If you're new to SaveALot, take a look at this post to see how to get the best values.
How To Shop SaveALot. Check the pantry before you go, to stock up on the low every-day price of many basics.
Also check their website for several months worth of $5.00 meals. Their Fuel Your Family program gives you hundreds of menus that feed 4 people for less than $5.00.
Meat and produce specials run from the 1st to the 14th of the month. This month you can stock up on bottom round roasts at $2.49 a pound, which is about a dollar per pound less than the usual Kroger sale price. You can also stock the freezer with boneless chicken breasts at $1.69 a pound. You'll enjoy the extremely low price for the rest of the month.
This week, you can get 5 pounds of potatoes free with $10.00 additional purchase.
This ~$4.50 dinner provides 4 oz of roast beef, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1/2 cup of green beans per serving.
Roast beef, roast potatoes, green beans
Buy: Bottom round, potatoes
Pantry: Green beans
For 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs Bottom Round $3.62
1 3/4 pounds Potatoes free
2 cans Green beans $0.94
Total $4.56
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Corned Beef
Corned beef requires long, slow cooking. It's a perfect Crockpot dish.
Corned Beef
Crush mustard seeds, caraway, coriander and peppercorns*. Rub into both sides of beef brisket.
Pour 1 cup of water in bottom of crockpot, and add brisket.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Slice thinly to serve.
*If your corned beef comes with a spice packet, use that instead.
*I use a small coffee grinder to crush whole seeds.
Corned Beef
| Beef brisket | 4 lbs |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Caraway seeds | 1 tsp |
| Peppercorns | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander | 1/2 tsp |
Crush mustard seeds, caraway, coriander and peppercorns*. Rub into both sides of beef brisket.
Pour 1 cup of water in bottom of crockpot, and add brisket.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Slice thinly to serve.
*If your corned beef comes with a spice packet, use that instead.
*I use a small coffee grinder to crush whole seeds.
Extremely Frugal Colcannon
A traditional Irish potato and cabbage dish
Colcannon
Boil cabbage, chop fine. Peel and boil potatoes, then mash. Chop green onions.
Bring milk to boil, add onions, salt and pepper to taste.
Add butter and cabbage to milk, fold in mashed potatoes.
Beat well until light and fluffy.
Simplify:
Substitute 1/4 C chopped onions for the green onions.
Colcannon
| Cabbage, shredded | 2 C |
| Potatoes | 4 C |
| Green onions | 6 |
| Milk | 1/2 C |
| Butter | 1/4 C |
Boil cabbage, chop fine. Peel and boil potatoes, then mash. Chop green onions.
Bring milk to boil, add onions, salt and pepper to taste.
Add butter and cabbage to milk, fold in mashed potatoes.
Beat well until light and fluffy.
Simplify:
Substitute 1/4 C chopped onions for the green onions.
$5 Dinner Corned Beef
This week's specials at Meijer include corned beef brisket and green cabbage.
This ~$4.50 dinner provides 4 oz of corned beef, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1 cup of cabbage per serving.
Corned Beef, Extremely Frugal Colcannon
Buy: Corned beef, cabbage
Pantry: Onions, butter, potatoes
For 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs Corned beef $3.56
1 3/4 lbs Potatoes $0.50
1 1/2 lbs Cabbage $0.30
Total $4.36
This ~$4.50 dinner provides 4 oz of corned beef, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1 cup of cabbage per serving.
Corned Beef, Extremely Frugal Colcannon
Buy: Corned beef, cabbage
Pantry: Onions, butter, potatoes
For 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs Corned beef $3.56
1 3/4 lbs Potatoes $0.50
1 1/2 lbs Cabbage $0.30
Total $4.36
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Price is Right
Here's this week's best buys in southeast Michigan. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
26¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
30¢ Whole turkey .77 per pound (Kroger)
44¢ Boneless, skinless chicken breast 1.69 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Whole chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
48¢ Ground chuck 1.88 per pound (Kroger)
53¢ Pork loin, boneless 1.79 per pound (Meijer)
68¢ Bottom round roast, boneless 2.49 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Peanut butter 1.21 per pound (Kroger)
25¢ Eggs, 1.00 per dozen (Kroger)
50¢ Cottage cheese 2.00 for 24 oz (Meijer)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Green cabbage .19 per pound (Meijer)
09¢ Spinach salad .91/ 10 oz (Meijer)
16¢ Green beans frozen .91 per pound (Meijer)
16¢ Celery 1.00 per bunch (Meijer_
19¢ Broccoli, frozen .91 per pound (Meijer)
20¢ Broccoli, fresh 1.00 per bunch (Meijer)
26¢ Roma tomato .99 per pound (Kroger)
38¢ Spinach, cooked .91/10 oz (Meijer)
56¢ Onions 3 lb $1.68 (Kroger)
Stock The Pantry
1.00 Tomato paste 15 oz Contadina (Meijer)
2.50 Vegetable oil 48 oz $2.50 (Meijer)
Other good buys
91¢ Pasta sauce, Hunts 26.5 oz .91 (Meijer)
40¢ Yogurt 8 oz (Meijer)
91¢ Zatarain Side Dishes (Meijer)
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
26¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
30¢ Whole turkey .77 per pound (Kroger)
44¢ Boneless, skinless chicken breast 1.69 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Whole chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
48¢ Ground chuck 1.88 per pound (Kroger)
53¢ Pork loin, boneless 1.79 per pound (Meijer)
68¢ Bottom round roast, boneless 2.49 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Peanut butter 1.21 per pound (Kroger)
25¢ Eggs, 1.00 per dozen (Kroger)
50¢ Cottage cheese 2.00 for 24 oz (Meijer)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Green cabbage .19 per pound (Meijer)
09¢ Spinach salad .91/ 10 oz (Meijer)
16¢ Green beans frozen .91 per pound (Meijer)
16¢ Celery 1.00 per bunch (Meijer_
19¢ Broccoli, frozen .91 per pound (Meijer)
20¢ Broccoli, fresh 1.00 per bunch (Meijer)
26¢ Roma tomato .99 per pound (Kroger)
38¢ Spinach, cooked .91/10 oz (Meijer)
56¢ Onions 3 lb $1.68 (Kroger)
Stock The Pantry
1.00 Tomato paste 15 oz Contadina (Meijer)
2.50 Vegetable oil 48 oz $2.50 (Meijer)
Other good buys
91¢ Pasta sauce, Hunts 26.5 oz .91 (Meijer)
40¢ Yogurt 8 oz (Meijer)
91¢ Zatarain Side Dishes (Meijer)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Cantaloupe Salsa
An interesting way to make cantaloupe a dinner side dish.
