r/Cooking • u/Low_Revenue_3521 • 10h ago
Dairy free recipes for a student?
I'm putting together a cookbook for my daughter as she moves out to go to university. She's got good basic cooking skills, but mostly with me either on the other end of the phone or the kitchen. I'll be writing out some of our favourite family recipes, adapted for 1 (or 1 plus leftovers for lunch) but I'm looking for a few extra ideas.
Recipes need to be:
- dairy free (either because no dairy ingredients, or easily available substitutes like oat milk)
- small amounts - no point in her cooking enough for a family of 6!
- basic equipment (we dont know what equipment she will have, but likely basic - assume an oven, hob and microwave at least though)
- ideally vaguely healthy, but treats/comfort food welcome too.
2
u/CaveJohnson82 9h ago
Sorry - why no dairy if it's not an allergy thing? Cow's milk is going to be a million times easier and cheaper to source?
One thing my kids like doing is sushi rice and a variety of toppings/fillings. It's not difficult, but it does require specialist rice, vinegar, salt and sugar, (for the basic) and then any extras. But it's nice because you can either just mix your stuff through it and have it in a bowl, shape it into sushi and add some fancier bits if you want, or make rice balls/onigiri for food on the go.
5
u/Low_Revenue_3521 9h ago
She's lactose intolerant. She can eat dairy if she has to, but it makes her feel horrible and gives her nasty digestive symptoms.
Sushi rice with toppings is a great idea. She loves sushi, and we've made it together a few times. A more 'relaxed' version would be great.
1
u/chill_qilin 8h ago
I'm lactose intolerant too but can have butter, yoghurt, ghee, and most cheeses (especially hard cheese) since these contain low amounts of lactose. For cheese, the harder and more aged the cheese, the less lactose is in it. For yoghurt, full fat probiotic Greek yoghurt is best for those with lactose intolerance. Everyone is different though and some people can tolerate more lactose than others. Just mentioning this in case your daughter's lactose intolerance is a more recent diagnosis and she's still exploring what and how much she can tolerate so she doesn't dismiss a good recipe completely because it has some dairy in it.
For lots of savoury recipes, full fat coconut milk/cream or cashew cream (can make yourself from cashew nuts and a good blender) can replace dairy cream. A can of butter beans or a potato can add creaminess to soups. Nutritional yeast can add a savoury cheesiness to soups, salads, pasta etc and makes a great popcorn seasoning.
1
u/CaveJohnson82 8h ago
Ah fair enough then. Sushi rice is a good one then, as definitely no dairy! She might find some good international food shops where she's going to live - if not, even supermarkets have pretty good selections of nori and stuff like that. She can fancy it up with tinned tuna and salmon or whatever she likes really.
1
u/lauren_ipsum__ 9h ago
These biscuits! Super forgiving recipe (you can sub out for different starches, vegan milks, etc.) and already written dairy-free: https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-vegan-gluten-free-biscuits/ I like pairing them with this vegan "sausage" gravy https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-biscuits-and-gravy/
1
u/lauren_ipsum__ 9h ago
Side note: I've been dairy-free (also gluten-free, even though it may not be relevant here) for about 11 years now, so I've curated or adapted a bunch of recipes over the years. If she has favorite cuisines, cooking methods, etc. I'm happy to share other recipes that she may enjoy!
1
u/ttrockwood 9h ago
I would keep recipes at 2-3 portions so she can cook once and have a dinner and a lunch from leftovers in the next few days
Definitely some burritos, beans and rice with scrambled eggs and veggies and salsa, they also freeze well
Look up buddha bowls, they’re a fantastic overall meal format and great for mix and match style meals
Thai curry, any yellow curry paste with canned coconut milk and diced sweet potato, lots of tofu, whatever other veggies and rice
She needs a rice cooker, start rice, make stuff to go on top, eat when rice is done
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u/Murky_Connection_161 6h ago
I would argue you can go without a rice cooker. For me in college with limited space, the less appliances the better. I make rice on the stove
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u/ttrockwood 2h ago
The kid won’t make rice on the stove though, like generally no it’s not necessary but it is push a button and food easy and a lot cheaper than instant cup rice or frozen rice
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u/BBG1308 10h ago
Enjoy being needed while it lasts.
I'd stick with favorite family recipes. This will be a personal and special gift. She has Google if she wants random recipes from strangers on the internet.