5 Classic Recipes That Don't Break the Bank

Introduction:

When it comes to cooking on a budget, there's no need to sacrifice flavor or variety. These 5 classic recipes are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. Each dish serves two, making them perfect for a cozy meal with a loved one or as leftovers for the next day. Let's dive into these budget-friendly culinary delights!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti

• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic turns golden.

3. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing well to coat the pasta with the flavored oil. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 520 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 61g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 27g

• Fiber: 2g

Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread

• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Place the cheese slices between two slices of bread to form two sandwiches.

2. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, melt half of the butter.

3. Add one sandwich to the pan and cook until the bread turns golden and the cheese starts to melt. Repeat with the second sandwich.

4. Serve warm, sliced diagonally for a delightful touch.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 390 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 2g

Vegetable Fried Rice:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add minced garlic and stir for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.

4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.

5. Add cooked rice to the pan and mix everything together, then drizzle with soy sauce. Stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 340 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 4g

Classic Margherita Pizza:

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1-2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil for drizzling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for the pizza dough.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.

4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and arrange tomato slices and basil leaves.

6. Drizzle olive oil over the pizza and bake according to the dough instructions until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 530 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 4g

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.

2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until smooth.

4. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Reheat the soup until warm, but avoid boiling after adding the cream.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

Conclusion:

These 5 classic recipes offer both affordability and fantastic flavors. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, they are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Bon appétit!