Budget-Friendly SOLO MEAL PLAN | 5 easy one pot meals!
Recipes in this Video
Ingredients
- ●1 cup all-purpose flour
- ●1/2 cup water
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ●1/2 cup red curry paste
- ●1/2 cup coconut milk
- ●1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- ●1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- ●1 tbsp soy sauce
- ●1 tbsp lime juice
- ●1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- 3In another bowl, mix the shredded chicken, red curry paste, coconut milk, cilantro, green onions, soy sauce, and lime juice until well combined.
- 4Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
- 5Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- 6Brush the tops of the dumplings with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- 7Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 8Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- 9Serve warm with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Equipment
Chili con Carne is a staple in Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed in various forms across the United States and Mexico. Its origins are debated, with influences from both Texan and Mexican cooking traditions. Traditionally, it features a hearty mix of meat, beans, and spices, making it a popular comfort food.
Ingredients
- ●ground beef
- ●kidney beans
- ●tomatoes
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●chili powder
- ●cumin
- ●salt
- ●pepper
- ●olive oil
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- 3Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
- 4Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- 5Incorporate diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans.
- 6Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: ground pork
Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.
kidney beans
Healthier: black beans
Cheaper: canned beans
Black beans are more nutritious, while canned beans can be more budget-friendly.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Origin debated between Texan and Mexican culinary traditions.
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●4 chicken thighs
- ●2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
- ●1 cup coconut milk
- ●1 cup jasmine rice
- ●1 cup pineapple chunks
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 cup chopped green onions
- ●1 lime (juiced)
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Rub the chicken thighs with jerk seasoning, ensuring they are well coated.
- 3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- 4Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- 5In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, jasmine rice, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- 6Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- 7Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in pineapple chunks and lime juice.
- 8Serve the jerk chicken over the coconut rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Equipment
Chili con carne is a popular dish in Tex-Mex cuisine, often enjoyed in the southern United States.
Ingredients
- ●1 lb ground beef
- ●1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ●1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 bell pepper, chopped
- ●2 tbsp chili powder
- ●1 tsp cumin
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- ●2 cups cooked rice
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 4Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- 5Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- 6Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, mixing well.
- 7Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans, bring to a simmer.
- 8Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 9Serve the chili over cooked rice.
Equipment
Lentil soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months. It is a hearty dish that reflects the agricultural traditions of Italy, where lentils are cultivated. This soup is not only nutritious but also symbolizes prosperity and good luck, especially when served on New Year's Day. Variations exist across regions, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.
Ingredients
- ●lentils
- ●carrots
- ●celery
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●vegetable broth
- ●olive oil
- ●bay leaves
- ●salt
- ●pepper
Instructions
- 1Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
- 2In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- 4Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 5Add the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- 6Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
- 7Remove bay leaves before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
lentils
Healthier: green lentils
Cheaper: split peas
Split peas are often less expensive and cook faster.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Lettuce wraps are a popular dish in various Asian cuisines, often served as a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- ●1 lb ground beef
- ●1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1/4 cup soy sauce
- ●1 tbsp sesame oil
- ●1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- ●1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced
- ●1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- ●1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ●1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- 2Add the minced ginger and garlic, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 5Add the diced water chestnuts and chopped green onions, mixing well to combine.
- 6Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 7To serve, spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves, creating wraps.
- 8Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
- 9Serve immediately and enjoy your wraps!
Equipment