Three easy, healthy and budget-friendly recipes

Hi! I’m Asina, an LLM International Commercial Law student.

As an international student, it can be tough to balance your studies, social life and budget. It’s understandable if you don't have time to cook and don't know what to eat for the first time away from your family. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on healthy eating.

I’ve rounded up some of my favourite budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make, healthy and most importantly, won’t break the bank. Let’s get started:

1. Cheeseburger salad

I saw this recipe on TikTok and wanted to try it out. It’s easy to make using ingredients you probably already have on hand. This recipe is a real lifesaver when you’re in a rush or don’t want to do a bunch of dishes. It tastes just like a cheeseburger but healthier.

Ingredients:

• beef burger patty (1 per person)
• ½ iceberg lettuce
• 3-4 cherry tomatoes
• 1 potato
• 1 cheese slice
• ¼ onion, chopped
• tomato ketchup and mayonnaise
• salt
• pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the potato into small cubes, mix it with a little salt and fry it in a pan or air fryer with a little oil.
2. Slice the lettuce, wash it well, dry it and put it on a serving plate.
3. Cut the tomato, onion and pickle into small pieces and put them on the lettuce.
4. Make your sauce by mixing together ketchup and mayonnaise in a separate bowl.
5. Heat up your frying pan and cook your beef quarter pounder.
6. Once your meat is cooked, add a slice of cheese on top and let it melt.
7. Add your burger and potatoes to the plate and top with your sauce.
8. Serve and enjoy.

Cost:

This recipe serves two and is around £1.50 per serving.

2. Zucchini (courgette) with cheddar 

This vegetarian recipe is a type of appetizer from the Mediterranean. If you wish, you can also customise it to make it vegan. You can eat it either cold or hot. My serving suggestion is to enjoy it while it's hot and top with yoghurt.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini (courgettes)
• 30g grated mature cheddar cheese
• ½ onion
• oil
• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Chop the onions into small pieces and fry them in a pan with oil.
2. Peel the zucchini, cut them into small cubes and add them to the cooked onions.
3. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. After the zucchinis are cooked, add as much salt and pepper as you like and mix.
5. Finally, add the grated cheddar and make sure it has melted before transferring it to a serving plate. 

Note: I recommend you try it with yoghurt. This dish also goes well with sautéed chicken.

Cost:

This recipe serves two and is around £1.50 per serving.

3. Cauliflower manti

You should try this cauliflower recipe as soon as possible. This recipe will make even those who don't like cauliflower eat it! You won't be able to get enough of it with its minced meat filling and yoghurt sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 small cauliflower
• 200g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• yoghurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, black pepper, paprika 

Instructions:

1. Remove the leaves and cut the cauliflower into small florets.
2. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon tomato paste to a large pan and cook the paste for 2-3 minutes.
3. Then add the cauliflower to the pan. Add salt and paprika to the cauliflower and sauté for 25-30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, add 200g ground beef to another pan and fry for 10 minutes. Then add the finely chopped onion to this pan and fry for about 20 minutes until everything is cooked through. Add salt and pepper after cooking.
5. Finally, add the cauliflower, yoghurt and minced meat on top to the serving plate. (It would be perfect if you grate a clove of garlic into the yoghurt.)

Cost:

This recipe serves two and is around £2 per serving.

I wanted to offer you recipes and flavours that are a little different from what you see in your daily life. All of these recipes are simple, delicious, healthy and most importantly affordable. Don't forget that you can also customise all of these recipes according to your own taste.

Bon appetit to all!

Places to eat in Bradford

Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee between lectures or catching up with friends over a meal, we’ve got plenty of options to suit every taste right here on campus. Discover our range of food and drink at Bradford.