Hostel life is full of unique experiences—late-night study sessions, spontaneous group hangouts, and the challenge of cooking tasty meals with limited resources. If you're living in a hostel, you've likely faced the struggle of making a quick, satisfying meal without a full kitchen at your disposal.
Fortunately, a multi-purpose electric kettle can be your culinary companion. It is possible to prepare some delicious Indian dishes right in your room. Here are seven easy recipes you can whip up using an electric kettle.
Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
Starting your day with a hot cup of masala chai is a comforting ritual. To make this aromatic tea:
- Fill your electric kettle with water and add tea leaves, a few crushed cardamom pods, a small piece of ginger, and sugar to taste.
- Let the mixture come to a boil.
- Once boiled, add milk and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy the warmth of freshly brewed masala chai.
Using an electric kettle with Super Cool Touch Protection ensures that even as your tea boils, the kettle's exterior remains cool to the touch, preventing accidental burns.
Vegetable Maggi
Maggi is the ultimate comfort food for hostel students. To make it healthier, chop some vegetables like carrots, peas, and capsicum. Add water to your electric kettle and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chopped vegetables and Maggi noodles. Sprinkle the masala packet that comes with the noodles, and let it cook until the noodles are soft, and the water is absorbed. Your delicious Vegetable Maggi is ready in no time!
A kettle with Triple Level Protection, including a steam sensor and dry boiling prevention, is perfect for making dishes like Maggi. It ensures that you can cook safely without worrying about overheating or accidents.
Poha (Flattened Rice)
Poha is a light yet filling breakfast option. Start by rinsing poha in cold water and setting it aside. In your electric kettle, heat a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, green chillies, and turmeric powder. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add the rinsed poha, salt to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir well, then let it steam for a few minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves and roasted peanuts before serving.
For oil-based recipes like poha, it's beneficial to use a kettle made of SS 304 material with anti-rust properties. Doing this ensures extended durability even with regular use.
Upma
Upma is another quick and nutritious meal you can prepare easily in your electric kettle. Start by heating a little oil in the kettle and adding mustard seeds, urad dal (black gram), chopped onions, and green chillies. Once the onions are soft, add water and bring it to a boil. Slowly add roasted semolina (rava), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the water is absorbed and the upma reaches a fluffy consistency. Serve hot with a spoonful of ghee.
A high-end thermostat in your kettle ensures consistent heating, which is crucial when cooking dishes like upma that require precise temperature control.
Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a quick and nutritious snack. Simply fill your kettle with water and place the eggs inside. Turn on the kettle and let the water come to a boil. For hard-boiled eggs, let them cook for about 8-10 minutes; for soft-boiled eggs, 5-6 minutes will suffice. Once done, cool the eggs in cold water, peel, and enjoy with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
A kettle that can boil water for 5-6 people at a time is ideal for making boiled eggs for yourself and your friends, making it a versatile tool in your hostel room.
Instant Tomato Soup
On cold days, a warm bowl of tomato soup can be incredibly comforting. To prepare:
- Pour a packet of instant tomato soup mix into your kettle and add the required amount of water.
- Stir well to dissolve the mix and turn on the kettle.
- Allow it to heat until the soup begins to simmer.
- Pour into a bowl, garnish with croutons, and enjoy your hot, delicious soup.
The kettle's Pirouette base with 360-degree agility makes it easy to pour your soup without worrying about spills or awkward handling.
Khichdi
Khichdi is a wholesome and comforting meal that's perfect for hostel life. Start by rinsing rice and lentils (dal) and setting them aside. Add oil or ghee to the kettle, and once hot, add cumin seeds, chopped onions, and green chillies. Sauté until the onions are soft, then add the rinsed rice and dal, along with water, turmeric powder, and salt, to taste. Cook until the rice and lentils are soft, and the water is absorbed. Serve hot with a spoonful of ghee.
The triple-level protection feature, including overheating prevention, is especially useful when cooking dishes like khichdi. It ensures that your kettle remains safe and functional even during extended use.
Final Thoughts
Living in a hostel doesn't mean you have to compromise on enjoying good, homemade food. With a versatile electric kettle, you can prepare a variety of delicious and healthy Indian dishes right in your room. Whether you're brewing up a hot cup of masala chai, making a quick bowl of Maggi, or cooking a hearty khichdi, your kettle is more than just a water-boiling device.
When selecting an electric multi-purpose kettle for your hostel, consider one like the Wipro Vesta Enhanced Cool Touch 1.8 L Electric Kettle. Its Super Cool Touch Protection, durable SS 304 material with anti-rust properties, and triple-level protection make it not only efficient but also safe and long-lasting. With its ability to boil water quickly for 5-6 people, easy usage with a Pirouette base, and 360-degree agility, this kettle is an ideal companion for your hostel cooking adventures. The cost of electric kettles are competitive.
So go ahead, get creative in your hostel kitchen, and make the most of your electric kettle!