Coarsely chop the cantaloupe. Dice the onion and bell pepper Finely chop the fresh chilis and cilantro.
Toss vegetables with salt, lime juice, and oil. Let sit for at least one hour. Served with broiled or grilled chicken.
Simplify it:
Use green bell pepper instead of red.
Or substitute diced tomatoes for bell pepper.
Use canned green chilis instead of fresh.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice.
| Cantaloupe | 1 1/2C |
| Onion | 1/4 C |
| Red bell pepper | 1/4 C |
| Fresh chilis | 1 Tbsp |
| Cilantro | 1/4 C |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Lime Juice | 2 Tbsp |
| Oil | 1 Tbsp |
Coarsely chop the cantaloupe. Dice the onion and bell pepper Finely chop the fresh chilis and cilantro.
Toss vegetables with salt, lime juice, and oil. Let sit for at least one hour. Served with broiled or grilled chicken.
Simplify it:
Use green bell pepper instead of red.
Or substitute diced tomatoes for bell pepper.
Use canned green chilis instead of fresh.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice.
$5 Dinner BBQ Chicken
This week's specials at Kroger include chicken thighs, potatoes, and cantaloupe.
Barbequed chicken thighs, Cantaloupe salsa, Roasted potato wedges.
This ~$5.00 dinner provides 4 oz of cooked chicken, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1/2 cup of salsa per serving.
Buy: Chicken thighs, cantaloupe, cilantro
Pantry: onions, potatoes, bell pepper, green chilis
For 4 servings
2 lb chicken thighs $2.40
1 cantaloupe $0.99
1/4 lb onions $0.10
1 lb potatoes $0.12
1 bell pepper $0.80
1/4 C cilantro $.20
Total $4.70
Barbequed chicken thighs, Cantaloupe salsa, Roasted potato wedges.
This ~$5.00 dinner provides 4 oz of cooked chicken, 1 cup of potatoes, and 1/2 cup of salsa per serving.
Buy: Chicken thighs, cantaloupe, cilantro
Pantry: onions, potatoes, bell pepper, green chilis
For 4 servings
2 lb chicken thighs $2.40
1 cantaloupe $0.99
1/4 lb onions $0.10
1 lb potatoes $0.12
1 bell pepper $0.80
1/4 C cilantro $.20
Total $4.70
Monday, March 2, 2009
Simple Fresh Plum Chutney
An easy side dish for baked ham
4 servings
Chop onions coarsely. Remove pits and stems from plums and cut into quarters. Grate ginger.
Saute onions in butter until soft. Add plums and ginger and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add brown sugar and vinegar, and stir well. Set aside until ready to serve, then reheat. You can even make this the day before and refrigerate. The flavors blend nicely when held overnight.
Fancy it up:
Use balsamic vinegar instead of cider vinegar. Use only 1 tsp for a very subtle flavor.
4 servings
| Butter | 1 Tbsp |
| Plums | 1 lb |
| Onion | 1 C |
| Ginger | 2 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 Tbsp |
| Vinegar | 1 Tbsp |
Chop onions coarsely. Remove pits and stems from plums and cut into quarters. Grate ginger.
Saute onions in butter until soft. Add plums and ginger and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add brown sugar and vinegar, and stir well. Set aside until ready to serve, then reheat. You can even make this the day before and refrigerate. The flavors blend nicely when held overnight.
Fancy it up:
Use balsamic vinegar instead of cider vinegar. Use only 1 tsp for a very subtle flavor.
$5 Dinner Baked Ham
This week's specials at Meijer include a bone-in ham, and fresh plums.
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 4 oz of baked ham, 2 biscuits, and 1/2 cup of plum chutney per serving.
Baked Ham, Plum Chutney, Extremely Frugal Biscuits.
Buy: Ham, plums
Pantry: Onions, fresh ginger, brown sugar, cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, flour, shortening,
For 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs Ham $1.40
1 lb Plums $0.99
1 lb Onions $0.56
2 cups Flour $0.15
Total $3.10
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 4 oz of baked ham, 2 biscuits, and 1/2 cup of plum chutney per serving.
