With the rising cost of living, striving to eat healthily while saving money is becoming a difficult task. To help save extra rand, ideas for inexpensive meals have been compiled.
As the cost of living continues to put pressure on households in South Africa, the ability to prepare a filling meal without spending a fortune is becoming a valuable skill. For many families, an amount of 50 rand may seem insignificant, but with smart shopping, it can be stretched across a simple breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The key to success lies in choosing affordable staple foods, buying vegetables loose where possible, and turning several inexpensive ingredients into a dish that can feed more than one person. Below are several ideas that will help make 50 rand go further.
Potato and Egg Fry
Potatoes are another essential product that can be turned into a hearty meal. One or two potatoes need to be sliced, fried with onions and spices, and then scrambled eggs added. This is quick, filling, and suitable for both breakfast and dinner.
This recipe requires: potatoes, two eggs, one onion, vegetable oil, and spices.
Cabbage with Pap
Cabbage is often overlooked, but when prepared correctly, it can be surprisingly filling. Shred the cabbage and fry it with onion, tomato, and spices before serving with pap. If the budget allows, a small amount of meat can be added, but the vegetable version is excellent on its own.
Required ingredients: cabbage, maize meal, onion, tomato, vegetable oil, and spices.
Tomato and Onion Sandwiches
When there is no time to cook a full meal, a simple sandwich can save the day. Bread, tomatoes, and onions can be turned into a tasty lunch by adding a little spice. If you have eggs at home, you can add a boiled or fried egg for extra protein.
Needed for preparation: bread, tomatoes, onion, and spices.
Upgrading Noodles in Two Minutes
Instant noodles are inexpensive, but adding a few basic ingredients can make them more filling. Boil the noodles and add a fried egg, shredded cabbage, onion, or leftover vegetables. This turns a quick snack into something closer to a full meal.
This requires: instant noodles and one or two inexpensive additions, such as an egg, cabbage, or onion.
Beans and Rice
Dried beans and rice represent a classic budget combination, as both ingredients are filling and can last for several meals. Cook the beans with onion, tomato, and spices, and then serve them with rice. Leftovers can easily become lunch the next day.
This recipe will require: rice, dried beans, one onion, seasoning, and vegetable oil.
Pap and Eggs
Pap remains one of the most affordable staples in South Africa and can be combined with eggs to create a filling dish. A small packet of maize meal can provide several servings, and a few eggs will add protein. If the budget permits, onion or tomato can be added, resulting in a simple breakfast or dinner.
What is needed: maize meal, two to four eggs, one onion or tomato, and a little vegetable oil.