Cooking for one may seem like more work than it’s worth, and portion control can be difficult at times. When money is involved, motivation may diminish as well. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of easy, low-cost recipes that make the most of pantry and freezer items without resulting in an abundance of leftovers. You’ll be happy you took the (little) effort with everything from cozy pie and buttery linguine to nutritious dhal and ramen…
Carrots with garam masala dhal
This nutrient-dense and hearty red lentil dhal is an excellent low-cost vegetarian alternative that is also low in calories. To add a touch of spice, toss the carrots with garam masala and serve with a drizzle of Greek yogurt for a luxuriously creamy texture.
Pot pie with peas and ham
Who says a single person cannot bake a pie? With a few inexpensive ingredients and frozen vegetables, you can whip up this beauty in no time and have it all to yourself. Using a pre-made soffrito is a simple and inexpensive method to add another layer of flavor. Freeze the leftover puff pastry to use in another dish — our puff pastry collection has lots of inspiration.
Sesame ramen in a flash
Instantly prepare a hearty bowl of nutritious fast meals. This Asian noodle dish is minimal in fat and calories yet provides a full dinner that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes.
Baked sweet potato with ginger and spinach
All good things come in tiny packages, and this is definitely true for our ginger & spinach sweet potato, which is packed with flavor. This filling, spicy vegetable dish is an economical and low-calorie lunch option.
Linguine with brown butter
Occasionally, nothing is more reassuring than a dish of buttered pasta topped with grated cheese. Browning the butter imparts a lovely nutty flavor to the dish, and we’ve included crunchy breadcrumbs to mop up any remaining liquid.
Bowl of chorizo hummus
Combine hummus with flavorful chorizo, chickpeas, and greens for a budget-friendly protein-packed meal. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and flatbread for a quick, 15-minute lunch.
Shakshuka in the microwave
In less than 10 minutes, prepare our microwaveable shakshuka. The luscious tomato sauce, topped with a runny egg, is ideal for dipping hot pitta bread pieces into. Both nutritious and filling, this Middle Eastern-style dinner in a cup is certain to become a student favorite.
Stir-fried rice from the pantry
Make the most of store-bought ingredients with this easy egg-fried rice. Combine half a cup of pre-cooked rice with veggies, ginger, and spices. Add an egg and season with soy sauce for a very fast and economical dinner.