Delicious Dorm Delights – On a Budget!
Written by Chelsea-Starr Jones
Dear Dartmouth,
This term has the potential to be hard on everyone, especially during a pandemic. College doesn’t feel the same amidst social distancing and mask-wearing. One thing that may not have changed, however, is our love and appreciation for food. Here are a few relatively cheap recipes for college students living in and around Hanover, dorm friendly. I hope you enjoy and find small things to appreciate during this time.
Note: Most of these ingredients won’t be finished after one use so you can make these dishes a few times depending on your serving size.
OVERNIGHT OATS
Inspiration: my sister and Piggy Bank Principles
Total Cost: varies, but as low as $7.28 for many servings
Ingredients
Vanilla Almond Milk
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: Almond Breeze
Price: $3.49
Note: You can use whatever type of milk or flavor you’d like. I personally like almond milk and get the sweetened vanilla flavor, because it means I don’t have to buy sugar or honey, and it’s the same price as the unsweetened version.
Quick Oats
Location: CVS
Brand: Quaker Oats
Price: $3.79
Blueberries (optional)
Location: Co-Op
Brand: Cascadian Farm
Price: $3.00
Other toppings: sliced almonds, banana, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, sliced apples, chia seeds, flaxseeds, protein powder
Equipment
Large mug or bowl
Refrigerator
Saran Wrap (or some type of cover)
Instructions
1. Add about ½ cup of oats into your bowl or mug.
2. Add about ½ cup of milk into your bowl or mug and mix into the oats.
3. Cover oat/milk mixture and let sit overnight.
4. In the morning, add your desired toppings and enjoy!
VEGAN ENCHILADAS
Total Cost: $13.47
Ingredients
Black Beans
Location: CVS
Brand: S&W
Price: $1.39
Late July Clasico Tortilla Chips
Location: CVS
Brand: Late July
Price: $3.79
Garlic & Cilantro Medium Salsa
Location: Hanover Food Co-Op
Brand: Muir Glen Organic
Price: $3.00
Smashed Avocado, nothing added
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: Wholly Avocado
Price: $3.99
Steamfresh Super Sweet Corn
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: Birds Eye
Price: $1.30
Equipment
Microwave
Instructions
1. Put the frozen corn in the bowl and microwave until defrosted and slightly warm. Drain and dry.
2. Open the can of black beans, rinse, and drain them until only damp.
3. Add tortilla chips, black beans, and avocado to the bowl with corn. Give it a little mash and mix until the chips are slightly smaller in size and the ingredients are dispersed evenly.
4. Drizzle or dump salsa on top and enjoy!
EGG DROP RAMEN
Total Cost: varies, but as low as $5.96
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
Location: CVS
Brand: Top Ramen
Price: $0.79 or $2.29 (it depends on what’s in stock)
Egg (1 dozen)
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: Hillandale Farms
Price: $1.19
Soy Sauce
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: Tamari
Price: $2.99
Scallions
Location: Hanover Co-Op
Brand: n/a
Price: $0.99
Note: There are so many great ways to upgrade your ramen cheaply. Follow the link for more options.
Equipment
Kettle
Refrigerator (to store extra eggs and scallion)
Knife and cutting surface
Bowl
Instructions
1. Boil water and place ramen noodles in the bowl.
2. Pour hot water over the noodles and let it sit for a few minutes until noodles are soft. (Optional: cover the bowl with something to keep the heat from escaping.)
3. Cut up as much scallion as you’d like. (You only need ¼ of a cup or so.)
4. Crack an egg and put into the bowl with hot water and softened noodles. Immediately begin stirring the egg with your fork or chopsticks, allowing the egg to cook.
5. Once the egg is cooked (the whites will no longer be transparent), mix in some soy sauce to taste.
6. Top with scallions and enjoy!
I hope you all enjoy these delicious, dorm-friendly recipes. Remember to find things that excite you in your day-to-day life, no matter how.
Cheerfully,
Chelsea-Starr
Featured Image by Cleanlight Photo on Unsplash
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