10 great student recipes!

The ultimate Sunday roast - serves six
This UK classic, usually served on a Sunday, is one of the most important meals of the week and is usually eaten with family or friends. Allow two hours for preparation and cooking time.

Ingredients: Roasting joint of beef, potatoes and parsnips (small bag of each), bag of carrots and a bag of peas (usually frozen), Yorkshire puddings (make your own with batter or find pre-made ones in the supermarket freezer section), gravy granules, oil, salt and pepper.

• Pre-heat the oven (check meat packaging for cooking time). Place the beef in a large roasting dish and prep the beef skin with salt, pepper and a drizzle of oil, before placing in the oven.
• Peel and chop the potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Boil the potatoes in a pan of water for 15 minutes, then drain the water and shake well.
• Place the potatoes in another large roasting pan, cover with a good sprinkle of oil, season with salt and pepper, then place in the oven for 50 minutes. After they have been in for 15 minutes add the parsnips to the potatoes, give them all a good mix and leave to cook.
• 15 minutes before the meat and potatoes are ready, add the Yorkshire puddings to the oven.
• Place the chopped carrots in a pan of water and boil for 10-15 minutes, adding the frozen peas half-way through and draining when done.
• When the meat is done, remove from the oven and leave to sit for five minutes (or until the potatoes are done).
• Carve the meat, then make up the gravy using the granules and hot water (or make your own).
• Serve your roast and enjoy!

Welsh rarebit - serves 2

Cheese on toast is the ultimate comfort food. Welsh rarebit, often called 'posh cheese on toast,' is the perfect way to get adventurous with this old-fashioned classic. 

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, 2 tablespoons of beer or ale, 2 tablespoons of butter, 160g grated cheese, 2 egg yolks, 2 slices of bread, Worcester sauce (optional).

• Pre-heat the grill to a high heat.
• Mix the beer and mustard powder in a pan over a low heat until blended. Add the butter (and a few dashes of Worcester sauce if required) until all the ingredients have melted together.
• Mix in the cheese to the butter mixture, allowing it to melt slightly.
• While you toast the bread, keep mixing the butter mixture, then beat in the eggs yolks.
• Remove the toast from the toaster or grill and spoon the mixture onto one side of each slice, before placing back under the grill until lightly brown.
• Take out and eat immediately.  

Lentil and spinach curry - serves four

A cheap and tasty way to experiment with one of the UK's favourite meals – Indian curry. 

Ingredients: 400g can of leaf spinach (drained), 400g can of green lentils (drained), 400g can of chopped tomatoes, 1 red onion (chopped), 1-2 tablespoons of curry paste, 160ml vegetable stock, oil, 1-2 crushed garlic cloves, optional sides: onion bhajis, naan bread, popadoms, yoghurt, mango chutney.

• Heat a frying pan or wok with a dash of oil in and fry the onion and garlic gently. Add the curry paste and continue to fry.
• Stir in tomatoes, lentils and stock and bring to the boil, before leaving to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Stir in the spinach and gently heat through.
• Serve while hot with optional sides.

Spaghetti bolognese - serves five

This heart-warming pasta dish is one of the UK's most-loved meals and is a great option if you are cooking for lots of people. 

Ingredients: 350g spaghetti, 450g mince, 600g of chopped tin tomatoes, 150g tomato puree, one large onion (chopped), salt and pepper, 3 cloves of garlic (crushed), oil, sugar, dried oregano.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan and add the onions and garlic.
• When the onions are lightly browned, add the mince and fry until the mince is brown on the outside (about eight minutes).
• Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Then add a teaspoon of dried oregano and a teaspoon of sugar and mix everything well. (You can also add chopped mushrooms or peppers at this point if you want).
• Leave on a low heat for about 45 minutes, occasionally mixing well.
• After 35 minutes place the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water and cook according to the packet's instructions.
• Drain the pasta, pour the bolognese sauce over the top and serve (you can add grated cheese if you like).

Beans on toast - serves one to two

More of a snack than a meal, this UK favourite is perfect for when you are on the go.

Ingredients: 1 can baked beans, 2 slices of bread, optional toppings: grated cheese.

• Pour the baked beans into a saucepan and heat slowing through. Grill or lightly toast the bread, then butter.
• When the beans are cooked through, pour over the hot toast. Serve with extra toppings if you like.

UK three cheese pizza - serves two

The UK is proud of its foodie heritage - especially its famous cheeses. From Red Leicester to Cheddar, the UK's cheese-making history is fascinating. Try this simple cheese pizza and taste cheese from around the UK.

Ingredients: 200g flour, 7g sachet of dried yeast, 125ml of warm water, 90ml of pureed tomato (passata), 60g of grated Cheddar cheese, 60g of grated Red Leicester, 60g of grated Caerphilly, teaspoon of sugar, dash of oil, sprinkle of salt, side salad.

• Pre-heat the over to 220C. Lightly oil a mid-sized baking tray. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and a spinkle of salt together in a bowl.
• Stir in the water and knead together until it forms a smooth, doughy mixture.
• Press the mixture into the baking tray so it fits neatly with no gaps at the edge.
• Smooth the passata over the top, leaving a small space around the edge. Add the grated cheese on top of the passata.
• Leave to bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve with a side salad and enjoy!

Chunky vegetable soup - serves one to two

Perfect for when you've got vegetables that need using up, this tasty soup is great for cold days. 

Ingredients: Any vegetables that need using up, such as red or green peppers, potatoes, celery or carrots. Use about three items (all chopped), 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1 large onion, 1 stock cube, 2 tablespoons of tomato puree or 2 tablespoons of yoghurt (optional), salt and pepper, oil.

• Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onions and garlic for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped vegetables of your choice. Continue to cook until everything is soft.
• Heat a kettle and make up some stock. 800ml – 1 litre should be enough.
• Pour the stock over the vegetables and stir well. Add salt and pepper and tomato puree or yoghurt if you want. Turn down to a low heat and let it simmer for 40 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and serve with warm bread.

No-oven chocolate brownie - serves one

Sometimes, only chocolate will do, but it can be hard to fit baking into a busy student schedule. Luckily, this speedy chocolate desert is perfect for students on the go!

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, dash of vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, salt.

• In a large mug, whisk together the water, butter, vanilla and a sprinkle of salt.
• Add the flour and whisk, then add the sugar and cocoa powder and keep mixing well.
• Microwave for 60 seconds and enjoy straight from the mug!

Jacket potato with extras - serves one

Jacket potatoes might sound odd, but the name is because the skin is left on while baking – leaving a soft yet crispy potato, perfect for an evening meal. 

Ingredients: One large potato, oil, salt, toppings (butter, grated cheese, baked beans, tuna, sweetcorn or mayonnaise all work well).

• Preheat the oven to 180C.
• Rub a little oil and salt into the skin of the potato and prick the skin with a fork.
• Place in the oven on a baking tray and leave to bake for around 45 minutes.
• Remove, slice down the middle and serve immediately with a topping of your choice.

Student super smoothie - serves two

Boost your health and start the day with a bang with this student super smoothie. Fruit is a great way of getting vitamins and all UK supermarkets have large fresh fruit sections. 

Ingredients: 3 cups of any fruit of your choice (such as blackberries, strawberries, blueberries or chopped bananas), 1 cup of milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, handful of ice cubes.

• Blend together the fruit, sugar and milk - using an electric blender - until smooth.
• Add the ice cubes and keep blending.
• Serve and enjoy – this delicious smoothie is perfect for hot, sunny days.

You can find out more about cusine in the UK on the UK food page. Student Recipes is also a useful site for getting recipe inspiration and budget friendly grocery suggestions.