What budget meal plan covers both lunch and dinner under ₹200/day?

Question

What budget meal plan can cover both lunch and dinner under ₹200/day? Get a sample menu for affordable and balanced all-day eating.

Answer 1

A budget meal plan under ₹200/day can include simple, home-cooked meals like dal-rice, vegetable pulao, or roti with a vegetable curry for lunch and khichdi, upma, or poha for dinner, focusing on affordable and nutritious ingredients. Planning meals and buying ingredients in bulk can help stay within budget.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating a budget meal plan for under ₹200/day requires careful planning and a focus on affordable, nutritious ingredients. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Meal Planning: Start by planning your meals for the week. This helps you avoid impulse purchases and ensures you use ingredients efficiently.

2. Focus on Staples: Base your meals around staples like rice, lentils (dal), wheat flour (atta), and seasonal vegetables. These are generally inexpensive and provide essential nutrients.

3. Lunch Options: Consider options like:

   • Dal-Rice: A simple and filling combination of lentils and rice. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber.

   • Vegetable Pulao: Rice cooked with mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. This is a one-pot meal that's easy to prepare.

   • Roti with Vegetable Curry: Whole wheat flatbreads served with a simple vegetable curry made from potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach.

4. Dinner Options: Consider options like:

   • Khichdi: A comforting and nutritious dish made from rice and lentils, often cooked with vegetables.

   • Upma: A savory semolina (rava) dish cooked with vegetables and spices.

   • Poha: Flattened rice cooked with onions, potatoes, and spices.

5. Bulk Buying: Purchase staples like rice, lentils, and flour in bulk to save money. Look for discounts at local markets or wholesale stores.

6. Seasonal Vegetables: Opt for seasonal vegetables as they are typically cheaper and fresher.

7. Home Cooking: Avoid eating out or ordering food, as this can quickly deplete your budget. Home-cooked meals are generally more affordable and healthier.

8. Sample Budget Breakdown (Approximate):

   • Rice: ₹30

   • Lentils (Dal): ₹40

   • Vegetables: ₹50

   • Flour (Atta): ₹30

   • Oil & Spices: ₹50

Pro Tip:

Reduce food waste by storing leftovers properly and using them in creative ways. For example, leftover roti can be used to make roti noodles or kathi rolls.