Eating delicious and nutritious meals doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three hearty budget friendly recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, costing under R300 per meal.
Are you ready to delight your taste buds and your wallet with these 3 budget friendly recipes?
Recipe 1: Flavourful Veggie Stir-Fry
Serve 4
Our first recipe is a delightful budget friendly Veggie Stir-Fry recipe, packed with colourful vegetables and bursting with flavours. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas) – R45.99
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil – R11.99
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – R48.99
- 2 tablespoon honey – R64.99
- 2 teaspoon grated ginger – R29.99
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – R16.99
- 4 chicken breasts (optional) – R79.99
- 3 cups cooked noodles – R24.99
Total – R323.92
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken (if using) and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and chicken, stir well to coat evenly.
- Serve the stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
Recipe 2: Succulent Lemon Herb Chicken
Serve 4
This mouthwatering Lemon Herb Chicken budget friendly recipe that is both juicy and flavourful. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks – R79.99
- 4 tablespoons olive oil – R79.99
- 2 lemons (juice and zest) – R12.99
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – R16.99
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – R12.99
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – R12.99
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks – R19.99
- 1 cup green beans – R29.99
Total – R252,93
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator).
- Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish along with the potato chunks.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the green beans to the baking dish and let them roast until slightly crispy.
- Serve the Lemon Herb Chicken with roasted potatoes and green beans on the side.
Recipe 3: Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
Serve 4
Lastly, we have a comforting and creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta budget friendly recipe that will warm your heart and soul. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 400g penne pasta – R25.99
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – R79.99
- 2 onions, finely chopped – R32.99
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – R16.99
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes – R19.99
- 1 cup tomato passata or tomato sauce – R27.99
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – R31.99
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – R18.99
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish – R14.99
Total – R269,91
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato passata, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy tomato and basil sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Eating delicious and hearty meals doesn’t have to be expensive. Here you have three budget friendly recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings without straining your wallet. So, go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to these wholesome and affordable culinary delights.
Happy cooking!
