Being a student doesn’t mean that you have to survive on packets of two-minute noodles or microwave meals. In fact, with just a few essential ingredients, you can whip up some pretty delicious and affordable dishes.
Let’s take you through the most essential food items that every student needs in their pantry.
Frozen vegetables
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet but fresh ones can be pretty expensive. Luckily, frozen vegetables are generally a lot cheaper, costing around A$3.00 to A$5.00 per bag, and contain just as many nutrients as fresh ones. Plus, you won’t have to worry about using up the veggies before they turn bad as they will last much longer in the freezer.
You can use your frozen vegetables in a wide variety of meals, including stir-fries, curries, pasta and noodle dishes. If you start with a classic vegetable stir fry recipe you easily adapt it depending on the ingredients that you have at home that week. Or, you can get a little adventurous and try this Korean-inspired vegetable pancake.
@shanilcooks Using frozen vegetables for these Korean pancakes was definitely the move-I got mine from Birds Eye #sponsored @Easy Home Meals #Koreanpancakes #pancakes #veggierecipe
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, are super versatile ingredients to have in your pantry and they offer some great health benefits. For anyone on a plant-based diet, beans and legumes are important protein sources that you should regularly incorporate into your dishes. You can add them to curries, salads and dishes such as this three-bean chilli.
@mealswithmax Vegan 3 Bean Chili 😍 #chili #vegan #veganuary #500orless #lowcalorierecipe #fatlossfoods
When buying beans and legumes, you can choose between tinned or dry options. The only real difference is the cooking time, with the tinned and presoaked beans and legumes taking much less time to cook than the dried versions. Both tinned and dried options will set you back between A$1.00 and A$5.00.
Tinned Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in so many different cuisines, but they can also get pretty expensive when they’re not in season. Tinned tomatoes, on the other hand, can cost as little as 80 cents and will last a lot longer in your pantry. A tin of tomatoes is a great base for tomato pasta, and they also go well in a variety of curries, soups and stews. Check out the recipe below!
@bosh.tv SUPER SIMPLE ROASTED TINNED TOMATO PASTA – full recipe on our website – bosh.tv 😀 #vegan #veganfood #veganuary #pasta
Pasta and noodles
Different types of pasta noodles and Asian-style noodles are great basics to keep in your pantry. This is because they are cheap, filling and can be used to make a wide variety of different dishes.
For as little as A$2.00, you can buy your favourite type of pasta noodles to toss into a salad or serve with a homemade pasta sauce. Asian-style noodles, such as rice or egg noodles, also only cost around A$2.00 per packet and are ideal for whipping up some cheap, easy meals for one, such as this chow mein.
@cj.eats The best soy sauce chow mein – so simple but so delicious! #chinesefood #easyrecipe #cjeatsrecipes
Rice
Rice is another versatile ingredient to keep in your pantry and a one-kilo bag of brown rice, white rice, or basmati rice will only set you back around A$3.00. Rice can be served as a filling side dish to curries, stews and stir-fried vegetables, or it can take centre stage as the main meal. If you need some inspiration then why not try this classic egg fried rice for a super easy rice meal?
@christieathome The fried rice that anyone can make! Recipe link in bio > search under “egg fried rice”. #foodtiktok #cookingtiktok #goodfood #dinnerrecipe
Tinned fish
Tinned fish is a cheap and healthy form of protein. Tinned tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel are all packed with super important nutrients, such as omega-three fatty acids, protein and vitamin B12. Tinned fish is perfect for stirring into salads, spreading on toast, or making homemade sushi or onigiri.
@christieathome Easy spicy tuna onigiri 🍙 recipe link in bio. #foodtiktok #cookingtiktok #goodfood #dinnerrecipe #fallfood
Food banks for international students
It’s important to know where to turn if you can’t afford groceries. In Australia, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to your education provider, Foodbank or local charity organisations for help.
