6 healthy dinners for less
March 1, 2012
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Bagged, shredded slaw mix speeds up prep time, for little money. Choose an economical but flavorful fish, like cod, and look for thinner fillets that marinate and cook quickly. If you can’t find a Scotch bonnet pepper, substitute another serrano for a milder flavor or a habañero for a spicier one. Wear rubber gloves or insert your hands into plastic bags when mincing the peppers. Serve with warm corn tortillas and avocado wedges. Get the recipe.
The reduced pan sauce at the end is optional but makes a nice addition to this one-pot, comfort-food dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or warm bread and a mixed green salad. Get the recipe.
This fast take on the classic shrimp fra diavolo uses quick-cooking angel-hair pasta and adds frozen peas for variety. Boneless chicken breasts are a little more expensive than bone-in, skin-on varieties but considerably speed prep time; use boneless chicken thighs to trim costs even more. This is a fiery dish, so adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to lessen the heat. Freeze leftover tomato paste for another use. Get the recipe.
Economical canned pumpkin, tomatoes, and beans combine to make a creamy base for this Caribbean-inspired chili. Get the recipe.
This flavorful and supercheap dish pairs fast-cooking red lentils with red curry paste, a versatile and long-lasting condiment, to add flavor in little cooking time. A fresh head of spinach is a thrifty choice; remove tough stems and slice leaves into shreds for visual appeal, or just chop small. Get the recipe.
This hearty meal in a bowl is simple but deeply satisfying. Use whatever winter greens are most affordable at your market. Or substitute frozen chopped greens for even easier prep. Any kind of pasta, even gluten-free versions, will work; adjust cooking time accordingly. Get the recipe.
This hearty meal in a bowl is simple but deeply satisfying. Use whatever winter greens are most affordable at your market. Or substitute frozen chopped greens for even easier prep. Any kind of pasta, even gluten-free versions, will work; adjust cooking time accordingly. Get the recipe.
Photos by Joe Lavine
Forget the myths that healthy eating costs too much and takes too long. If you’re willing to get into the kitchen, you can make quick, inexpensive, nutritious meals every night of the week. The secret is stocking up on economical shortcuts. Quick-cooking selections, like organic frozen vegetables, canned beans, and whole grains, paired with less-costly protein sources, yield easy, nutrient-rich meals that won’t break the bank. Ready for some inspiration? Feast on these dinners for lots of flavor and nutrition—and more money in your pocket.
Food writer and nutrition consultant Lisa Turner scavenges local markets for deals and loves finding a great bargain.
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