We all need to eat! And we’ve all seen what’s happening with prices in the grocery store. Check out these easy, cost-effective recipes!
1. Embellished ramen
Packages of ramen cost less than a dollar apiece! Not very nutritious on their own, but it doesn’t have to stop at the ingredients in the package.
Here are a few simple ways to spruce things up:
- Egg drop: Whisk an egg and stir it into the boiling soup at the last minute. Or, fry the egg and serve it on the side.
- Protein: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter and a dash of soy sauce. You can also toss in some tofu or pieces of leftover chicken or pork.
- Spicy veggie: Add frozen mixed veggies (like broccoli, peas, or carrots) and a spoonful of chili oil or sriracha. Or, use leftover chopped veggies in your fridge. Some great options are spinach, carrots, and green onions.
2. Bean soup
Beans are a delicious, low-cost ingredient, packed with protein. Check out this easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 can 14 oz chopped tomatoes
- 3 14 oz cans beans (e.g. pinto, cannellini, borlotti), rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Handful baby spinach or fresh parsley
- Lemon juice, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 6-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes and oregano and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add beans and vegetable stock.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in spinach, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Serve and enjoy!
3. Stir fry
Who doesn’t like a good stir fry?! This is a great flexible meal option for even some of the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- An assortment of vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms (or any veggies you need to use up from your fridge!)
- Stir fry sauce (make your own using soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch for thickening)
- Stir fry noodles, like udon or chow mein
Instructions:
- Cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces.
- Fry the veggies in oil until partially cooked.
- Pour in your stir fry sauce then toss in your dry stir fry noodles. Let them cook over the vegetables and sauce until done.
- Serve and enjoy!
4. Pork chops with mushroom gravy
Pork chops are generally the cheapest meat, and they’re delicious! Try out this classic recipe:
- Sear pork chops with spices (salt, pepper, and garlic powder) in a frying pan.
- Place them in a deep pan with a can of mushroom soup poured on top and put them in an oven at 350 degrees and bake for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Check with a meat thermometer and make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145° F. Don’t cook for too long, or it’ll be too dry!
- Serve!
5. A breakfast treat: Enhanced old-fashioned oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent, healthy way to start the day right! And it doesn’t have to be the same old. Spice up your bowl of oats with different toppings like brown sugar, pumpkin seeds, frozen berries (cheaper than fresh ones), peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg… the list goes on!
Some thrifty tips:
- Sign up for odd-shaped, “reject” produce boxes – you get more bang for your buck for fruits and veggies, and they are usually just as good.
- Cook in large batches and freeze leftovers in portions. This will also make meals during the week easier and reduce temptation to grab fast food.
- Reduce meat intake and find cheaper sources of protein, like lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, eggs, cottage cheese, and canned tuna.
- Plant a garden! Or keep your ears open for friends and family with gardens who have an abundance of certain ingredients they are willing to share.
- Buy store brand, like No Name or Compliments – name brand isn’t necessarily best!
Create a budget
It can be stressful to see your grocery store receipts, but if you shop sales and stick to your budget, you’ll feel a lot better.
And we have great news: we have advisors who can help you with your budget! Book a meeting today.
