Whether you’re in a hostel with minimal cooking facilities or renting a small studio apartment, it’s absolutely possible to eat well, cheaply, and without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here are 6 budget-friendly, nutritious meals every student living alone should try — easy on time, effort, and most importantly, your wallet.

1. Vegetable Khichdi — The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort

Why it works:

• Easy to make, super filling, and requires minimal utensils.

• A complete meal with carbs, protein, and fibre.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rice + ¼ cup moong dal

• Mixed veggies (onion, tomato, carrot, peas, potato)

• Mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, salt, and a pinch of hing

• Water and ghee

Method:

1. Rinse rice and dal, chop veggies.

2. In a pressure cooker, temper spices in ghee, sauté veggies, and add rice/dal.

3. Add 2.5–3 cups water, cook for 3–4 whistles.

4. Garnish with ghee and coriander.

2. Roti Wrap with Leftover Sabzi

Why it works:

• A creative way to reuse leftovers.

• Portable and perfect for college lunch or late-night bites.

Method:

1. Take a leftover sabzi (dry or semi-dry).

2. Heat it, place it inside a roti or tortilla, and roll it up.

3. Add ketchup, chutney, or mayo for extra taste.

Try with aloo bhaji, cabbage stir-fry, or soya chunks.

3. Instant Masala Pasta (Desi Style)

Why it works:

• Comfort food meets budget.

• Customizable with whatever veggies or spices you have.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta

• Onion, tomato, capsicum

• Salt, red chili, garam masala, or pasta seasoning

• Oil and ketchup (optional)

Method:

1. Boil pasta. In a pan, sauté chopped veggies and spices.

2. Mix in the boiled pasta and a dash of ketchup or butter.

3. Cook for 2–3 mins on low heat and serve hot.

4. Anda Bhurji with Toast

Why it works:

• Rich in protein, super fast, and highly affordable.

• Breakfast, lunch, or dinner — it works every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• Onion, tomato, green chili

• Salt, turmeric, red chili powder

• Bread for toast

Method:

1. In a pan, sauté veggies with spices.

2. Add beaten eggs and scramble.

3. Serve with buttered toast or pav.

Add cheese or a spoon of milk to make it fluffier.

5. Aloo Chaat or Stir-Fried Potatoes

Why it works:

• Potatoes are cheap, filling, and versatile.

• Can be eaten as a meal or a heavy snack.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 boiled potatoes

• Onion, lemon, chaat masala, chili flakes

• Salt, oil

Method:

1. Cube boiled potatoes, toss with spices and lemon.

2. You can sauté them with a little oil and onions for extra crispness.

Add boiled chana or sprouts for more protein.

6. Chana Salad or Sundal (South Indian-Style)

Why it works:

• High-protein vegetarian meal.

• Great for no-rice/no-roti days.

Ingredients:

• Soaked & boiled black chana or white chana

• Mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili

• Grated coconut (optional), lemon, salt

Method:

1. Heat oil, temper mustard seeds and curry leaves.

2. Add chana and sauté for a few minutes.

3. Add lemon juice and garnish with coconut.

Serve warm or cold. Makes for a healthy evening snack too.