After four months of home-cooked meals, going back to living alone was a bit of a shock
to my palate. I’m lucky to have two amazing cooks for parents, making moving back in
an incredible culinary experience. Our kitchen always overflows with homemade tomato
sauce, freshly baked desserts, and delicious experiments courtesy of my dad. At my
apartment, however, I have all the mealtime range of a picky toddler.
It didn’t take long for me to miss all the flavors I took for granted at home. My first
solution was to cope with regular restaurant takeout, but this quickly had my wallet
looking thin. Instead, I took to my kitchen and began experimenting with the herbs and
spices I relied on during the summer. If you’re craving something tasty that fits your
budget this semester, try my three tips for spicing up your life.
- Stock Up Your Pantry
Even though dried spices can be a pricey initial investment, they make all the difference
in upgrading your college diet. Inexpensive ingredients like frozen vegetables or
noodles transform with a little olive oil and the right combination of spices. However, you
don’t need to raid a grocery store to build a good working spice drawer. Start with the
basics like oregano, cayenne, paprika, and cinnamon and you’ll have an entire menu of
dishes at your hand. Add some garlic and onion and you’ll be good as gold. As you
experiment, get creative with your own original blends or try to replicate those you have
tried before.
If you’re looking for one simple go-to, add lemon pepper to your grocery list. Use it to
season a chicken breast and serve with avocado, feta, and cherry tomatoes for an easy
salad. You’ll find another great staple in red chili flakes, which add a spicy zing to all
your favorite dishes. - Test Your Green Thumb
My roommate has made an herb garden out of our apartment and my stomach is all the
happier. Having it straight from the pot is great for fresh, veggie-forward dishes like corn
salad or guacamole. Recently, I pan-fried shrimp for dinner and needed a fun side to go
with it. Armed with an avocado and a ripe nectarine, I fashioned a salsa using lime juice
and apartment-grown cilantro. Not only did it taste amazing, but I got multiple DMs on
Instagram asking for the recipe. What other endorsement could you need?
Having a ready supply of herbs makes all the difference when expanding your college
cookbook. If you have a sunny windowsill, consider picking up a few plants to accent
your dishes. Start with basil: it multiplies in size with proper care and brightens up a
simple bowl of pasta. Feeling adventurous? Make budget-friendly homemade pizza
topped with your favorite vegetables and fresh basil leaves. - Make the Most of Washington Street
Of course, there’s always days where you just don’t feel like cooking. Luckily, Hoboken
is filled with flavorful options that make use of a wide variety of spices. If you aren’t
obsessed with their chicken tikka masala already, try Karma Kafe. While their popular
lunch buffet is currently unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I suggest making
use of their outdoor seating to relax and eat your fill of aloo paratha, a spiced potato
flatbread.
Even on a college student’s budget, there are many ways to treat yourself to delicious,
savory food. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or a trip to the specialty store when fun,
easy fixes abound. The difference between a good dish and a great one is just
creativity.
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