c/frugal-cooking-tips

I almost gave up on dried beans because of this simple error

I stopped buying canned beans and started cooking dried ones to save cash. But I rushed the soak time and they stayed tough for hours. Now I always soak them overnight, and they cook fast and cheap. Avoid my error - proper soaking turns dried beans into a real money saver.

Why I never buy broth anymore, my scrap bag does it better.

Frozen veggies keep my meals cheap despite the fresh food trend

Everyone around me acts like fresh vegetables are a must for good cooking. But where I shop, fresh produce costs have jumped so high it's crazy. I now use frozen mixed vegetables for most of my weeknight dinners. They cook up fine in pasta sauces and one-pot meals. My food budget is happier, and I don't feel like I'm missing out.

I miss the days when soup bubbled on the stove for hours.

Taking your time with food really cuts down on costs.

My local market has a new rush on bulk rice and spices lately.

Mixing your own spice blends is way cheaper than buying the premade jars.

Just had a flashback to my first apartment while making lentil stew

When I was in my first apartment, I'd blow my budget on pizza and fries. These days, I can whip up a huge batch of lentil stew for almost nothing, and it's way more satisfying (and healthier, too). What cheap meals bring back memories for you?

PSA: Our family's 'clean out the fridge' fried rice night saves us every time

We gather all the leftover veggies, small pieces of meat, and cooked rice from the week. My kids help by stirring everything in a hot pan with a couple eggs and some soy sauce. It makes a new dish each Friday, and we hardly throw any food away. This little routine has turned into a cheap and easy way to end the week together.

Store-bought party dips are a waste of cash. My homemade hummus cost me three bucks and was the hit of the neighborhood barbecue.