So you’re poor and hungry — and it probably seems like the end of the world. Luckily for you, there are thousands upon thousands of dirt cheap, foolproof recipes out there for the starving student on a budget — and we’ve got some of them right here. Whether you’re cooking for one or need to rustle up something cheeky with your spare change, get ready – these are student recipes with a difference (because they’re easier and cheaper).
Foolproof Omelette
What you need:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp of oil or margarine
- A splash of milk
- 1 small handful of grated cheese
- Salt & pepper
What to do:
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- Whisk all ingredients (- the oil) together in a jug.
- Heat a frying pan with the oil on medium/high heat until hot.
- Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
- (Optional:) If you’re feeling brave, flip it. Otherwise, fold it.
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Easy Oriental Fried Rice
What you need:
- Leftover rice (or just boil some fresh)
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce
- 3 tbsp of chilli sauce (or something else nice and spicy)
- 1 small onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- Any meat you’ve got lying around (chicken, turkey, it’s all good)
- 1 egg
- (Optional:) Sesame seeds and spring onion for the topping
What to do:
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- Preheat the pan and drizzle with oil – then throw in some minced garlic and chopped onion.
- Add the meat and fry until the meat’s properly heated.
- Add your rice, 3 tbsp of soy sauce and chilli sauce – mix and fry for a couple of minutes.
- Remove your pan from the heat – add the egg and stir the rice until it thickens (should take around a minute).
- (Optional:) sprinkle the dish with whatever topping(s) you so desire.
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Cake in a Cup
What you need:
- 3 tbsp of caster sugar
- 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp of oil
- 1 egg
- A cheeky drop of vanilla essence
What to do:
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- Mix the caster sugar, flour, egg and oil in a mixer or blender to create a smooth paste or batter.
- Pour into a cup.
- Microwave for 2½ minutes.
- Check the cake with a toothpick to see if it’s done – if not, give it another 30 seconds and you’re sorted.
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(Controversial) Marmite Pasta
What you need:
- 2 tbsp of Marmite
- 1 tbsp of butter
- 45g of grated cheese
- 100g of whatever pasta shape works for you
What to do:
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- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- While the pasta’s cooking, mix in your Marmite, butter and cheese in a bowl to form a paste.
- Once the pasta is drained, add the paste and stir – ensuring all your pasta is nicely covered.
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Cheeky Fajitas
What you need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into wide strips)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 red pepper and 1 green pepper (both de-seeded and sliced)
- 8 warmed wheat tortillas
- 250g guacamole
- 250ml sour cream
- (Optional:) 1 tbsp coriander leaves
What to do:
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- Pre-heat the oven to 200C (400F).
- Put the chicken strips into a roasting pan, cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil and bake for a further 15 minutes.
- When cooked, slice the wide strips of chicken into nice thin strips.
- Fry the onions and peppers until soft.
- Construct those bad boys however you fancy – then roll up and you’re done.
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Baked Chocolate Banana
What you need:
- 1 ripe banana, peeled
- A handful of grated chocolate or chocolate drops
- 1 tbsp of honey
- A squeeze of ½ a lemon
- 1 small cup of orange juice
What to do:
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- Pre-heat the oven to 200C (400F).
- Tear off a sheet of kitchen foil big enough to wrap the banana in.
- Place the banana on the foil and squeeze a little lemon juice over it – then sprinkle on a little of the orange juice.
- Sprinkle your grated chocolate over the banana and then spoon the honey on.
- Fold the kitchen foil into parcels around the banana (sides first, then seal at the top).
- Oven bake for 20 minutes, open the foil and carefully spoon your banana on to a plate. Top with those fresh juices and it’s good to go.
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Dirty Rarebit
What you need:
- 1 sourdough bread loaf, sliced
- 200g of grated cheddar
- 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
What to do:
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- Place the bread slices under the grill and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden on top.
- Mix the cheese, mustard, spring onions and egg together and spread a little over the untoasted sides.
- Pop them back under the grill and toast for another 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden – then serve.
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Bon appetite!