by LindsFetz

Created on: August 12, 2009

College students who rely on the dining halls for meals often have little or no choice as to what they can eat nor do they know the nutritional value of what they are consuming. For those undergrads who live off-campus or don't have a meal plan, preparing healthy meals can also be a challenge.

Below are some easy to prepare and healthy meals that students can make in their apartments or dorms. Having made these dishes when I was in school, I know the importance of making a meal on the fly, in between classes, homework and extracurricular activities.

The first recipe is easy lentil soup. Perfect for a cold winter day, or for someone looking for a great source of protein that does not contain meat.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 teaspoons salt

1 pound lentils, rinsed

1 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes

2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth

Directions:

1) place the olive oil in a large 6-quart pot and set over medium heat.

2) once hot, add onions, carrots, celery and salt until the onions are translucent.

3) add the tomatoes, lentils and broth

4) bring to a boil.

5) reduce the heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes

The second recipe is a casserole that your taste buds will love and again, is very easy to make with only a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 pound lean hamburg or ground turkey

1 small onion, diced

green pepper (optional)

1 can tomato soup

1 can chicken rice soup

1 can whole peeled tomatoes

1 pound of pasta, any kind except spaghetti

saltine crackers

Directions:

1) in a skillet, saute the onion and pepper.

2) brown the hamburg or turkey, draining any grease.

3) add in tomato and chicken rice soup

4) add the whole peeled tomatoes, along with any liquid in the can

5) crush the tomatoes using an instrument or hands

6) simmer for 20 minutes

7) cook the pasta and drain

8) in a cassarole dish, combine the pasta and sauces together, mixing well

9) crush the saltine crackers on the top

10) cook for 30 minutes at 325 degrees, uncovered

Both of these recipes are a great way to incorporate many ingredients that are common to households and apartments and can be prepared in a short amount of time. They are great comfort foods as well and are definitely great meals in a pinch!

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