Hungry? UC food got you stuck in a rut? Feel like nothing on the menu is your cup of tea? Don’t fret. Even if you’re known to burn a Hot Pocket, these quick and easy meals are fool proof and accessible. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s sure to have your neighbors knocking on your door for the recipe. Be sure to check up on Outtakes or Greens to see what ingredients you can repurpose with your declining balance.
Easy meal-prepped burritos
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Refried beans
- Pre-cooked protein of your choice (crumbled tofu, beef or shredded chicken)
- Mix-ins like onion, green chile, taco seasoning
- Lettuce, guacamole, tomatoes, olives, etc.
Mix in beans, protein and any other ingredients you choose in a large bowl. Chop up vegetables, and set aside. Lay out tortillas, and scoop the filling onto them, making sure not to overfill. Roll up the burritos, and either freeze or refrigerate them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes when you’re ready to eat.
Pre-made grilled cheese
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Cheese or dairy-free alternative
- Butter or margarine
- Extras like tomatoes, basil, protein or onion
Start by lightly coating both sides of bread with butter or margarine. Add all other ingredients to one slice of bread, and top with another. Cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to be eaten. While you’re getting dressed or doing homework, pop a sandwich in a toaster oven on the “toast setting” for 2-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be sure to keep checking the first time you toast one, as different toaster ovens may burn quicker than others.
Breakfast parfaits
- Yogurt of your choice
- Fruit
- Granola
- Chia seeds or nuts
In mason jars or tupperware containers, spoon in one serving of yogurt. Add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, passion fruit or cubed melon to the top. In a sandwich bag, add in dry ingredients like granola and chia seeds or nuts, so they don’t get soggy sitting on top of the fruit. When you’re ready to eat, simply pour the dry ingredients into the yogurt and fruit and enjoy.
Sushi bowls
Ingredients:
- Precooked white or brown rice
- Proteins like tofu or cubed chicken
- Premade asian stir-fry or gyoza sauce
- Assorted vegetables, such as shredded carrot, cucumber, edamame or peppers
Spoon rice into tupperware containers. Coat or marinate the protein in the sauce and pour over rice, being sure to put extra sauce over it. Add in vegetables of choice. Alternatively, keep rice, marinated proteins and vegetables in separate containers and portion it out when desired.
