How to make ₹500 grocery stretch for 5 days’ meals?

Question

How can you make a ₹500 grocery budget stretch for 5 days of meals? Get a sample shopping list and menu for extremely affordable cooking.

Answer 1

Plan your meals around inexpensive staples like rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. Buy in bulk where possible and minimize food waste by using leftovers creatively.

Detailed Explanation:

Stretching a ₹500 grocery budget for 5 days requires careful planning and smart shopping. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Meal Planning: Before you even go to the store, plan out your meals for the 5 days. Focus on dishes that use similar ingredients to minimize waste. For example, you could make lentil soup one day and use leftover lentils in a vegetable curry the next.
2. Prioritize Staples: Rice, lentils (dal), potatoes, onions, and seasonal vegetables are your best friends. These are generally inexpensive and can be used in a variety of dishes. Consider buying a larger bag of rice or lentils if you can store them properly, as this is often more cost-effective.
3. Shop Smart: Visit your local market or a discount grocery store. Compare prices and look for deals on vegetables and fruits that are in season. Avoid pre-cut or pre-packaged items, as they are usually more expensive.
4. Protein Sources: While meat might be expensive, consider eggs or dried beans as affordable protein sources. A dozen eggs can provide several meals, and dried beans are very economical when soaked and cooked.
5. Minimize Waste: Use vegetable scraps to make broth. Store leftovers properly and incorporate them into new meals. For example, leftover cooked vegetables can be added to an omelet or used as a filling for parathas.
6. Sample Meal Plan:
   • Day 1: Dal and rice with a simple vegetable stir-fry (e.g., cabbage or spinach).
   • Day 2: Vegetable curry with roti (made from whole wheat flour, if available).
   • Day 3: Khichdi (a one-pot dish of rice, lentils, and vegetables).
   • Day 4: Potato and onion parathas with yogurt (if affordable).
   • Day 5: Egg curry with rice or roti.

Pro Tip:

Don't be afraid to adjust your meal plan based on what's on sale or what you already have in your pantry. Flexibility is key to making your budget stretch! Also, consider growing some herbs like mint or coriander in a small pot; they can add flavor to your meals without costing much.