We know that you’d rather be dining al fresco in the lush Summer sun but let’s face it – sometimes your bank balance stares you right in the face and forces you to make do with the remnants of your shared house fridge! Our Gliders share their favorite struggle meals for students and how they live the boujee life, on a budget!
Bruschetta
This super easy Italian classic is a great way to use up leftovers and create a boujee appetiser or light lunch! We love the classic recipe but you can deffo switch up the ingredients depending on what you have lying around.
What you’ll need (the basics)
- x1 French Baguette(or leftover bread)
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Fresh or dried Basil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
Grab your bread and slice to your liking, smaller slices are traditionally used for bruschetta’s. Lightly toast your bread and set aside. Chop up your toms and add in herbs, vinegar, season and mix! Spread the mixture over each slice of bread and drizzle with a little olive oil and et voilĂ , you have yourself some decent scran!
Nicole’s Tip: If you’re feeling extra hungry, add some cheese onto the base before grilling and you have yourself a fancy AF cheese on toast/bruschetta hybrid!
Pesto Pasta
Pasta was deffo sent from the carb Gods! This italian fave is embarrassingly easy to make and oh so versatile. Check out what you’ll need below to cook up this delish meal from Glider Molly and have leftovers for the week too!
What you’ll need (the basics)
- x1 packet of dried Pasta (we love a bit of penne!)
- x1 Jar of Pesto (sundried pesto is a good alternative too!)
- Grated Cheese (for garnish) Parmesan/mozzarella or even a cheeky bit of Cheddar!
- Garlic bread (obvs!)
This is ideal for lunch, dinner or even a post night out scran. Simply boil your pasta to instructions and stir a couple of tablespoons of pesto once drained (told you it was easy!) Sprinkle on some cheese or skip for a vegan alternative. To be extra fancyyy, throw on some rocket leaves or basil if you can get your hands on some!
Molly’s Tip: I like to choose garlic flatbread and heat through in the oven for those boujee restaurant feels!
Caesar Salad
If it was good enough for the Roman General, then it’s good enough for us! This classic can be found in most fancy restaurants but can be a super cheap (and healthy) bit of grub when budgeting. Swap the chicken for a Vegan alternative or some halloumi cheese – mmm!
What you’ll need (the basics)
- x1 large Chicken breast (or Vegan alternative)
- Half a head of iceberg lettuce
- Caesar dressing
- Bread (for croutons)
- Any extra toppings
Heat up some oil or butter in a pan and cook through your chopped chicken/halloumi or vegan alternative until golden (and cooked of course!) then set aside to cool. In the same pan, add a splash more oil and lightly toss in cubed bread until golden and crispy. Grab a nice deep bowl or dinner plate and layer your washed lettuce with your protein, croutons and a good glug of Caesar dressing.
Skye’s Tip: Sprinkle on some oregano and garlic salt onto your croutons when cooking for that extra taste sensation!
Flatbread Pizza
I mean, who doesn’t love pizza? This naughty but nice favourite is actually healthier and quicker to make than the real deal! Perfect for a quick dinner or that post night out scran at 2am. Oh and it’s sooo easy to make you’ll never want to order takeout again! (well, not as frequent anyway – hehe)
What you’ll need (the basics)
- Flatbread (Tortilla, Naan, Pitta)
- Tomato puree or Pizza Sauce
- Cheese or Vegan alternative
- Toppings of choice
Spread your sauce onto your flatbread base, sprinkle on your cheese or leave out if you prefer then layer on your toppings and BOOM – your flatbread pizza is ready for the oven/grill! (how easy was that?!) Get creative with your toppings and base sauce, BBQ Sauce can be added for that tex mex flavour.
Sabrina’s Tip: Using a tortilla base is actually healthier than the traditional crust, so you can have 2 whole pizza’s rather than the one – YUM!
Ramen Noodles
Instant noodles are a staple of student life but how do you make them boujee? A few simple ingredients and a rummage through your shared house kitchen cupboards can transform this essential student meal into something worth digging your teeth into!
What you’ll need (the basics)
- x1 packet instant noodles
- Veggies
- Protein of choice
- Spring onion
- Chopped Garlic/Ginger
- Soy Sauce
Slice your protein of choice and cook in a pan, throw in your veggies add in a splash of soy sauce. Cook your noodles to packet instructions and chuck in your chopped garlic and ginger (or paste) into the mix once the noodles are cooked and steaming. Now its time to assemble! Starting with your noodle base, throw in your stir fry and give it all a good mix. Garnish with sliced spring onion, serve and enjoy!
Lisa’s Tip: Adding a fried egg on top adds another layer to your Ramen and makes for a more filling meal!
Boujee Chef Status: Unlocked!
Now that your geared up with the basics, you’ll be able to make your money stretch until payday! Then it’s time for those bottomless brunches you’ve been waiting for, hehe.