With the rising cost of groceries, finding ways to eat well without overspending is more important than ever!
That’s why we’re continuing our Budget-Friendly Recipes series, focusing on delicious and economical dishes. This week, we’re featuring a comforting and nutritious dish: Savory Lentil Soup.
Let’s dive into how to prepare this meal for around $4!
Budget-Friendly Savory Lentil Soup
Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, and they’re also incredibly affordable. This Savory Lentil Soup is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal without spending a fortune.
- Note: Our cost estimation is based on average prices in the US, but prices will vary depending on your location. Our goal is to help you find ingredients that are generally more affordable!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dry green lentils (or any lentils you may have or find at your store)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Total cost: Around $4. Serves 4.
Savory Lentil Soup Cooking Directions:
- To prepare this dish, start by chopping the onion and celery.
- Dice the carrots and mince the garlic.
- Once you have prepared your vegetables, you will want to sauté them with olive oil on medium heat in a large pot.
- Once the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are soft, stir in the cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until they’re well combined.
- Once the spices are well combined, add the dry lentil and 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Before serving, taste your lentil soup and adjust any seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Additional Savings & Hot Tips
- Buy in bulk: Lentils are a great bulk grocery item to buy and are staples in many dishes. They can be used as a substitute in other recipes that recommend beans or peas.
- Use what you have: Find any leftover veggies or proteins from your fridge that you can add to this meal. There is no right or wrong way to make this soup, so get creative and use different ingredients!
- Meal prep: Cooking in bulk can help you reduce your costs and will save you time. This is an easy meal to cook in a large batch and even freeze for a later date.
Are You Going to Make This Budget-Friendly Dish?
Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge.
With a little creativity and careful shopping, you can enjoy delicious meals like this Savory Lentil Soup without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for more budget-friendly recipes, and until next time, happy cooking and happy saving!