Lately, I’ve noticed that many people are searching for easy recipes for thrifty cooking that are not only balanced but also rich in nutritional value. It’s completely understandable, as I too was in the same situation not long ago. While living in my university dorm, I constantly looked for affordable meals that still packed a punch of nutrition. These meals needed to fit into different dietary plans while being easy to prepare and cost-effective. So today, I’ve decided to share with you some of the simplest, most delicious, and easiest recipes for thrifty cooking, from my personal experience, that I’ve used in my diet more than once.
How to cook thrifty recipes
These recipes will mostly rely on affordable ingredients that are surprisingly high in nutritional value. For example, eggs are packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Rice is another staple that provides a good source of carbohydrates and is rich in energy. Vegetables, especially those like potatoes, are great sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Salads, with their fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, are also an excellent choice, offering a healthy balance to any meal. These foods, when combined, create complete, well-rounded meals that are both satisfying and nutritious.
What makes these recipes so special
These meals are made with ingredients that support your overall health, like eggs, which provide excellent protein, and vegetables, which are rich in the fiber needed for a healthy diet.
The recipes are highly customizable to suit your taste and dietary goals. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your specific nutritional needs, whether by adding your favorite spices or making substitutions based on what you have available.
Why these thrifty recipes stand out
One of the main advantages of these recipes is that they don’t require much time to prepare or complicated ingredients. This makes them perfect for students or anyone with limited time who still wants to enjoy healthy and nourishing meals.
These easy recipes for thrifty cooking rely on simple ingredients, yet they provide the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. This makes them well-rounded meals that support your health and energy throughout your daily activities.
These ingredients are very affordable, meaning you can prepare delicious and healthy meals without spending a lot. This is the main goal of sharing these recipes – to help you enjoy nutritious meals while keeping costs low.
Ingredients
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. You can easily add them to various dishes for a nutritious and simple meal.
Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing steady energy throughout the day. You can easily cook it and add it to many meals.
Vegetables Potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They help with digestion and are essential for a balanced diet.
Drained and Frozen Corn Frozen corn is a fantastic addition to rice, adding a sweet and delicious flavor. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Salad A mix of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, along with olives, cheese, and croutons. Salads are a healthy addition to any meal, providing a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
For another delicious and healthy dish, check out my vitello tonnato recipe. This meal is perfect for any occasion, featuring a unique combination of tender veal and a rich tuna sauce.
RICE WITH CORN AND TUNA
Ingredients
- 150 g White rice
- 1 Small orange bell pepper, diced
- 10 Cherry tomatoes, diced
- 6 Small mushrooms, diced
- 145 g Tin tuna drained
- 200 g Tin sweetcorn, drained
- 1 Teaspoon dried oregano
- 15 g Sliced olives
- g Green beans
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 pinch Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Rice according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it in a sieve and rinse it with cold water to cool. Rest the sieve on the saucepan to let the rice fully drain.
- Prepare the Dressing while the rice is cooking and draining, make the dressing. In a jar (such as an old jam jar), add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, and stir to mix. Then, add the olive oil, screw the lid on tightly, and shake well to combine.
- Prepare the Salad chop all the vegetables into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the drained tuna, sweetcorn, and the cooled, drained rice, then stir well to combine.
- Dressing pour the dressing over the salad and stir again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
TURKISH EGGS (Çılbır)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 Garlic clove minced
- 1 pinch Salt
- 3 Eggs
- 4 Water
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 pinch Salt
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chili flakes adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt BaseIn a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Poach the EggsBring water to a boil in a large pot.Add vinegar and a pinch of salt.Stir the water to create a gentle whirlpool.Crack the eggs one by one into the center.Poach for 2–3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Make the Butter SauceMelt butter in a pan, then stir in paprika and chili flakes.
- Assemble & ServeSpread the yogurt base on a plate.Place poached eggs on top.Drizzle with the spiced butter sauce.Sprinkle oregano and season to taste.Serve with warm pita or crusty bread.
- Afiyet olsun! 🇹🇷 Enjoy your meal!
SHAKSHUKA WITH MERGUEZ
Ingredients
- Base Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon harissa adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Tomato Mixture
- 3 ripe tomatoes chopped (or 1½ cups canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- Protein & Eggs
- 3 merguez sausages or any spicy sausage
- 3 eggs
- Protein & Eggs
- 3 merguez sausages or any spicy sausage
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Base SauceHeat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.Sauté onions and garlic until soft.Add bell pepper, harissa, cumin, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Cook the Tomato MixtureStir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add Merguez & EggsSlice the merguez into pieces and add them to the sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them.Cover and let the eggs cook for 5–7 minutes or until desired doneness.
- Serve & GarnishSprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.Add chili flakes if desired.Serve hot with warm Bread or baguette
AMERICAN OMELET
Ingredients
- Omelet Base
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk optional, for fluffiness
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Filling
- ½ cup fresh spinach chopped
- ½ small tomato diced
- ¼ cup canned tuna drained
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or feta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- Toppings & Serving
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
- 1 slice whole-grain bread optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg MixtureIn a bowl, whisk the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cook the Vegetables & TunaHeat olive oil or butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.Add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.Stir in diced tomatoes and tuna. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the OmeletPour the egg mixture over the filling.Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the edges start to set.Sprinkle cheese on top.Fold the omelet in half and cook for 1 more minute until cheese melts.
- Serve & GarnishSprinkle with oregano if desired.Serve hot with a slice of whole-grain bread.
MIXED GREENS SALAD
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh mixed greens various types of lettuce
- 1 Bell pepper diced
- 3 Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp Canned corn
- 50 g Grilled chicken breast or fillet, sliced
- 2 Medium boiled eggs halved
- Parmesan cheese grated or shaved
- 1 slice Stale bread cut into croutons
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ Lemon juiced
- 1 Pinch Salt and pepper to taste negligible calories
Instructions
- Prepare the CroutonsCut the stale bread into small cubes and toast them in a dry pan or oven until crispy.
- Boil the EggsBring water to a boil, add the eggs, and cook for about 7-8 minutes for a medium-boiled texture. Peel and halve them once done.
- Assemble the SaladIn a large bowl, combine mixed greens, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, corn, and grilled chicken.
- Add ToppingsPlace the medium-boiled eggs on top, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons.
- Dress the SaladDrizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & EnjoyToss lightly and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
Add avocado or nuts for extra texture and healthy fats! 🥑🥗
With these recipes, you can prepare easy, balanced meals that meet your nutritional plan without exceeding your budget.
Each ingredient provides High nutritional value and is easy to prepare, making these meals ideal for students, workers, or anyone who wants tasty and healthy food. Try these recipes and feel free to get creative by adjusting them to suit your tastes and dietary goals.
Tried these recipes? Leave a comment and rate them! I’d love to hear your feedback!
tried your turkish Eggs recipe, and wow absolutely delicious!
thank you
Glad you enjoyed it – thanks for trying it out!