I believe that eating well and nutrionally is one of the most important things we can do- for our physical well-being, our mental health, our productivity, our happiness and, therefore, our finances. But getting a balanced diet can take up more hours than is feasible, the sourcing of good, sustainable ingredients, providing protein, carbohydrate and vegetables on one plate can be exhausting- one of many reasons we spend so much money on quick fix products and items that promise to deliver all of our nutritional needs. So here are some suggestions for cheap, mid-week meals that fulfil all your dietary requirements and will do wonders for your hip pocket.
Pasta
Pasta- the star performer of the poor student, the harried parent, the bored babysitter. It’s much maligned, but pasta can be a stalwart of your quick cooking needs. Regular pasta with a tomato and garlic sauce is a makeshift dinner, but why not pick up some gnocchi for a couple of dollars, blend some pumpkin and sweet potato as the sauce and serve it with a sprinkling of parmesan? Or steam some asparagus and broccolini, and toss it through pasta with some olive oil? For even more bang for your buck, pick up brown or buckwheat pasta- it’s low GI, you’ll be full for longer and will save money on snacking.
Beans
My personal favourite. Beans are essential if, like me, you are not much of a meat eater. Protein is crucial, and beans is a low fat, low GI way to get it into your system. The brilliance of the humble bean is that there are so many varieties, and so cheap. Pick up three or four cans for a couple of dollars and leave them in your cupboard. When stretched, it’s easy to make a bean curry, chickpeas and kidney beans are always winners. Kids love enchiladas, and if you lay lightly on the cheese and sour cream, they’re not too bad an option. Especially as you can include tomato, avocado, lettuce and beans, giving them four servings of vegies which some days might seem close to a miracle.
Slow Cooking
We always knew when things were tight as kids because Mum would pull out the Irish stew- and for obvious reasons. It was a staple of tough times, but delicious. Cheap cuts of meat, marinated and cooked for hours on end in stock, with potatoes and celery, the meat would fall off the bone. If cooked right, meat doesn’t have to be an expensive cut to taste delicious. Investing in a slow cooker could be your best savings strategy yet- chuck in a chicken, or a roast, and let it cook slowly over 8 hours. You can throw it in as you head to work, and it’ll be ready when you’ve walked through the door.
For Kids
Pita bread pizzas are brilliant for the days of the week you literally cannot pull anything together, and you’ve got mouths to feed. Just grab whatever ingredients are handy, and let everyone make their own pizzas. Riee paper rolls, a suggestion from Wise Bread, is a brilliant idea as well. Get leftover meat, some salad combinations and your kids can make their own supper in whatever combination tickles their fancy. It’s cheaper and healthier than takeaway, and tastes far better than mac and cheese.
