Cooking for two doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! Here’s a selection of delicious and budget-friendly recipes perfect for two servings. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot, add spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until golden.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
- Serve: Season with salt and black pepper, garnish with parsley and cheese if desired.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables as instructed.
- Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, stirring for 30 seconds before adding veggies. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Pour in soy sauce and stir until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Serve over cooked rice.
3. Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Cook Eggs: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat, scramble the eggs, and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Rice: In the same pan, add peas, carrots, and cooked rice. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add scrambled eggs and soy sauce, mixing well. Cook for another minute.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
4. Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and tomato.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Let it sit for at least 10 minutes in the fridge before serving for enhanced flavors.
5. Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 2 tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup black beans (optional)
- Salsa for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in a pan over medium heat, sprinkle half of the cheese and beans on one half, then fold the tortilla over.
- Cook: Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Cooking
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase staples like rice, pasta, and beans in bulk to save money in the long run.
- Seasonal Produce: Opt for in-season fruits and vegetables, as they are usually more affordable.
- Leftovers: Cook larger portions and use leftovers creatively in other meals.
- Plan Meals: Create a weekly meal plan to minimize waste and streamline grocery shopping.
Cooking for two doesn’t need to stretch your budget. With these affordable recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping both your palate and wallet satisfied!
