If you are one of those persons that like to try new recipes, you probably know that some recipes require exotic and expensive ingredients that don’t always fit our budget. Buying such items regularly can drain your pocket quickly.
But, if you think you need to win the lottery jackpot to achieve the same results, you are wrong because there are often affordable and readily available alternatives that can replicate similar flavours and textures without compromising the quality of your dish.
Do you want to see some examples? Keep reading below.
1. Brown Rice instead of Quinoa
Quinoa is hailed as a superfood due to its impressive nutritional content. It is best known for its high protein content and versatility. You can cook it independently, paired with other dishes, or mixed into other dishes like stir-fries, soups, or salads.
But did you know you could swap expensive quinoa with cheaper brown rice? Yes, they both have similar nutritional value. They are gluten-free and share similar cooking time.
2. Frozen Vegetables over Fresh
Fresh vegetables are expensive, especially if they are out of season. However, you can instead buy frozen vegetables, which have a longer shelf life and are equally nutritious when properly prepared.
3. Whole Chicken instead of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the most popular chicken cut but also the most expensive. However, you can save significantly by buying whole chicken instead of boneless chicken breast. You will maximise value by using different parts for various meals. Plus, you can make a flavourful homemade broth from the bones.
4. Turmeric and Paprika instead of Saffron
Saffron tastes subtly bitter, sweet like honey, with earthy and hay-like notes, and has a distinctive aromatic, floral fragrance. It is the most expensive spice, costing between $10 and $20 for one gram.
In this case, try mixing turmeric and paprika when you can’t afford saffron. Turmeric will give the food a bright yellow colour, just like saffron. The only difference is you won’t get the floral flavour.
5. Use Ground Turkey instead of Ground Beef
Did you know ground turkey and ground beef can be used interchangeably in several dishes? In that case, consider swapping ground beef for ground turkey in dishes like tacos, burgers, and pasta sauce. Turkey offers a leaner option with a slightly milder flavour that still absorbs spices well.
6. Replace Nuts with Seeds
Nuts are widely used in baking, salads, sauces, dips, stuffing, and fillings. They are highly nutritious and give a crunch and textural contrast, adding a satisfying element to any dish. However, they are expensive.
But did you know seeds are great alternatives to nuts? Seeds are packed with benefits similar to nuts. They are rich in protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. So, if you can’t afford macadamia, almond, or cashew nuts, go for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Conclusion
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Don’t let your tight budget deter you from enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. Instead of sticking to those expensive ingredients, swap them for the more affordable ones discussed above. You’ll enjoy delicious meals at a reduced cost.