12 Budget – Friendly Meal Ideas:
• Soups:
Lentil and carrot soup, pumpkin soup, or chicken and corn soup can be easily made with affordable ingredients.
• Curries:
Veg and chickpea curry or a chicken curry with rice are hearty and budget-friendly options.
• Lentil and Bean Dishes:
Dahl (lentils with spices and rice), black bean and sweet potato burritos, or lentil wraps are filling and cost-effective.
• Stews:
Vegetable stews or hearty meat stews can be made with a variety of affordable ingredients.
• Fried Rice:
A simple fried rice with eggs and vegetables can be a quick and cheap meal.
• Pasta Dishes:
Pasta with a simple tomato sauce, or a pasta salad with vegetables and beans are easy and inexpensive to prepare.
• Pie Dishes:
Cheats chicken and mushroom pie, or vege-loaded cottage pie can be made with affordable ingredients and are great for feeding a family.
• Salads:
Salads featuring seasonal vegetables, beans, and grains are a healthy and budget-friendly option.
• Roast Chicken:
A roast chicken is a versatile meal that can be used for multiple meals, including leftovers for lunches.
For other ideas see our Whanau Cookbook