As August draws to a close and September beckons, it can only mean one thing: it’s back-to-school time. This special time of year is as exciting as it is demanding. That’s why Carolina® Rice is here to inspire you with the best back to school lunch and dinner recipes. From poke bowls and burritos to creamy mushroom recipes, we’ve got a range of time-saving meals that are guaranteed to satisfy. What’s more, our meal prep tips and essential kitchen hacks will make sure you pass this back-to-school period with flying colors. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Kitchen Hacks and Tools for Cooking in College
Whether you’re a seasoned college veteran or a freshman starting out on your academic journey, you’ve probably got enough on your mind without having to worry about what to cook. That’s why we’re here to help you get ahead of the game.
- Plan ahead: The key to low-stress college cooking is as simple as this. Make a meal plan for each day of the week so that you can go to the store in plenty of time to pick up everything you need. Research easy, time-saving meals that you can rustle up in no time. Above all, keep things simple. You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to enjoy the delicious meals you crave.
- Equipment: Invest in time-saving kitchen tools such as an air fryer, blender, microwave, rice cooker, and/or pressure cooker. This will ensure you have plenty of options when it comes time to cook. If you’re on a budget, ask around to see if any of your roommates are interested in splitting the cost. Remember: Adapt your meal plan according to the tools you have at your disposal.
- One-pot meals: Make a list of your favorite meals and research which ones can be adapted to one-pot recipes. Oftentimes, it’s the post-meal clean-up that eats up the most time.
- Cook with friends: Find out if any of your college buddies share your love for wholesome home-cooked meals. Maybe you can make a cooking rota and cut the workload in half. Similarly, if you enjoy cooking with company, invite them to help out. It’s always nice to have an extra pair of hands in the kitchen!
- Up your leftovers game: Inevitably, there’ll be days when you’ve cooked a little more than you bargained for. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to put rice leftovers to good use.
- Source budget-friendly ingredients: Keep costs down to a minimum by cooking with grains. There’s simply no end to the culinary possibilities when you use rice as the base for your meals.
- Have lots of containers: Having a range of containers at your disposal means you can take a wide variety of meals with you to campus.
Lunch Recipes to Go
Having a delicious packed lunch to take to school with you is essential in that all-important first week. This Classic Chicken Burrito is easy to pack and ready to go! Needing only 30 minutes to prepare, this Mexican comfort food classic is sure to sustain you on a busy day’s schooling.
Salad to Go
Salads are a great lunch option to take with you to school. They’re a great way to pack your lunch meal with delicious and nutritious ingredients. Best of all, you can adapt them to suit your personal tastes and preferences. For a unique and hearty salad recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes, try this Warm Moroccan Chickpea Salad with Yellow Rice.
Craveworthy Dinner Meals in Minutes
So you’ve just arrived home from a hectic day’s schooling, and you’re craving something quick, comforting, and delicious. That’s where our Creamy Rice with Mushrooms recipe comes in. Savory and satisfying, it’s the kind of dish you deserve after a long day on campus. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make, leaving you plenty of time to unwind with your buddies in the evening.
Likewise, if you’re craving a meaty dish that’s rich in flavor, how about trying this Fajitas with Fried Chicken and Rice? Made with fragrant Carolina® Basmati Rice, this scrumptious chicken recipe will delight and satisfy in equal measure.
You know what they say: Variety is the spice of life. So why not add some refreshing seafood flavors to the mix? This Cajun Shrimp Burrito Bowl is a spicy seafood recipe that couldn’t be easier to make. Made with our unique and flavorful Carolina® Ready to Heat Spicy Jalapeño Jasmine Rice, it’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it a rewarding, stress-free meal to cap off the day.
Energy Snack for Midday Slumps
There’s nothing worse than hitting a slump on a busy day. Luckily, we’ve got just the snack to keep you energized. You can rely on these Puffed Rice Chocolate Bars to give you an energy boost right when you need it most. Easy to prepare, just sit back and let the oven do the work. Rustle up a batch at the weekend, and you won’t have to worry about snacks for the rest of the week.
#Playwithyourfood
In the years to come, when you look back on your life, your college years will probably stand out as some of the best. At Carolina® Rice, we believe in living every moment and embracing the fun side of life. That’s why we say #playwithyourfood! After all, nothing brings people together better than the meals we share together each and every day. For more culinary inspiration and expert cooking tips, make sure to pass by our kitchen to see what’s cooking.
