As fun as it is to head out for dinner where you don’t have the responsibility to cook or clean up, it’s not budget beneficial. People on a budget should still be able to enjoy good food at home without resorting to frozen nuggets or pizzas for every meal. Those on a budget know how difficult it is to keep mealtimes interesting, but it is not as impossible as it may seem as long as you know the best tricks.
Cook In Bulk And Freeze
Anyone who operates on a budget knows the magic of bulk cooking. Whether it’s meal plans or simply making something big to save for a day where you’re too exhausted to cook, bulk cooking and meal prep are helpful solutions.
But, these meal plans don’t need to be simple rice, broccoli, and chicken. You can try a wide range of different meals, including curries and chilis, especially if you let the flavors soak into the meat for a day before you freeze everything. This is also a good way to encourage your kids to try new things as it may be the only meal left in the freezer when they complain they want something to eat.
Play Around With Flavor Combinations
Even the simplest flavors can transform a bland meal into something more exciting. If you’ve ever been in the kitchen frying onions and garlic, you know for sure that someone has commented on how good everything smells.
But garlic and onions are only the tip of the flavor iceberg. There are hundreds of spices you can experiment with, and knowing what herbs and spices complement different types of food can revolutionize your cooking, even on a budget. You don’t need to invest in fresh herbs, and the small packets or jars last for a long time, which could help you create months worth of meals.
Look for Discount Deals
You don’t always need to rely on the freshest food to create something exciting, especially if you have a large and hungry family. It is often impossible to stay within your budget when buying for five months or more, so discount deals can ease the cost.
You can find discount deals on all types of food, from chicken breast to seafood and more. As this food is close to going out of date, simply throw it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw, and check out this information about how to saute shrimp to make sure you cook it to perfection.
Get Creative With Leftovers
Even the hungriest household can have leftovers, especially after a large meal. Rather than throw the leftovers away, you can get creative. With Thanksgiving leftovers, you could turn the turkey bits into a turkey curry or sandwich, while a leftover beef roast could become steak and eggs for breakfast, which is an excellent upgrade from porridge.
Food Lover
Anyone with a passion for cooking and food can feel restricted when living on a tight budget. However, rather than force you into an endless loop of quick, simple but often unhealthy food, these tips can help you make your meals more interesting without spending silly amounts on ingredients.
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