Meal planning on a budget does not have to mean compromising on taste or nutrition. Luckily, there are countless wallet-friendly recipes that not only taste great but are also nutritious. In this article, you will discover a selection of savory dishes that won’t cost more than $5 per serving.
1. Veggie Fried Rice
Fried rice is a fantastic budget-friendly meal, especially when vegetables and a small amount of protein are incorporated. A simple bag of frozen mixed vegetables can easily serve up to four people. With just 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of mixed vegetables, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 scrambled eggs, and some canola oil for frying, you can make a delicious and filling meal that will not break the bank.
The trick to making delicious fried rice is making sure the rice is cold before frying it, for this reason, leftover rice works best. Start by frying your chosen vegetables in the oil, then push them to the side of the pan, add a bit more oil and scramble the eggs. Finally add the rice and soy sauce and mix everything together.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian dish that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: spaghetti, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the garlic in olive oil until it is fragrant, then add red pepper flakes and sauté for a few more minutes. When the pasta is done, simply toss it in the garlicky oil and serve hot.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetable stir-fry is not only cheap but also a quick and easy way to pack a lot of nutrients into one dish. You can use any combination of vegetables you like – bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, the possibilities are endless.
To make a scrumptious stir-fry, chop your chosen vegetables and fry them in a pan with a little oil until they are tender but still crisp. Besides, making a simple sauce with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic will give you a savory taste that complements any combination of vegetables perfectly.
4. Beans and Rice
Beans and rice is a timeless combination that is both budget friendly and nutritious. As a complete protein, it can act as the main part of a meal. Canned beans are affordable and convenient, but you can reduce the cost even more by using dried beans.
To make this dish, start by making your rice, following the cooking instructions on the package. In a separate saucepan, heat up your chosen beans with a little bit of cumin for added flavor. Once both components are completed, simply serve the beans over the rice.
5. Homemade Pizza
Pizza might not be the first meal that comes to mind when thinking about budget-friendly options, but have you considered making it from scratch? Making your own pizza dough is both simple and cheap. All it requires is flour, yeast, oil, and water.
Once you have your pizza dough ready, the topping options are limitless. A classic Margherita pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil is a low-cost and delicious option. Alternatively, you could top your pizza with whatever leftover ingredients you have in the fridge.
6. Egg and Vegetable Frittata
Eggs are an incredibly cheap source of protein. A frittata, which is essentially an Italian-style omelet, can be made with practically any vegetables you have on hand.
Start by sautéing your chosen vegetables in a pan until they are tender, then whisk the eggs and pour them over the vegetables. Let the frittata cook slowly over medium heat, then finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is nice and golden.
7. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is another versatile, economical, and nutritious meal. Brown lentils are typically the cheapest and hold their shape well when cooked. All you need to add are onions, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and some herbs and spices for flavor.
Even contemplating these options suggests that there is no need to stress over creating budget-friendly meals. All it takes is a little creativity and some basic pantry staples. Now you have seven fresh ideas to include in your next meal plan that are not only delicious but won’t have you worrying about your food budget.
