Meals on a budget: What’s-in-the-fridge-frittata

Heading off to college generates many expenses, including books and room and board or rent.

After taking care of the above expenses, many students aren’t left with much money to stock their refrigerator. But with a little creativity and planning, delicious meals can be made for very little.

A pantry, or available cupboard space, stocked with what is used most frequently allows for meals to be made in minutes because the essential ingredients are there and ready to be used.

Items such as soups, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and eggs allow a student the essentials to make a variety of simple dishes. They are cheap to buy and most dry goods will last months if not years.

Teaming up with a friend or roommate and combining resources can stretch that measly food budget even further. Buying in bulk can save money in the long run and is usually cheaper than purchasing an item individually.

Having food on hand makes planning meals easier. Creating a shopping list based on a weekly menu saves time and knowing in advance what will be needed.  In a pinch, the basic staples on hand can be used to create new dishes or even supplement leftovers.

College is a students’ first experience in living away from home. With all of the expenses of college living, sometimes it helps to be creative. And when it comes to frugal meal planning, creativity can go a long way.

Use leftover tomatoes, peppers, onions and taco seasoned ground beef to whip up a southwest frittata, or, let the imagination run wild by tossing together whatever is in the fridge.

What’s-In-The-Fridge Frittata

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup(s) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper
• 4 cup(s) leftovers

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Beat the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Distribute the leftovers evenly in the pan and pour in the eggs. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Tips & Techniques

Be bold and expand your horizons. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond typical omelet ingredients. And if you don’t have enough leftovers, open a can of corn and chop up some corn tortillas and toss those in.

Recipe obtained from www.delish.com