By Olatoye Temiloluwa
Being a student can be tough,
especially when it comes to eating healthy and affordable meals. But it doesn’t
have to be! There are plenty of cheap and easy meals that Nigerian students can
enjoy. In this article, we will share 8 of our favorites.
1.
Garri
Garri is a popular West African food made from cassava.
It’s often consumed as a meal and can be prepared in various ways, such as by
soaking it in water to create a dough-like consistency, or by cooking it into a
porridge. It’s a staple food in many Nigerian and other West African families.
Here are some ways to eat garri:
● Soaked
garri: This is
the most common way to eat garri. Simply mix garri with cold water until it
forms a thick paste. Then, you can add your favorite toppings, such as
groundnut, kulikuli, fried fish, sugar, milk, or honey.
● Garri
with soup:Garri can
also be eaten with soup. A popular way to do this is to make a small ball of
garri and drop it into the soup. The garri will absorb the soup and become soft
and fluffy.
● Garri
with stew:Garri can
also be eaten with stew. To do this, simply mix garri with cold water until it
forms a thick paste. Then, serve the stew over the garri.
● Garri
puff:Garri puff
is a popular street food in Nigeria. It is made by mixing garri with water and
baking it in a mold. The garri puff is then topped with your favorite toppings,
such as groundnut, kulikuli, fried fish, sugar, milk, or honey.
2.
Noodles
Nigerian students juggle hectic
academic schedules, part-time jobs, and social commitments, so finding quick
and satisfying meal options is a top priority.
Noodles are fast, affordable, and
easy to make. Since they come packed with all the necessary ingredients, they
serve as a great option for students.
You can add eggs and vegetables and
still not break the bank. In this context, instant noodles have emerged as the
ultimate go-to food.
Offering convenience, affordability,
flavorful variety, and versatility, noodles have become an important part of
the Nigerian student diet.
3.
Beans and plantains
This is a classic Nigerian dish that
is both filling and affordable. To make it, simply cook some beans and
plantains together. You can add some spices to taste or serve it with a side of
rice.
Beans and plantains are a
traditional dish in many parts of Nigeria. They are often served as a breakfast
or lunch meal, but they can also be enjoyed as a light dinner.
Beans are a good source of protein
and fiber, while plantains are a good source of carbohydrates and potassium.
Together, they make a balanced and nutritious meal.
The sweetness of the plantains and
the savory flavor of the beans complement each other well. The beans also help
to make the plantains more digestible.
Beans and plantains can be cooked in
a variety of ways. They can be boiled, steamed, or fried. They can also be
cooked in a stew or soup.
4.
Okro Soup and Eba
Okro soup is a popular Nigerian soup
that is made with fresh okro, meat, and spices. It is a versatile soup that can
be enjoyed with a variety of swallows, such as eba, fufu, or pounded yam.
Okro soup is known for being one of
the cheapest soups to make in Nigeria. This is because the main ingredient,
okro, is relatively inexpensive. Okro is a
vegetable that is high in water content. It is also a good source of
fiber and vitamins.
Eba is a starchy food made from
garri, a type of cassava flour. It is typically eaten with soups and stews.
Together, okro soup and eba make a
delicious and affordable meal that is perfect for students on a budget.
5.
Tea and bread
Tea and bread is a popular breakfast
and snack combination in Nigeria. It is especially popular among students
because it is affordable and easy to make.
The basic version of tea and bread
is simply a cup of tea and a slice of bread. However, many people like to add
other ingredients to make it more filling and flavorful. Some popular additions
include:
● Butter: A slice of butter adds richness
and creaminess to the bread.
● Fried
eggs: Fried eggs add protein and a
savory flavor.
● Tomato
stew: Tomato stew adds a sweet and yummy
taste to your otherwise plain bread.
● Other
toppings: Other
popular toppings include cheese, avocado, and peanut butter.
6.
Potatoes and Fried Eggs
This food is a highly nutritious
meal for students, very easy to prepare, and can be eaten at any time of the
day.
Do you know that Potatoes are rich
in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant? Potatoes also contain Potassium which
aids the functioning of our hearts, muscles, and nervous system.
Potatoes are easy to cook. It can be
boiled or fried.
An enriched combination would be
with fried eggs, which are equally rich in nutrients. However, students should
take into caution the amount of cholesterol in the frying oil.
7.
Pasta(spaghetti)
Pasta is a go-to meal for students.
Roughly, there are about 350 different types of pasta in short and long forms.
Some of which include; fettuccine, spaghetti, macaroni, penne etc.
The most common pasta in Nigeria is
Spaghetti with different brands associated with it. The Macaroni is quite
common too.)
Spaghetti is a good source of
carbohydrates. It can be cooked within 15 minutes and can be eaten at any time
of the day. It is also sold in restaurants and cafeterias within and outside
the school environments.
Spaghetti can be eaten as a whole
meal with egg sauce, fried stew, or soup.
8.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a refreshing and
healthy snack or meal that is perfect for students. It is a good source of
vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Fruit salad is also a versatile dish
that can be customized to your liking. You can use any type of fruit that you
like, and you can also add other ingredients, such as yogurt, honey, or nuts.
To make fruit salad, simply cut up
your favorite fruits and combine them in a bowl. You can also add yogurt or
honey to taste.
If you want to make a more
substantial fruit salad, you can add granola or nuts.
Fruit salad can be served chilled or
at room temperature. It is a great snack to enjoy on a hot day, or it can be
served as a light meal.
Final
Thoughts
These are just a few of the many
cheap and easy meals that Nigerian students can enjoy. With a little
creativity, you can easily find meals that are both affordable and delicious.
So next time you’re feeling hungry, don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen!
