Today’s guest post was contributed by Lynn Epstein
Okay, we’re not so naïve as to think that as a college student you really have time to plan a menu and cook – especially during finals week. But, we are suggesting that if you are living off campus in an apartment, you make a quick trip to the grocery store to gather provisions so you can avoid of week of frozen entrees, pizza delivery and other food choices that zap your energy.
Make a deal with your roommate, study partner or a friend to share the work and the bounty of healthy meals. So, set aside the Cup of Noodles, Mac&Cheese box and the can of spaghetti. In a little over an hour you can shop, chop, cook to create a healthy soup.
Grocery list:
Items for vegetable soup
Rotisserie chicken
Salad fixings (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, other options)
Bread (enjoy with the soup or for chicken sandwiches)
Apples (for the crunch and healthy snacking)
Dessert – your choice cookies, more fruit
Vegetable Soup
6+ servings
Based on a recipe from Jacques Pepin, the award winning French chef and TV personality, you can make this soup with all different kinds of vegetables. Mix and match is the name of the game. Feel free to use more of your favorite veggies. You also get to empty out your refrigerator before those old veggies become science experiments!
mama-iris-and-mama-lynn
Ingredients
5 cups water
1/2 zucchini, grated or chop small
1 carrot, grated or chop small
1 medium onion, diced
4 white button mushrooms, sliced
3 green onions, sliced thin
2 cups coarsely chopped greens (like kale, spinach, cabbage, etc)
3 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons instant grits or ¼ cup small pasta
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (optional)
Preparation
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan or stockpot Add all the chopped, sliced vegetables to the water with the salt. Bring back to a boil and cook uncovered for 5 minutes or until carrots are fork tender. Sprinkle the grits on top of the soup, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 5 – 7 minutes. To serve ladle into bowls, garnish with cheese if using.
That’s it. Voila. Finito. Done. And enough soup to last for several days. Healthy, delicious, and nutritious soup for finals week. Bon appetit.
Recipe courtesy of Lynn Epstein and Iris Feinberg, co-founders of Mama Says, who recently introduced No More Frozen Pizza! – a recipe collection for new cooks, recent college graduates, newlyweds, and those finding their way into the kitchen. Their collection includes delicious and budget conscious recipes for main and side dishes, as well as salads. For other recipe ideas join them in the kitchen at