Baked Ham, Plum Chutney, Extremely Frugal Biscuits.
Buy: Ham, plums
Pantry: Onions, fresh ginger, brown sugar, cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, flour, shortening,
For 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs Ham $1.40
1 lb Plums $0.99
1 lb Onions $0.56
2 cups Flour $0.15
Total $3.10
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Price is Right
Here's this week's best buys in southeast Michigan. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
26¢ Ham, bone in .99 per pound (Meijer)
30¢ Turkey, whole .77 per pound (Kroger)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
43¢ Chicken thighs $1.19 per pound (Kroger)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
51¢ Chicken boneless skinless breast $1.99 per pound (Meijer)
60¢ Italian sausage $2.50/20 oz (Meijer)
71¢ Cheese $3.76 per pound (Kroger)
72¢ Pork, western ribs $1.99 per pound (Kroger)
75¢ Ground round $2.99 per pound (Kroger)
95¢ Bottom round $3.49 per pound (Kroger)
$1.07 Catfish fillets $3.99 per pound(Meijer)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
27¢ Peanut butter [80 oz jar] (Meijer)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans .47 per can (SaveALot)
18¢ Plums .99 per pound (Meijer)
19¢ Grapes .89 per pound (Meijer)
22¢ Nectarines .99 per pound (Meijer)
29¢ Cantaloupe .99 per melon (Meijer, Kroger)
38¢ Peaches .99 per pound (Meijer)
83¢ Asparagus $1.99 per pound (Kroger)
Stock The Pantry
Sugar 40¢ per pound (10 lbs 3.99) (Meijer)
Bacon $2.00 per pound (Meijer)
Walnuts $3.99 per pound (Meijer)
Other good buys
Chipotle Honey BBQ sauce Sweet Baby Ray $1.00 (Meijer)
Almonds $4.99 per pound (Meijer)
Milk continues to drop in price. Both Kroger and Meijer now have a standard sale price of $2.00 per gallon.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
26¢ Ham, bone in .99 per pound (Meijer)
30¢ Turkey, whole .77 per pound (Kroger)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
43¢ Chicken thighs $1.19 per pound (Kroger)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
51¢ Chicken boneless skinless breast $1.99 per pound (Meijer)
60¢ Italian sausage $2.50/20 oz (Meijer)
71¢ Cheese $3.76 per pound (Kroger)
72¢ Pork, western ribs $1.99 per pound (Kroger)
75¢ Ground round $2.99 per pound (Kroger)
95¢ Bottom round $3.49 per pound (Kroger)
$1.07 Catfish fillets $3.99 per pound(Meijer)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
27¢ Peanut butter [80 oz jar] (Meijer)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans .47 per can (SaveALot)
18¢ Plums .99 per pound (Meijer)
19¢ Grapes .89 per pound (Meijer)
22¢ Nectarines .99 per pound (Meijer)
29¢ Cantaloupe .99 per melon (Meijer, Kroger)
38¢ Peaches .99 per pound (Meijer)
83¢ Asparagus $1.99 per pound (Kroger)
Stock The Pantry
Sugar 40¢ per pound (10 lbs 3.99) (Meijer)
Bacon $2.00 per pound (Meijer)
Walnuts $3.99 per pound (Meijer)
Other good buys
Chipotle Honey BBQ sauce Sweet Baby Ray $1.00 (Meijer)
Almonds $4.99 per pound (Meijer)
Milk continues to drop in price. Both Kroger and Meijer now have a standard sale price of $2.00 per gallon.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Simple Sunday Lentils
Sunday Lentils
Serves 4
Boil lentils with basil, salt and water, drain.
Saute onion, cumin and garlic in oil. Add lentils and tomatoes. Cook until very thick.
Serves 4
| Lentils, dry | 2 C |
| Basil | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Water | 4 C |
| Onions | 1 C |
| Cumin | 2 tsp |
| Oil | 1/4 C |
| Garlic | 2 clove |
| Tomatoes, diced | 2 C |
Saute onion, cumin and garlic in oil. Add lentils and tomatoes. Cook until very thick.
$5 Dinner Sunday Lentils
Lentils are always a good deal at SaveALot. This basil-cumin tomato sauce adds an interesting flavor twist
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 1 cup of lentils, 2 biscuits, and 1/2 cup of green beans per serving.
Sunday Lentils, Cheese biscuits, Green beans.
Buy: Shredded cheddar cheese, lentils
Pantry: Basil, onions, cumin, flour, green beans
For 4 servings
1/2 lb Lentils $0.43
2 cups Tomatoes $0.75
2 cups Flour $0.15
4 ounces Cheese $0.83
2 cups Green beans $0.80
Total $2.96
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 1 cup of lentils, 2 biscuits, and 1/2 cup of green beans per serving.
Sunday Lentils, Cheese biscuits, Green beans.
Buy: Shredded cheddar cheese, lentils
Pantry: Basil, onions, cumin, flour, green beans
For 4 servings
1/2 lb Lentils $0.43
2 cups Tomatoes $0.75
2 cups Flour $0.15
4 ounces Cheese $0.83
2 cups Green beans $0.80
Total $2.96
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Parisian Carrot Salad
An easy side dish for winter meals.
Parisian Carrot Salad
Serves 4
Mince parsley very fine, and shred carrots.
