By Matthew Barnard, Swimming World College Intern.
It’s that time of the year again, training trip season. Swimmers and divers are working hard in the pool while filling every spare moment by soaking in the sun before heading back to campus for the spring semester. Although the temptation to eat out every night while away to avoid cooking and cleaning is never going to go disappear, this habit can leave your bank account hurting and your stomach grumbling. Here are three quick and easy meals that anyone can throw together while on a training trip:
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic staple for college student across the country due to its affordability and speed. Although most people buy pre-made frozen meatballs, making them yourself from scratch is both fun and healthier. Using your hands to combine a pound of lean ground beef with a cup of breadcrumbs, a finely chopped onion, an egg and a small amount of salt and pepper is something that the whole team can get involved in. Once well mixed create small balls with the mixture and place on a baking tray in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
During this time boil water in a large pot on the stove. Once boiling place dry spaghetti in and let soften. A good tip to know when to spaghetti is cooked it to take a piece and throw it against a wall. If it sticks the pasta is ready, if not it needs a little longer. Once the spaghetti is cooked drain and place in a large bowl.
Take the cooked meatballs and scatter them over the spaghetti, cover with a jar of simple red sauce (any variation will do) and there you have it, an inexpensive and easy meal that is quick and fun to make.
2. Baked Chicken and Sweet Potato Mash
This recipe will amaze your roommates with the littlest of effort. First mix together lemon juice, honey, minced garlic and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Simply place fresh chicken breasts on a greased baking tray and pour the mixture over the chicken. Lay a slice of lemon on top of each breast. Place in the oven for around half an hour at 400°F (cooking time depends of size of breast) but make sure that the chicken is cooked all the way through before removing from the oven.
To make the mash bring a pot of water to the boil and add sweet potatoes. Leave until they are soft which should take around 20 minutes. Once cooked through remove the potatoes and marsh with a fork while slowly adding milk and butter. Salt and pepper can also be added for taste
The lemon chicken and the sweet potatoes not only taste great together but look amazing when served. Although it takes a little time and preparation this meal is easily worth the effort. A side of cooked green such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts would be perfect.
3. Pastry Wrapped Salmon
Just like the baked chicken this dish looks extremely impressive and tastes delicious as well. Start with a piece of salmon that has been filleted and skinned and cover with a layer of basil pesto. Although pesto can be expensive it will be worth the cost. Once covered wrap the salmon steak in puff pastry and seal the edges closed. Frozen puff pastry works fine as long as it is thawed prior. Place the parcel in the middle of the oven at 450°F for around 12 minutes or until the pastry is a light brown. Remove and enjoy, but be careful as it can be very hot initially.
This recipe is great as you can make a single serving at a time quickly without have mountains of leftovers. It also goes great with a green salad or with fresh sliced avocado placed on top of the salmon once cooked.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Caitlin Campbell
Harriet Wells