As we all transition from the extra expense and calories of celebrating the holidays into the belt-tightening (in more ways than one) of the new year, nutritious recipes that are easy on the budget are worth their weight in gold…or coins, at any rate. This roundup is easy on the wallet and the waistline, but doesn’t skimp on flavor for a minute. Enjoy this jumpstart for a healthier new year!
Enchilada Casserole
The ingredient list may look long, but don’t let it phase you: the ingredients here are not expensive, they’re available in the Mexican section of most grocery stores and they come together quickly into a filling, delicious meal that will feed your family for a couple meals.
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French Lentils With Chard
Your mind might not jump straight to lentils when you’re looking for something delicious to eat, but trust us, lentils done right are awesome…and about as cheap as it comes. Not comfortable with making lentils? Check out our guide on how to cook them.
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Creamy Herb Hummus
Recipe prep doesn’t get much simpler than “open a bunch of cans and puree.” You’ll love the flavor on this, and it makes a fantastic frugal alternative to more expensive cold cuts and nut butters as a protein-packed option for sandwich filling.
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Roasted Vegetables with Miso-Lime Dressing
Vegetables can be much most cost-effective per serving than meat. Add to that the likelihood that vegetables are what you struggle to get enough of, and you’ve got a great reason to make veggies the main course and meat the side. Have extra of one veggie or another in your pantry? Toss ’em together with this sauce and enjoy!
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Pumpkin Irish Oatmeal
You’ve got leftover pumpkin (and the usual spice-spects) that probably shouldn’t be made into pie. You’ve got oatmeal in your pantry because it’s a good staple to have on hand. You’ve got most of what you need to put together a delicious, affordable gourmet-tasting oatmeal for a Saturday morning. No time to cook? Go ahead and toss the ingredients in a slow cooker, cutting the liquid by about a third, and let it go overnight.
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“Leftover” Pasta Salad
The art of taking leftovers and turning them into a new, equally appealing meal is a skill worth developing whether you’re a home cook on a budget or the head chef of a gourmet restaurant. This pasta salad is a good inspiration to get you started playing around with odds and ends that need using up to get the most out of every ingredient you purchase.
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Baked Oatmeal Cups
Get out the oatmeal again and whip it up to go! You’ll want to eat these hot like oatmeal, not cold like muffins, but they still make decent finger food. Made with ingredients you’ve probably got on hand, they’re a good go-to to have on hand throughout the week.
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