Are you watching your wallet but still looking for delicious and exciting meals to try at home? Sick of eating the same boring meals to save a few cents? The art of thrifty cooking offers the perfect solution! Learn all the essential budget-friendly recipes and meal strategies you need to cook healthy and tasty meals for you and your family while sticking to a budget.
1.Savvy Strategies to Make Meals on a Budget
1.Stretch It Out
Making meals on a budget can be done by stretching out the time your ingredients last. Instead of buying enough for one meal, buy larger portions of protein and starch that you can use in a variety of dishes. For example, buy a large cut of beef, and use it to make tacos for tonight, beef and potatoes for tomorrow, beef stroganoff the following day, and a beef stew the day after. Cooking large batches of food and freezing the extra portion for later use is also a great way to extend the life of your ingredients and save money.
2.Go Frozen
Frozen vegetables are often less expensive than their fresh counterparts, plus they can last much longer in the freezer. Frozen foods also require less preparation than fresh, making them an easy and affordable option for quick weeknight meals.
3.Canned Goods
Canned vegetables are also a great option for making meals on a budget. Not only are they inexpensive, but they last for months in the pantry. Plus, canned goods are often packed in flavorful sauces, making them a flavorful, filling, and affordable option for meals.
4.Plan Ahead
Planning ahead for meals is a great way to save money on groceries. At the beginning of each week take stock of what’s in your refrigerator and pantry. Based on what you already have, create a meal plan and make a shopping list of only the things you need to complete those meals. This way, you can ensure that you won’t be wasting money on excess ingredients or overbuying items you already have.
5.Take Advantage of Sales
Make note of the items that often go on sale and stock up on those when you find them for a discount. It’s helpful to keep track of advertised special deals and carefully read sale signs and labels before you make any purchases. Also, check the reduced produce section of your grocery store for items that are nearing their expiration date but still edible.
6.Shop Around
It pays to shop around for the best deals. Different stores can have significantly different prices on the same items, and there may even be regional or chain stores in your area where you can find the best prices. Additionally, if you can avoid buying pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods, it will save you money in the long run.
2.Delicious and Economical Recipes to Unleash Your Inner Chef
1. Easy Pasta with Asparagus
Don’t let not knowing the ins and outs of complex, expensive ingredients stop you from becoming the master chef you’ve always wanted to be! For an easy and delicious meal, start with pasta for your base, then add whatever greens you have on hand. This simple recipe features asparagus, but feel free to surprise your taste buds with whatever you like – broccoli, spinach or kale, the options are endless!
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 ounces of dried pasta
- 1 bunch of Asparagus
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in pasta.
- Clean and trim asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat up the olive oil with garlic over medium heat.
- Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, add in the asparagus.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return to pot.
- Toss the cooked pasta with asparagus garlic mixture until well combined.
- Serve and enjoy!
2. Thai Red Curry with Tofu
Feel the flavors of Thailand in your kitchen with this thick, creamy and flavorful red curry. This spicy, delicious meal is just the thing to tantalize your taste buds and give you the satisfaction of making something both delicious and economical. Don’t forget to leave some extra time because the longer you let this simmaer, the better it will taste!
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of red curry paste
- 3/4 cup tofu, cubed
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 small sweet potato, diced
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the tofu cubes for a few minutes until golden.
- Add the red curry paste, sweet potato, coconut milk and vegetable broth and stir until combined.
- Add the turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potato is tender and curry is thickened.
- Serve over basmati or jasmine rice and enjoy!
3. Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Who said you need meat to make an amazing meal? This classic Italian dish is going meatless with a delicious twist – baking it instead of frying it. The breadcrumb and parmesan cheese crust will be sure to please your readership.
- Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch-thick slices and brush each side with olive oil.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Dip each eggplant slice in the bread crumb mixture until both sides are evenly coated.
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Once eggplant is golden and crispy, remove from oven and top with a spoonful of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
3.Discover the Thrill of Frugal Cooking
It’s time to enjoy the thrill of frugal cooking and discover a whole new world of budget-friendly dishes. You don’t have to break the bank to put delicious and nutritious meals on the table. With a few savvy substitutions and adjustments, you can whip up something nourishing and delicious for you and your family.
Start with What You Have
Start by taking an inventory of what ingredients and kitchen staples you already have in your pantry and fridge. Chances are, you’ll find more than you think. Play around, see what you can create with the basic ingredients you already have on-hand. Get creative and experiment, find different ways to combine them. You may be surprised with the results!
Keep it Simple
Don’t feel like you have to break the bank to whip up a tasty meal. When it comes to cooking frugally, it’s best to keep things uncomplicated and stick with simple recipes. Performance-driven kitchen gadgets can be helpful, but you can usually get by with basic tools you already own.
Choose Staples from Different Cuisines
Explore the global cuisine aisles of your local grocery store. You can find amazing ingredients to explore without breaking the bank. Choose staples from different cuisines and use seasonal produce. Learn how to create different dishes and meals from the same few ingredients. You can add a delicious twist to cooking with new flavors.
Use Frozen Veggies for Versatility
Frozen veggies are an excellent frugal cooking hack! They’re so versatile and can be incorporated in many recipes from soups and stews to stir-fries. Keep a bag in the freezer and experiment with different recipes.
Take Advantage of leftovers
- Leftovers can be the start of something entirely new.
- Don’t be afraid to use them and get creative!
- Concoct new meals with leftovers.
- Play around with seasonings and spices for a flavor boost.
- Make more than necessary so you can freeze or store for later.
So don’t let budget constraints stop you from putting healthy and delicious food on the table. There are so many ways to enjoy frugal cooking. Get creative, and you’ll be surprised with the new dishes you’ll create!
4.Tips for Building Flavorful Meals on the Cheap
Make Your Own Spices and Sauces
Adding flavor to your meals doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You can make your own spice mixes and sauces to season your food. Visit a local farmers market for herbs and fresh ingredients that make bouillons, salsas, and other sauces. These items can be stored in airtight containers or frozen to last you days and weeks. If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, get creative and make your own rotisserie chicken. Spice it up and make your own seasoning rub.
Upscale Those Canned Goods
Canned goods are a great way to stretch your food budget. Tuna, sardines, and other canned fish are loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Instead of just popping the top and eating as it is, get creative and add them to salads, sandwiches, or hot dishes. Also, canned goods are a great way to add bulk and texture to stews and soups.
Shop Intelligently
One of the best ways to save money is by shopping wisely. Keep an eye on grocery store and supermarket sales and look for items in bulk. Local farmers markets and “mom and pop” stores often offer discounts and deals that you won’t find in larger supermarket chains.
Be Open to Alternatives
Making fabulous meals doesn’t always have to involve pricey and exotic ingredients. Regular vegetables, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions, form a great base for soups, stews, and casseroles. Also, buy the cheaper cuts of meat such as sirloin tips, vegetable cuts, or chicken wings. With some creative additions, you can elevate a plain dish into something extraordinary.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftovers don’t have to be the same boring dish. Get creative and transform the flavors of the same ingredients to create something new. For example, combine leftover cooked vegetables with beaten eggs to form an omelet. You can also use last night’s leftovers to make your own stocks. Chopping them finely and simmering them over low heat can make a wonderful base for hearty soups.
Now that you have the knowledge to create delicious, budget-friendly meals with thrifty cooking, it’s time to take your skills to the test! You can reap the rewards of tasty dishes all year long, knowing that you’re stretching your budget in the most delicious way. All that’s left is to get cooking!