Drizzle oil over mixture.
Crush garlic and add to mixture along with salt and pepper.
Stir well, coating carrots thoroughly.
Sprinkle vinegar over mixture, toss, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Simplify:
Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil
Use cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar
Parisian Carrot Salad
Serves 4
| Carrots | 2 C |
| Parsley | 1/2 C |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 Tbsp |
Mince parsley very fine, and shred carrots.
Drizzle oil over mixture.
Crush garlic and add to mixture along with salt and pepper.
Stir well, coating carrots thoroughly.
Sprinkle vinegar over mixture, toss, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Simplify:
Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil
Use cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
$5 Dinner Simple Lemon Thyme Chicken
Broccoli is on sale at $1.00 per bunch, and the Value brand leg quarters are $5.90 for 10 pounds.
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 4 ounces of cooked chicken, 1 cup of rice, and 1/2 cup broccoli per person.
Buy: Chicken leg quarters, broccoli
Pantry: Oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rice, chicken broth.
For 4 servings
2.5 lb chicken $1.50
1 bunch broccoli $1.00
1 1/4 C rice $0.35
Use the chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice. After the chicken has baked, skim off the fat from the juices left in the pan, and pour the flavorful juices over the rice at the table. Sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the broccoli as it is steaming for a bright flavor.
Simple Lemon Thyme Chicken, steamed broccoli, Rice
You can add some Baked Pears for a seasonal dessert.
This ~$3.00 dinner provides 4 ounces of cooked chicken, 1 cup of rice, and 1/2 cup broccoli per person.
Buy: Chicken leg quarters, broccoli
Pantry: Oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rice, chicken broth.
For 4 servings
2.5 lb chicken $1.50
1 bunch broccoli $1.00
1 1/4 C rice $0.35
Use the chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice. After the chicken has baked, skim off the fat from the juices left in the pan, and pour the flavorful juices over the rice at the table. Sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the broccoli as it is steaming for a bright flavor.
Simple Lemon Thyme Chicken, steamed broccoli, Rice
You can add some Baked Pears for a seasonal dessert.
Simple Lemon Thyme Chicken
Lemon Thyme Chicken
4 servings
Arrange leg quarters in roasting pan skin side up.
Whisk together olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and thyme.
Brush over chicken, and let marinate for 1 hour.
Place in oven (no need to preheat) and set to 350 F. Roast for 50-60 minutes, checking to be sure thick part of thigh is done.
Drain off pan juices, and skim off fat. Serve pan juices on the side.
4 servings
| Leg quarters | 2.5 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp |
| Thyme | 1 tsp |
Whisk together olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and thyme.
Brush over chicken, and let marinate for 1 hour.
Place in oven (no need to preheat) and set to 350 F. Roast for 50-60 minutes, checking to be sure thick part of thigh is done.
Drain off pan juices, and skim off fat. Serve pan juices on the side.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hungarian Pork Goulash
Hungarian Pork Goulash
4 servings
Slice onions thin, and saute in oil. Add pork, saute 5-10 minutes.
Add paprika, tomato paste, garlic, salt, and flour.
PUt in slow cooker on low for 7 hours, adding liquid if necessary.
Half an hour before serving, dice and saute green pepper and add to meat mixture.
Mix a small amount of the cooking liquid with the sour cream, and stir back into cooker.
Serve over noodles.
4 servings
| Oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Onions | 4 C (1 lb) |
| Pork shoulder, bone in | 2 lb |
| Paprika | 2 Tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Flour | 1 Tbsp |
| Chicken stock | 2 Tbsp |
| Green pepper | 1/2 C |
| Sour cream | 1/2C |
Add paprika, tomato paste, garlic, salt, and flour.
PUt in slow cooker on low for 7 hours, adding liquid if necessary.
Half an hour before serving, dice and saute green pepper and add to meat mixture.
Mix a small amount of the cooking liquid with the sour cream, and stir back into cooker.
Serve over noodles.
$5 Dinner Hungarian Pork Goulash
This week at Meijer, you can get a good deal on western ribs, and green beans.
This $3.50 dinner provides a 4 ounce serving of pork ($2.25), 1 cup of noodles (.53), and 1/2 C (.63) of green beans per person.
Hungarian Pork Goulash, Noodles, Green beans
Buy: 2 lb western ribs, 1 lb frozen Freshlike green beans, 1 green pepper
In the pantry: Sour cream (on sale last week), onions, tomato paste, garlic, salt, flour, noodles.
This $3.50 dinner provides a 4 ounce serving of pork ($2.25), 1 cup of noodles (.53), and 1/2 C (.63) of green beans per person.
Hungarian Pork Goulash, Noodles, Green beans
Buy: 2 lb western ribs, 1 lb frozen Freshlike green beans, 1 green pepper
In the pantry: Sour cream (on sale last week), onions, tomato paste, garlic, salt, flour, noodles.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Price is Right Feb 22 - 28
Here's this week's best buys in southeast Michigan. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
32¢ Chicken thighs .89 per pound (Meijer)
35¢ Pork, western ribs .99 per pound (Meijer)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
25¢ Peanut butter 17 oz 1.29 (Kroger)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans (frozen) $1.00 per pound (Meijer)
18¢ Broccoli $1.00 per bunch (Kroger)
20¢ Grapes $1.00 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Avocado $1.00 each (Meijer)
Pantry Items
Walnuts $3.99 per pound (Meijer)
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
32¢ Chicken thighs .89 per pound (Meijer)
35¢ Pork, western ribs .99 per pound (Meijer)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
25¢ Peanut butter 17 oz 1.29 (Kroger)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans (frozen) $1.00 per pound (Meijer)
18¢ Broccoli $1.00 per bunch (Kroger)
20¢ Grapes $1.00 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Avocado $1.00 each (Meijer)
Pantry Items
Walnuts $3.99 per pound (Meijer)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Simple Baked Pears
Seasonal fruits combined in a simple dessert
Slice oranges without peeling.
