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Thread: Poor vegan, cheap living

  1. #601
    Fervent vegan DiaShel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Just to clarify, you have completely confused me.
    "To reduce suffering means to reduce the amount of ignorance, the basic affliction with us." -Thich Nhat Hanh

  2. #602
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Whalespace - sprouts! Mmmmm I love sprouts! MissB - you can make me a salad anyday!
    The taste of anything in my mouth for 5 seconds does not equate to the beauty and complexity of life.

  3. #603
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    I am the poorest I have EVER been, or at least felt! At the moment!
    Bearing in mind I have been homeless, been a student twice, spent over a year unemployedhave lived with manipulative men who have taken me for everything and got me in mega debt, too!
    I have a 2K over draft, and it's almost at the tip of the 2K at the end of every month-I don't get a rubbish Salary either (about £1750 a month I come out with.I am baffled as to why I have so little monies now! I have been keeping a diary to help me work this out!
    Anyway. I have been trying to diet, as well as eat cheap as possible.
    Things that I have worked out are;


    Tinned tomatoes (40p ish a can) mixed with veg stock, a bit of fried onion, seasoning and chilli powder makes an ace low cal soup.
    Going to the supermarket not long before it closes-salads and veg are on offer if they are only going to last 24 hours or so.

    I 'fry' veg in vegetable stock until tender, and season. Curry powder and chilli sauce helps, aswell as cheap vegan cup soups added to the mix.
    I buy frozen veg in bags, the cheapest the SMarket has, and cook in stock and seasoning, perhaps adding lentils or chickpeas if I m not watching my weight so much.
    Anyone else this skint?Please? lol
    The greatest mistake is to do nothing because you can only do a little.

  4. #604
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Well, I may be broke.... but as far as I can tell I'm not skint I'm still unemployed right now, just looking for work in my new town. I like the lentil soups myself. Some vegetable stock and water, then corn, beans, and lentils. Tastes great, cheap to buy, and only takes me a few minutes to put together so I can get back to sitting around I've got just enough money in my account to make it through next month, and I'm charging everything to my credit card. I'm seeing more jobs come up online, so I'll be applying for some positions I might like tomorrow, then I can start saving up for a new snowboard

  5. #605

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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    I live in uk and though I have a job that normally makes me well paid, I am certainly feeling the pinch - combination of increases in food and fuel prices, and frozen salary. I am coping by keeping a list of everything I spend, spotting the outliers and finding am alternative. So am making mince pies and pasties (I'm Cornish!) rather than buying them. Also like people say, lots of pulses in stews , soups and curries. I am fortunate to have a pressure cooker which means I can buy cheap dried pulses and after a soak, it only takes 8 mins of pressure to cook. I would recommend one for every vegan! I am also sprouting seeds and beans as a cheap source of goodness. All this is very time consuming so I have just resigned myself to it and decided it's my hobby. Cheap and not so time consuming - no eating out, less booze and bourbon biscuits (70p for a packet that lasts us a week) instead of Mccoys crisps (60p and gone in a flash!). What a horrible insight that gives you into my life!

  6. #606
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    Default Re: weight-loss foods that are cheap and filling

    I agree with getting a pressure cooker! I love mine. Make a big batch of stew, soup, or curry every Sunday and then take them for lunches or heat them up for a quick dinner during the week. Not eating out is a great way to save cash. If my husband and I go out to dinner, we spend the same amount of money that I can make do in a week's grocery bill.
    Flesh eating is unprovoked murder. ~ Benjamin Franklin

  7. #607
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    Default Re: weight-loss foods that are cheap and filling

    Quote Verencemos View Post
    I live in uk and though I have a job that normally makes me well paid, I am certainly feeling the pinch - combination of increases in food and fuel prices, and frozen salary. I am coping by keeping a list of everything I spend, spotting the outliers and finding am alternative. So am making mince pies and pasties (I'm Cornish!) rather than buying them. Also like people say, lots of pulses in stews , soups and curries. I am fortunate to have a pressure cooker which means I can buy cheap dried pulses and after a soak, it only takes 8 mins of pressure to cook. I would recommend one for every vegan! I am also sprouting seeds and beans as a cheap source of goodness. All this is very time consuming so I have just resigned myself to it and decided it's my hobby. Cheap and not so time consuming - no eating out, less booze and bourbon biscuits (70p for a packet that lasts us a week) instead of Mccoys crisps (60p and gone in a flash!). What a horrible insight that gives you into my life!
    Lol! I dislike eating out anyway, even if I have the money. I love cooking, and it's always a rip off when you are a good cook, I tend to always think 'I could do this better for a fraction of the price'.

