Cheap Eats: Meatless Monday Recipes That Cost Under $5 per Serving 💸💰

Hey there, foodies! Are you looking for some meatless Monday recipe inspiration? Whether you’re a vegetarian, flexitarian, or just looking to cut back on your meat consumption, these affordable and delicious recipes will surely satisfy your taste buds AND your wallet. 🤑

Chickpea and Vegetable Curry 🍛

Curries are a great way to pack in plenty of flavor using affordable ingredients. This recipe features chickpeas, which are a great source of plant-based protein, and an array of veggies for plenty of color and nutrition. The recipe makes four servings and costs less than $5 per serving.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp curry powder 🍛
• 1 tsp cumin 🌿
• 1 tsp coriander 🍃
• 1 can of chickpeas 🐣
• 2 cups of mixed veggies (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.) 🥕🌶️🥒
• 1 can of coconut milk 🥥
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, toast the curry powder, cumin, and coriander until fragrant.
2. Add the mixed veggies and canned chickpeas to the pot and stir well.
3. Pour in the can of coconut milk and let simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Easy Lentil Soup 🍲

Lentils are another fantastic plant-based protein source that can be used in a variety of dishes. This simple lentil soup recipe makes 6 servings at under $2 per serving, making it a budget-friendly option for meatless Monday.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion 🧅
• 2 carrots 🥕
• 2 celery stalks 🌿
• 3 cloves of garlic 🧄
• 1 cup of dried lentils 🍲
• 6 cups of water 💦
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add the garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute.
3. Pour in the dried lentils and water and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil 🍝

Sometimes, all you need is a simple and satisfying pasta dish to hit the spot. This recipe is super easy and only requires a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick and cheap meatless Monday meal. At under $2 per serving, it’s also great for those on a tight budget.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb of spaghetti 🍝
• 1/4 cup of olive oil 🫒
• 4 cloves of garlic 🧄
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and garlic on medium heat until the garlic is lightly browned.
3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and toss it in the pan with the garlic and oil.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Black Bean Quesadillas 🌮

Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla? This recipe is loaded with protein and flavor, thanks to the black beans and Mexican spices. The recipe makes 4 servings and comes in at under $2 per serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of black beans 🖤
• 1 red bell pepper 🌶️
• 1/2 onion 🧅
• 1 tsp chili powder 🌶️
• 1/2 tsp cumin 🌿
• 1/2 tsp paprika 🍂
• Flour tortillas 🌯
• Shredded cheddar cheese 🧀

Instructions:

1. Preheat a pan over medium heat.
2. Drain and rinse the black beans and add them to the pan.
3. Add chopped bell pepper and onion to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the pan and stir well.
5. Spread some shredded cheddar cheese on a flour tortilla.
6. Spoon some of the black bean mixture on top of the cheese.
7. Top with another tortilla and press down.
8. Cook the quesadilla on both sides until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
9. Cut the quesadilla into slices and enjoy!

With these budget-friendly and delicious meatless Monday recipes, you’ll never have to sacrifice tasty meals for your wallet. Give them a try and let us know which one is your favorite! 🤤