Staples You Need
This affordable grain is a pantry staple and can be used as a base for meals like stir-fries, casseroles, and soups.
What is rice?
This staple ingredient, often bought in bulk, can be used to make pancakes, pasta, or as a binder for meatballs.
What is flour?
This method, involving cooking food in hot water, is often used for pasta or boiling eggs, and can be done with minimal equipment.
What is boiling (water)?
This common ingredient, often added in small amounts, enhances the savory flavors in a dish and is used in sauces, soups, and stews.
What is salt?
This technique involves cooking food by rapidly stirring it in a hot pan, usually with a small amount of oil, and is popular for making stir-fries.
What is stir-frying?
These protein-rich legumes are versatile, shelf-stable, and can be used in soups, salads, or even veggie burgers.
What are beans?
This vegetable, commonly found in soups and stir-fries, is often the most affordable when purchased frozen.
What is peas?
Using this method, you can cook vegetables in a pan with a small amount of oil or butter, often resulting in a quick and flavorful dish.
What is sautéing?
When cooking on a budget, this type of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) can help balance out the richness of budget-friendly proteins like beans or eggs.
What is acidity (or acid like vinegar or lemon juice)?
To avoid cross-contamination when preparing meat and vegetables, it's essential to use these items separately in the kitchen.
What are cutting boards (or knives)?
This red pantry item is often the base for sauces, soups, and stews and can be bought in bulk for a very low price.
What is tomato paste?
The most cost-effective way to make this dish is to use beans and rice, adding spices or leftovers for flavor.
What is a burrito bowl?
This method involves cooking food in a covered pot with little or no liquid, using steam to cook vegetables or rice.
What is steaming?
This inexpensive and tangy ingredient is used to brighten up flavors in dishes like salads, beans, or rice, without adding much cost.
What is vinegar?
To safely store leftovers and prevent foodborne illness, you should let hot food cool to room temperature before doing this.
What is refrigerating (or freezing) them?
This low-cost and highly nutritious green is a budget-friendly addition to soups, stir-fries, or salads, and can be grown at home in small spaces.
What is kale?
This protein is one of the cheapest per pound, and can be used in a variety of ways, from casseroles to stir-fries.
What is chicken?
When you use this method, you cook food by placing it in a hot oven, often with a little oil or seasoning.
What is baking?
A sprinkle of this herb or spice can add depth and flavor to otherwise bland dishes, such as roasted vegetables or budget-friendly pasta sauces.
What is garlic (or garlic powder)?
This inexpensive ingredient, often used in baking as an alternative to butter or oil, helps create a moist texture in baked goods and is commonly used in recipes like cakes or muffins.
What is applesauce?
This long-lasting pantry item is essential for many inexpensive meals, such as soups, stews, and curries, and can be stored for months if kept dry and cool.
What are dried lentils?
When trying to stretch your grocery budget, buying these in bulk can be an economical way to add variety to meals, especially for breakfast or snacks.
What are oats?
A cooking technique where you use dry heat in an oven or over a flame, often without additional fat, ideal for roasting vegetables or baking potatoes.
What is roasting?
This inexpensive herb, often used in Mediterranean or Italian dishes, adds a savory depth and can be used fresh or dried in a wide variety of meals.
What is oregano?
This temperature range (between 40°F and 140°F) is the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, so it's important to keep perishable foods out of this range.
What is the "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F)?