What are smart grocery pairs to cook lunch and dinner on ₹200?

Question

What are some smart grocery pairs to cook lunch and dinner on a ₹200 budget? Discover how to combine ingredients for affordable all-day meals.

Answer 1

For a budget of ₹200, smart grocery pairs include potatoes and lentils for a hearty lunch and dinner, or eggs and spinach for quick, nutritious meals. Planning and focusing on affordable staples is key.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating lunch and dinner on a ₹200 budget requires careful planning and prioritizing affordable, versatile ingredients. Here's a breakdown of how to make it work:

1. Potatoes and Lentils: Potatoes are incredibly cheap and filling. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. You can make aloo sabzi (potato curry) for lunch and dal (lentil soup) for dinner. A kilogram of potatoes and 500g of lentils should easily fit within your budget. Season with basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, which you likely already have or can buy in small, inexpensive packets.
2. Eggs and Spinach: Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, and spinach is packed with nutrients. You can make an egg and spinach omelet for lunch and a simple spinach curry (palak sabzi) with a boiled egg on the side for dinner. A bunch of spinach and half a dozen eggs should be manageable within your budget.
3. Rice and Chickpeas: Rice is a staple in many diets and is relatively inexpensive. Chickpeas are another excellent source of protein and fiber. You can make chana masala (chickpea curry) to eat with rice for both lunch and dinner. A kilogram of rice and 500g of chickpeas should be affordable.
4. Onions and Tomatoes: These are foundational ingredients for many Indian dishes. They add flavor and can be used in almost any curry or vegetable dish. Buying a kilogram of each will provide a base for your meals.

Remember to check local market prices, as they can vary. Also, consider buying in bulk if possible, as it's often more economical in the long run.

Pro Tip:

Plan your meals ahead of time and create a shopping list to avoid impulse buys that can quickly eat into your budget. Stick to the list and resist the temptation to purchase unnecessary items.