Healthy And Inexpensive Recipes To Prepare During Confinement
We are going through a complicated economic situation due to the global crisis caused by COVID-19. Therefore, the main objective is to reduce expenses as much as possible, and this is where our food can be harmed. Therefore, in this article we are going to present 5 healthy and inexpensive recipes to prepare during confinement.
It is very easy to resort to ready-to-eat meals, fast-foods and ultra-processed foods – because of the low price they seem to have. However, in the long run, your health declines and, if you think about the price well, at the end of the month it turns out to be a more expensive option. So, check out our list of recipes to try out during confinement. But first of all, let’s look at some tips.
Tips to save on purchase
The first step is to get organized. But how? Making a list of all the ingredients you need. We even recommend that you go to the market closer to your home, as prices can be more affordable than in supermarkets.
- Remember to prioritize foods that are fresh and that you can find nearby. Especially when buying fruits and vegetables. In these cases, the ideal is that they are seasonal, as they are cheaper and are also very tasty. In addition, they are basic items in healthy eating.
- In terms of protein sources, vegetables and eggs are cheaper than meat and fish. However, the price will depend on the type chosen. For example, chicken usually costs less than veal or most fish.
- One of the best options is to buy canned vegetables, fish and pulses, as they last for months without spoiling and allow you to save by buying in larger quantities.
- Cereals are a basic and ideal option to accompany various dishes, as well as potatoes, pasta and the classic rice. Also, you can cook a larger amount to freeze and thus save time and gas.
- Replace soft drinks, juices and alcohol with water. It’s the best way to hydrate yourself, improve your digestion and feel good.
- Some foods, such as nuts, are better if you buy them in bulk, as you can get the amount you need at a cheaper price.
- Use the leftovers to make new dishes and, in this way, reduce waste.
- And finally, use oil and dry spices.
5 healthy and inexpensive recipes to prepare during confinement
Campeira salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes.
- 2 cans of tuna in oil.
- 1 raw red bell pepper.
- Half an onion.
- Salt.
- Oil.
Preparation
First, cook the potatoes with their skins in a pan of water for about 20 minutes. They will have hit the right spot when they are soft from being prodded with a fork. Meanwhile, wash the pepper, remove the sap and seeds, cut it into cubes and place in a bowl.
Then cut the onion into julienne and place in the same bowl as the pepper. Once that’s done, add the tuna. When the potatoes are ready, let them cool and peel. Cut them into cubes and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Season to taste.
Stir-fried pasta with vegetables, one of the healthy and inexpensive recipes to prepare during confinement with children
Ingredients
- 300 g of noodles (considering 75 g per person).
- Ripe tomatoes.
- 2 medium zucchinis.
- 150 g of mushrooms.
- Grated cheese (optional).
- Oil.
Preparation
First, bring water to a boil in two pots. One to cook the noodles and the other to scald the tomatoes. Then wash the tomatoes under running water and, on the underside of each one, make a very superficial cut in the shape of a cross so that later it is easier to remove the skin. When the water boils, add the tomatoes and leave for a few minutes. Drain and set aside.
Once that’s done, wash and cut the zucchini into cubes. Clean mushrooms with damp paper towels and cut into slices. After that, heat a skillet with oil. Saute the zucchini until tender, set aside in a container and do the same with the mushrooms.
In another skillet, saute the peeled and sliced tomatoes with oil. Finally, mix the cooked noodles with the vegetables and mushrooms and add the tomato sauce. You can finish with a little grated cheese on top.
Chickpea salad with strawberry and spinach
Ingredients
- 600 g of cooked chickpeas.
- 150 g of baby spinach .
- 5 or 6 strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds.
- Salt.
- Oil.
- Balsamic vinegar.
Preparation
First, wash the strawberries and cut into very thin slices. Then wash the spinach and place in a container. Add the chickpeas (if canned, use a sieve and rinse well under running water). Place the sliced strawberries around in a circle. Decorate with sunflower seeds. Season to taste with salt, oil and balsamic vinegar. And ready!
Rabbit al ajillo with artichokes
Ingredients
- 1 rabbit.
- 5 cloves of garlic.
- 250 ml of white wine.
- 500 ml of water.
- 6 artichokes.
- 2 sprigs of rosemary.
- Salt.
- Oil.
Preparation
First, remove the outer leaves from the artichokes and peel the stalks. Then cut the artichokes into pieces and place in a container with water and lemon. In this way, we prevent them from oxidizing.
Then brown the rabbit meat in a pan with oil. When done, add the peeled garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Add the wine until the alcohol evaporates and add the rest of the ingredients. Leave on for at least 20 minutes and stir from time to time.
After this time, check that the artichokes and rabbit are tender and well cooked. If they aren’t already, continue this process until they’re to your liking. Finally, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Fruit carpaccio , one of the most original and cheapest recipes to prepare during confinement
Ingredients
- Pineapple.
- Kiwi.
- Banana.
Preparation
Peel the fruits , cut them into very thin slices and place them on a plate. You can add cinnamon or a few drops of lemon juice for flavor.
As you can see, eating healthy and cheap is easier than it sounds. So, we hope that some of the recipes we presented have motivated you to prepare a delicious meal in this quarantine. All of them are rich in essential nutrients for iron health.
