Making cheap food taste delicious is all about seasoning, cooking techniques, and creativity. Even the most basic ingredients can turn into something amazing with a few tricks!
Use spices and seasonings
Even the cheapest meal can taste great with the right spices. Stock up on affordable, versatile spices like:
- Salt and pepper – a must for any dish!
- Garlic and onion powder – for an instant flavour boost
- Chili powder/flakes or paprika - adds heat and depth
- Cumin - great for curries and chilli
- Dried herbs (e.g. oregano, basil, thyme or mixed herbs) – perfect for pasta
Spices and seasonings
Don’t skip onions and garlic
These are affordable, last long, and add instant flavour to almost any meal. Sauté themin oil before adding other ingredients to create a deep, rich flavour base.
Fresh onions and garlic can also be swapped for powdered versions if you want something that lasts even longer.
Cook with the right technique
Certain cooking methods can bring out the best in even basic foods.
- Roasting: Brings out natural sweetness in vegetables and makes potatoes crispy.
- Searing: A quick fry in a hot pan adds a delicious golden crust to meat.
- Simmering: Helps flavours develop in sauces for pasta or rice dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Use cheap flavour boosters
These budget-friendly ingredients add tons of flavour:
- Soy Sauce for stir-fries
- Peanut butter can be used in sauces or curries for a creamy, nutty taste. Mix with soy sauce for a delicious stir-fry sauce!
- Tomato paste deepens pasta sauces, curries and chillis
- Stock cubes adddepth to rice and pasta sauces
- Add curry powder to canned tomatoes and lentils for an easy curry
Layer flavors over time
Don’t dump everything into the pot at once! Adding ingredients in stages (e.g. onions first, then spices, then liquid) builds more depth.
Chilli Con Carne
Let it rest!
Giving food a few minutes to rest after cooking helps the flavours blend. For example, meat stays juicy if you wait a few minutes before cutting. Rice and pasta dishes absorb more flavour if you let it sit for a bit after cooking.
Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean boring meals. Taste your food as you cook, adjust the seasoning, and try new combinations. You’ll be surprised at how delicious cheap ingredients can be!