Studying hard doesn’t mean you need to survive on only toast or instant noodles.
When you’re stuck for time and mental energy, having a few quick, nutritious, and comforting recipe ideas on hand can make a huge difference. These seven recipes are perfect for students: they’re budget-friendly, easy to customise, and kind to both your brain and your tastebuds. Whether you’re after a five-minute snack or a one-pot dinner, this list has you covered.
1. Easy veggie mug omelette
All you need to cook this quick and healthy omelette is a mug and a microwave. It takes under 10 minutes and is ideal for when you want something warm and protein-packed without using a bunch of dishes. You can add any veggies you like, including frozen ones if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
2. Really quick broccoli pasta
Pasta is a tasty and satisfying way to get more veg into your diet, and this version takes just 12 minutes from start to finish. Created by Nagi from RecipeTinEats, she calls it her ‘best emergency quick dinner idea’.
You only need a few ingredients: broccoli, pasta, parmesan and cheddar cheese, lemon, mixed herbs, and olive oil. Even better, it’s a one-pot recipe, meaning you don’t have to spend precious study time washing up a dozen dishes!
3. Elle Gibson’s viral brownie balls
Not a full meal, but definitely a fantastic mid-study pick-me-up, these viral ‘brownie’ balls are packed with brain-friendly ingredients like dates, nut or seed butter, oat flour, and maple syrup.
They’re rolled into snack-sized balls and coated in chocolate for a sweet treat that fuels your brain and your soul. Easily made dairy and gluten-free, they’ll keep in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to three months. Great for a grab-and-go energy boost during long study sessions.
4. Sweet potato soup
Another hit from RecipeTinEats, this creamy sweet potato soup comes together in about 40 minutes and makes enough to cover several meals, meaning you don’t have to stress about dinner every night while you’re trying to study. It’s warming, filling, and rich in fibre and vitamins, which is great for supporting your immune system during this season. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, a stick blender (or Ninja) works just fine. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a brilliant meal prep option.
5. Dense bean salad
Violet Witchel’s “dense bean salads” went viral on TikTok for good reason. These are flavour-packed, ultra-nutritious, and super satisfying. Made with a base of beans and customised with your favourite add-ins, like roasted veggies, pickles, hot sauce or crunchy nuts, they’re easy to prep and even easier to eat. Full of fibre and protein, they’ll help keep you full and focused without feeling heavy or sluggish. Our advice is to make a large serving that you can reach for whenever your stomach starts rumbling.
Hot tip: the salads are amazing on their own, but they’re even better scooped up with some corn chips!
6. Vegan Jambalaya
A one-pot wonder that works for vegans and meat eaters alike, this jambalaya is hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavour. It’s also loaded with goodness: iron, vitamin C, fibre and your full five-a-day, which means you can relax into your study schedule knowing your nutritional needs are covered. Budget-friendly, all you need are tinned beans and tomatoes, celery, capsicum, onion, rice, and a handful of spices. Perfect for a warming dinner after a long day of study.
7. Quick and easy curry
Not very authentic to any particular country’s dish, but simple and delicious!
This curry takes around 40 minutes to make, but most of that time is hands-off while it simmers into something fragrant and delicious. The original recipe is made with chicken, but it’s super easy to adapt to vegetarian/vegan by swapping in tofu or chickpeas. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a satisfying meal that’ll last you for days.
