Several delicious and nutritious meals can be prepared for two people under ₹100, including vegetable pulao, dal chawal, suji upma, and vegetable noodles. These options utilize affordable staples and seasonal vegetables.
Creating budget-friendly meals requires focusing on inexpensive staple ingredients like rice, lentils (dal), semolina (suji), and seasonal vegetables. Here's a breakdown of how to prepare some of the suggested meals:
1. Vegetable Pulao: Rice is a very affordable grain. Combine it with readily available vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and peas. A small amount of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander can add flavor without significantly increasing the cost. A simple pulao can be made with 1 cup of rice, 1 potato, 1 onion, and a handful of peas, costing well under ₹100.
2. Dal Chawal: Lentils (dal) are a great source of protein and are relatively inexpensive. Toor dal or masoor dal are good choices. Cook the dal with basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and asafoetida (hing). Serve it with rice for a complete and satisfying meal. 1/2 cup of dal and 1 cup of rice will easily feed two people under budget.
3. Suji Upma: Semolina (suji) is another budget-friendly option. Roast the suji and then cook it with water, onions, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. You can add vegetables like carrots and peas for added nutrition and flavor. 1 cup of suji is sufficient for two people.
4. Vegetable Noodles: A packet of instant noodles can be made more nutritious and filling by adding chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. This stretches the meal and adds essential vitamins and minerals.
Buy vegetables from local markets or directly from farmers to get the best prices. Planning your meals around seasonal vegetables will also help you save money.