Meal Prepping for Students: Easy and Cheap Recipes

As a student, life in Cluj is full of excitement—classes, study sessions, exploring the city, and, of course, trying to figure out how to eat well without breaking the bank. Enter: meal prepping.

Meal prepping is a game-changer for anyone juggling a busy schedule. It saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you always have something nutritious ready to go. Plus, with Cluj’s abundance of fresh, affordable ingredients from local markets like Piata Mihai Viteazu and Piata Marasti, you’re in the perfect place to master the art of meal prep.

Let’s dive into some easy, budget-friendly recipes and tips to get you started.

1. The Basics of Meal-Prepping

Before jumping into recipes, let’s cover some basics:

• Plan Your Meals: Decide on 2-3 recipes for the week. Variety keeps things interesting without overwhelming you.
• Shop Smart: Stick to your shopping list, and buy seasonal produce for maximum freshness and savings.
• Batch Cook: Cook in large quantities and divide into portions for the week.

Pro tip: Invest in a few good containers. Look for ones that are microwave-safe and have tight-fitting lids to keep your meals fresh. The ones made out of glass are best, but any container works.

2. Overnight Oats for Busy Mornings

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day!

Why this recipe is great: No cooking required, customizable, and perfect for mornings on the go.

Ingredients (per serving):

    1/2 cup oats

    1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative for lactose intolerant people)

    1 tsp honey or maple syrup or just a tablespoon of sugar

    1/2 banana, sliced

    A handful of nuts or seeds

Instructions:

    Mix the oats, milk, and sweetener in a jar or container.

    Add banana slices and top with nuts or seeds.

    Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Meal Prep Tip:

Prep 3-4 jars at once to grab and go during the week.

3. Ciorba de legume (Vegetable Soup)

Everyone needs a nutritious and healthy lunch, so why not make it Romanian style.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

    1 carrot, diced

    1 parsnip, diced

    1 onion, chopped

    2 potatoes, peeled and diced

    1 bell pepper, diced

    1 zucchini, diced (optional)

    200g cabbage, shredded (optional)

    3 tbsp tomato paste

    2 liters water or vegetable broth

    1-2 tbsp sunflower oil

    Salt, pepper, and dried lovage (leuștean) or parsley

Instructions:

    Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the onion until soft.

    Add the carrots, parsnip, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and cabbage, and simmer for 15 minutes.

    Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt, pepper, and lovage or parsley. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

    Serve hot with a slice of bread on the side.

Meal Prep Tip:

Ciorbă tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for later.

4. One-pan chicken and veggies

Follow up with a delicious dinner.

Why it’s great: Minimal cleanup and packed with protein and nutrients.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 200°C.

    Toss the chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and onion with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    Spread everything evenly on a baking tray.

    Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

    Or you can cook them all in a pan with a little bit of olive oil.

Meal Prep Tip:

Divide into portions with some extra broccoli or another veggie for variety. It goes great with some rice on the side.

5. Quick Hacks for Meal Prepping

• Double Up Recipes: Cook double portions of dinner and save the extra for lunch the next day.
• Freeze for Later: If you’re short on time one week, pull a pre-prepped meal from the freezer.
• Keep Snacks Handy: Prep carrot sticks, boiled eggs, or yogurt with granola for healthy snacking.

6. Where to shop in Cluj for meal prep ingredients

• Piata Mihai Viteazu & Piata Marasti: Fresh produce and affordable staples.
• Auchan, Lidl or Kaufland: Bulk-buy pantry essentials like rice, pasta, and canned goods.
• Lidl: Great for spices, sauces, and quick snack options.

Conclusion: Prep like a Pro!

Meal prepping isn’t just about saving time and money—it’s about taking care of yourself. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy healthy, delicious meals all week long without the stress of daily cooking.

So, grab your shopping list, head to your favorite market in Cluj, and start prepping like a boss. Who knows? You might even inspire your roommates to join the meal prep revolution.

Let us know in the comments: What’s your go-to meal prep recipe?