As a student are you living in a hostel and tired of surviving on instant noodles and takeout? It’s time to no fear. With just a few simple tricks, it’s possible to elevate your cooking game without breaking the bank. Cooking in a hostel might seem like rather a daunting task, but thanks to some basic tips and tricks you could well be able to whip up tasty dishes that impress your friends and even save your money too.
Here are some easy tips to help you become a master chef in your hostel kitchen.
Plan Your Meals
Before you step foot in the kitchen, spend a few minutes planning out your meals for next week. This will not only save you time but also help in ensuring that all necessary ingredients are on hand when it’s time to whip something up. I refer to meals which are easy to prepare and take only minimal ingredients.
Stock Up on Staples
Keep all kinds of universal staples in your pantry like rice, pasta & flour, canned beans & nutmeg, and spices. These provide the foundation for countless dishes and can be used across different cuisines. Besides, buying in bulk is less expensive over time as well.
Invest in Multipurpose Tools
In a hostel kitchen, space is at a premium so you need to buy versatile tools that can perform various functions all in one. A good quality knife, cutting board, and a versatile pot or pan are all you need to get started.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Don’t waste those leftovers! Put your genius on and make something new out of them. For example your roasted vegetables from yesterday can be thrown into a pasta dish today and the leftover rice used to whip up some fried rice as long as you add vegetables or protein.
Enjoy One-pot Meals
At school the real lifesavers for everyone are “one pot meals”. Not only are they easy to make but also requires minimal cleanup. Sometimes choose even beans steamed at home with soymilk. Other examples include- hearty stews or soups for the winter, stir-fries in summer. These dishes can be embellished with anything you have lying around the house.
Make Full Use of Microwave and Toaster Oven
If your dormitory kitchen lacks cooking appliances, don’t underestimate the importance of a microwave or roaster oven. You can whip up everything from scrambled eggs to baked potatoes in these handy devices. They offer convenience without sacrificing taste. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and require minimal cleanup.
Select Frozen And Canned Products
Fresh produce is a dream, but frozen and canned fruits and vegetables offer ways to go that won’t change the taste any time soon. Stock up on these budget-friendly options to add nutrition and flavor to your meals.
DIY Convenience Food
Rather than rely on expensive pre-packaged convenience foods, consider making your own at home. Prepare some home-baked granola bars, energy balls, or trail mix and you have a fast healthy snack is ready.
Cook in Large Quantities
Save time and money by cooking in bulk and portioning out meals for the week ahead. Soups, casseroles, and pasta sauces are all great candidates for batch cooking and can be easily reheated when hunger strikes.
Don’t miss the Dessert
Treat yourself sweetly once in a while! Simple dessert ideas like cup cakes-in-mugs, fruit parfaits, and yoghurt bowls require few ingredients and are easy to prepare. They’re also a good way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending a fortune.
At the beginning, the thought of cooking in a dormitory kitchen may seem quite daunting. But with a little imagination and careful planning, you will be turning out delicious meals that will impress your friends and save some money at the same time. By following these convenient tips, you can become a dormitory master chef within the shortest possible time.
After all, practicing makes perfect! So don’t be afraid to just start experimenting with various ingredients and techniques. As you continue trying out new recipes as well as old favorites, look for what you personally prefer best. Best wishes for the kitchen.
