You don’t have to be swearing like Gordon Ramsey or as skilled as Jamie Oliver to be a good cook. Cooking can still be enjoyable - especially on a budget. At Bed Student Rentals, we’re all about saving a pretty penny or two. So we’re here to talk you through some warm and comforting recipes to see you through the winter - without making a dent in the bank! Don’t worry, all recipes are 100% student-proof.
Butternut Squash Soup
Coming in at number one is the trusty ol’ Butternut Squash Soup recipe. They’re dirt cheap in Aldi or Lidl, all you have to do is roast them in the oven and then blend them up with whatever stock takes your fancy (we prefer veggie), onion and garlic. Season to your liking - we recommend a little paprika, salt and pepper - not forgetting a hearty amount of chilli flakes if you like a warming kick. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish the whole lot off with a teaspoon of creme fraiche.
Cheesy Mushroom Risotto
This one sounds fancy but is super easy to make. Whack chopped mushrooms, risotto rice, garlic and onion together and slowly add in some stock and BOOM - you’ve got a fancy-pants dish to impress your friends with. The key to risotto, however, is patience. Make sure to add only a little bit of stock at a time so the rice can absorb it properly. You don’t want drowned rice! But the magic ingredient of this hearty recipe is cheese. And lots of it.
Traditionally, you’re meant to use parmesan - but any cheese (or all cheese, we don’t judge!) fits this dish just as well if you’re after a cheap, cheerful and tasty meal to see you through a cold winter’s night.
Chakchouka (Shakshouka)
Cereal just not cutting it? Well, you’ll be glad to know that Shakshouka is a warming and tasty option for breakfast if you want to change up your mornings or just learn a new recipe.
All you need are the basics: eggs, onion, garlic and a can of tomatoes. Simply cook your onion and garlic (maybe even a few chilli flakes again if you want some spice) and then add the tomatoes. Break it all down and then add some paprika, salt and pepper. Make some wells in the sauce and crack in your eggs. Pop a lid on it and let it vibe until the eggs are cooked. And then voila! You have Shakshouka!
If you want to make it a little more interesting, add some bell peppers. We find that frozen works best as you don’t have to worry about an expiry date and can just whip them out and cook them up whenever you fancy.
If you want to treat yourself to an even tastier version of this dish, head over to Jaunty Goat on Bridge Street in Chester city centre - they do a bangin’ Shakshouka.
If you try any of these dishes, let us know and tag us on our socials! Instagram and TikTok: @bedstudentrentals
Written by Molly Davidson
