Many students live on pizza, pot noodles and beans on toast. We stock up and take advantage of Mum and Dad’s homemade grub when they visit at Christmas and Easter, and although we do know that nothing will ever beat their roast dinners on a Sunday afternoon, there’s no reason why we can’t at least try to improve our cooking skills.
We all love to pig out on McDonalds and Domino’s occasionally too; however, homemade food tastes amazing and is healthier and cheaper. Excuses that you don’t have time to cook don’t work-stop being lazy.
Here are 4 easy recipes that will taste beautiful.
1. Simple Bolognese Sauce
The perfect thing about bolognese sauce is that you can make many things with it; you can also save it for a later date. Simply add spaghetti, pasta, or layer with lasagne sheets and a white cheese sauce. Even add meatballs, or pasta twirls and bake with cheese and bread crumbs on top.
Ingredients:
• 1 small chopped onion
• 250g minced beef
• 200g tinned chopped tomatoes
You can also add:
• 4 medium sized mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, tomato puree
• Dried basil
Instructions:
• Heat the tinned tomatoes in a saucepan, adding 1 tablespoon of tomato puree and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile brown the mincemeat, onions, garlic and mushrooms in a frying pan, adding to the sauce when finished.
• Add a sprinkle of dried basil for extra tastiness.
2. Pancakes
If you didn’t make pancakes for Pancake Day, then why not make them now?
It’s an easy recipe to follow and also fun too.
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 6 tablespoons plain flour
• Milk
You can also add for toppings:
• Fruit, chocolate, golden/maple syrup, ice cream
Instructions:
• Beat the eggs and flour in a bowl gradually adding the milk and making sure that there are no lumps. The mixture should be quite thin, yet not as thin as milk, it should have a more creamy thickness.
• Heat butter/margarine in a frying pan, adding 2 tablespoons of the mixture evenly to the pan, so it covers the surface of the pan.
• Once browned, flip the pancake to cook the other side.
• Serve with whatever topping you prefer.
3. Potato Wedges with Dips
These are perfect for a snack, or to add as a side for any meal. They’re easy to make in large quantities if feeding friends too.
Ingredients for the potato wedges:
• 2 potatoes per person
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
Instructions:
• Cut the potatoes in half, and then cut length ways.
• Oil a tray, spreading the potatoes, covering them in oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Place into a preheated oven (200`c) for 25-30 minutes until crispy and brown.
Ingredients for the dips:
• Spicy Tomato: Mix crème fraiche, tomato puree, tobacco sauce, sugar
• Minty Yogurt: Mix plain yogurt, cucumber, onion and dried mint
• Soured Cream and Onion: Mix soured cream, garlic, spring onions and lemon juice
4. Omelettes
Omelettes are easy, cheap and very quick to make. They’re perfect for a late dinner, or if you don’t have time to make something fancy.
Ingredients:
• 3 eggs
You can add:
• Filling you desire
Instructions:
• Beat 3 eggs, adding them to a heated frying pan.
• Gently lift the edges with a spatula, making sure the egg doesn’t stick or burn.
• Once the majority of the egg is cooked, add your filling.
• Remove from heat and place under a heated grill, allowing the top to brown.
Cooking can be great fun, so take an hour away from work and make yourself a nice meal you will enjoy. The great thing about cooking is that you can freeze for a later date meaning you save money as well as eat better.