When Bruff gets you down or your bank account can’t withstand another Postmates order, cooking in your dorm can be a great option. Cooking is both healthier and more cost-effective than eating out, and it also avoids the monotony of Bruff or LBC meals. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can have groceries delivered to your doorstep for free, making preparing great meals in the dorm easier than ever. Most dorms come equipped with pots and pans, but you can get your own set here. With pots, pans, and groceries in hand, here are some simple and healthy meals that you can make right in your dorm.
1. Banza Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Chicken
Everybody’s raving about Banza, a pasta made entirely from chickpeas. It tastes just like the real stuff but adds more protein and fewer carbs into your diet. Cook the pasta, then put some vegetables on the skillet or on a piece of tinfoil in the oven. (Major Bruff hack: bring a ziplock bag to your next meal and fill it up with some raw veggies to cook later). You can also bake one chicken breast covered in olive oil and seasoning for some extra protein. Combine the three ingredients and enjoy!
2. Banza Mac and Cheese
My roommate and I always have at least three boxes of Banza Mac and Cheese in stock. It’s much healthier than Easy Mac and tastes incredible. Cook the pasta on the stove or just in your microwave! You’ll be addicted after your first bite.
3. Chili Glazed Salmon
Salmon is an amazing source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, so working it into your diet will help you ward off disease and keep your heart healthy. Simply cover a piece of salmon in chili sauce, then place it in the oven on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cook for 12-15 minutes. You’ll love this easy and delicious take on salmon!
4. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Gnocchi
With Whole Foods’ proximity to campus, Trader Joe’s is often overlooked. As the hidden gem of Metairie, this supermarket has low-cost, healthy dinner options that are sure to satisfy. For only $2.99, the sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi from the frozen food section is super easy to prepare and tastes amazing. Pour out half of the bag onto a plate and microwave for five minutes. This simple meal can be cooked right in your room and is easy on your bank account.
With these recipes, cooking in your dorm kitchen can be easy, affordable, and nutritious. Get together with some friends and spend a night preparing your dinner together; it’ll be one of your favorite memories.
COVER PHOTO: Breakaway Cook
About Grace Dubay
Grace Dubay is our Senior Editor! She’s an English and Communications major with a passion for writing. Grace loves to explore New Orleans, travel, and find new restaurants to try.
Grace Dubay is our Senior Editor! She’s an English and Communications major with a passion for writing. Grace loves to explore New Orleans, travel, and find new restaurants to try.
