The Best Student Cookbooks
Coming up with a variety of meals while juggling student life can be challenging. But don't worry, we've gathered some of our favourite cookbooks and sources of meal inspiration to help you bring excitement back into your cooking routine!
1. ‘Roasting Tin’ Books – Rukmini Iyer
Rukmini Iyer’s Roasting Tin series is perfect for busy students. The concept is simple: throw your ingredients into a roasting tin, pop it in the oven, and let it cook while you tackle other tasks (like your lecture reading!). This approach minimizes time spent in the kitchen and cuts down on washing up. The book includes a wide variety of recipes, from curries and meats to salads, pastas, and more. There’s also a veggie and vegan version, a “world cuisine” edition, a quick meals book, and the classic one.
2. 5 Ingredients – Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients book is all about simplicity, with recipes that require just five ingredients. Perfect for those with small kitchens, limited budgets, and a desire for quick meals. The book includes a diverse range of dishes, including pastas, desserts, rice, noodles, meats, and veggie options.
3. 7 Ways – Jamie Oliver
7 Ways takes 18 common ingredients (like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and avocados) and shows you multiple ways to cook with them. The recipes are simple, easy to follow, and often involve just one pot. Perfect for students looking for low-effort meals with accessible ingredients.
4. @dishesbydaisy on TikTok: £5 Dinners
Daisy’s TikTok series, £5 Dinners, is great for affordable and simple meal inspiration. Each meal costs less than £5, using basic ingredients that are available in most supermarkets. For those who are less confident in the kitchen, watching the meals being prepared can be incredibly helpful. Many of the recipes can be cooked in bulk, saving you time and effort on busy days.
5. BBC Good Food
BBC Good Food offers a vast collection of recipes, many of which are perfect for student budgets. While some recipes may be a bit pricey, a little searching will help you find something affordable. One of the best features is the ability to save your favourite recipes in folders. Additionally, you can read reviews and suggestions from other users, which can help you adapt recipes to your needs.
With these 5 resources, you’ll hopefully find some new meal ideas to spice up your routine and escape the repetitive cycle of pesto pasta and toast!
