Sasta Bhi Aur Healthy Bhi! Explore 10 Cheap Healthy Dinner Recipes

Are you thinking of delicious, home-cooked meals but worried about breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen? We got you! This blog on cheap healthy dinner recipes is here to be your hero.

This will provide you with a wonderful collection of simple, and easy dinner recipes that are kind to your wallet and your waistline. We believe that healthy eating shouldn’t be expensive or complicated, and our recipes prove it.

This blog includes protein-packed recipes and veggie-licious delights; you’ll find a variety of tasty options that can be whipped up in no time. So skip the takeout menus and get ready to cook for home with confidence – it’s about to get delicious and affordable!

Quick And Cheap Dinner Recipes

Finding time to cook a delicious dinner every night can be challenging, especially on a budget. These low-cost recipes are not only easy on your wallet but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Moreover, they are perfect for your weight loss plans too. Here are a few recipes that are affordable, simple, and easy to prepare:

1. Vegetable Pulao

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Vegetable Pulao is a one-pot rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables, spices, and herbs. It’s a colorful and nutritious meal that can be prepared in under half an hour. For a full meal, serve it with a side of raita.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, corn)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves)
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. To begin with, rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water becomes clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan then, add whole spices and sauté until fragrant.
3. Later, add sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent.
4. After adding the mixed vegetables, sauté them for a while.
5. Then, add drained rice to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Further, pour water or vegetable broth into the pan and add salt to taste.
7. Let it come to a point of boiling, then reduce the heat to low. Now, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Lastly, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy the cheap healthy dinner recipes on their own or with your favorite side dishes!

2. Chana Masala

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Chana Masala is a tangy and spicy chickpea curry that’s rich in protein and full of flavor. Using canned chickpeas can significantly cut down on cooking time. For a filling dinner, serve it with roti or rice.

Simple Chana Masala Recipe Prepared By Using Everyday Indian Spices

3. Besan Cheela

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Besan Cheela is a savory pancake made from gram flour (besan) mixed with spices and finely chopped vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of chutney or ketchup.

Delicious Besan Cheela Recipe For Healthy Breakfast

4. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Looking for a new and delicious dish that’s also healthy? Try these quinoa stuffed peppers! They include protein rich quinoa and colorful vegetables, which make for a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe (Healthy Appetizer)

5. Egg Bhurji

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Egg bhurji is the Indian version of scrambled eggs, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s among the cheap healthy dinner recipes. It is a simple and versatile dish that can be served with bread, roti, or rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Instructions:

1. Firstly, in a pan, heat some oil or ghee over medium heat.
2. Then, add the finely chopped onions and cook them until they become transparent.
3. Later, include the finely chopped green chilies in the pan and sauté for another minute.
4. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become tender.
5. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and transfer them to the pan.
6. Then, add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Stir well.
7. Stir it occasionally and cook the eggs until they are scrambled and cooked properly.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

6. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

This simple Italian pasta dish is made with just garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and spaghetti. It’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for a quick and filling dinner. Moreover, these steps make it easy to cook at home.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. To begin with, cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, as specified on the package. Drain and set aside.
2. Then, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat.
3. Add thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté until garlic is golden but not browned.
4. Later, add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the spaghetti with the garlic-infused oil.
5. Now it’s time to season it with salt to taste.
6. Then, garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you want.
7. Finally, serve hot and enjoy the cheap healthy dinner recipes in the form of flavorful Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!

7. 15-Minute Veggie Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious meal? This 15-Minute Veggie Stir-Fry is the answer! Packed with colorful vegetables and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions

Instructions:

1. Firstly, in a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir fry them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Over the veggies, drizzle some sesame oil and soy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Allow the flavors to meld by cooking for a further two to three minutes.
6. Once done, remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if you want.
7. Finally, serve the cheap healthy dinner recipes of veg stir fry hot with cooked rice or noodles.

8. Vegetable Fried Rice

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Use leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. Stir-fry the veggies with the rice, add some soy sauce and scrambled eggs, and you have a quick, satisfying meal that’s light on your wallet.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Firstly, in a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium high heat.
2. Sauté for a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender.
4. Then, add cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry with the vegetables and eggs.
5. Pour soy sauce over the rice and toss everything together until well combined.
6. Now it’s time to season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
8. Finally, enjoy this delicious and satisfying Vegetable Fried Rice as a quick and flavorful meal!

9. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Golden, melty grilled cheese sandwiches are served with a warm bowl of tomato soup. Comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your choice)
• 1-2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. To begin with, heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Then, put butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Later, place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Place the cheese slices over the bread that is already in the skillet.
5. Now, place the second slice of bread on top, making sure the buttered side is up.
6. Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about 2-3 more minutes.
8. Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

For the tomato soup recipe, follow the guide from Fitelo’s kitchen and enjoy cheap healthy dinner recipes.

Easy And Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

10. Baked Potatoes with Toppings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Baked potatoes are a versatile and budget-friendly dinner option that you can customize to suit any taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple dish comes together quickly and allows everyone to create their own perfect potato.

Baked Potato Recipe: An Indian Recipe For Weight Loss

These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious Indian meal without spending too much time or money in the kitchen.

Essential Tips For Easy Cooking

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with a few simple tips to make the process easier. These fundamental pointers will enable you to cook with confidence and ease, regardless of experience level.

1. Spend some time organizing your meal plans once a week. This helps save time and reduces stress during the week. Plus, it ensures you have all the ingredients you need.
2. Using your meal plan as a guide, make an elaborate shopping list. This keeps you organized and prevents multiple trips to the store.
3. Spend some time prepping ingredients in advance. Wash and chop vegetables, marinate meats, and cook grains like rice or quinoa ahead of time to make meal assembly quicker.
4. To save even more time, consider buying pre-cut vegetables and pre-marinated meats from the store.
5. Before you start cooking cheap healthy dinner recipes, gather and organize all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and prevents last-minute searches.
6. Before you start cooking a new dish, read through the entire recipe. This helps you understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and tools.
7. To keep your kitchen organized and manageable, clean up as you cook. Wash dishes, wipe counters, and put away ingredients when you’re done using them.
8. Start with easy recipes that just call for a few ingredients and steps. As you gain confidence, you can try more complex dishes.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll find that cooking can be a simple and enjoyable part of your day. Happy cooking!

Conclusion

Finding the perfect balance between cheap, healthy, and easy dinner recipes can transform your daily cooking experience.

 With a focus on affordability and quick preparation, you can enjoy delicious meals without the stress. Recipes like vegetable fried rice, egg bhurji, and spaghetti aglio e olio show that simple ingredients and minimal time can still yield tasty and nutritious dishes.

We invite you to share your favorite low-cost recipes or cooking tips in the comments. Your input can help others discover new recipes and exciting ideas for dinner.

For more cheap healthy dinner recipes for beginners and quick dinner recipes, you can check out our other recipes on the website. Thank you for joining us on this delicious adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Eat Healthy On A Tight Budget?

Absolutely! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive by NIH. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and lean proteins, which are often cheaper and more nutritious than processed foods. Another way to save costs is to choose seasonal produce and buy in bulk.

What Food To Make At Home When You Have Nothing?

When you have limited ingredients, you can still make delicious food at home. Try DIY food options like scrambled eggs, pasta with olive oil and garlic, or a vegetable stir-fry using whatever veggies you have on hand.

How Can I Plan My Meals To Make Cooking Food Easier?

Meal planning helps make cooking food easier by allowing you to organize your shopping and prep work. Plan your meals weekly, create a shopping list, and prep ingredients in advance to save time during the week.

How Can I Make My Meals More Flavorful Without Adding Extra Cost?

To give your food more flavor, use herbs and spices. Fresh herbs can be grown at home, and dried spices are long-lasting and economical. Simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and citrus zest can also enhance the taste of your cheap healthy dinner recipes.

Contact Us

Do you have any questions or experiences you’d like to share? Leave a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going! Moreover, if you are looking for a customized diet plan for better health or weight loss you can contact us today. Our dietitians will discuss how we can help you achieve your health goals. Drop your queries here, and our team will be happy to help you. Let’s get healthier together!

Disclaimer

This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.