I always feel completely baffled when I'm asked how to make cheap vegetarian meals. Why, you might ask, does this question baffle me? Well you see, the staples of a vegetarian diet are, by their very nature, cheap. Think about it, legumes, beans, rice, grains, pasta, vegetables and eggs, all of which are really inexpensive.
Why then, do people hunt for cheap vegetarian meals, if they have the herbs, spices, beans, grains etc, practically all the meals they put together will be cheap. Ahh, they haven't invested in the essentials! So many people who wish to learn how to create cheap vegetarian meals have not thought about the fact that the vegetarian pantry needs to contain a few items in order to transform the "cheap" foodstuffs into some great tasting dishes. Another issue which crops up again and again with those people who have recently become vegetarian, is that they feel they need to replace meat with "fake" meat products such as Quorn, artificial bacon or meat free convenience foods. I'm not suggesting for one moment that you shouldn't eat these products, but they are expensive, and in terms of the convenience foods really aren't that nutritious at all.
Comments
Yes, one can eat cheap yet tasty veggie meals. Love that spice rack, too!
Those Spanish Eggs look really good!
Thanks 2uesday. I think when you have the basics in the store cupboard it's easy to come up with wholesome meals without having to spend extra or buying one off ingredients. I have a new recipe to post next time I make it (for the pictures) all you need is two tins of tomatoes, a bit of cheese and garlic and some stale bread. It's gorgeous!
Hi lauryallan,
I love Spanish eggs, and you're absolutely right they're really versatile and you can eat them at any time of the day. The combination of paprika, peppers, egg and garlic breadcrumbs always ensures that I clear my plate.:)
Although I am not a vegetarian I can see the appeal in becoming one if meals are as tasty as the ones you describe in this article.
I will really have to try the spanish eggs you made. It seems like such a versatile dish and could be for a weekend breakfast, a lunch or dinner.
Hi Thomo85,
I think some meat eaters would be really quite shocked if they knew how much money they'd save by cutting out meat products!
Hi katie,
I agree completely. Providing I have spices, grains etc to hand, I can feed myself and my two kids, when I say kids, they are 15 and 20 years and eat like small horses, for less that £17 per week. Of course, that's not taking into account the cost of herbs, pulses etc, but when you buy those ingredients in bulk the cost per person is negligible. Thanks Katie, the green bean and corn barley risotto is one of my favourites at the moment. :)
I spend much less on my grocery bill cooking vegetarian meals for three people than my friends who cook with meat for their families of three. Great tips and recipes for vegetarian meals. :)K