c/cheap-eats-club

Found a way to make a whole week of lunches for about $12

I was really broke after paying my car insurance, so I grabbed a bag of dried beans, a big can of crushed tomatoes, and some spices I already had. I made a huge pot of bean soup that lasted me five work days straight (it got better each day, honestly). What's your favorite 'one pot wonder' recipe that stretches your food budget?

I used to think buying cheap meat was the only way to save money

I saw my grocery bill after a month of buying chicken thighs and realized I was spending more than my friend who buys a whole chicken and breaks it down herself. Now I roast one on Sunday and get three meals from it for about $8 total. Anyone have other cuts that are cheaper to buy whole?

My aunt said to always buy whole chickens, and she was totally right

She told me this last year, and I finally tried it last month. I got a whole bird for $6.50, roasted it for dinner, then used the bones for stock and the leftover meat for soup. That one chicken gave me three full meals. Anyone have other cheap cuts of meat that stretch like that?

My broth got better when I used carrot tops.

Free greens make it taste rich without extra money.

Update: That jar of homemade granola in my pantry

I used to buy pricey cereal every week without a second thought. After noticing how cheap bulk oats are, I gave making my own granola a try. My first attempt was just oats, a bit of oil, and some honey baked slow. Now I always have a jar ready, mixed with nuts I get on sale. It costs so little and keeps my breakfasts simple and tasty. Looking back, I can't believe I spent so much on boxes. This small habit has made my mornings both cheaper and nicer.

Just realized that organizing my fridge with clear bins helps me use up leftovers faster.

I'm baffled by how to cook dried chickpeas without them being gritty

I soaked them overnight and boiled for hours, but they're still hard in the middle. Is there a trick I don't know about?