Students Guide To Cooking

So, you have started back at university this year?

You’ve probably bought the cook books, packed your bags and even popped along to Ikea for some last minute cooking essentials – but did you remember to learn to cook???
If your skills in the kitchen leave a lot to be desired then fear not; Over the next few weeks “Unipad Luxury Student Homes Lancaster”, will come up with a few favourite student basics that will see you through your term and beyond, as well as saving you money!

Meal Plan 1: Pasta Bake

Gnocchi & tomato bake

Prep: 5 mins Cook: 25 mins:
Easy to make.
Serves 4.

A comforting veggie main packed with rich Italian flavours:
Freezable.
Vegetarian.

Nutrition: per serving:
kcal 285.
fat 7g.
saturates 3g.
carbs 50g.
sugars 8g.
fibre 4g.
protein 10g.
salt 1.64g.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil.
1 onion, chopped.
1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped.
1 garlic clove, crushed.
400g can chopped tomatoes.
500g pack gnocchi.
Handful basil leaves, torn.
Half a 125g ball mozzarella, torn into chunks.

Method:
1. Heat grill to high. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan, and then soften 1 chopped onion and 1 finely chopped red pepper for 5 mins.
2. Stir in 1 crushed garlic clove, fry for 1 min, tip in 400g chopped tomatoes and 500g gnocchi, then bring to a simmer.
3. Bubble for 10-15 mins, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce has thickened.
4. Season, stir through a handful of torn basil leaves, then transfer into a large ovenproof dish.
5. Scatter with torn chunks of half a 125g mozzarella ball, then grill for 5-6 mins until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Gather your housemates or friends around the table (or sofa) and enjoy!

All information sourced and shared by Unipad Student Housing Lancaster.