Cooking at home is not only a great way to ensure you’re eating healthier, but it can also save you a huge amount of money.
Many foods, when made from scratch, are far cheaper than buying pre-packaged or takeout options.
Here are six foods that are especially budget-friendly when prepared at home:
1. Pizza
Buying a pizza from a restaurant or delivery service can get pricey, but making pizza at home is inexpensive and customizable. With a few basic ingredients like flour, yeast, cheese, and tomato sauce, you can create multiple pizzas for the cost of one takeout pizza. Add your choice of toppings, and you’ll have a satisfying meal for a fraction of the price.
2. Bread
While store-bought bread may seem affordable, the cost adds up over time. Homemade bread requires minimal ingredients, such as flour, yeast, and water, and it can be made in large batches to last for several days. Plus, homemade bread often tastes fresher and can be customized to your liking, from whole wheat to artisan loaves.
3. Pasta
Pasta is another food that’s incredibly inexpensive to make at home. Flour and eggs are the basic ingredients needed for fresh pasta, which is simple to prepare and much cheaper than buying pre-made pasta or boxed meals. Paired with a homemade sauce, you’ll have a filling meal that costs just a few cents per serving.
5. Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are some of the easiest and most affordable meals to prepare at home. Using inexpensive ingredients like beans, lentils, vegetables, and grains, you can create hearty meals that feed many people for just a few dollars. These meals also taste better when made fresh, and they can be stored in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prepping.
5. Puff-Puff
Puff-Puff is a popular Nigerian snack made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, and water. Frying them at home is much more cost-effective than buying from street vendors or packaged options. You can make a large batch for a fraction of the cost, and they can be enjoyed fresh and warm. Puff-Puff is a versatile treat that can be served as a snack or dessert, and you can even customize it with flavors like nutmeg or coconut.
6. Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a beloved Nigerian dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Making it at home is not only affordable but allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. The main ingredients, such as rice, tomatoes, and onions, are inexpensive and can serve several people, making it a great budget-friendly option for large gatherings. Homemade Jollof rice tastes fresh and rich, and it’s often more cost-effective than buying from restaurants or food stalls.