    I also think things have gone up in price so much
    The greatest mistake is to do nothing because you can only do a little.

  8. #608
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    Default Very cheap cooking

    We're really hard up at the moment as we've had time out from work so we've been looking for really cheap food recipes. We found a couple of secondhand books but even so called frugal food had 6 eggs in a recipe and loads of ingredients which is fine if you have a plentiful larder but not otherwise.
    What we've been doing is trying out and veganising wartime recipes - fantastic. We've saved tons of money and the recipes cost pennies.
    Today I made an eggless (well obviously) fruit cake and it was fab - more than acceptable as cake and didn't cost me anything as I already had the ingredients in the cupboard:

    http://www.scotsindependent.org/feat...od/eggless.htm

    It came out quite solid and I'm wondering if the tannin had anything to do with that?
    Silent but deadly :p

  9. #609
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Very cheap cooking

    Hi Hemlock

    Have you been using the following recipes?

    http://1940sexperiment.wordpress.com...rtime-recipes/

    My mum used the Marguerite Patten cookery books during WWII and she carried on using them into the 1950s because money was tight.

    Leedsveg

  10. #610

    Default Re: Very cheap cooking

    I find cooking in large batches a really cheap way of cooking. I'll often make a big batch of chilli, curry or pasta sauce that does about 15-20 servings and then freeze what I don't need right away. Can often make a serving for as little as 30p and then eat with rice/ pasta/ quinoa or even use as a filling for pasties.

  11. #611
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Even though I am not a big fan of tea as a drink I think cakes etc with tea in are really good - barm brack, which can also be vegan, has tea in it as well I think?

    Talking of war-time recipes I bought a wartime recipe book for a friend in the shop at Bletchley Park, assuming it would be mostly vegan and made with stuff from their allotments etc, and while some of it was it had a lot of recipes with things like offal in Another theory bites the dust.

  12. #612
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Quote harpy View Post
    Even though I am not a big fan of tea as a drink I think cakes etc with tea in are really good - barm brack, which can also be vegan, has tea in it as well I think?
    Any relation to bara brith harpy? (My Mum who is a big lover of tea, used to make really nice bara brith.)

    http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=28567.0

    Leedsveg

  13. #613
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Quote leedsveg View Post
    Any relation to bara brith harpy? (My Mum who is a big lover of tea, used to make really nice bara brith.)

    http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=28567.0

    Leedsveg

    I am familiar with bara brith Leeds! It a Welsh 'thing' isnt it? I know this because during my childhood in North Wales this was commonly served with coffee or tea as the 'cake option' ...very cheap to make apparently and tastes delicious if I remember rightly!!

    Slack

  14. #614
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    I was looking at a website that suggests barm brack and bara brith are pretty much the same thing - think barm brack is Irish and bara brith is Welsh?

  15. #615
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Quote harpy View Post
    I was looking at a website that suggests barm brack and bara brith are pretty much the same thing - think barm brack is Irish and bara brith is Welsh?
    Yes thats my understanding as well

  16. #616
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Quote harpy View Post
    I was looking at a website that suggests barm brack and bara brith are pretty much the same thing - think barm brack is Irish and bara brith is Welsh?
    I think I may have a bash at making the bara brith, I'd love to be able to take some for my mum to eat. It's just a shame her mind has gone and she wouldn't be able to remember ever making it herself.

    leedsveg

  17. #617
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    You never know, she may remember at some level. Anyway if she made it that's probably a sign she likes it, at least!

