Winter Warmers: Budget-Friendly Recipes For International Students

Winter in Australia may not be as harsh as in some other parts of the world, but it still calls for some delicious, warm meals to help you get through those chilly days. For international students on a budget, finding tasty and affordable recipes can be a challenge.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of simple, budget-friendly winter recipes that require minimal ingredients and effort. Keep in mind, these recipes all allow for leftovers, as cooking in bulk is another great way to save money!

To get you started, check out our guide to essential items every student needs in their pantry.

Lentil soup

This hearty and nutritious soup is a great way to warm up after a long day at university. Packed with protein and fibre, this simple recipe is not only affordable but also perfect for those busy study days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Rinse lentils and set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and carrots for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!

Total estimated cost: $4.50 AUD

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving: $1.13 AUD

Veggie fried rice

This versatile dish can be made with any leftover veggies you have in the fridge. Use budget-friendly frozen vegetables to make it even more affordable.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old)
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add frozen vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
6. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring everything together.
7. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, and serve.

Total estimated cost: $3.80 AUD

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving: $0.95 AUD

Pasta with creamy tomato sauce

This comforting pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be whipped up in no time. Use any pasta shape you have on hand and feel free to add in some cooked veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 400g pasta (any shape)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in cream or milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Total estimated cost: $4.00 AUD

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving: $1.00 AUD

Baked potatoes with toppings

Baked potatoes are a versatile and budget-friendly option for any meal. Top them with your favourite ingredients or whatever you have on hand for a delicious and satisfying winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon or canned beans (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Wash potatoes and pierce them with a fork several times.
3. Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open.
6. Top with your choice of toppings: cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, green onions, bacon or beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Total estimated cost: $7.80 AUD

Number of servings: 2

Cost per serving: $3.90 AUD

Easy vegetable stir-fry

This quick and easy vegetable stir-fry is perfect for using up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Method:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and cornstarch mixture.
6. Pour sauce over the vegetables and stir well to combine.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve over rice or noodles.

Total estimated cost: $6.50 AUD

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving: $1.63 AUD

Simple 6-ingredient chickpea curry

This pared-down coconut chickpea curry is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-make dish. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) coconut milk (full fat or lite)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1tsp minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons curry powder

Method:

1. In a large pot or skillet, add the garlic, diced onion and a splash of oil (vegetable, coconut or olive) over medium heat.
2. Cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. If using water, you may need to add a little more to prevent sticking.
3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
6. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a simple and budget-friendly meal.

Total estimated cost: $5.80 AUD

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving: $1.45 AUD

Quick pulled-chicken tacos

Craving authentic Mexican food but short on time? Try this quick and tasty recipe, perfect for busy international students seeking a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal without the hassle.

Ingredients:

• Taco/fajita seasoning packet
• Soft tacos
• 1 capsicum
• 1 red onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 medium chicken breast
• 1/2 cup coriander, chopped
• 50g shredded cheese
• Sour cream (optional)

Method:

1. Cut capsicum and ½ the red onion into long slices. Set aside the remaining red onion for later.
2. Mix chicken breast, capsicum, and onion with taco seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil.
3. In a fry pan, cook chicken on high heat for 10 minutes, flipping once. Shred with forks.
4. Sauté onion and capsicum for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, ½ cup water, and boil.
5. Add shredded chicken, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season.
6. Heat oil in another pan. Dip tortilla in sauce, fry both sides.
7. Fill tortilla with chicken mixture, cheese, and coriander and the remaining red onion (finely diced). Fold and repeat.
8. Serve with sour cream (optional)

Total estimated cost: $11.50 AUD 

Number of servings: 4

Cost per serving:  $2.88 AUD

Mini chicken pot pies

These mini pies offer the classic comfort of chicken pot pie in a convenient, single-serving format, perfect for freezing and enjoying later.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, rolled and cut to fit the muffin tin
• 500g chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cream or milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a standard muffin tin.
2. Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent.
3. Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute before gradually adding chicken broth. Allow to thicken.
4. Mix in cream, chicken, and frozen vegetables. Season with salt and pepper and heat through.
5. Line muffin wells with pastry rounds, fill with chicken mixture, and cover with another pastry round. Seal edges and brush with egg wash.
6. Make small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Total estimated cost: $14.00 AUD
Number of servings: 12
Cost per serving: $1.17 AUD

Read more: How to Save Money on Food and Groceries in Australia