I imagine if there were to be a Carboholics Anonymous meeting, I would see many of you there. We’ve all had that moment where we look at our plate and all we see are potatoes, bread, and noodles. But who can blame us - who doesn’t love warm biscuits, sweet cereal and crispy potato chips? These starchy foods bring us comfort and energy, a combination that college students desperately crave.
Pasta is my ultimate carb weakness. If it’s an option, I will order it. The problem is, a good pasta dish can be expensive. You’re going to start going into double digit prices when you order one at a restaurant, which will quickly deplete your bank account if you’re someone who eats pasta as often as I do. So you settle for ramen, a poor substitute for something like linguini alfredo, but you tell yourself it’s almost the same thing. You can stop lying - Knorr is here for you.
I had never tried Knorr side products before starting college, but they have truly been my saving grace. I eat one of these meals at least two times a week. There are an abundance of different ones you can try, depending on your mood: Menu Flavors, Rice Sides, Pasta Sides, Asian Sides, Cajun Sides, Fiesta Sides and Italian Sides (my personal favorite). All of these dishes primarily incorporate rice or pasta, so there will be no shortage of carbs. The best part about these little packages of perfection is that they typically run for about $1.79 at Publix, but you can frequently find them BOGO or 10 for $10.
So stock up! The recipes will generally call for milk and/or butter, but those are really more suggestions; more water can be substituted for milk and you can leave out the butter, so the dish is a little healthier (and cheaper). If you want to make it an even heartier meal, grab yourself a bag of frozen vegetables, like peas or carrots, to mix into your dish.
Preparation is incredibly easy. It can be made on the stovetop, but I am all about putting in as little effort as possible - I use the microwave. Pour your side mix into a microwave safe bowl, which should be on the larger side. Measure out your water (add in the milk amount if you’re substituting) and pour it on top. Now place it in the microwave, wait your 10 to 15 minutes and let it sit for a few minutes. I have made the mistake of grabbing for that bowl immediately, and heed my warning - it’s much harder to type an essay when your fingertips are seared off.
These sides have made my college dinners a little classier and a lot tastier, and I know they will do the same for you. So get to know Knorr - you will be glad you did.
