Soup for the Soul
Soup often comes to mind when summer gives way to sweater weather. It’s delicious, usually pretty easy to make, works well with whatever is lingering in your fridge and/or pantry, and warms both the body and soul as soon as a spoonful touches your lips.
The Magic of Soup
There’s another reason soup strikes a chord with so many home cooks. Even though inflation is easing, going to the grocery store can still be a gut punch. So any way we can get a good meal onto the table and not break the budget is a good thing.
Economical and Easy
Soup is economical because it lends itself to cheaper cuts of meat and simple ingredients such as canned beans and dried noodles, no-nonsense veggies like carrots and cabbage and spices that most people already have in their spice rack.
Dinner for Two
This $15 dinner for two includes Asian cucumber salad, a hearty wonton soup, and baked pears with maple for dessert. Honestly, it probably takes longer to shop for all the ingredients than it does to stir a pot together — about 20 minutes — though you can let it simmer longer if you’re not in a rush and want to deepen the flavor. And except for the (optional) white miso paste in the broth, it won’t have you running down any fancy ingredients.
Spicy Cucumber Salad
A crunchy Asian cucumber salad is an inexpensive way to start a meal. I added chili crisp because I always have it on hand and I can’t get enough of its spicy, umami flavor. But you could substitute soy sauce or leave it out altogether.
Dumpling Soup
A hearty bowl of dumpling soup is the star of this budget dinner for two. The star that makes this dish so filling is Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons, which are a budget buy at $3.49 for a 12-ounce package. The fragrant vegetable broth is flavored with fresh ginger and ground turmeric, two spices that don’t just add depth, but are also great for chasing away colds.
Maple Baked Pears
Baked pears drizzled with vanilla-kissed maple syrup is an easy fall dessert. Pears are in season throughout fall, and are as easy to cook with as apples. In this simple recipe, they’re halved, scooped, and then drizzled with maple syrup for a quick bake in the oven.
Conclusion
This warm and filling wonton soup that headlines our latest installment of "Dinner for Two" is a pretty good example. It’s completely adaptable to personal taste and what you have in your kitchen. Total cost for the entire meal, which had leftovers: $14.46, or 54 cents under my $15 budget.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to make a delicious and budget-friendly soup?
A: Start with simple ingredients like canned beans and dried noodles, and add cheaper cuts of meat if desired. Use spices and herbs to add flavor instead of expensive sauces.
Q: What are some good options for budget-friendly protein sources?
A: Canned beans, lentils, and eggs are all great options. You can also use cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs or pork shoulder.
Q: How can I make a soup that is both healthy and budget-friendly?
A: Use plenty of vegetables and whole grains, and opt for lean protein sources like beans and lentils. Avoid expensive ingredients like seafood and high-end meats.
Q: What are some good options for budget-friendly desserts?
A: Fresh fruit, oatmeal cookies, and homemade ice cream are all great options. You can also use canned goods like pumpkin and sweet potatoes to make delicious and budget-friendly desserts.