low budget

[katejames]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew of really cheap meals that are also somewhat healthy. My fiance and I are are only spending $10-$20 every 2 weeks on groceries (except for buying bread and milk once a week). I want to eat right but we just can't seem to afford it.We live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and raman noodles.Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Eli]

$10-20 is a tough budget. But, you could try to make something like a lasagne that freezes well so you could eat it over a period of a week or so and that won't blow your budget. Try making it vegetarian - with mushrooms or something - it may be cheaper than buying the meat.

Good luck

[katejames]

I actually did not think of doing that, but if we do cut out the meat it would bring cost down.In fact I think I will make that this week. Thank you! Kate

Originally posted by Eli:
$10-20 is a tough budget. But, you could try to make something like a lasagne that freezes well so you could eat it over a period of a week or so and that won't blow your budget. Try making it vegetarian - with mushrooms or something - it may be cheaper than buying the meat.

Good luck

[lorilei]

You know, my husband and I were in a similar budgetary situation when we were first married, and I have to say I got awfully "creative" when it came to food http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

First, I clipped coupons -- from EVERYWHERE. You're probably already doing this, but mentioning it couldn't hurt http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Secondly, I tried to stock up on items when they were on sale (as much as I could). Items like frozen veggies, in-season produce, potatoes, and staples come in very handy when you stockpile them.

Try cooking with beans (instead of meat). If you are willing to put a bit more time in, dried beans are your most affordable option. Kidney beans make great salads (with a simple vinaigrette dressing, garlic, and lettuce). Our diet went from being heavily reliant on meat, to being nearly vegetarian -- and has remained that way to this day (we're now spending between $40-60 on groceries).

Another low-cost option I've found is rice (you can get a whole lot of rice for just a few dollars -- and whole grain rice is an even better deal for your buck). Cook rice with beans in ramen broth. Buy frozen vegetables and make inexpensive stir-frys. Use leftovers for "refried rice".

Don't forget about eggs -- quiche, omelettes and fritattas make great balanced meals, and can be created with just about anything you have laying around the house.

Work on building up a pantry -- including rice, beans, spices, bouillon, flour, sugar, powdered milk, and other "staples". With a small investment over the course of a couple of weeks, you'll build up a large amount of food that (with a bit of effort) will turn out a great variety of meals.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 07-10-2000).]

[PCChefDebbie]

I have a great black bean salsa recipe that I serve with cornbread. Just put the black bean salsa over the cornbread and it is delicious e-mail me privately if you think you might want to try it.
It's very healthy and economical.
Originally posted by katejames:
Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew of really cheap meals that are also somewhat healthy. My fiance and I are are only spending $10-$20 every 2 weeks on groceries (except for buying bread and milk once a week). I want to eat right but we just can't seem to afford it.We live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and raman noodles.Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[lorilei]

Actually Debbie -- it might be nice if you posted the recipe anyhow. I'd love to try it sometime. It sounds like a delicious autumn dinner...

[SheWhoWalks]

Debbie, I second the suggestion that you post the black bean salsa recipe, if you don't you may get a lot of e-mail requests!

[Vanessa]

HI. You got some great suggestions here and go to the food board too (more ideas) I agree with Lorilei start building your pantry when things are on sale (meats frozen food, canned food) Once you have the basics you will only need a few things to create a meal. Pasta, rice,cereals, tuna, seasonings and herbs are great to have. I agree try to limit your visits to supermarkets. Freezing is a great idea. You can bake etc and freeze, or make sauces and freeze them for later use. I know that when people are very busy is hard to cook then they go out for a quick bite but if you have pastas etc at hand and like Lorilei said eggs etc you can make something quick and stay within your budget.
Meat and veggies will be what you spend the most. I would search for sales and stock up on poultry, pork etc. Stir frys are good and frittatas, lasagnas etc. I do notice Farmers markets are good but prices can be higher.

[Denise]

When my budget gets low I eat alot of potatoes. You can always bake them and stuff them with whatever happens to be on sale!

[PCChefDebbie]

Here is the black bean salsa recipe, sorry it took so long, but I was at a PC National Conference in Chicago.

Black Bean Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons frsh cilantro, snipped
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Chop tomatoes & Green onions, snip cilantro, combine in bowl; press garlic into tomato mixture. Add lime juice and beans; salt and pepper, mix gently. Cover & refrigerate.

I usually make some cornbread and serve while the cornbread is hot and the salsa cool. Just put the salsa on top of the cornbread, this is a very economical recipe that is also very healthy.

[SheWhoWalks]

Debbie, Thanks for the recipe! I've been checking everyday to see if you had posted it. Will try it later this summer when my tomatoes have begun to ripen. KateJames, hope you've been able to utilize some of these great suggestions.

[katejames]

I appreciate all of your ideas. So far so good. I went to the store and bought some basic items that were on sale. I can't wait to try some of your ideas out! I'm trying to make things that will keep and that we can eat off of for a while so...if you have anymore feel free to shre them. Thanks so much-Kate