It'll be hot, so let it sit in the microwave for a minute or two before serving in a mug and curling up to binge watch your favorite Netflix show.
Got a sweet tooth? Maybe some of this mocha fudge will satisfy your cravings.
This will be enough to share with your whole hall since you can make 24 pieces of fudge. What a great way to make new friends, huh?
What you'll need: 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup of brewed coffee, 1/4 cup of instant hot cocoa mix, and 1/2 cup of walnut pieces (if you want walnuts), a spoon, spray Pam, a microwave safe bowl, and an 8" x 8" baking pan.
First, grease the pan with your pam (heheh that kinda rhymed.)
Then, combine all of the ingredients in the bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir, then microwave for 1-minute intervals, stirring each time. Microwave until the chocolate and butter are melted.
Finally, pour the mixture into the greased pan. If you're adding walnuts, now is the time to do it. Cover the pan and refrigerate for a couple hours. Cut the fudge into 2" pieces and serve!
These are just some of the quick and easy microwave recipes that you can make in your dorm room. If you want more recipes, check out Pinterest or The Everything College Cookbook that can be found on Amazon.
Happy Eating!