When I lived in the dorms, I quickly got sick of eating dining hall food. Although it was very convenient for me to walk into the dining hall, get ready-made food within minutes, and not worry about having to wash dishes, it got old fast when I didn’t have autonomy over what I wanted to eat, and when I couldn’t find various vegetarian options. When I decided to go off campus, I was excited to have my own kitchen. I could have my own groceries and make my own meals!
Although it has been fun to cook, I now realize how much I miss dining halls, but have thought of some quick, easy recipes. Without further ado, here are some (maybe weird) meatless foods I eat!
Peanut Butter Toast with Sriracha
I like spicy and savory foods because I was raised on them. The spiciness of sriracha compliments the peanut butter. It helps it to not taste so bland.
Tomato, Pesto, and Mozzarella Sandwich
- Toast bread
- Spread pesto on both pieces of bread
- Add mozzarella inside
- Heat to melt cheese a bit
- Add tomato to sandwich
Ramen with Vegetables & Peanut Butter
This is a quick meal that can be made within minutes. I love peanut thai noodles, and this is the quickest and closest way to mimic it.
- Boil vegetables and noodles
- Strain
- Mix everything together with the soy sauce powder packet, peanut butter, and additional spices/seasoning.
Vegetable Quesadilla
This is another quick meal. I usually use frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, & carrots) but black beans, lima beans, and other vegetables can be used too! You can eat it with hot sauce and guac or sour cream.
- Saute vegetables with spices and seasoning, keep aside
- Heat up two tortillas
- Place one down, put cheese on it, place vegetables on it
- Place another tortilla on top
- Flip and cut
Grains with Vegetable Sauté
Grains are always healthy options. I have been eating more brown rice, quinoa, and black rice at school. If you have a mini rice cooker or Instant Pot, these can be cooked so quickly! I usually throw a cup of black rice in the cooker, and make a vegetable saute to go with it. The saute I usually make is purple cabbage with peas, cauliflower… anything works! (I usually cut up the purple cabbage when I’m free and store it for later).
I had never tried black rice or purple cabbage before!
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Overall, cooking for myself has been a great experience. It can be time consuming, but it has taught me to discover new foods, healthier foods, and has taught me to become independent.