Learning to cook doesn’t happen overnight you see – you need to work at it. Most of the time, I find it relaxing after a long day although I realise that this isn’t the case for everyone. For some students – it’s a nightmare. It would be incredibly hard, near on impossible, for me to convert you into a foodie. However, hopefully these blogs will show you that your time in the kitchen doesn’t have to be daunting or a disaster!
So here are another set of recipe ideas and tips to get you inspired in the kitchen this week!
Fresh fruit and vegetables on special offer
3 pack mixed peppers are only 69p at ALDI this week! Peppers are incredibly versatile and play a part in many Spanish, Mexican and Italian dishes. They are also a fantastic source of Vitamin C, which is so important in these winter months in fighting off the lurgy – it also helps our body absorb iron, vital for keeping our energy levels topped up! So why not have a go at some of the recipes below:
Fascinating Fajitas – Student Recipes
Come on, who doesn’t love fajitas? It’s no one man job either – get your flatmates involved, split the cost between you all and have a family night in together. This recipe gives you the ingredients to make yourself, but you can buy the sachet of spices in most supermarkets. There are also fajita kit boxes which are quite handy and convenient too.
Gnocchi Bake – Student Recipes
If you haven’t tried gnocchi yet then definitely try out this recipe. Pasta is such a staple in our student diets, and sometimes it can be quite boring from time to time- which is why gnocchi is such a great alternative! It’s not costly at all, available at most supermarkets and is a real guilt-free comfort food. This gnocchi bake is vegetarian – If you can, try and go meat free at least once or twice a week. Not only is it beneficial to our health but is economical too! The ingredients in this recipe can also be easily converted into a Spanish style veggie omelette too.
Hearty Medditeran Beef Stew – Student Recipes
This stew is a great twist on the usual British stew we all know and love. It’s really delicious and very nutritious! This recipe serves 2, but you can easily double the ingredients and freeze a few portions for another time. Button mushrooms are also only 69p at ALDI this week, therefore making this recipe even cheaper to make!
Speaking of mushrooms, here is a great recipe using mushrooms when you’re having one of those days – when the only thing that will put a smile on your face is a big bowl of hot, creamy pasta… but here is a recipe that will do the trick – but without the calories!
Creamy Healthy Mushroom Pasta – Student Recipes
5 ways to spruce up your spud
Baking potatoes are only £1.00 at LIDL this week, grab a bag and try out some of these new recipe ideas for your humble baked potato.
- All day breakfast: Use a sausage or a slice of bacon (whichever you prefer, or both if you’re feeling greedy!), half a can of baked beans and a poached or fried egg on top. Delish!
- Cheesy broccoli bakes: Once your potatoes are baked cut in half and scoop out the insides and chuck in a bowl. Add some grated cheddar and cooked broccoli (cut into small sprigs) and mix all together. Then fill the potato skins with the mixture, finish with a sprinkle more of cheese and whack under the grill for 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Mum’s egg & cheese mayo: Mum always makes me this when I’m ill; it’s the perfect comfort food. Boil 2 eggs, peel and mash them with mayo and grated cheddar, season with salt and pepper and add them to your baked potato with a knob of butter. Serve with salad if you like
- Tomato, mozzarella and pesto: Large vine tomatoes are also only 69p at ALDI this week, so slice 2 into thick slices. Do the same with low fat mozzarella and alternatively arrange them in your cooked spud and drizzle 2 tbsp of jarred pesto. Serve with a nice salad. Scrummy!
- Cottage pie jackets: Got some leftover mince beef? Cook it up with some onions, beef stock, carrots and seasoning. Cut your baked spuds in half, scoop out the insides, and replace with the beef. Make sure you don’t overfill the skins! Then top with the potato insides and a grating of cheese, put under the grill for 5-8 minutes until bubbling and golden. Serve with some cooked greens like cabbage or peas.
Running late for breakfast?
There are all sorts of ‘on-the-go’ breakfast products on the shelves nowadays. This week in ASDA Mcvities Breakfast Biscuits are only £1.00 a box (6pcks of 4 biscuits) with a variety of flavours. For me, I always like to take the time and sit down in the morning to have my breakfast. However, there are those mornings where you sleep through your alarm or your alarm didn’t go off (or so you say!) where there isn’t time for a leisurely breakfast. This is where breakfast bars or biscuits really come in handy. They are often packed full of fibre, oats and iron to give us a quick fix in the morning. Pick up a box as a back up, so when you’re having a bad morning your stomach won’t be complaining too.