Saving money in the city is HARD! I'm always tempted to go out and meet my friends for lunch or dinner, but then I look at my credit card statement and cry. The solution? Making meals at home! But to be honest, even cooking at home can be expensive with NYC food prices. I usually try to only shop at Trader Joe's, Target, or Amazon Fresh to get the best bang for my buck (prices listed below will be reflective of that). Do I hate eating the same thing for more than two days? Yes. But do I hate spending money on pointless take-out even more? Hell yes. See some of my go-to budget friendly recipes below!
Chickpea Curry
Can of Chickpeas ($0.89)
Archer Farm's Simmering Sauce ($2.99)
Steam-in-Bag Broccoli ($2.00)
90-Second Basmati Rice ($2.99)
3 meals = $2.96 a serving
I'm really not a big Indian food fan but it's nice to switch things up every once in a while. Plus this recipe is SO simple! Just drain your chickpeas and add to a medium pan with a little EVOO. Heat up your broccoli in the microwave but not too long. Add the broccoli to the pan and your sauce (I like this one). Simmer for 20 minutes. Heat up the rice when it's almost done and serve with the curry on top. Yum! You could also add whatever other vegetables you have in your fridge that are going bad, or even some tofu/chicken if you have it!
Chili
Ground Beef ($.4.99/lb)
Can of Black Beans ($0.89)
Can of Kidney Beans ($0.89)
Can of Stewed Tomatoes ($0.99)
Can of Tomato Sauce ($0.65)
Onion ($0.99)
Garlic ($1.99/jar of minced garlic)
Trader Joe's Chili Seasoning Blend ($2.29)
Water (FREE)
6 meals = $2.28 a serving
We stan a crockpot meal! Cut up the onion and garlic and cook in a pan with EVOO until softened. Then add meat to brown. Combine meat, beans, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce in crockpot. Add as much chili seasoning as you prefer and salt & pepper. Stir to combine. If it looks a little too thick add a small amount of water (not too much watery chili is barf). Cook on low for 6 hours. Your nose and tummy will thank me.
Fish Tacos
Tilapia ($5.99/lb)
Target Carb Conscious Tortillas ($2.29/8 pack)
Cole Slaw Mix ($2.99)
Trader Joe's Pineapple Salsa ($3.00)
Taco Seasoning Packet ($0.69)
Lime ($0.48)
3 meals (2 tacos per meal) = $5.14 a serving
Taco Tuesday anyone? Fish is a healthier option than meat plus I love switching things up every now and then. Pat fish dry and season with taco seasoning. Add some EVOO to a pan and cook fish through, breaking up in pan as you go. Heat up your tortillas in the microwave to get them soft then top with fish, cole slaw mix, salsa, and a squeeze of lime! Simple and delicious!
Do you have any budget friendly recipes that are your go-to? Let me know in the comments below!
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