Budget friendly dishes provide delicious, nutritious meals using affordable ingredients. Save money and still enjoy satisfying healthy recipes like Baked Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos, with homemade marinara sauce, and Beef and vegetable stew.
1. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Chickpea and Spinach Curry is a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish that combines the nutty flavor of chickpeas with the slightly bitter taste of spinach in a flavorful sauce. The dish is easy to make and is a great option for a quick and healthy recipe for weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 bag of fresh spinach leaves
- Yogurt and cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add the chickpeas, tomato puree, and vegetable broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice and topped with yogurt and cilantro, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chickpea and Spinach Curry!
2. Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil
This classic Italian pasta dish is simple, flavorful, and comes together in just minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1-pound pasta
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- To taste Salt & black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, about 1 minute.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss to coat the pasta with the oil.
- Add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet if the pasta seems dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Note: This dish is versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste. Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a little heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness. You can also substitute the parsley with basil or other fresh herbs of your choice.
3. Baked Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
These Baked Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos are a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal that’s easy to make. They are packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and cheese, and are wrapped in a warm and soft tortilla.
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can drained and rinsed (15 oz) black beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the diced sweet potato, black beans, salsa, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the flour tortillas out on a work surface. Divide the sweet potato and black bean mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it out over the middle of each one.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sweet potato and black bean mixture.
- Roll the tortillas up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Place the rolled-up burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.
- Serve the baked sweet potato and black bean burritos warm, with your favorite toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
