When you return to college after winter break, you may feel a little homesick. In particular, it’s common to miss home-cooked meals — especially on days when the weather is cold and you’re exhausted from schoolwork. Preparing some healthy comfort food is just what you need to bring up your energy levels. The good news is you have many options for dishes that are easy to prepare in your apartment.
- Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing is more comforting than chicken noodle soup. Take some chicken broth, then add cooked chicken (or turkey, if you want a variation on the classic), dried noodles, and vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery. Season with basil, oregano, and black pepper. - Stuffed Peppers
Turn stuffed peppers into a healthy meal by filling them with a mixture of quinoa, mushrooms, and spinach. Top them with any cheese that melts before putting them in the oven to bake. The result is impressive, making this a good option to bring to a potluck or serve at a dinner party. - Zucchini Lasagna
You can have lasagna without loading up on carbs by making the dish with zucchini instead of pasta sheets. Simply cut the zucchini into slices and broil it until it has browned. Intersperse the layers of zucchini with your favourite lasagna filling, which could contain mushrooms, ground beef, Italian sausage, squash, or carrot. Either make the pasta sauce yourself or purchase some to save time. Remember to top your lasagna with a cheese that melts. - Avocado Tuna Melts
Combine avocado toast with a tuna melt. Start with a layer of mashed avocado and follow it with tuna mixed with low-fat mayonnaise or ranch. Finish with some melty cheese. This is perfect for a lazy brunch at the weekend or any time you need a light meal. - Pasta Casserole
Casseroles are ideal comfort foods because you can reheat the portions over the following few days to avoid needing to be constantly cooking. A healthy option to try that requires minimal effort is a pasta casserole. As well as the pasta, add ingredients like carrots, snap peas, chicken, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Create a creamy sauce for your casserole using broth, flour, garlic, milk, and cream cheese. - Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
A traditional shepherd’s pie may be comforting, but thick layers of minced meat and mashed potato are not ideal if you’re looking for something healthy. The solution is to make a vegetarian alternative using mushrooms, leeks, carrots, parsnips, lentils, and peas. After cooking the vegetables, mix them with a tomato paste and place them in a casserole dish. Then, add just a thin layer of potato. Bake your pie in the oven until the top is brown.
You’ll only be able to prepare meals like these if you have a proper kitchen in your student apartment — something you won’t find if you’re living on campus. A great alternative to Fleming College residence is Severn Court. Our fully-furnished apartments are equipped with all the major appliances and have a dinette table and chairs in the living room. Even better, all your utilities are included in the price of the rent, meaning there’s no need to worry about a higher bill if you cook a lot one month. Take a virtual tour to see the suites and onsite amenities before you sign a lease.
