Best Easy and Fast Cooking Dishes for Students in 2023

For students who are pressed for time, finding quick, healthy, and satisfying meals can be a challenge. However, a plethora of easy recipes can be tailored to fit any student's lifestyle and dietary preferences. Here, we'll explore some of the best, easy, and fast cooking dishes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. These dishes not only save time but also offer a wide variety of flavors and nutritional profiles to keep students energized and healthy throughout the day.

Healthy and Delicious Khichdi

Masala Khichdi is a classic dish that combines lentils and rice with a variety of spices. To prepare it, soak a cup of husked brown rice and a couple of cups of mung dal overnight. In the morning, sauté some onions, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala until fragrant. Add the soaked rice and lentils along with water, cover, and cook until tender. This dish is not only filling but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal meal for students.

Vegetable Pulav

Another delicious and versatile dish is Vegetable Pulav. Pulav is a fragrant rice dish made with a blend of spices and vegetables. Start by sautéing some grated onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies in a carbon-steel pan for a savory aroma. Add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers, followed by a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Add fried onions and rice, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked. This dish is a great way to enjoy a balanced and flavorful meal without much effort.

Upma and Poha Combos

Upma and Poha are quick and easy preparations that can be customized in numerous ways. To make upma, sauté urad dal and vegetables in a carbon-steel pan, then add semi-solid wheat flour, beaten eggs, and milk for a creamy texture. Poha, on the other hand, can be made by soaking flattened rice sheets in water and then frying them with oil, giving them a crisp, golden-brown finish. Incorporate vegetables, spices, and optional cheese or paneer to enhance the flavor. These dishes offer quick, easy, and tasty alternatives for students.

Tasty Quick Breads and Sandwiches

For a more hearty meal or snack, consider Breads and Sandwiches. Use a carbon-steel pan for its non-stick properties and lower likelihood of releasing toxic gases. Carbon steel is durable and retains heat evenly, ideal for cooking quick meals. For sandwiches, layer whole-grain bread with mashed vegetables, egg, cheese, and various spreads like mayonnaise, hummus, or guacamole. A favorite among students is the Aglio Olio with spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, chili, and grated Parmesan cheese. These comforting and healthy options can be made in minutes, providing a satisfying meal.

Instant and Ready-made Meals

Instant and Ready-made Meals can also fit into a student's busy schedule. Opt for Instant Noodles or Pasta as healthier alternatives to pre-packaged meals. Instant noodles can be customized with vegetable toppings and boiled egg. For a healthier option, cook pasta with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, olive, mushrooms, and capsicum, then sprinkle grated cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste for a delicious and quick meal. Sandwiches can be made with whole-grain bread, mixed vegetables, eggs, and cheese, or peanut butter and jam. Bhelpuri, a popular snack, can be prepared using readymade mixes or ingredients like poha, vegetables, and chutney.

Convenient and Nutritious Snack Options

For those short on time, Convenient and Nutritious Snack Options can help keep energy levels up. Start with a bowl of Oats soaked in hot water and mixed with fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. Dried fruits and nuts like dates, badam, kismis, and roasted peanuts can be ground together to make healthy snack bars. Boiled eggs, store-bought rice mixes, and fruit smoothies can be prepared in minutes, making them perfect for quick snacking. These options are not only easy to make but also provide essential nutrients to support a busy student lifestyle.

Recipes for Students Who Cook

For those who aspire to learn more, a range of simple recipes can be prepared with minimal equipment. Here are a couple of easy and nutritious choices:

Wheat Bread and Omelette: Grill a whole wheat bread, prepare a quick omelette with eggs and a sprinkling of cheese, and serve with a side of tomato sauce for a complete, yet nutritious meal. Bread Salads: Create a refreshing salad by slicing a whole wheat bread, layering it with cheese slices and a dollop of mango pickle. This combination is both tasty and easy to prepare. Cooked Rice and Pickle: Cook a batch of rice using a rice cooker and serve with a side of vegetable pickle or potato wafers. This is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a balanced meal. Instant Rice Noodles: Cook instant rice noodles and top with a mix of vegetables, eggs, and a flavorful sauce for a quick meal. Pasta with Shallow Fried Garlic and Mushrooms: Put a pot of pasta on, sauté garlic and mushrooms in olive oil, and toss them with the pasta. Add cheese, pepper, and oregano to taste for a delicious and convenient meal.

By embracing these quick and easy recipes, students can maintain a balanced diet while saving valuable time. Whether it's a quick meal to fuel a study session or a healthy snack to keep energy levels up, these dishes offer a versatile and convenient solution for busy students. Remember, the key to successful meal preparation is planning and knowing what tools and ingredients you have on hand. Happy cooking!