Eating well in college is hard. Finding the time to eat a meal is like trying to maneuver around a room of lasers. This can make it especially difficult to eat healthy, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some quick and easy recipes that you can make in your dorm room at any time of the day. All these meals are so versatile, easy to customize, relatively cheap, and only use a microwave.
1. Oatmeal or overnight oats
Oatmeal is a staple in my dorm diet this year because it is so easy and versatile. The easiest way to make oatmeal is to use the single serve instant flavored packages, but these usually have a higher sugar content. A healthier alternative is to get plain oats and mix in your own toppings. There are numerous ways to make oatmeal like this. My preferred methods are overnight oats or using a microwave to make plain oatmeal. For overnight oats, you just put a ratio of 1:2 of oats and your preferred milk, mix in your favorite ingredients, then stick it in the fridge overnight. Microwaved oatmeal works the same way but you don't have to wait and it will be warm instead of cold. My favorite topping combination is cinnamon, walnuts, and banana, but you can get creative!
2. Quesadilla
Who doesn't love a good homemade quesadilla? These are so easy and use just a few ingredients. For this, you need some sort of tortilla, some variation of cheese, and any fillings you would like to have in it. All you do is put your cheese and fillings on the tortilla, either place another tortilla on top or fold it on half, and pop it in the microwave for about a minute or so until the cheese is melted.
3. Instant ramen
Okay I know it sounds basic, but you can cheat your way to a really delicious and significantly healthier bowl of instant ramen. Before pouring in hot water or heating the ramen up, you can throw in some frozen veggies for an easy way sneak in that extra serving. You also don't have to add the flavor pack. A healthier alternative that is just (or even more in my opinion) as delicious is to mix in a miso paste, sriracha, or any spices you would like. Butter is also a good way to go. If you really want to be fancy, you can add a protein, such as egg, chicken, beef, or tofu (if you happen to have that on hand).
4. Omelet in a mug
An omelet in a mug is a good protein-filled breakfast for when you're crunched on time and SO much easier than making it on a stove. All you need for this is a mug (preferably a large one because the egg expands), cooking spray or olive oil, 2 eggs, milk, and whatever additional ingredients you would like to add. First, spray or grease the inside of the mug with your oil for a mess-free cleanup. Crack your eggs in the mug and beat with a fork. Then you are going to add a splash of your milk and your add-ins (I recommend at least adding salt and pepper) and stir. The addition of milk or another liquid is important for even cooking of the egg. The best way to cook the egg through is to microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and microwave for another 20-30 seconds (depending on the power of your microwave). You can repeat this until egg is solid. Now it's time to dig in and enjoy your breakfast!
5. Yogurt parfait
Parfaits are the best snack for any time of the day and are so easy to customize. You can literally use any kind of yogurt and toppings and voila, you have a parfait. My absolute favorite is a combination of plain Greek yogurt, honey, granola, blueberries, and strawberries. I know it's basic but it's so good and so easy to throw together.
6. Vegetarian burrito bowl
You are going to be amazed at how easy and versatile this recipe is. In a microwave-safe bowl, put rice or quinoa, black beans, and microwave until heated through. After the base has warmed up, you can get creative with your toppings. My go-to is avocado, salsa, and plain Greek yogurt (a great alternative for sour cream). This is a simple and hearty meal that you can make any time.
7. Mac and cheese
A nice bowl of mac and cheese is the perfect late-night study snack. This is typically made in a pot on the stove, but it is just as easy in the microwave. The best part about this mac and cheese is that you only get one bowl dirty. Add 1/2 cup of water with a pinch of salt to 1/2 cup of uncooked pasta and microwave in 2-minute intervals until cooked through. Here comes the best part... the cheese! Mix in cheese, milk, and any other additional toppings you like, stir, and enjoy! If you don't like cheese or want something lighter, you can always mix in a sauce instead.
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