Cooking on a Budget: 5 Thrifty Ways to Add Flavor to Your Meals
When you're trying to eat on a budget, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut of basic, bland meals. However, there are plenty of ways to add flavor to your meals without breaking the bank. Here are five thrifty ways to add flavor to your cooking:
1. Experiment with herbs and spices
Herbs and spices are an inexpensive way to add flavor to your meals. Instead of relying on pre-made seasoning blends, try experimenting with individual herbs and spices. For example, you could make an Italian seasoning blend with oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. Or, add a pinch of cumin and chili powder to your ground beef for tacos or chili.
2. Use citrus
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can add brightness and acidity to your dishes. Squeeze a fresh lemon over your roasted vegetables or add lime zest to your guacamole. You can also use citrus juices in marinades and salad dressings.
3. Make your own stock
Store-bought chicken or vegetable stock can be expensive, but making your own is surprisingly easy and budget-friendly. Simply save your vegetable scraps or chicken bones in the freezer until you have enough to make a batch of stock. Throw in some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
4. Cook with wine
Cooking with wine can add depth and complexity to your dishes. However, you don't need to use top-shelf bottles – a cheap bottle of cooking wine will do. Use it to deglaze your pan after cooking meat or to add flavor to soups and stews.
5. Repurpose leftovers
Leftovers don't have to be boring. Get creative and turn them into something new. For example, leftover roasted chicken can be shredded and mixed with mayo, grapes, and walnuts for a chicken salad. Or, leftover rice can be transformed into a stir-fry with some veggies and soy sauce.
Eating on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. By using these thrifty tips, you can add flavor and variety to your meals without breaking the bank.