Marta, Mommy, we love to complain about prices. I think I made this collection of cheap meals for that. This doesn't mean we're wrong, eh? But what a lovely thing, Marta, to go to the market and start with peaches. Can you explain? What's up with the peaches? This is crazy, it's all going off on a tangent. Here I bring you a collection of quick and delicious meals you can prepare at home without complaining about the prices.
The greengrocer smiles at me with a face that seems like he's heard this forty times and it's 9 in the morning: – Give me a round tomato, please…
But he replies, "Why is there such a difference between this tomato and the pear tomato?" "Do you think the pear tomato is ugly?" "Well, to me, it's much more delicious."
– Give me some pear then. I don't have any more fruit, it's a budget to have a juice. Give me two kilos of apples, they're cheap. How much is a mango? No, leave it, no mango.
And we can go on like this all morning, because in the end, complaining about prices is a very rewarding social activity. At the grocery store, this; at the health food store, thinking that quinoa used to be free and now costs three times as much as rice; at the fishmonger, salmon; at the butcher shop—remember the butcher shop? How nice it was to go to the butcher shop.
Anyway, at the request of the public who have been asking me for it, this post comes with options for affordable meals, quick and easy meals but those that are filling, enough to make if there are a lot of us.
In this post ...
About these economical meals
Looking through my blog for affordable meals, I realized that actually... well, it seems my profile is just plain old bad. There are plenty of affordable meals on Paulina Cocina, I mean. I made a selection of affordable meals just for dinner or lunch, not tapas, starters, or desserts (which there are, too).
I selected some affordable yet filling meals, the kind you can make in one dish. And finally, these are affordable meals with a wide variety: vegetables, meats, rice, pasta, etc.
If you also want to take advantage of sale products and buy a bunch of chicken at a good price, for example, but then don't know how to cook it, don't worry, I have an incredible meal prep ebook for cooking, storing, and saving.
Enjoy them!
14 easy and economical meals
1. Savory vegetable crumble
Savory vegetable crumble is one of my favorite vegetable dishes, super filling and delicious. It can be made with any combination of vegetables you like, and you can even add bacon or chicken pieces.
2. Pasta with crispy chorizo
Marta, my love, with two small chorizos you can finish off the meat for five people. Plus, you make an exquisite and original pasta. Here's the complete recipe for pasta with crispy chorizo .
3. Eggs on a plate
Authentic huevada or eggs al plato is a super-cheap dish, ideal for pairing with rice, for example. It's filling, nutritious, and leaves you with that Italian taste in your mouth.
4. Baked stuffed silverside
I chose baked stuffed silverside as a budget-friendly fish recipe because, besides being very, very cheap, it's exquisite... in fact, if you ask me, I'll tell you it looks like a chic fish. I already told you it's a bit like Stravaganza with that shiny stripe; it's probably expensive somewhere in the world.
5. Bean burgers
Are beans still cheap? I think so. Well, these bean burgers are the best. Besides being delicious and super nutritious, I'm telling you, put them on the kid's bun and they're perfect for #FoodPlugging.
6. Eggplant pie
eggplant tart is absolutely brilliant, delicious, and if you find eggplant at a good price (which it usually is), it's sooo ...
7. Baked marinated chicken wings
What a gift from the Lord, Maaarta, these wings. They're hard to eat, it must be said, but they're so, so delicious. Here's a super simple and delicious recipe for baked chicken wings
8. Ricotta and spinach malfatti
Ricotta and spinach malfatti are super easy homemade pastas to make and don't require any kneading. Garpannnnn.
9. Portuguese steaks
I chose these Portuguese-style steaks as a budget-friendly meat recipe for two reasons: first, they're loaded with filling like potatoes and carrots. Second, because they're well-cooked, they can be made with a budget-friendly cut of meat and still turn out well.
10. Rice with chicken
Step-by-step instructions for a classic of budget cooking: Chicken and Rice , simple, quick, and a great dish.
11. Vegetable Strata
Vegetable strata is a wonderful alternative to a pie. It's made with day-old bread (perfect when you have leftovers) and any vegetables you like best. I highly recommend trying this dish; among the budget-friendly meals at my house, it's one of my favorites.
13. Sweet and sour pork with pumpkin
This sweet and sour pork with pumpkin drives me crazy—rich, full of character, and a sweet and sour note. And it's an inexpensive dish; you can make it with any part of the pork you like best.
