Do you expect dawn to arrive as eagerly as I do? Lately, I’ve started greeting the morning in a very different mood, and there are several reasons for this.
Reason 1: The Hostel Experience
As a student, I live in a hostel designed for comfort and practicality. However, the hostel operates under a few strict rules that everyone must follow. One of these is the use of a shared kitchen. The residents are from various nationalities, and while some care deeply about cleanliness, others, unfortunately, do not. Thankfully, there are cleaning staff to help manage the situation.
Why am I telling you this? Well, if you wake up early and head to the kitchen, you’ll find it much cleaner and quieter. However, this serenity doesn’t last long, as students typically start coming in for breakfast after 10 a.m. I love starting my day earlier, enjoying a peaceful breakfast in this cozy atmosphere. This early-hour calm inspires me to prepare something both tastier and healthier.
To enhance my mornings, I’ve created a 7-day breakfast schedule filled with delicious and nutritious options. Let me share my menu and recipes with you.
Monday: Creamy Oatmeal
Monday marks the start of a new week, and after a relaxing weekend, it can feel tough. To kick things off, I prepare a bowl of “OATMEAL porridge” This dish is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:
- Nutrients: Rich in proteins, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and K.
- Minerals: Contains magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, potassium, iron, and iodine.
- Benefits: Improves brain function, promotes better sleep, and strengthens the nervous system. For anyone struggling with insomnia, eating oat two hours before bed can help improve sleep quality.
Ingredients:
- 30g oats (ovsyanka)
- 200ml milk (or water, but I prefer milk for a creamier taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Banana or other fruits for topping
Instructions:
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add the oats and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Chop bananas or other fruits into small cubes.
- Transfer the porridge to a bowl, top with the fruit, and drizzle with honey.
And voilà! A nutritious breakfast is ready
Tuesday: Avocado Toast with Egg
For Tuesday, I enjoy a trendy and healthy option: avocado toast with egg. This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients:
- Avocados are rich in fiber, potassium, and healthy fats.
- They help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of various diseases.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 boiled egg
- Bread for toasting
- Cheese
- Salt and pepper
- A squeeze of lemon
Instructions:
- Toast the bread until golden. For extra flavor, brush a bit of egg yolk on the bread before toasting.
- Mash the avocado and boiled egg together into a creamy mixture.
- Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Spread the mixture onto the toasted bread and top with cheese.
Enjoy your delightful and nutritious toast!
Wednesday: Spinach and Cheese
Omelet
An omelet is a classic breakfast choice, and I love adding spinach and cheese for an extra nutrient boost.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 50ml milk
- Grated cheese
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Heat a pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Pour in the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle spinach and grated cheese on top, then cover the pan with a lid.
- After 5 minutes, fold the omelet in half and cook for another 3 minutes over low heat.
A fluffy, flavorful omelet is ready to energize your morning!
By Thursday, it’s midweek, and energy levels might start to dip. To recharge, I prepare cottage cheese pancakes—a delicious and healthy option.
Ingredients:
- 200g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 100g flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1g vanilla
- 1g baking soda
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to form a thick batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan and grease it lightly with oil.
- Scoop small portions of the batter onto the pan and flatten into pancakes.
- Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Serve with a dollop of yogurt or honey for added sweetness.
Fridays are the gateway to the weekend, and I like to start the day with something vibrant and refreshing. A smoothie bowl is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients that provide an energy boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 150g frozen berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)
- 100ml yogurt (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Toppings: granola, chia seeds, fresh fruits, or nuts
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the banana, frozen berries, yogurt, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl.
- Add toppings of your choice, such as granola, fresh fruit slices, chia seeds, or nuts, for added texture and flavor.
This bowl is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Saturdays feel like a mini-celebration, so I indulge in fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruits and maple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 150g flour
- 1 egg
- 200ml milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup and fresh fruits for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan and melt a small amount of butter. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and cook each side for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Serve the pancakes stacked, topped with fresh fruits and drizzled with maple syrup.
Perfect for a leisurely weekend morning!
These days, I truly enjoy making breakfast with my friends. Since I live with students from different nationalities, I have the opportunity to learn about their traditional dishes. For example, the Spanish students love eggs and bacon for breakfast, while the Turks delight everyone with their flavorful “Menemen.” The French prefer quick and simple breakfasts.
One breakfast dish that I’ve learned and grown to love is the Turkish “Menemen,” made with tomatoes and eggs. It has quickly become one of my favorites! Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 eggs
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the tomato, onion, and bell pepper into small cubes.
- Heat the pan: Pour some cooking oil into a frying pan and heat it. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté it until golden brown.
- Add the bell pepper: Stir in the diced bell pepper and continue frying until it softens.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer over low heat until it thickens and darkens.
- Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the pan and stir them thoroughly into the mixture. Cook until the eggs are done to your liking.
Your delicious Menemen is ready! Garnish it with fresh herbs and enjoy your breakfast.
Bon appétit!
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and with good reason—it fuels our bodies and minds for the challenges ahead. Through my 7-day breakfast menu, I’ve shared not just recipes, but a piece of my daily life as a student navigating the joys and quirks of hostel living.
From the protein-packed oatmeal to the vibrant smoothie bowl, and the indulgent yet wholesome pancakes, each recipe is designed to be simple, nutritious, and delicious. These meals are not just about satisfying hunger but also about creating a mindful, energizing start to the day.
I hope my experiences and recipes inspire you to bring a little extra joy to your mornings, no matter where or how you live. Try them out, customize them to your taste, and perhaps even create your own breakfast traditions. After all, a great day begins with a great breakfast!
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