When moving to university, one skill students need to master is cooking. Keeping meals as cheap as possible can help students save money and stay within their budget. One way to do this is by choosing multi-use ingredients.
Why Multi-Use Ingredients Help Students Save Money
Buying ingredients that can be used across different meals is a great way of saving money. It also helps students meal plan more effectively and offers the opportunity to make meals in bulk. Instead of spending money on takeaways, multi-use ingredients enable students to make meals using what they already have in the kitchen.
Cheap Ingredients for Student Meals
1. Pasta
Standard dried semolina pasta has a long shelf life, which helps prevent spoilage and food waste. One mistake students make is accidentally cooking too much pasta, since it expands once prepared. If you find yourself falling into this trap, try measuring a portion first to avoid food waste.
Pasta dish ideas:
- Pasta bake
- Pasta salad
- Spaghetti bolognaise
- Pesto pasta
- Macaroni cheese
2. Rice
When cooked, rice absorbs a lot of water and increases in volume, which helps you feel full after eating it. Like pasta, rice has a long shelf life, so it can be kept on hand for future meals. There are several different types of rice you can use, including white, brown, and microwave rice.
Rice dish ideas:
- Stir fry
- Curry
- Sushi
- Fried rice
- Burrito bowl
3. Potatoes
There are several different ways to cook potatoes and a wide range of ingredients they pair well with, from gravy to cheese and beans. Potatoes are also rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.
Potato dish ideas:
- Jacket potatoes
- Mash
- Hash browns
- Wedges
- Potato soup
4. Eggs
Eggs are a source of protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer. They also have a quick cooking time, whether poached, fried, scrambled, or boiled, which is useful for those busier days.
Egg dish ideas:
- Omlette
- Egg mayonnaise sandwiches
- Eggs on toast
- Eggs benedict
- Shakshuka
5. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh ones and can be added to almost every meal you can think of. They also have similar nutrients to fresh vegetables because they’re frozen soon after they’ve been picked.
Frozen vegetable dish ideas:
- Stir fry
- Pasta
- Soups
- Curries
- Bolognaise
6. Tinned Tomatoes
Tinned tomatoes are a basis for many popular sauces, such as arrabbiata, bolognese, and pizza sauce. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, they also have a long shelf life.
Tinned tomato dish ideas:
- Pasta sauce
- Chilli
- Curry
- Soup
- Stew
7. Chicken or Plant-Based Alternatives
Chicken is a source of protein, and there are many plant-based alternatives which are high in protein too. Chicken can be expensive, but there are many cheaper options available, such as supermarket own-brand products or buying it from the reduced section.
Chicken dish ideas:
- Roast chicken
- Wraps
- Curry
- Stir try
- Pasta dishes
8. Oats
Oats are a cheap breakfast ingredient that’s high in fibre and can keep you feeling full throughout busy mornings. They’re versatile, so you can include them in something sweet or more savoury.
Oat dish ideas:
- Porridge
- Overnight oats
- Smoothies
- Flapjacks
- Baked oats
9. Bread
Whether you prefer white bread, whole wheat, or something fresh from the bakery section of the supermarket, there’s so much you can do with bread. It can also be frozen, so you can keep it for longer.
Bread dish ideas:
- Toast
- Sandwiches
- Garlic bread
- Toasties
- Bread and butter pudding
10. Canned Baked Beans
These are convenient on busy days when you have a lot to do and don’t take very long to heat up. They’re also high in a range of nutrients, such as protein, iron, and zinc.
Canned baked beans dish ideas:
- Full English breakfast
- Jacket potatoes
- Beans on toast
- Casseroles and stews
- Rice bowls
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