We all know what it’s like when you’re craving something tasty but need to keep an eye on your budget. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition when you’re saving money. AdmiGram.com has handpicked a selection of budget-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Pro tip: For hearty but inexpensive meals, rely on ingredients like beans, peas, corn, and of course, potatoes. Dishes made with affordable cuts of meat, such as chicken necks, liver, gizzards, or kidneys, are also a great way to save. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to save money on groceries — ideal for students, young cooks, or anyone flying solo.
Affordable and delicious everyday meals
Bachelor’s mushroom soup
© Colette Leclair
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mushrooms (if dried, use 1/4 of this amount)
- 1 large onion
- 2 large potatoes
- 2 oz (50 g) pork fat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably from white bread)
- Salt, herbs to taste
How to cook:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add diced potatoes and chopped onions. While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the mushrooms and pork fat in a pan over low heat. If using dried mushrooms, soak them in water until they swell, then drain and chop. Once the potatoes are almost done, stir the sautéed mushrooms and pork into the soup. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. You can even puree the soup for a richer flavor.
Bean patties with a surprise filling
© Colette Leclair
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500 g) beans (any type — peas, lentils, black beans, etc.)
- 1 egg
- Salt, spices to taste
For the filling:
- Ground meat or fish, sautéed mushrooms, or carrots and cauliflower sautéed with onions
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
How to cook:
Boil the beans and puree them in a blender. While the beans are cooking, sauté your choice of filling (meat, veggies, or mushrooms). Mix the bean puree with the egg, salt, and spices to form a dough. For the filling, mix with sour cream for added richness. Form the patties by placing the filling inside the bean dough, then roll them in flour and pan-fry until golden.
Student’s salmon bone soup
© Colette Leclair
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500 g) salmon bones (with some meat on them)
- 3–4 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 5 tablespoons fresh green peas
- Salt, spices, herbs to taste
How to cook:
Rinse the salmon bones and trim off the tail and fins (perfect for your cat!). Cut the bones into pieces about 2-3 inches long and add to boiling water. Dice the potatoes and onion, and slice the carrot into rounds. After 5 minutes, skim off any foam from the pot, then add the peas, potatoes, onion, and carrot. Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill just before serving.
Crispy fish in a hearty batter
© Colette Leclair
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) fish fillets (use any affordable kind like pollock or catfish)
- Salt, pepper, spices to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
For the batter:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large potato
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
How to cook:
Cut the fish into small portions and season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs. Let it marinate for about an hour. While the fish marinates, make the batter by whisking together the oil, eggs, and flour. Puree the potato in a blender and add it to the batter. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Dip the marinated fish pieces into the batter, then coat them with flour and fry in vegetable oil until they’re golden and crispy.
Fruit charlotte cake
© Colette Leclair
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 4 oz (100 g) sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 oz (100 g) peeled fruit (apples, pears, or melons)
How to cook:
Whisk the egg whites with half of the sugar until stiff peaks form. Beat the yolks with the remaining sugar, then fold into the flour. Sift the flour in parts into the egg-sugar mixture and gently fold it using a spatula with upward motions from the bottom. You need to handle the sponge cake batter carefully to preserve its light and airy texture as much as possible. Layer slices of fruit in a baking dish, then pour the batter over them. The batter should be smooth but not too thick. Bake the cake for 20-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check if it’s ready by inserting a toothpick — if it comes out clean, the cake is done!
These simple, delicious recipes will not only help you save money, but they’ll also make you feel like a master chef!
image on top: Colette Leclair
