Finding fun and creative ways to remake your favorite home-cooked meals in your college dorm is a challenge I faced head-on. Being a vegan, it’s hard to find simple, cheap substitutions and sustainable meals, especially once you get to college. I’ve become pretty creative during my time in college, so here are some easily customizable, simple meals I’ve made in my dorm room at Capital University.
My number one go-to meal is any vegetable wrap. I grab vegetables from the dining hall salad bar, such as spinach, tomatoes, and peppers, and then add some simple things I got from the store. This can consist of vegan deli meat or other vegan meat substitutes, mustard, vegan ranch dressing, all wrapped up perfectly in a tortilla. Delicious, easy, fast.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, grab some vegan chocolate chips and any fruit you’d like from the dining hall (strawberries and pineapple are my recommendations) and melt the chocolate in the microwave. You can dip any fruit into melted chocolate, and it tastes great. This recipe is super customizable and effortless if you’re looking for a quick snack.
If you’re looking for something more filling, it’s super easy to make a customizable buddha bowl. I either get rice from the dining hall or microwavable rice from the grocery store and add any vegetables that I can find at the dining hall. A great and easy recommendation is broccoli, sweet potato, chickpeas, or spinach, which can be cooked in a microwave as well if not available that day at the dining hall. Throw it all together and add a sweet and savory dressing, and you’ll have a filling and delicious meal that tastes like something your parents would make for dinner.
Another simple tip for vegans (and non-vegans) that people tend to forget: buy seasonings! Salt and pepper are a must, but sriracha, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes can take your meal to the next level. Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and try things out. If you’re craving something, I’m sure you can find a great substitute or something that will keep you satisfied.