Layer in bottom of baking dish, and sprinkle raisins on top.
Halve and core pears. Place cut side down on oranges.
Mix brown sugar and water, and pour over pears.
Dot with butter, cover, and bake a 325 F for 45 minutes to an hour.
Fancy it up:
Add 1/2 C white wine before you cover the baking dish. A flavor-enhancer that makes the dish stand out.
| Pears | 3 |
| Oranges | 1 |
| Raisins | 3 Tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 C |
| Water | 1/3 C |
| Butter | 1 Tbsp |
Slice oranges without peeling.
Layer in bottom of baking dish, and sprinkle raisins on top.
Halve and core pears. Place cut side down on oranges.
Mix brown sugar and water, and pour over pears.
Dot with butter, cover, and bake a 325 F for 45 minutes to an hour.
Fancy it up:
Add 1/2 C white wine before you cover the baking dish. A flavor-enhancer that makes the dish stand out.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Televaros
An interesting combination of creamed corn with bay leaf
Televaro Casserole
Brown meat, add celery, onions, green pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until tender. Add corn and Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and sugar.
Boil noodles until just tender.
Layer meat and noodles in casserole. (Optional: cover with breadcrumbs and dot with butter).
Bake at 375 F until browned, about 30 minutes.
Televaro Casserole
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 1/4 lb |
| Corn, cream style | 1 1/2 C | 1/2C |
| Green pepper | 1/4 C | 1 Tbsp |
| Onion | 3/4 C | 1/4C |
| Celery | 1 C | 1/4C |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 Tbsp | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 1/4 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 1/4 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 Tbsp | 3/4 tsp |
| Noodles | 12 oz | 3 oz |
Brown meat, add celery, onions, green pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until tender. Add corn and Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and sugar.
Boil noodles until just tender.
Layer meat and noodles in casserole. (Optional: cover with breadcrumbs and dot with butter).
Bake at 375 F until browned, about 30 minutes.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
$5 Dinner Televaro Casserole
One of my favorite casseroles contains creamed corn. I like casseroles because they put the meat, the starch and the vegetable all in one dish.
Televaros
Televaros Casserole
Total cost $4.75
Televaros
Televaros Casserole
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 1.60 |
| Noodles | 12 oz | .90 |
| Creamed corn | 14.5 oz | .50 |
| Green pepper | 1/4 C | .25 |
| Celery | .20 | |
| Onion | .30 | |
| Salad | 1.00 |
Total cost $4.75
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
$5 Dinner Rosemary Roasted Chicken
A frugal menu for items you can buy at Kroger this week.
The least expensive meat at Kroger this week is the 10-pound bag of chicken leg quarters.
Menu
Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Apple Onion Saute, Roasted Potatoes
Shopping
Chicken leg quarters 2.5 lbs $1.48
Granny Smith apples 1 lb $.75
Onions .5 lb $.28
Potatoes 1 lb $.30
Total $2.80
Provides 4-oz serving of cooked chicken, 1/2 C serving of apples and onions, 1/2 C roasted potatoes for 4 people.
The least expensive meat at Kroger this week is the 10-pound bag of chicken leg quarters.
Menu
Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Apple Onion Saute, Roasted Potatoes
Shopping
Chicken leg quarters 2.5 lbs $1.48
Granny Smith apples 1 lb $.75
Onions .5 lb $.28
Potatoes 1 lb $.30
Total $2.80
Provides 4-oz serving of cooked chicken, 1/2 C serving of apples and onions, 1/2 C roasted potatoes for 4 people.
Monday, February 16, 2009
$5 Dinner Simple African Peanut Chicken
A frugal menu for items you can buy at Meijer this week.
