Students' wallets may not be fat with cash or plastic, but they need to "fill up" to keep burning the midnight oil. Many students are away from home and cooking on their own for the first time, too. So, we've put together a list of quick and easy Spanish food recipes just for students. All require no more than the basic frying pan or stock pot and no complicated cooking techniques. All use inexpensive ingredients like spaghetti or rice. Even better - every recipe can be prepared in just a few minutes!
Arroz Cubano - Cuban Rice
Lisa Sierra
If you can boil water and fry an egg, you can make this recipe! There are many versions, but this is the “Sierra” household’s version of Arroz Cubano - a bed of rice topped with tomato sauce and a fried egg. How much easier can dinner be?!
White Beans with Chorizo - Alubias Blancas con Chorizo
White Beans with Chorizo is a quick and easy dish for those nights when you want something quick and have to study. Since the recipe uses canned white kidney beans, most of the work is done for you. So, it's a perfect dish for beginner cooks as well. White beans combine well with the Spanish chorizo, onions, garlic and pepper to make a tasty and satisfying main course, ready in about 20 minutes.Spaghetti & Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce - Pasta con Salsa de Tomate, Gambas
Lisa Sierra
Although pasta did not originate in Spain, spaghetti and various kinds of pasta are enjoyed all over Spain. This dish combines typical Spanish ingredients – tomatoes, onions, lots of garlic and smoked Spanish paprika. It's simple and quick to prepare.
Pasta in Chorizo and Tomato Sauce - Macaroni en Salsa de Tomate con Chorizo
Lisa Sierra (c)
Macaroni, penne and spaghetti are often eaten in Spanish homes with a typically Spanish twist to the sauce – Spanish chorizo sausage and Spanish smoked paprika. A quick and easy main course, the chorizo makes it very tasty.
Tomates Rellenos de Atun - Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes
Lisa Sierra
Fresh and light, this dish makes a great main course for lunch or light dinner. Fresh tomatoes, stuffed with tuna, cucumbers and dressed with oil and vinegar. They are juicy and full of flavor. Serve with toast on the side and you have dinner almost instantly!
Omelet with Spanish Chorizo Sausage - Tortilla de Chorizo
Lisa Sierra
Can you make scrambled eggs? How about slice and fry a sausage? Then you can make this omelet with Spanish chorizo. It makes a great breakfast, light lunch or an appetizer or "tapa." Serve with baguette slices.
Pinchos Morunos - Pork Kabobs
Although these kabobs are normally marinated overnight, they are very easy to make and are delicious. Be sure to leave a note for your roommates not to eat them before you get home from class! Served all over Spain in tapas bars, these "pinchos" can be made of pork, lamb or sometimes veal. Choose the meat that you like best.Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp in Garlic
Lisa Sierra (c)
One of the most common "tapas" of Spain, this dish is quick, easy and FULL of garlic flavor. Substitute any dry white wine if you cannot afford Spanish sherry. Serve with rustic bread and a green salad and make a dinner of it!
Breaded Beef Fillets with Garlic - Filetes Empanados, con Ajo
Start with very thinly sliced round or sirloin steaks (or "breakfast" steaks), bread them with a bit of flour and garlic, then quickly fry in hot oil and in minutes you'll have a tasty dinner when combined with some fried potatoes.Easy Spanish White Beans with Chard and Pancetta Recipe
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
This Spanish white bean recipe is a good first course, particularly when you are short on time. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and makes a solid start to a meal. Ham or bacon are more economic alternatives to the pancetta and still taste great!
