Cooking on a Budget

My parents are no strangers to making a dollar stretch, both of them being children of the Depression and having raised six kids on a teacher's salary. Some of my favorite recipes on this site are those inexpensive dishes that my folks made for us practically every week when I was growing up, like baked chicken, chili beans, tuna macaroni salad, enchiladas, or hamburger and macaroni.

Even today, if you popped in for dinner unexpectedly, likely one of those would be on the menu that night. And if you were me, you would be darn pleased. Cooking on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Some of the themes that mom and dad have perfected over the years in their practical budget-mindedness when it comes to food and cooking are:

Chicken

Buy it bone-in, skin on. It's cheaper. Buy thighs. More flavor and meat for the money. Save the bones, either before cooking or after a meal. Freeze and use later for making chicken stock. Not only is the marrow from bones incredibly good for you, but if you already have the bones, the stock you can make from it is practically free.

Mexican food

Corn tortillas and beans are cheap, and combined make a complete protein. The beans are especially economical if you buy them dry and cook them yourself, instead of using them from a can. Add some rice and salsa and you have a filling, nutritious, delicious meal.

Eggs

Great source of inexpensive protein. Make hard boiled eggs for sandwiches or scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Use Cheaper, Tougher Cuts of Meat

Make stews with beef chuck roasts or pork shoulders. Low and slow braising completely tenderizes the meat, and the flavor is amazing. You can also brown a rump roast on high heat and then lower the heat for low slow cooking for roast beef.

Turkey Legs and Thighs

Best deal out there. You can braise them or make turkey stew.

Potatoes, Rice, and Pasta

Make your meal go farther with starches like potatoes, rice, pasta, or tortillas.

Those are just a few of the ideas I've observed from my parents. Personally my favorite budget meal is a peanut butter sandwich. Do you have a favorite tasty and nutritious "budget" menu? If so, please let us know about it in the comments. (By the way, check out the Budget Recipes category on the site!)

Links:

The Hunger Challenge: Eating on $3 per day

How to save money on groceries by Alanna of Kitchen Parade

How to turn cheap "choice" steaks into Gucci "prime" steaks from Jaden's Steamy Kitchen

How to cook during a recession from Eating Out Loud