She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Takeout: How One Recipe Can Change Everything

As I reflect on my relationship with food, I’m reminded of my college days when my roommate taught me the basics of cooking. But after graduation, I fell into the convenience trap of takeout in New York City. My Seamless app became my go-to solution, until I took a hard look at my bank account and realized the damage. While I still indulge in food delivery from time to time, I’ve made significant progress in cooking for myself, thanks to the encouragement of my current roommates and boyfriend.

The Game-Changer: Eggplant Baked Ziti

What sparked this change was discovering a recipe that genuinely excited me – eggplant baked ziti. This comforting, heavy dish is like a warm hug in food form. It’s easy to adapt, and the best part is that everything is already cooked when you put it in the oven, eliminating the risk of undercooking. Plus, it makes a massive batch, perfect for entertaining and enjoying leftovers.

One Recipe, Endless Possibilities

Having one reliable dish gave me the confidence to explore other recipes that fit my criteria: inexpensive, easy to make, and yielding plenty of food. My repertoire now includes stews, bakes, and one-pot pastas that I return to time and again.

Inspiration from Friends

I asked my friends about the recipes that got them into cooking or how they save money on food. Here’s what they shared:

Anne’s Swiss Delight

Anne swears by a Swiss dish that utilizes stale bread and common household ingredients. She cooks the bread in oil, adds leftover white wine, eggs, cheese, and optional sautéed onions or meat. This 20-minute recipe is a winner.

Jake’s Fresh Start

Jake overcame his fear of wasting fresh food by buying heartier ingredients like kale, which last longer in the fridge. He also relies on canned goods and YouTube tutorials to spice up his cooking.

Hailey’s Asian-Inspired Adventure

Hailey used to spend a fortune on Asian takeout until she started making her own dishes, like Moo Shu pork. While it’s not quick, it’s worth the effort.

Kylee’s Soup-er Solution

Kylee discovered the Skinny Taste stuffed pepper soup recipe, which showed her that healthy cooking can be easy and delicious.

Peter’s Boxed Solution

Peter turned to ingredient kits in a box, which provide everything needed for a few meals. For $10 a plate, he enjoys variety without the hassle of grocery shopping.

Marissa’s Fresh Fusion

Marissa credits her mom’s fresh salsa and guacamole recipes for inspiring her to cook healthy foods throughout college.

Brittany’s Pizza Rolls

Brittany fell in love with a Pinterest recipe for pizza rolls, which are easy to make and cost-effective. This led her to explore more recipes on the platform.

Laura’s Budget-Friendly Haven

Laura owes her home-cooking skills to Budget Bytes, a website that breaks down recipes by cost and provides substitutions and ingredient swaps. This resource has helped her build a pantry of “weird” ingredients and explore new recipes.