  18. #618
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    I will not eat anything that walks, swims, flies, runs, skips, hops or crawls.

  19. #619
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Link: 6 Tips to Eat Vegan on a Budget
    There’s a common misconception that a vegan diet is also an expensive one, but I don’t think that has to be the case at all! Sure, if you eat lots of fake meat products and load up your cart with out of season veggies, a vegan diet can definitely break the bank. If an omnivore ate nothing bit filet mignon and fancy cheeses, that would get pretty expensive too, right?
    More here.
    I will not eat anything that walks, swims, flies, runs, skips, hops or crawls.

  20. #620
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I've been on a low budget for the past few years so I know my fair deal of strategies for cheap living. I was amazed at how cheap being Vegan turned out to be, it's by far cheaper than being omnivore and even vegetarian.

    My advice for living vegan cheaply:

    -Make a week menu schedule and buy everything you need exept fresh fruit and vegetables at once one day a week (don't shop when hungry)

    -Buy fresh produce at the local market or buy discount veg and fruit at the organic store if it's something you like

    -Go to Asian, Middle eastern and Carribean stores, they often have lots of foods that are suitable for vegans and they're cheap

    -Buy things you can store longer when they're discounted (like canned and dried beans, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, rice/pasta, tinned fruit, coconut milk etc)

    -Eat your leftovers and try to keep waste to a minimum! Learn to cut veggies etc properly, that saves waste

    -Don't buy too many substitutes or fake meats because they're expensive

    -Make sure you eat whole wheat bread/pasta etc as they will keep you full longer and if you eat less you save money on your food budget too

    -Keep treats like cookies and crisps for the weekend, they're nice but expensive compared to nutritional value. Eat fruit if you have a sweet craving during the week.
    Nothing tastes as good as compassion feels.

  21. #621
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I find that the book "Vegan on the Cheap" was a great addition to my cookbook collection, both for the recipes and the excellent tips on how to eat deliciously, but cheaply. I got it second hand on Amazon and it has been a great one!
    Flesh eating is unprovoked murder. ~ Benjamin Franklin

  22. #622
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote LittleSeaWolf View Post

    HOBO CASSEROLE ( lol)
    Vegetable cooking spray
    1 c. onion, chopped
    1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 can kidney beans, drained(or soaked equiv)
    1 can pinto beans, drained(or soaked equiv)
    1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped, juice and all
    1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
    1 tsp. chili powder
    1/2 tsp. mustard
    1/8 tsp. hot sauce(I like Tapatio)

    BREAD MIXTURE:
    1 c. yellow corn meal
    1 c. flour
    2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1 tbsp. sugar
    1 1/2 c. soy milk
    1/2 c. egg substitute (i omitted this alltogether lol)
    3 tbsp. Canola oil (if desired)
    1 (8 1/2 oz.) can cream style corn (i mashed reg corn and added silk creamer-not toomuch lol)

    Spray skillet with vegetable cooking spray, saute onion, green peppers and garlic until tender. May add 1/4 cup water if desired. Stir in beans and next 7 ingredients. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Pour into 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.Combine meal and flour with next 3 ingredients, add to dry mixture next 4 ingredients. Mix well. Spoon evenly over bean mixture to within 1 inch of edge, all around.
    Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until corn bread is done.
    Thank you! I am sooooo making this in the next day or two. Our weather is supposed to dip into the 30's at night, and a filling meal like this will be great over the weekend.

  23. #623
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote EcoTribalVegan View Post
    I am lucky though too that I have my mom who seems always willing to feed me. I'm actually going over tonight and she said she will make fallafels for us. Then she always sends us the left-overs. I feel a little bit moochy but I suppose that's what moms are there for. We haven't been to visit them for a few weeks anyway, so it was over due.
    Yes, I am sure your mom enjoys knowing that she is helping you. One of my sons who is a student always shows up hungry! LOL. It makes me happy to know that he gets stuffed on homemade food here, and then takes the rest home. Hopefully, it helps to balance out all of that fast food and convenience stuff he eats. If it makes mom happy and your tummy happy, why not do it more often?

