College life often comes with financial pressure, especially when it comes to food. Eating outside can get expensive, and constant delivery orders burn through your monthly budget quickly. But with a few simple ingredients and smart ideas, you can cook budget meals that are delicious, quick, and perfect for everyday student life. Here are four affordable recipes that fit a tight schedule and an even tighter wallet.
1. Lemon Rice – A Refreshing, Low-Cost Meal
Lemon rice is tangy, flavourful, and extremely budget-friendly. Simply prepare a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, chillies, and peanuts. Mix it with cooked rice and add turmeric and lemon juice. It’s a filling dish that costs almost nothing and works well for tiffin, lunch, or dinner.
2. Masala Omelette with Bread
A two-egg masala omelette is protein-rich and affordable. Beat eggs with onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander. Cook until golden and enjoy it with toasted bread. It’s perfect for college mornings when you need something quick, cheap, and nutritious.
3. Veg Pulao Using Leftover Rice
If you have leftover rice, turn it into an aromatic veg pulao. In a pan, sauté onions, peas, carrots, and beans with spices like cumin, garam masala, and bay leaf. Add rice and mix gently. This recipe costs very little, yet tastes like a proper homemade meal.
4. Curd Rice – Comfort Food on a Budget
Curd rice is the ultimate comfort meal for busy students. Mix yogurt with cooled rice and add salt. Enhance it with a tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. It’s cooling, healthy, and extremely cheap to prepare.