16 Of Our Best Budget Recipes
(Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; photography by Erik Putz; food styling by Eshun Mott; Prop styling by Christine Hanlon)
Does your heart drop every time you swipe your card at the end of a food shop? The dollar isn't going as far as it used to, especially now. Maybe it's time to start budgeting your groceries, or thinking of new ways to cook the flavours you enjoy. Don't know where to start? Good thing we have a roster of cheap and delicious meals and snacks you can whip up at home without breaking the bank.
You don't have to compromise on flavour when it comes to eating on a budget. Here are 16 hearty, nutritious dishes you can enjoy without having to pay a fortune.
Mixed Bean Salad
Headed to a barbecue this summer? Our mixed bean salad recipe might give the burgers and hot dogs a run for their money.
Persian-Style Mung Bean Soup
Each Persian home has its own version of this dish, which is usually served in the spring. It’s so hearty, warming and nutritious. Find the recipe for this Persian-style mung bean soup here.
Easy Lemon Pasta
This simple dish is satisfying but not too heavy. Nothing beats a fresh lemon pasta that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe for our easy lemon pasta here.
Soy-Glazed King Mushrooms
A salty-sweet garlic and honey soy sauce glaze pairs perfectly with meaty king mushrooms, making a dish packed with umami. Get the recipe for this soy-glazed king mushrooms here.
Mexican Lentil Soup
Earthy cumin, hot peppers and a heap of seasonings give a heady boost to this soup that’s hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian entrée. Get the recipe for this Mexican lentil soup here.
Vegan Omelette Omurice
We turned omurice–a traditional Japanese omelet and rice dish–into a vegan version by turning an easy chickpea flour pancake into the omelet wrap. Find our vegan omelette omurice recipe here.
Thai Spicy Peanut Hot Dog
Dress up a hot dog in with this simple peanut-coconut satay curry sauce. It's also a wonderful dressing for grilled chicken or pork, and for cold noodles with grated cucumber. Get the recipe here.
Overnight Chia Oatmeal In A Mason Jar
For a delicious, make-ahead breakfast or a hearty midday snack, get this overnight chia oatmeal recipe here.
Thai Sweet Potato Red Curry Soup
Sweet potatoes, leeks, carrots and coconut milk are just a few of the base ingredients making up this cozy and colourful Thai soup. Get the recipe here.
Honey-ginger tofu and vegetable stir-fry
A simple stir-fry is a great way to use up leftovers and vegetables. Our honey-ginger tofu stir-fry is a great vegetarian option. Get this recipe for this versatile dish here.
No-Knead Bread Recipe
Skip the store-bought bread and make this light, fluffy loaf at home. Making bread at home means the only inflation you have to worry about is the dough rising. There's no kneading required and being able to say you made it from scratch is deeply satisfying. Get the recipe here.
Modern Tuna Casserole
A crowd-favourite tuna casserole gets an update with harissa, capers, and a hit of lemon for a zesty, easy take on the classic. Find the recipe for this modern tuna casserole here.
Mixed Veggie Pakora
These savoury Indian fritters are delicious dunked in tamarind chutney and served with hot chai. Find the recipe for these mixed veggie pakora here.
Fast White Bean, Chorizo, and Hearty Greens Stew
TL;DR: Sauté vegetables, then chorizo and tomato paste. Add beans and water and cook until thickened and flavorful. Add greens and eat. Get our Fast White Bean, Chorizo, and Hearty Greens Stew recipe.
Roasted Chickpea Salad
Full of flavour and easy to make, this is a salad you’ll want over and over. Get this roasted chickpea salad recipe here.
Homemade Yogurt
The Instant Pot has a “boil” function specifically for yogurt. The whole process takes place in the one pot, and it's easy—and cheaper than store bought. Here's how to make yogurt in an Instant Pot, and here's more about making your own yogurt (and other ways to do it!)
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Hi, I'm Helen and I write lifestyle, health and beauty content. Also an avid fan of cheese and anything made of laminated dough.
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Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.