With the cost of living and especially the price of food continuously increasing, it is becoming more difficult for the average consumer to stay within their monthly budget. The question of “why are there so much month left at the end of the money?” definitely comes to mind more often lately.
Luckily, with a few clever tips and easy to follow recipes you can stretch those Rands with no compromise on taste or nutrients. Shopping groceries on a budget should not inhibit your inner MasterChef!
A few budget-friendly tips:
- Don’t shop hungry and stick to your shopping list
- Use ingredients like lentils and pulses to bulk up your meals.
- Do not underestimate the goodness of canned foods, vegetables and fish especially.
- Buy what is in season.
- Watch out for supermarket promotions and buy in bulk.
- Cook in bulk, divide into smaller portions and freeze.
- Don’t waste. Leftovers can be used again – on a sandwich for lunch or in a salad. It can also be frozen and used as a side dish for another meal.
Apart from the budget friendly groceries, this recipe is quick and easy to make thus saving you time and energy. Beef mince leftovers can be frozen and are so easy to use again; for breakfast on toast with a baked egg, for jaffles or a cottage pie – the world is your oyster!
Spicy beef mince with rice
Serves 4
Shopping list:
- 30ml oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped*
- 410g can of chopped tomatoes*
- 410g can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed*
- 410g can of mixed vegetables or chakalaka
- 500g beef mince
- 250ml brown lentils, cooked
- 250ml beef stock
- Spices – season to taste (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, etc.)
- Cooked rice to serve**
Method:
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onion and garlic.
- Add mince and cook until brown.
- Add the spices and cook for a minute.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
- Serve with rice and enjoy!
*For some variation use a 410g can of chopped onions and tomatoes instead and change the red kidney beans to baked beans in tomato sauce
** For a pretty and healthier option, mix brown and white rice
No matter what your monthly food budget is, we are all feeling the pressure to cut our costs on food. If your debt is ruining your appetite and your health, Debt Rescue can assist.
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