Cheap and Easy Recipes for a Tight Budget

Cooking nutritious and delicious meals doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some affordable and easy recipes to help you save money and eat well:

1. Lentil Soup

* Ingredients:
* 1 cup lentils
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery sticks, chopped
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

* Instructions:
* Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris.
* In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a splash of oil until softened.
* Add the lentils and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Bean Burritos

* Ingredients:
* 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* Tortillas
* Salsa, sour cream, cheese (optional)

* Instructions:
* Combine the beans, onion, and bell pepper in a bowl and season with your favorite spices.
* Heat the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until warm.
* Place a scoop of the bean mixture in the center of each tortilla and top with salsa, sour cream, and cheese if desired.

3. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

* Ingredients:
* 1 pound pasta
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste

* Instructions:
* Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
* In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
* Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
* Serve the pasta with the tomato sauce.

4. Chicken and Rice

* Ingredients:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup rice
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 1 celery stick, chopped
* 4 cups chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

* Instructions:
* Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
* In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
* Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
* Add the rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

5. Tuna Salad Sandwiches

* Ingredients:
* 1 can tuna, drained
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup celery, chopped
* 1/4 cup onion, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread

* Instructions:
* In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
* Spread the tuna salad on bread and enjoy.