Low budget vegetarian meals?!
Low budget vegetarian meals?
okay, now i know that being a vegetarian can be a bit pricey so can any of you give me some easy recipies that won't cost me a TON i would appretiate it :)
Answers:
Actually, eating vegetarian can be less expensive than eating meat if you know how to do it right.
First, know where to get good fresh veggies. Local farm stands or farmers markets can be a blessing - they often have great fresh veggies for much cheaper than your grocery and they always kept longer for me as well. If you have space, you can grow your own during the spring and summer (longer if you live someplace warm) and save yourself a ton.
Second, find good alternative protein sources. Nuts are great - you don't need a lot and peanuts are always on special at the grocery. Tofu is good if you can find it on sale.
Third - find a cook book that you like and can make the recipes from reliably. The most expensive part of cooking is when you screw it up and have to throw it out. I have always LOVED my Moosewood Cooks at Home cookbook - everything always turns out great. But be aware - moosewood cooks vegetarian but not vegan. Many recipes contain milk and cheese. Check your local library for vegetarian cookbooks - your library is free to use!
Fourth - use your freezer. It's cheaper to buy and cook in bulk, so make some soup and freeze what you don't eat in individual portions.
Its actually cheaper. Veggies, beans and grains are generally less expensive than meat. Try online recipe websites.
I agree that being vegetarian is not pricey. If you want to get great recipe ideas, try to borrow this book or buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/students-vegetaria...
Baked potatoes topped with chili, vegetables, cheeses and other stuff is quick and easy. Corn or Flour Tortillas make great sandwiches and you can make your own pizzas, enchiladas, etc. refried beans are always good to have on hand for nachos and other mexican dishes which are really easy and quick.
How about making a pasta meal ..pasta with sauce ........ and to alternate with different veggies or beans..soups are great and cheap too as lentil , potato , vegetable , 12 bean , etc.. rice dishes are very inexpensive ..and serve topped with beans or veggies or both ..when you get enough veggie leftovers make a minestrone soup and add small size pastas to it as tubetti .. breakfast cereals or oatmeal for breakfast .... lunch peanut butter /jelly , sauteed veggies on pita , fake meat (bacon , turkey , bologna) on wholewheat , I also bake apples , sweet potatoes , and roasted potatoes.. you can find great recipes on line or a book from the library cost nothing ..veggies are inexpensive , so is rice, pasta , and creating casseroles, soups , burritos, veggie tacos, chillis , none are expensive ..good luck and congrats!!
well if you want cheap, but nutritious food then Indian is the way to go. Although you may be unfamiliar with some of more exotic indian spices. the major ingridients to start any indian dish/curry: are.. onions, garlic, chillies, salt,tumeric powder (haldi), and grinded coriander seeds (masala).. you can can start by sauting all these ingridients then add potatoes, splits peas, tomatoes, vegetable mix etc. however if you are cooking leavy vegetables the avoid masala and haldi. Else use the same ingridents while cooking any dish with potatoes or pumpkin. Indian ingridients are very cheap and their dishes are easy to prepare. Feel free to email me if you have any other question.
Baked potato topped with cottage cheese. Yummy and cheap!
It's not pricey at all unless you buy lots of prepared foods. Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, dried beans, frozen veggies are all very affordable.