  24. #624
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I am new to the forum, and have been reading thru this thread. I love it, and thank all of you for your wonderful suggestions.

    I am curious about one thing. While being poor, do most of you eat more veg/fruit with some grain/beans added, or the opposite? Which is more economical, while maintaining health and nutrients?

    Background on me: Vegetarian for 6 years, then went vegan earlier this year. (I know! I know! What took so long?! LOL) I am still experimenting with different combinations of food to try to get the most nutrition for my dollars.

    I am on page 8 of 13, btw. On with my reading....
    Last edited by amethyst; Sep 29th, 2011 at 12:00 AM. Reason: typo

  25. #625
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I eat a lot of veggies and lettuce type things....I'm not a big fruit person. And most of my veggies and fruit are frozen so they won't go bad if I don't use them right away.
    "i'm rejecting my reflection, cause i hate the way it judges me."

  26. #626
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote missbettie View Post
    I eat a lot of veggies and lettuce type things....I'm not a big fruit person. And most of my veggies and fruit are frozen so they won't go bad if I don't use them right away.
    Thanks missbettie. I am sure everyone eats differently, but I was wondering if most vegans stress the veg/fruit part of the menu, or mostly eat grains and beans. I tend to eat more whole grains and beans than veggies, although of course, I eat the veg, too. I seem to be planning my starch, and then what veg to add to it for the meal. I don't know if this is a good plan or not. For grains, I use whole wheat homemade bread, brown rice, oats, quinoa, and others. I eat a lot of pinto and white beans. Not a big fan of kidney beans. Sometimes eat black beans and lentils. I do have a large salad once a day, and add broccoli, root veggies, or a frozen stir fry mix of veggies to my grains at each meal. And of course, these are all cheap. I buy store brand or bulk grains, and whatever fresh or frozen veg/fruit are on sale.

    Thoughts, anyone? Does this sound balanced enough for long term health?
    Last edited by amethyst; Sep 29th, 2011 at 04:38 AM. Reason: added another thought

  27. #627
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Grains and beans are usually more economical than veggies and fruits... but personally i think the latter two are more important. Thus, i always try to fill my plate with half veggies, 1/4 beans and 1/4 grains. And i always plan around the veggies by the way, but that's also because i always have all sorts of greans and beans in the pantry, while the veggies are fresh and should be eaten in time.
    Your way of eating does sound healthy to me however, i mean, if you eat a big salad a day, i think you meet your nutrition requirements.

  28. #628
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Yes I'd agree with Ananas that it's probably better to treat the grains and beans as an adjunct to the veg rather than vice versa, because I think there are more nutrients in veg., and also because I find it easy to overdo the carbohydrates (not that they are a bad thing if they are wholegrains etc). But I also agree with Ananas that your diet sounds healthy so perhaps it's just a different way of thinking about the same thing

  29. #629

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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    some comercial sites are still being advertised here
    Last edited by charliko; Oct 3rd, 2011 at 07:58 AM. Reason: lost the reference commercial point url

  30. #630
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    Default Re: Cheap vegan food

    Quote Ananas View Post
    Thus, i always try to fill my plate with half veggies, 1/4 beans and 1/4 grains. And i always plan around the veggies by the way, ....... veggies are fresh and should be eaten in time.
    Your way of eating does sound healthy to me however, i mean, if you eat a big salad a day, i think you meet your nutrition requirements.
    Quote harpy View Post
    Yes I'd agree with Ananas that it's probably better to treat the grains and beans as an adjunct to the veg rather than vice versa, because I think there are more nutrients in veg........ But I also agree with Ananas that your diet sounds healthy so perhaps it's just a different way of thinking about the same thing
    Ananas and harpy, thank you both for answering. This is what I suspected the opinions would be. I worry about not eating more veg/fruit than grain, but the grains are so much less expensive here. I looked at apples today when I walked to the market today, and they were approx $1 per apple when I weighed them. That is crazy! Not even organic apples. One pound of beans was 69 cents. I bought the beans and ONE apple.