Simple African Peanut Chicken, Rice, Steamed Broccoli
Buy:
1 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken breast ($1.50)
1 bunch broccoli ($1.00)
From the pantry:
1 pound rice ($.70)
1 C diced tomatoes(.40 Jan 31 sale)
3/4 C peanut butter ($.55)
Total: $4.15
Per person: 4 ounces chicken, 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup broccoli
Simple African Peanut Chicken, Rice, Steamed Broccoli
Buy:
1 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken breast ($1.50)
1 bunch broccoli ($1.00)
From the pantry:
1 pound rice ($.70)
1 C diced tomatoes(.40 Jan 31 sale)
3/4 C peanut butter ($.55)
Total: $4.15
Per person: 4 ounces chicken, 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup broccoli
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Price is Right Feb 15 - 21
Here's this week's best buys in southeast Michigan. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
28¢ Chicken breast, bone in $1.00 per pound (Meijer)
38¢ Whole turkey 97¢ (Kroger)
42¢ Whole chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
27¢ Peanut butter [80 oz jar] (Meijer)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
12¢ Grapefruit $1.98 for 5 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans .47 per can (SaveALot)
10¢ Apples $1 for 4 (Kroger)
20¢ Broccoli $1 per bunch (Meijer)
21¢ Pineapple .99 per 20 oz can (SaveALot)
26¢ Zucchini .99 per pound (Kroger)
Milk continues to drop in price. Both Kroger and Meijer now have a standard sale price of $2.00 per gallon.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken leg quarters .59 per pound (Kroger, SaveALot)
28¢ Chicken breast, bone in $1.00 per pound (Meijer)
38¢ Whole turkey 97¢ (Kroger)
42¢ Whole chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
42¢ Ground beef $1.60 per pound (SaveALot)
46¢ Ground chuck $1.79 per pound (SaveALot)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
13¢ Lentils .79 per pound (SaveALot)
27¢ Peanut butter [80 oz jar] (Meijer)
32¢ Eggs (SaveALot)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
03¢ Cabbage .39 per pound (SaveALot)
09¢ Onions .43 per pound (SaveALot)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
12¢ Grapefruit $1.98 for 5 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Green beans .47 per can (SaveALot)
10¢ Apples $1 for 4 (Kroger)
20¢ Broccoli $1 per bunch (Meijer)
21¢ Pineapple .99 per 20 oz can (SaveALot)
26¢ Zucchini .99 per pound (Kroger)
Milk continues to drop in price. Both Kroger and Meijer now have a standard sale price of $2.00 per gallon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
$5 Dinner Teriyaki Chicken
Savealot has chicken leg quarters on sale for 39¢ a pound, canned green beans for 47¢ a can, and rice for 66¢ a pound.
A dinner for four people** would require 2.5 pounds of leg quarters ($1.00), 2 cans of green beans (1.00), and a pound of rice (70¢) or approximately $2.75
Simple Teriyaki Sauce
Simple Teriyaki Chicken
Extremely Frugal Rice
** serving sizes: 4 oz cooked chicken, 1/2 C green beans, 1 C rice. You'll have a couple extra servings of green beans and of rice.
A dinner for four people** would require 2.5 pounds of leg quarters ($1.00), 2 cans of green beans (1.00), and a pound of rice (70¢) or approximately $2.75
Simple Teriyaki Sauce
Simple Teriyaki Chicken
Extremely Frugal Rice
** serving sizes: 4 oz cooked chicken, 1/2 C green beans, 1 C rice. You'll have a couple extra servings of green beans and of rice.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Simple Cabbage Tomato Soup
A wonderful winter soup.
Cabbage and Tomato Soup
6 servings
Saute bacon, bay leaf, and oil over medium heat until bacon is translucent.
Stir in cabbage and onion and saute 5 minutes.
Add allspice, paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat and let vegetables steam gently in their own juices. Do not brown.
Add vinegar, tomatoes, and chicken stock. Add sufficient water to cover the tops of the vegetables.
Simmer 30 minutes, until cabbage is soft. Puree 1 or 2 cups, and stir back into pan. Taste for balance, and serve hot.
Cabbage and Tomato Soup
6 servings
| Cabbage | 2 C |
| Tomatoes, canned | 28 oz |
| Bacon | 3 slices |
| Onion | 1 C |
| Oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Allspice | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika | 2 Tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 Tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 Tbsp |
| Vinegar, cider | 1/3 C |
| Chicken stock | 3 C |
Saute bacon, bay leaf, and oil over medium heat until bacon is translucent.
Stir in cabbage and onion and saute 5 minutes.
Add allspice, paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat and let vegetables steam gently in their own juices. Do not brown.
Add vinegar, tomatoes, and chicken stock. Add sufficient water to cover the tops of the vegetables.
Simmer 30 minutes, until cabbage is soft. Puree 1 or 2 cups, and stir back into pan. Taste for balance, and serve hot.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Price Is Right Feb 8 - 14
Here's this week's best buys in southeast Michigan. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken Leg Quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
41¢ Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless) 1.50 per pound (Meijer)
42¢ Whole Chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
52 cent; Pork Loin, boneless $1.77 per pound (Kroger)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Eggs .99 per dozen (Kroger)
25¢ Peanut Butter 17 oz jar (Kroger)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
07¢ Cabbage .54 per pound (Meijer)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Onions $1.00 for 3 pounds (Kroger)
19¢ Oranges $1.00 for 3 (Kroger)
23¢ Green beans Freshlike canned $3 for 4 (Meijer)
25¢ Pears .99 per pound (Kroger)
Menus for this week might include omlets, deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches, and other favorite egg dishes.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken Leg Quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
41¢ Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless) 1.50 per pound (Meijer)
42¢ Whole Chicken .89 per pound (Kroger)
52 cent; Pork Loin, boneless $1.77 per pound (Kroger)
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Eggs .99 per dozen (Kroger)
25¢ Peanut Butter 17 oz jar (Kroger)
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
07¢ Cabbage .54 per pound (Meijer)
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
14¢ Onions $1.00 for 3 pounds (Kroger)
19¢ Oranges $1.00 for 3 (Kroger)
23¢ Green beans Freshlike canned $3 for 4 (Meijer)
25¢ Pears .99 per pound (Kroger)
Menus for this week might include omlets, deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches, and other favorite egg dishes.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Simple Roasted Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken can give you all kinds of bonus ingredients. In addition to the meat, there are bones and gravy. If you stuff it before you roast it, there's a side-dish of dressing. You can use the bones from the cooked chicken to make stock. In fact, if you roast them after the meat has been removed, the stock has a richer flavor. If I'm feeling especially frugal, I let the fat congeal and refrigerate it until I need to grease a casserole.
