Low Cost Meals In Minutes

Using these simple recipes made with fresh ingredients found in any supermarket, these easy budget meals are quick to make and filled with flavor. With short ingredient lists and simple preparation, you can prepare delicious meals in minutes and stretch your budget at the same time.

Each recipe makes 2 to 3 servings

__________________________________________________

- Couscous with Black Beans: Place all the following ingredients in a bowl and toss well to combine and serve either at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked couscous, 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp prepared mustard, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp dried basil. Serve this pasta recipe with a simple side dish of grated carrots, diced red onions, and dried dill tossed in fresh squeezed lemon juice and salt and pepper. Ingredient Exchange: Use 1 cup cubed grilled chicken instead of black beans.

- Lemon Mint Quinoa: Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine well, adjusting the pepper to taste. Serve quinoa at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked quinoa, 1 cup canned garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained), 2/3 cup frozen peas (thawed and drained), 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve this easy pasta dish along with a side dish of baby spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, and capers tossed in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ingredient Exchange: Use 1 cup cubed cooked ham instead of the garbanzo beans.

- Spicy Brown Rice with Cheese: Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine well, adjust the salsa to desired moistness. Serve this simple dish at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve: 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup frozen sweet corn (thaw and drain), 1/2 cup pitted black olives (halved), 3/4 cup (or to taste) salsa (choose your favorite salsa). Serve this simple budget meal with a wedge of iceberg lettuce drizzled with your favorite dressing. Ingredient Exchange: Use 1 cup cubed and cooked (steamed or sauteed) tempeh or 6 oz of fresh cooked or canned (drained and flaked) salmon instead of the cheddar cheese.

- Tofu and Vegetables: Steam 2 cups of broccoli tops, 1 cup diced sweet red peppers, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts until crisp-tender. Place vegetables in a bowl with 8 ounces of extra-firm tofu (drained and diced) and toss gently with bottled peanut sauce to taste. Serve tofu and vegetables over a bed of warm, cooked brown rice, pasta, or baked potatoes and top each serving with chopped peanuts, chopped fresh cilantro, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Ingredient Exchange: Use 4 ounces of cooked steak (cut into cubes) instead of the tofu.

For healthy, flavorful, and uncomplicated recipes, like these budget meals, visit www.quick-salad-recipes.com. This free recipe site is packed with easy solutions for everyday meal planning from breakfast to dessert. Enjoy low-cost meal ideas created with quick recipes that use natural food, short lists of ingredients, and simple preparation.