Nosh for Students

You may be used to having all your meals cooked for you at home. This will all change the second you go to uni, a luxury that you often do not appreciate until it has gone. For me, home-cooked meals from my parents are always going to be something I appreciate and enjoy – there is nothing better than going home for the weekend to some delicious meals. Cooking for one can be boring and a thought at times, especially on top of a heavy workload at uni. However, there are a few things when it comes to cooking that have made this transition that bit easier. 

I was given the “Nosh For Students” cookbook by a friend and soon came to realise it was a bible when it comes to anything to do with food. Written by parents for their son who headed to university with zero cooking skills, the book is a straightforward way of making cooking simple and a bit more fun for students.

Not only does it have recipes for simple, quick and tasty food on a budget, but it has short summaries on how to make simple sauces, how to plan your weekly food shop and how long things take to cook, just to name a few. They even take into consideration that you probably won’t have measuring scales in student accommodation. Making the recipes easy with a mug to measure ingredients. 

 

Even if you are needing just a wee bit of reassurance or want to have a home-cooked style meal that is simple or some inspiration in the kitchen, this book is for you. I really can’t recommend it enough. Click here to buy this bargain book!

Moving on, I am now going to tell you about one of my favourites when it comes to a simple, healthy and quick brekkie idea (what more could you want right?!). I was introduced to overnight oats by my dad who had made them a go-to in his morning routine. After thinking they didn’t sound or even look so appealing, I gave them a heavy patch. However, I was so so wrong! 

- Overnight oats - 

If you would like to give one a go then here is what you need (trust me it is so simple it will only take you a few minutes). 

 

✨ ½ cup of porridge oats

✨ ½ cup of milk

✨ ½ cup of natural yoghurt (any kind will do, and it definitely does not have to be fancy so don’t waste any money on a branded one – you won’t notice a difference)

✨ A handful of fruit (any type of mixed berries works well. I tend to use frozen fruit as I don’t always have fresh fruit but either does the job)

✨ Chia seeds (not necessary but are a great way of adding nutrients and antioxidants to your diet)

 

If you fancy mixing things up why not add a spoonful of peanut butter, honey or even some cinnamon to give it a bit more flavour!

 

All you have to do is...

• Add the oats, milk and yoghurt into a glass or bowl, give them a wee stir and then add your handful of fruit to top (This is when you could add any of your extras).
• Cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge overnight 
• And enjoy!! 

This is a great breakfast that will keep you going for most of the day! And even better it is so healthy. 

The next wee tip I have is a personal favourite for lunches or even a light dinner. 

- Quick pitta pizzas - 

This is something that can really be adapted all depending on what you have in the fridge. I normally use pitta bread however I have found that wraps work just as well. 

1. Starting with your pitta/ wrap spread the top with either tomato puree/ passata or pesto (like I said this is such a vague recipe but honestly anything works)
2. Grate a good amount of cheddar cheese on top or if you have mozzarella even better!
3. Pick your toppings – mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, sundried tomatoes, tuna, red onion, chorizo (whatever you have/ fancy)
4. Season with mixed herbs, garlic, salt and pepper
5. Place on a baking tray and pop in the oven (180C fan/ gas 6) for 10 mins until the pittas are crisp and cheese has melted. 

This is a fab recipe if you would like a healthy pizza or even something that will help you use up some random bits you have in the fridge. 

 

Finishing up with one last tip…

 

Remember that almost everything will freeze! Invest in some cheap Tupperware boxes that stack well. Then when you find yourself going to the effort of cooking a meal from scratch, save some and pop it in the freezer. Things like bolognese, mince, chilli, meatballs, curries. Ideal for those nights where you can’t be bothered cooking but still want something more than some cereal! Heat up in the microwave and serve with some veg or carbs and you are sorted!