Simply Frugal Roast Chicken
Wash chicken, and remove heart, liver, gizzard, and neck.
Place neck, gizzard, and heart in water, along with bay leaf and half the onion. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and reserve stock.
Chop heart, gizzard, and liver fine. Saute with remaining onion in fat for a few minutes.
Combine with bread, celery, basil, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
Pour stock over dressing to moisten.
Stuff interior of chicken just before the chicken is put in the oven. You can double the amount, and bake the remainder in a greased casserole dish.
Place chicken in oven.
Turn on oven and set to 350 ℉ Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Pour off liquid, and allow fat to rise to the top. Skim and reserve fat.
Add flour to pan drippings. Stir until flour is incorporated. Add milk for cream gravy, add the liquid from the roast for a thinner gravy. Stir over medium heat until gravy thickens.
After the meal, place carcass and bones in a plastic bag, and freeze until ready to make stock.
*Fat, Bread, Preheated Oven
Fat: the frugal cook uses bacon fat, chicken fat, vegetable oil, or butter.
Bread: the frugal cook uses left over bread, bagels, or cornbread.
Preheated oven: the frugal cook knows you do not need to preheat the oven if you are roasting meat.
Simply Frugal Roast Chicken
| Ingredient | 4 servings |
| Chicken, whole | 1 |
| Giblets | |
| Water | 1 1/2 C |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Fat* | 2 Tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 2 Tbsp |
| Bread*, diced | 2 C |
| Celery | 1/4 C |
| Basil | 1/4 tsp |
| Thyme | 1/4 tsp |
| Sage | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Flour | 1 Tbsp |
| Milk | 1 C |
Wash chicken, and remove heart, liver, gizzard, and neck.
Place neck, gizzard, and heart in water, along with bay leaf and half the onion. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and reserve stock.
Chop heart, gizzard, and liver fine. Saute with remaining onion in fat for a few minutes.
Combine with bread, celery, basil, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
Pour stock over dressing to moisten.
Stuff interior of chicken just before the chicken is put in the oven. You can double the amount, and bake the remainder in a greased casserole dish.
Place chicken in oven.
Turn on oven and set to 350 ℉ Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Pour off liquid, and allow fat to rise to the top. Skim and reserve fat.
Add flour to pan drippings. Stir until flour is incorporated. Add milk for cream gravy, add the liquid from the roast for a thinner gravy. Stir over medium heat until gravy thickens.
After the meal, place carcass and bones in a plastic bag, and freeze until ready to make stock.
*Fat, Bread, Preheated Oven
Fat: the frugal cook uses bacon fat, chicken fat, vegetable oil, or butter.
Bread: the frugal cook uses left over bread, bagels, or cornbread.
Preheated oven: the frugal cook knows you do not need to preheat the oven if you are roasting meat.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Price is Right Feb 1 - 7
Here's this week's best buys at my local Meijer. Even if you don't live near a Meijer store, these prices will reflect what prices are at the wholesale level. Your favorite store will probably be getting similar deals to pass on to you in the next few weeks. Ingredients in italics are more expensive than the rule of thumb I use for truly frugal cooking, 45¢ per serving.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken Leg Quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
27¢ Ground Turkey $1.00 per pound
35¢ Pork, shoulder $.99 per pound (Kroger)
37¢ Whole Chicken 79¢ per pound
42¢ Ground Chuck $1.66 per pound
52¢ Pork Loin $1.79 per pound
68¢ Italian Sausage $2.23 per pound
75¢ Bulk Pork Sausage $1.89 per pound
Notice that ground turkey at $1.00 per pound is less expensive than chicken at 79¢ per pound. Also notice that pork sausage at $1.89 per pound is almost 50% more expensive per serving than pork loin at $1.79.
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Peanut Butter 17 oz jar (Kroger)
50¢ Cottage Cheese $2.00 per 24 oz
60¢ Yogurt $4.00 for 10 8 oz containers
62¢ Cheese $3.29 per pound (Kroger)
6 ounces of cottage cheese (about 3/4 C) is equivalent to 3 ounces of cooked meat. Yogurt requires 12 ounces to be equivalent to 3 ounces of cooked meat.
Cheese is equivalent ounce per ounce.
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
08¢ Onions $1.00 for 3 pounds
09¢ Grapefruit $5.00 for 18 pounds
10¢ Green Beans (canned) 14.5 oz can for $.33
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
15¢ Apples .99 per pound
17¢ Green Beans (frozen) $1.00 per pound
21¢ Broccoli (frozen) $1.00 per pound
21¢ Grapes .99 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Sweet Potato .79 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Avocado $1.00 per avocado
41¢ Oranges .72 per pound (Kroger)
83¢ Asparagus, fresh $1.99 per pound
Other
.76 per pound Oatmeal* $2 for 42 oz
.40 per pound Sugar, white $1.98 per 5 pounds
.50 per pound Sugar, brown $1.98 per 4 pounds
2.00 per pound Butter
2.50 per gallon Milk*
1.99 per gallon Milk (at Kroger)
.50 per pound Macaroni, spaghetti, thin spaghetti
2.00 per pound Bacon
3.99 per pound Walnuts
*Oatmeal on sale at $2.00 per 42 oz container is not as good as the usual price at SaveALot of $1.89.