    When I am not so poor, I will make up the difference then. Until then, I sure hope the grains and beans will carry me through. I don't ever get sick. Haven't had a cold (or worse) in over a decade. I figure if it's working, I will stay with it until I can do better. I do agree with both of you though.

  31. #631
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    You sound pretty healthy amethyst! If you do want cheap fruit and veg you can try the following (which are probably all covered above and you probably know about them anyway)

    - grow your own (even if you haven't a garden perhaps you can do sprouted seeds or legumes in a jar, or salad leaves and tomatoes in a window box)
    - look for stuff marked down at the end of the day
    - buy whatever's in season rather than looking for specific items
    - buy frozen stuff
    - look after someone's garden in exchange for some of the produce

  32. #632
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Thanks harpy. As we are going into the colder months, I will have to wait til spring to grow more veggies. I have limited space, but did grow some things this year. Love that!

    My house is over 100 years old and very drafty, so I don't know if anything will grow in the cold rooms in the winter. I would love to sprout some things, grow others in jars. Those are good ideas. I might give it a try to see what happens in my cold house.

    I do buy frozen veg. Store brands are sometimes $1 for a 16 oz bag, even though they are not organic. I usually end up eating that, in addition to whatever is on sale.

    After this thread, I am brainstorming on what to buy, and will make a bigger effort to buy more veg and fruit, one way or another. I know it is important. Meanwhile, I keep eating my grains and beans. And for some reason, I was doing a popcorn marathon yesterday. LOL. Popcorn is cheap too, if you pop it the old way, rather than using the non-vegan microwave brands. Seems like the general rule is: old-fashioned = healthier for most things.

  33. #633
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    FWIW I live in an old draughty house too and manage to sprout seeds OK so you might find it works. I actually do it more in winter because if the weather is warm they tend to go a bit manky unless rinsed every 5 minutes - also because there's more of a shortage of fresh salady stuff in winter I suppose. If the temperature was really low they might not germinate, but then you might be past caring anyway

    Yes popcorn is a great invention isn't it?

  34. #634
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Well, now I am seriously thinking about this. I will do a little Googling and make a plan. Thank you!

  35. #635
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Is there a way to make popcorn without the actually popcorn maker thing?
    "To reduce suffering means to reduce the amount of ignorance, the basic affliction with us." -Thich Nhat Hanh

  36. #636
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    ^ Just put some kernels in a (large) saucepan with a little oil, put a lid on and take off the heat when the pops slow right down. It's a bit of trial and error.
    "I don't want to live on this planet any more" - Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth

  37. #637
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote DiaShel View Post
    Is there a way to make popcorn without the actually popcorn maker thing?
    I make it two ways....

    1. Put 1/2 cup popcorn in a clean, brown paper bag (like a lunch bag), fold the top over a couple of times to hold in the steam and popcorn, and sit it in the center of the microwave. Micro on high for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. My micro likes 2 min 15 sec for nearly perfect popcorn. I eat it out of the bag after I sprinkle on some sea salt, or other seasonings. See below for ideas.

    2. Use a heavy pot with a lid. Place the pan on the stovetop on med high. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, then pour in 1/2 cup to a full cup of popcorn. Place the lid on tightly, and don't lift it until the popcorn is done and you have removed the pan from the heat. I can't remember how long it takes to pop it this way, because I have become lazy and use the micro every time, now that I know how to use it without the store-bought, non-vegan microwave popcorn. Once you hear the first pop, start moving the pan around on the burner a little, to keep the oil and corn moving around and prevent it from scorching. As long as you hear a lot of pops, keep moving. When it slows down, remove the pan from the heat because it will burn SOON. Let it sit until the popping stops, then open it up and enjoy.

    You can pour on some Earth Balance or whatever favorite vegan 'butter' you want to use. Or just sprinkle on some sea salt, or any of these: garlic powder, chili powder, dried herbs, cajun seasoning........practically anything works. I have even tried cinnamon and raw sugar, which was amazing! Try one flavor at a time until you figure out some favorites.

