Italian dishes are world-renowned for their rich and comforting flavors, mainly because they are heavy on delicious carbs, veg, and cheese. If you are a fan of Italian food but have to stick to a budget, luckily for you, this style of cuisine isn’t particularly expensive. All you need to do is keep your wits about you and tap into your creative side, and you’ll be able to appreciate the flavors of Italy from the comfort of your home.
In this article, we’ll explore how to cook the Italian way without breaking the bank.
Essential Ingredients
Ingredients involved in Italian cooking are relatively cheap. Therefore, creating and maintaining a well-stocked pantry to make Italian meals is easy. Here are some essential components to stock up on.
- Pasta: An inexpensive staple in Italian cuisine, whether you want to cook lasagna or follow a pappardelle recipe, the pasta will have you covered. Whether you buy spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, pasta is cheap, delicious, and can be used in various types of dishes.
- Canned Tomatoes: A cheaper alternative to fresh tomatoes that are still tasty, canned tomatoes can be used to make flavorful sauces, soups, and stews.
- Olive Oil: Though it is more expensive, good quality olive oil is a critical ingredient in any style of Mediterranean cuisine. Supermarket-own brand olive oil isn’t too bad, but for the best results, you may, unfortunately, have to spend a little extra here.
- Garlic and Onions: A foundation for numerous Italian dishes, these aromatic ingredients accommodate your wallet and taste buds.
Recipe Ideas
Italian cuisine is a broad term that covers numerous types of dishes. Because of this, if you are on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options, including:
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: This is a simple dish that consists of spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and cheese. It is super simple to prepare and customize to your taste. Because it is minimalistic, it is also a healthy option. Overall, this dish is an incredible and quick option for busy nights in the week.
- Pizza: Rather than buying one frozen, make your pizza from scratch. Use flour, salt, yeast, and water for the base, then top the dough with tomato sauce and cheese. Pizza is a classic and goes down great with adults and children alike.
- Minestrone Soup: A great way to use up leftover vegetables, all you need to do to prepare a minestrone is to combine canned tomatoes, broth, pasta, beans, and any vegetables you have on hand.
- One-Pot Meals: Opting for one-pot recipes like risottos, pasta bakes, or skillet dishes is a great idea. In general, these recipes require minimal cleanup and allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
No matter whether you are a good or bad cook, preparing meals in the Italian style on a budget is easy with some careful planning. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of Italian cuisine to enjoy healthy, homemade, and delicious meals. Follow these tips to keep family meals enjoyable and cheap.
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