Cooking on a Budget: Tips for Nigerian Student Life

The economic situation may have been whining you as a student, but remember, don’t panic!

It’s almost guaranteed that people will tell you to "eat well to read well”, and while it’s true, we all know how knocked out you feel after eating to your satisfaction, but we'll allow.

With rising food costs choking everyone, we’re here to lighten the load with affordable cooking tips. So grab a plate; you’re about to be served.

Meal Planning Essentials

• Plan Ahead: Think about your week. Which days are packed with classes or assignments, and when do you have more time? Use this to decide when you need quick meals or leftovers.

• Stick to Staples: Base most meals around budget-friendly staples like rice, beans, spaghetti, and yam. These ingredients are versatile and can be prepared in various ways.

Simple Menu Options

1.Bread and Akara (from a street vendor or homemade, if time allows)

2. Jollof Rice with Boiled Egg

3. Yam Porridge

4. White Rice and Stew (make a basic tomato stew with onions)

5. Spaghetti with Boiled Egg

6. Noodles

7. Beans Porridge

8. Yam and Egg Sauce

9. Fried Yam with Pepper Sauce

10. Beans and Dodo

Honourable mention: Garri and Groundnut, with cold water and a pinch of sugar!

Shopping Tips for Students

• Go Local: Buying from the local market is more affordable than shopping at nearby stores where prices tend to skyrocket.

• Buy in Bulk: Staples like rice and beans are cheaper in large quantities, so try to avoid buying in small amounts.

• Stick to Cash: Using cash helps prevent impulse buys. Transfers can make it easy to overspend, but once the cash runs out, shopping stops!

Money-Saving Cooking Techniques

• Make Food in Batches: “I only eat freshly made food!” If that’s you, now is the time to adapt, you don’t have much choice. Make large batches of staple foods like rice, beans, stew, or soup to last several meals. If you have a fridge or freezer then that's a large plus!

• Repurpose Leftovers: Transform leftovers into new dishes. For example, yesterday’s stew can become a base for today’s jollof rice or leftover boiled yam can turn into yam pottage.

• Choose Affordable Protein Sources: Beans, groundnuts, and eggs are cheaper protein options that pair well with most Nigerian dishes. Try to integrate them to cut down on meat expenses. Go for Stockfish and Dried Fish, as these are cost-effective protein options that add flavour and last longer than fresh meat or fish.

• Invest in a Pressure Cooker: This can significantly reduce cooking time for foods like beans, helping you save on gas or electricity in the long run.

In the words of a renowned preacher, “Try and eat well; you may not have all the

means now, but please eat well!” And with these tips you're given the opportunity to actually eat well.