5 Recipes you can learn before you head off to school
Make your parents dinner, they’ve been making yours for eighteen years!
It’s likely that at some point you’ll have access to a kitchen during college and it’s important to know how to make a thing or two. In my senior year of college, I had a friend named Danny who couldn’t cook anything. Literally anything. My film class ended up making a documentary, teaching a 22 year old Danny how to cook a chicken breast. It was super funny but it might be wiser to practice now, before you’re on your own.
1. Wok This Way / Stir-Fry Veggies and Rice
Jazz it up: Cook it all in our favorite fry pan and elevate your date night!
Ingredients:
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1 cup rice (white or brown)
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Mixed veggies (fresh or frozen)
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Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
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Protein (chicken, tofu, or beef)
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Olive oil or sesame oil
Instructions:
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Cook the rice according to package instructions.
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Heat a pan with oil, then sauté your protein (chicken, tofu, etc.) until cooked through.
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Add veggies and stir-fry until tender.
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Toss everything together with some soy or teriyaki sauce, and serve over the rice.
Pro tip: Add butter, a little salt and even chicken broth to the rice to really give it flavor!
2. Taco 'Bout Easy
Safe bet. Everybody likes tacos.
Ingredients:
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Ground beef, chicken, or beans (for a vegetarian option)
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Taco seasoning or homemade spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic)
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Tortillas (soft or hard shell)
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Toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream
Instructions:
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Brown the ground meat (or heat beans) in a pan, then stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water and simmer.
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Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a pan.
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Assemble tacos with your choice of toppings.
Pro tip: Save the extra seasoned beef to add to scrambled eggs the next morning!
3. Viva la Pasta (Aglio e Olio)
Serve this with some sparkling water in our crystal drinking glasses to really impress the friends. Buonissimo!
Ingredients:
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Spaghetti or any pasta
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Olive oil (italian is the best)
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2-3 garlic cloves, minced
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Parmesan cheese (the freshly grated is the tastiest)
Instructions:
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Boil pasta according to package instructions.
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While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
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Drain the pasta, then toss it in the garlic olive oil.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Pro tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for more protein.
4. Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner (Kinda) Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
One and DONE. All you need is chicken, seasoning, and our essential sheet pans!
Ingredients:
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Chicken breasts or thighs
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Assorted veggies (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
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Olive oil
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Salt, pepper, and any herbs you like (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Cut veggies into bite-sized pieces and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
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Place chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Pro tip: Add leftovers to your Aglio e Olio!
5. I prefer to call it a Toastie. (ie: Grilled Cheese)
Grilled cheese. You love it. I love it. Now let’s make it a little more… mature. Presentation is key. So cut it neatly and plate it with a little tomato soup side and let’s goooooo.
Ingredients:
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2 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain works well)
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Mixture of fresh grated cheese (Gruyere + Cheddar is a GAMECHANGER)
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Butter
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Optional extras: caramelized onions, tomato slices, bacon, or herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Instructions:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Butter one side of each slice of bread.
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Place cheese between the slices, with the buttered sides facing out.
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Grill in the pan for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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If you're adding extras, like caramelized onions or bacon, layer them inside the sandwich before grilling.
Look at you! All ready to show off your skills. (and skip the cafeteria once in awhile.)