The sesquicentennial anniversary of Vanderbilt has prompted various campus changes, including construction projects and dining updates. Although Vanderbilt’s motto is “Dare to Grow,” the food options have remained stagnant — it’s time to let the menu grow beyond just pizza! As a former Chaffin resident, I understand the frustration of making a 20-minute trek for mediocre food. This is a guide to using your meal swipes to create delicious meals from Munchie Mart items.
Broccoli pasta
As much as I enjoy a delicious meal, I despise spending hours slaving over a pan to prepare a gourmet dish. If you’re a chef, you might not be a fan of broccoli pasta, but for the rest of us on the same struggle boat, it’s a cheap and fast option. All you need are three simple ingredients: pasta (any shape you prefer), broccoli and either butter or oil.
To prepare, add the pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. Next, add frozen broccoli and boil until it’s crisp. After draining the water, return the pasta and broccoli to the pot, add the butter and stir until melted. Then, give yourself a big round of applause because, in less than 10 minutes, your meal is ready to be served.
Tip: If you are feeling sophisticated, you can add parmesan flakes.
Frittata
One valuable lesson my summer in Italy taught me is not to discuss food with Italians because they can get quite defensive about their culinary culture. While my broccoli pasta doesn’t adhere to the strict Italian rules for pasta making, a frittata is a recipe that’s hard to mess up.
Start by whisking six eggs together in a mixture of salt, pepper and a quarter cup of your preferred milk. Frittata is a versatile dish that allows you to use any vegetables available at Munchie. So with all your creativity, pick the combination of vegetables you want and saute them in a cast iron skillet or pan. When they are tender and crisp, pour the egg mixture into the skillet until your vegetables are lying under a thick layer of eggs. Bake for 20 minutes in a 400-degree oven and enjoy your creation.
Five-minute French toast
Saturday might be a day of rest, but Campus Dining is taking it to heart, leaving all dining halls closed except for Rand and Commons. On those lazy Saturdays when you’d rather hit snooze and ignore your growling stomach, treat yourself to my favorite brunch: French toast.
In a large mug, melt some butter in a microwave. Next, add a little milk, vanilla extract (if you have it handy), maple syrup, cinnamon and an egg. Stir until everything is well-mixed. Add pieces of your bread of choice and mix until all the bread is soaked in the mixture. Microwave for one to two minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings, such as sliced bananas, chocolate chips and anything else you crave.
Tip: Depending on the power of your microwave, cooking times may vary. Microwave until your mixture is solid.
Tortilla de patatas
Many studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients, can prevent some forms of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and obesity. Fortunately, you can enjoy these health benefits right from your kitchen by following this traditional Spanish omelet recipe, which requires just five ingredients: potatoes, onions, eggs, olive oil and salt.
Start by thinly slicing the potatoes using a mandoline — though you can use a knife, it requires more effort. Add the potatoes to a pan, ensuring they are fully submerged in olive oil, and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat. While the potatoes are cooking, whisk the eggs in a bowl and thinly slice the onion. Once the potatoes resemble soggy chips, remove them from the oil, saving the remaining oil for future use. In a separate pan, caramelize the onion. Combine the onion and potatoes with the egg mixture, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Finally, pour everything into a pan and cook both sides for approximately seven minutes. Slice and serve.
Tip: To flip the tortilla, use a plate that is larger than the pan’s surface — and do it with confidence!
Frozen banana cereal pops
If you want to accompany your food with dessert, frozen banana cereal pops are an easy and delicious option.
Place yogurt and your choice of cereal on two separate plates. Dip the bananas in yogurt first and then roll them in the cereal. Place the cereal-coated bananas on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour.