  38. #638
    Fervent vegan DiaShel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Thanks. I found a vegan microwave popcorn but it's quite expensive. I'll have to give this a try.
    "To reduce suffering means to reduce the amount of ignorance, the basic affliction with us." -Thich Nhat Hanh

  39. #639
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    forgive me if i´m being silly, but why isnt microwave popcorn vegan over there?

  40. #640
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote Ananas View Post
    forgive me if i´m being silly, but why isnt microwave popcorn vegan over there?
    Ananas, LUV LUV LUV your icon! LOL

    Most of the micro popcorn here has butter in it. If it doesn't, it seems to have other animal products or derivitives in it that I did not expect. I haven't looked for vegan popcorn, except in my local health food store and another store that stocks a large veg and health food department. I am sure if I look long enough, Iwill find one.

    This seemed more economical to me, and the old-fashioned popcorn is easy to find in the stores that I go to. Cheap, baby, cheap! LOL

  41. #641
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Quote amethyst View Post
    Ananas, LUV LUV LUV your icon! LOL


    Quote amethyst View Post
    Most of the micro popcorn here has butter in it. If it doesn't, it seems to have other animal products or derivitives in it that I did not expect.
    That sucks! I'd never heard of popcorn with animal ingredients. Here in the Netherlands, its just corn with some oil and salt (or something sugary).

  42. #642

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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I'm just starting and it's hard for me to buy for just one person and not keep throwing fresh produce away. Any ideas would be appreciated

  43. #643
    Glory's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Meal plan. If you know exactly what you'll be cooking, you can get only the amount of produce you'll need for those recipes.

    Alternately, buy less produce more times a week. Meaning, make smaller trips to the store more frequently.

  44. #644

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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Thanks Glory, that makes sense. I was thinking of cabbage, lettuce, celery, etc. that I have to buy as presented. I never use all of the head/bunch. Planning is not my strong suit but now I must learn.

  45. #645
    Abe Froman Risker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Soups are good for using up veggies before they die.
    "I don't want to live on this planet any more" - Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth

  46. #646
    Glory's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Yes, I do the same thing with lettuce since my hubby doesn't really like salad. Here's what I do. If I buy a bag of lettuce, let's say, I'll plan when I'm going to eat it. A side salad with my penne one night for dinner, then the rest of the bag for lunch two days later. You'll get the hang of it really quickly and it will help you out.

    Also, try Allrecipes.com -- you can type in the ingredients you have (so if you have produce you wan to use up) and it will give you some recipes.

    Oh, and you can always freeze things. If I have peppers that are getting close to the end of their life, I might slice them up and throw them in a freezer bag. Next time I want a stir-fry, I can just pull them out of the freezer and voila!

  47. #647
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Glory, I was going to suggest the freezer, too. I chop up my vegg that is getting near time to either eat it or throw it out. If I keep it in a bag chopped up for stir fry, it makes things sooo simple for a quick dinner one night when I am too tired or don't have time to cook a big meal. I almost always have some brown rice leftover in the fridge, so I throw it into a skillet with the frozen chopped veggies, saute a few minutes, splash on some tamari or other seasoning, and it's ready.

    I also use veggies to make "kitchen sink soup". (Everything goes in but the kitchen sink.) Great way to clean out the fridge and/or pantry.

  48. #648
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I'm terrible at planning, but I tend to try and decide what to cook based on what I've got, rather than buy stuff for a particular dish.

    In addition to soups, stirfries, stews, pizza toppings, pasta sauces and so on can all be made out of virtually any vegetable (including lettuce!). You can freeze the cooked dishes as well, if you make too much.

  49. #649
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    I bought a huge bunch of kale and swiss chard today. $1 a pound for each, and they look "just picked". Yippee!

  50. #650
    Ananas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Poor vegan, cheap living

    Great! Swiss Chard is so rare here, i can only buy it very high priced at a health food store.

    May i ask how much you spend on grocerys per week, Amethyst? just interested because you seem to eat so low budget. i've managed to stay below 30 dollars a week for a while, but somehow i got a more expensive taste now... and i try to buy organic which i didnt do back then.

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