14. Tuna and pumpkin burgers
Pumpkin is delicious, very cheap, adds flavor to everything, and goes a long way with meats. In this case, some cans of tuna with pumpkin and a few other ingredients turn into some delicious tuna and pumpkin burgers
That's the selection. To see the recipes as soon as I release them, follow me on Facebook .
Other easy and economical meals to make at home
Cooking at home doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the most delicious meals are made with just a few simple ingredients. For example, one of my favorite dishes is roasted garlic pasta. It's so easy and only requires a handful of ingredients: garlic, pasta, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Plus, it's very affordable to make. Another great option is homemade pizzas . You can use store-bought dough or make your own, and top it with whatever you like.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even try making sushi , which we think is incredibly expensive, but actually isn't at all. Sure, it takes a little practice, but it's not as difficult as it seems. And once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to make all kinds of delicious sushi rolls . So the next time you're looking for an easy meal to make at home, don't be afraid to get creative. With a little effort, you can whip up something delicious and affordable.
Frequent questions
What basic ingredients are essential for preparing quick and economical meals?
The key is to have those all-purpose ingredients that can save you in any situation. Some essentials are: rice, noodles, eggs, potatoes, onions, and a legume like lentils or chickpeas. With these, you can make everything from tortillas to stews that will get you through a tight spot. Oh, and a good bouillon cube always comes in handy to add flavor to everything without spending too much.
How to add more flavor to budget-friendly meals without overspending?
This is where the magic comes in! Spices are your best allies: paprika, cumin, curry powder... with these, you can liven up any dish without breaking the bank. It's also good to use garlic, onion, and fresh or dried herbs, which can elevate any dish without breaking the bank.
How to prepare quick and easy meals using only one pan?
Pan-fried recipes are heavenly because they're easy to make and delicious. With a sauté of vegetables, rice, or noodles, and some protein (like egg or chicken), you've got a delicious dish ready in minutes. You can also throw in some sliced potatoes, top with eggs, and you'll have a delicious omelet without all the work.
What are the most common mistakes that make food more expensive and how to avoid them?
The number one mistake: going to the supermarket without a list and ending up buying anything. It also happens that ingredients often expire because we don't plan our menu well. The key is to stay organized: make your list, review what you already have at home, and think of recipes that use those ingredients. This way, you'll spend less and eat better.
I really like your recipes.
Hello, can you give me ideas for meals to make during the week? I clarify that there is no chard or minced meat, since I have a 2-year-old baby and the pediatrician said that it is not advisable for her to eat those things until she is 5, and I follow the pediatrician's instructions to the letter...
Thank you very much.
I need it to be super economical since I separated and have a lot of expenses? Help me!
I discovered Knorr's Yields More, used with ground meat. I can't eat salt, so just the seasoning is enough. I'm saying for those who are short on salt, the small packet is enough for half a kilo of meat and you can make meatballs or hamburgers. If you prefer, add a little bread soaked in milk, bell onion, and Knorr's Yields More.
I'd like to tell you, Paulina, that in my area (Entre Rios, Argentina), eggplant and beans are more expensive than meat, even though it may seem unbelievable. Thanks for the ideas, they're useful to keep in mind.
Some recipes with sausages
Chicken and rice is a typical dish in my country. It's called "majadito" (meatballs).
Greetings, Paulita, your recipes are excellent!
They help me get by on weekends when my house is full of family. Thanks for the recommendations.
I love
I'm in such a bad financial situation these days because of the crisis, I can't afford anything here, and I'm fed up with pasta. Help!!!
Good recipes, but I can't even afford that. 🙁
Your recipes are very simple, congratulations!!
Excellent suggestions! There are so many dishes that can be made with the things you buy every day, that the kitchen is a place of continuous creation.
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Paulina, you're awesome! I lost my job a while ago, and I make food to sell. Your broccoli and cheese tart (with a different crust) is amazing. Could you give me ideas for food to sell? I make cannelloni, lasagna, empanadas, vegetable pastries, the classics. What else could it be? I look forward to your reply. Kisses!
You're awesome, even better. Totally brilliant. Is there a selection of meals I can make in bulk and freeze, for example?
Hi Paulina, we're calling!
When I try to SHARE on Facebook, it won't let me. It says:
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and you don't have access to it. Switch to a registered test user or ask
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HELP!!