With finals week quickly approaching, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves during this stressful time. Not only are finals looming over our heads, but cold December weather is driving many of us indoors for longer periods of time. While it may be the season for cozy blankets and hot chocolate, it’s also the season for intense studying. To find the balance between these two opposing aesthetics, cooking a comforting, warm meal may be the perfect way to take a study break while also gearing up for finals. On the menu for this week: dorm-friendly potato soup.
Although this is a longer recipe which requires more ingredients, the extra time this recipe takes is well-worth it. Both a built-in study break and a moment for self-care, pausing to put together this recipe is perfect for multiple needs during finals week. Leftover ingredients can be used to make this soup multiple times in a week, which can save another trip to the grocery store, out to eat or to the Marketplace when temperatures drop. The longer preparation time makes for a longer study break and is more productive than just scrolling through social media. Soup is a great comfort food in the winter, and potato soup in particular is made of comforting, filling ingredients perfect for the season.
This recipe requires a longer list of ingredients than most dorm-friendly recipes. Water, a few potatoes, white onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, cornflour, chicken or vegetable stock, milk, salt and pepper are the basic ingredients. Scallions and sour cream could also be added but aren’t necessary to make this recipe. The amount of potatoes and onions purchased depends on how much you plan to make in a week, but you should only need one packet or container of the other ingredients. Additionally, a simple substitute for bacon (which can be difficult to cook in a dorm) might be bacon bits. In terms of supplies, a microwave, mug, knife, spoon and measuring spoons will be necessary for this recipe.
Once you have all the ingredients, the first step is to cut about 3 tablespoons of potatoes into small cubes. Chop one tablespoon of white onion and the desired amount of scallions (if added). Place the potatoes and ¾ cup of water into a mug, microwaving for 3-4 minutes until the potatoes are tender. After the potatoes are finished, drain the water. Add one tablespoon bacon, chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of cheese and 2 teaspoons of cornflour to the mug. To this, stir in ½ cup of stock and ¼ cup of milk. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, microwave for about 2.5-3 minutes until the soup is thick. To keep it from overflowing, you can stop halfway through to stir the soup. Once done, garnish with scallions, sour cream or other desired toppings.
Although this may seem like a lot for a dorm-room recipe, it may be worth a try as a fun, productive way to take a break and refuel during finals week. Not only is potato soup a comfort food during colder months and it a great way to avoid inclement weather, it might be the perfect meal to make for a moment of self-care, which is crucial to remember as the semester comes to an end.
