Taking a culinary journey around the world doesn’t have to break the bank. When flavors know no borders, there’s a rich tapestry of budget-friendly foods waiting to be savored. In this article, we will explore the art of frugal yet delectable cooking with six awesome recipes. We will prove that a budget of under $15 is all you need to take your taste buds on an unforgettable trip around the world. Starting in the United States and ending in the Philippines, we’ll celebrate diversity, affordability, and the joy of sharing a nourishing meal with your loved ones. So, tie on your apron and prepare to traverse continents from the comfort of your kitchen, one budget-friendly dish at a time.
American Meatloaf
Here in The States, we love beef. From hamburgers to steaks, we can’t get enough. So here is a delicious recipe for under $15 classic meatloaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oats
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve slices with your favorite sides.
From the largest country in South America comes Feijoada. This hearty and flavorful Brazilian dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of the country. This black bean stew is a beloved staple meal in Brazil. Here’s how you can create this delicious Brazilian meal for under $15:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black beans
- 4 cups water (for soaking)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (linguiça) or chorizo, sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
- Over medium, heat the vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced sausage or chorizo and bacon to the pot. Cook until the meats are browned and cooked through.
- Drain the can of beans and add to the meat. Add the bay leaf, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes.
- Serve the Feijoada over cooked rice.
African Peanut Stew
This recipe offers a taste of Africa’s comforting and nourishing culinary traditions. With its velvety texture and rich flavors, this dish encapsulates the heartwarming essence of African cuisine for less than $15.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add diced sweet potatoes and carrots to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and peanut butter. Mix well to create a thick stew base.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender.
- If desired, add cooked and cubed chicken to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
German Schnitzel and Potato Salad
This Schnitzel and Potato Salad recipe showcases the essence of German cuisine, allowing you to experience a satisfying and traditional meal without straining your wallet. Enjoy the flavors of Deutschland from the comfort of your kitchen for under $15!
Ingredients:
- 4 pork or chicken cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Mustard (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry cutlets until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a bowl, combine diced potatoes, diced onions, chopped parsley, white vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, tossing gently to coat.
- Arrange the schnitzel on plates and serve alongside the potato salad. Add a dollop of mustard if desired.
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Indulge in the savory flavors of China with this easy and affordable Chinese Fried Rice recipe, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine – all for under $15.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably cooled)
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the rice and let it cool. While it is cooling, cook and dice the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared area. Allow them to cook for a moment, then scramble them until cooked through. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice and vegetables together for a few minutes.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and mix well to evenly distribute. Add the diced chicken, to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Filipino Adobo
This Adobo recipe offers an authentic taste of the Philippines. Relish the simple yet exquisite flavors as you enjoy the budget-friendly experience of Adobo.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, whole black peppercorns, minced garlic, and bay leaves in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to marinate them for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and sear it until browned on both sides. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Pour in the reserved marinade and add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let the Adobo simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If using bone-in chicken, the meat should easily pull away from the bone.
- Serve the Adobo hot over cooked white rice.
