Quick, easy and frugal
Developing a repertoire of quick and easy meals can save you money.
Try some of the ideas below.
Tips to cook quick, easy and frugal
If you are looking to trim your budget, one of the first places to start is with the food budget. Since food is a need we often feel justified in spending a large amount of our budget there, but it really isn’t necessary. You can eat well without spending a lot.
If you eat out often, that is the first place to start. Even cheap dining is expensive compared to what it would cost you to make it yourself. Making your own meals is also better for you, as you can control the amount of fats, salt, and processed foods used. I know, from experience, that the going out to eat habit can be a hard one to break. Start by developing your repertoire of quick and easy meals.
Winter is a good time to develop your skills in frugal cooking. There are fewer activities after the holidays. You are more likely to want to spend time with a hot oven or stove, and many of the easiest recipes, like soups are more appealing in the cold winter months. The goal is to have a variety of meals you can draw upon when dinner hasn’t been planned, or you don’t feel like preparing what has been planned.
When you have quick and easy recipes to draw upon, then make their ingredients staples of your pantry. When it has been a long day, and you are tempted to call the pizza guy or go for take out, you can pull a favorite from your repertoire. You’ll have dinner ready well before the pizza guy can get there. Your dinner will be better tasting and probably more nutritious also. Where to start?
How about with pizza? Home-made pizza is pretty simple to make. You can buy pizza crust mix, or even the bread type crusts, but making your own is easy. Start with a simple recipe, and then change it up by using whole wheat flour, or adding spices, or Parmesan cheese to the dough. Use leftover spaghetti sauce or just a can of tomato paste for your sauce. Put on your favorite toppings, or what you have on hand, bake and enjoy.
Another good one, that is especially popular if you have children, is breakfast for dinner. Breakfast foods typically are less expensive, and are easy to make. Pancakes, eggs, and potatoes, oatmeal, or your other favorites are fast and frugal.
Soups and stews, in their simplest forms, are just broth, meat, vegetables and some spices. They are a great way to use up leftovers too. Throw it all in a pot, heat, and eat. Add a grilled cheese sandwich for a particularly satisfying meal.
Baked potatoes can be ready in a matter of minutes in the microwave. Top them with chili, broccoli, cheese, or sour cream. They are a meal on their own.
Pasta and sauce are always a quick and delicious meal. If you make your own sauce, make a double batch next time, and freeze the leftovers. Then pull out the frozen sauce the next time you need a meal in a hurry.
Grilling is also another solution when you need a meal fast. Yes, you can grill year round! Keep frozen hamburger patties and chicken breasts in your freezer. Both are easily cooked from frozen on the grill. Throw on some sliced veggies, and pretend it is summer again.
Dining out is enjoyable, but if you are trying to trim your budget, dining should be limited to only an occasional treat. Cooking at home will save you money, and often is healthier. Developing a repertoire of quick and easy meals will save you money by helping you to cook at home more. You’ll enjoy the delicious healthy food, and the money in your pocket.