*Milk on sale at $2.50 per gallon is not as good as the sale price of $1.99 at Kroger. In my area, Kroger often has better sale prices on dairy items than either Meijer or SaveALot. Cheese is always better and eggs are often better.
Meat
Cost for a cooked 3 oz serving
25¢ Chicken Leg Quarters .59 per pound (Kroger)
27¢ Ground Turkey $1.00 per pound
35¢ Pork, shoulder $.99 per pound (Kroger)
37¢ Whole Chicken 79¢ per pound
42¢ Ground Chuck $1.66 per pound
52¢ Pork Loin $1.79 per pound
68¢ Italian Sausage $2.23 per pound
75¢ Bulk Pork Sausage $1.89 per pound
Notice that ground turkey at $1.00 per pound is less expensive than chicken at 79¢ per pound. Also notice that pork sausage at $1.89 per pound is almost 50% more expensive per serving than pork loin at $1.79.
Meat Alternatives
Cost for equivalent to 3 oz serving of meat
25¢ Peanut Butter 17 oz jar (Kroger)
50¢ Cottage Cheese $2.00 per 24 oz
60¢ Yogurt $4.00 for 10 8 oz containers
62¢ Cheese $3.29 per pound (Kroger)
6 ounces of cottage cheese (about 3/4 C) is equivalent to 3 ounces of cooked meat. Yogurt requires 12 ounces to be equivalent to 3 ounces of cooked meat.
Cheese is equivalent ounce per ounce.
Fruits and Vegetables
Cost for 1/2 cup serving
08¢ Onions $1.00 for 3 pounds
09¢ Grapefruit $5.00 for 18 pounds
10¢ Green Beans (canned) 14.5 oz can for $.33
12¢ Potatoes $2.98 for 10 pounds (Kroger)
15¢ Apples .99 per pound
17¢ Green Beans (frozen) $1.00 per pound
21¢ Broccoli (frozen) $1.00 per pound
21¢ Grapes .99 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Sweet Potato .79 per pound (Kroger)
24¢ Avocado $1.00 per avocado
41¢ Oranges .72 per pound (Kroger)
83¢ Asparagus, fresh $1.99 per pound
Other
.76 per pound Oatmeal* $2 for 42 oz
.40 per pound Sugar, white $1.98 per 5 pounds
.50 per pound Sugar, brown $1.98 per 4 pounds
2.00 per pound Butter
2.50 per gallon Milk*
1.99 per gallon Milk (at Kroger)
.50 per pound Macaroni, spaghetti, thin spaghetti
2.00 per pound Bacon
3.99 per pound Walnuts
*Oatmeal on sale at $2.00 per 42 oz container is not as good as the usual price at SaveALot of $1.89.
*Milk on sale at $2.50 per gallon is not as good as the sale price of $1.99 at Kroger. In my area, Kroger often has better sale prices on dairy items than either Meijer or SaveALot. Cheese is always better and eggs are often better.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Black Bean Soup
A sturdy bean soup with Caribbean flavors.
CUBAN BEAN SOUP
Six servings
Buy: Black beans, pork loin (ham, dry sherry, fresh lemon)
Wash beans well. Soak over night, drain soaking water. Cover beans with water and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until soft, about 3 hours. Drain. Puree the beans. Lightly rinse the pan, and return beans.
Chop pork into small dice.
Heat the oil until a haze forms. Add the onions and the garlic and stir until soft. Add the cumin, bay leaf, and pepper, and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato, pork, sherry OR vinegar, and stir until mixture thickens slightly. Add to bean puree and heat for 15 minutes.
Serve garnished with slices of boiled egg and lemon.
Fancy Fixins
Use ham instead of pork
Use annatto oil in place of olive oil
Use fresh tomato in place of canned diced tomato
Use sherry instead of vinegar
CUBAN BEAN SOUP
Six servings
Buy: Black beans, pork loin (ham, dry sherry, fresh lemon)
| 6 servings | 2 servings | |
| Black beans | 2 C | 2/3 C |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp | 2 tsp |
| Onions, chopped | 1 C | 1/3 C |
| Garlic | 2 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Pork shoulder | 8 oz | 3 oz |
| Tomato | 1/2 C | 3 Tbsp |
| Vinegar | 2 Tbsp | 2 tsp |
| Cumin | 1/2 tsp | dash |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 1/3 |
| Pepper | dash | dash |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | dash |
Wash beans well. Soak over night, drain soaking water. Cover beans with water and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until soft, about 3 hours. Drain. Puree the beans. Lightly rinse the pan, and return beans.
Chop pork into small dice.
Heat the oil until a haze forms. Add the onions and the garlic and stir until soft. Add the cumin, bay leaf, and pepper, and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato, pork, sherry OR vinegar, and stir until mixture thickens slightly. Add to bean puree and heat for 15 minutes.
Serve garnished with slices of boiled egg and lemon.
Fancy Fixins
Use ham instead of pork
Use annatto oil in place of olive oil
Use fresh tomato in place of canned diced tomato
Use sherry instead of vinegar
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