Eating on the cheap and still liking it.

How many of you out there actually live on a few dollars a day? many college students probably do So I figured for this post I would help them out.  I was there at one point myself. As long as you have access to a heat source (a stove, a hotplate, access to a microwave, you get the idea there.) you will be able to make a reasonably healthy meal.

While at the grocery you will want the staple item known as Ramen noodles, two packs should do it. Yes I know this seems obvious, but hear me out. Next you will need some meat, for this I chose some boneless chicken breast (unless you want to debone them yourself which would save you money but not time).  some salt and pepper packs from a mcdonalds or burger king is a good idea for this.  Some Vegetables such as celery, carrots, peas, are good ideas as well feel free to experiment with different ingredients but keep in mind this is intended to be cheap, easy, and not cost to much in the long run.

So lets make a simple list here...
Ramen Noodles x2 packs (beware of the flavor packs you chose and compare to the meat used)
Vegetables: carrots, peas, celery, etc. (canned is helpful in making this go farther) chop what is necessary.
meat of your choice (don't go overboard here if you want to keep things cheap)

First you will want to cook your meat long enough to get it over the safe temperature level (I'd shoot for 190 degrees F or higher to be safe).  You don't have to cook all the way through as that will weaken the flavor later (unless chicken in which case use your best judgement).  Make sure to use some of  that salt and pepper you got from that fast food place (mix together and rub lightly into the meat before cooking) Once you got it to that point remove the meat from the heat and start the Ramen noodles water (if you didn't already, if you did, bravo for you because you saved yourself some time and effort) once you get the water boiling (follow directions on ramen noodle packs but subtract about a half cup of water) pour in the canned vegetables and the chopped up ones.  allow to boil. While waiting for it to boil break up the meat into manageable bits for a fork or spoon.  Drop it in the water along with the noodles. Once the Noodles are nice and loosened up you will have a nice soup that you will have leftovers for days that you can eat. Make sure to add at least one of the flavor packs from the Ramen packs for a little boost in flavor (two if you like it that way)

If you used chicken just make sure the pieces got fully cooked. The last thing you want is to eat half cooked chicken... 

Also to note yes you can use 1 pack of noodles instead of 2 but I used 2 to compensate for the excess water in the cans of vegetables that you add., you could always drain off excess water and have a chunky soup.  However using this simple idea I was able to feed three adults and three kids with this and there was still leftovers. (don't ask about that it just happened that way)

Total cost? um at the time that was about $4.75. But if one person is eating it, it could last you for several meals.  Throw in a slice of bread or even a full sandwich if you have the materials for it, and each meal you get out of it will cost you far less than just going to McDonalds and getting a mcdouble small fry and a small drink. Not to mention give you that satisfying full feeling.

Best cooking advice I can give is make sure it is safely cooked... and taste before serving.

If you have other ideas or recipes you'd like to share feel free to comment.