Easy and Affordable Student-Friendly Recipes for Delicious, Frugal Meals

Cooking on a student budget can be challenging, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to create delicious, frugal meals that won’t empty your wallet. This collection of student-friendly recipes is designed to be easy, cheap, and satisfying—perfect for busy schedules and tight budgets. With a few simple ingredients and smart cooking tips, you'll be able to whip up tasty meals anytime!

🥘 Ingredients:

• 🍲• 1 cup dried lentils
• 🍲• 4 cups water
• 🍲• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 🍲• 1 onion, chopped
• 🍲• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 🍲• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 🍲• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 🍲• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 🍲• 1 cup rice
• 🍲• Salt and pepper to taste
• 🍲• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 🍲• 1 carrot, diced (optional for added nutrition)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Step 1: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add lentils, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: While the lentils cook, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic, diced carrot (if using), cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including juice) and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes.
7. Step 7: Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess water if needed and combine with the tomato and spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve the flavorful lentil stew over cooked rice, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

💡 Pro Tips:

• 🧂• For a vegan version, ensure your rice and seasonings are plant-based, and skip any cheese or animal products.
• 🧂• This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for batch cooking.
• 🧂• To make it more filling, add a fried egg or some shredded cheese on top before serving.
• 🧂• Feel free to customize with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge—spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great.

📊 Nutrition Information (per serving):

392.5

Calories

18.2g

Protein

79.8g

Carbs

7.8g

Fat

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