Cooking healthy meals doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can prepare delicious dishes that save both time and money. These 5-ingredient budget-friendly recipes are perfect for students, working adults, or anyone who wants simple, tasty meals without spending too much.
1. Tomato Basil Pasta
This classic pasta is perfect for busy days. All you need is pasta, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. Sauté chopped garlic and tomatoes until soft, toss in cooked pasta, add basil, and drizzle olive oil. It’s light, flavourful, and extremely affordable.
2. Potato Egg Hash
A filling, protein-rich meal made from potatoes, eggs, onions, and basic spices. Chop potatoes into cubes, sauté with onions until golden, then scramble eggs into the mixture. It’s perfect for breakfast or dinner and costs almost nothing.
3. Garlic Butter Mushroom Toast
For a café-style snack at home, sauté mushrooms in butter with garlic and salt. Spread over toasted bread. This recipe is quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly — ideal for evening cravings.
4. Curd & Cucumber Bowl
Mix thick curd with grated cucumber, salt, and a little roasted cumin powder. It’s refreshing, healthy, and perfect for hot days. Add boiled rice to turn it into a complete meal.
5. Chickpea Salad
Combine boiled chickpeas with onions, tomato, lemon juice, and salt. It’s high-protein, easy to make, and great as a lunch or post-workout snack.