Hi Reader!

With rising grocery prices, eating well doesn't have to break the bank! This week, every single recipe comes in at $2 or less per serving. Plus, I've included extra budget tips to stretch your meals even further!

WHAT'S INSIDE…

• ​Coconut Curry Lentil Soup​
• ​Cheesy Pierogi Casserole​
• ​Teriyaki Tofu​
• ​Chickpea Panzanella Salad​
• ​Roasted Cauliflower Soup​
• ​Mediterranean Chickpea Salad​
• ​Peanut Butter Ramen​
• ​Steel Cut Oats​
• ​Oat Flour Pancakes​
• ​Peanut Butter Cake​
• ​Pita Bread​

(All prices are calculated based on Walmart FL prices. This isn't an endorsement of Walmart, it's just where we were able to gain accurate round prices)

🥣 Dinners

Dinner 1: Coconut Curry Lentil Soup ($0.95 per serving)

Pair With: Steamed rice, garlic naan, gluten free naan, or pita bread​

Make It Your Own: Add spinach, kale, or whatever veggies you have on hand

Budget Tip: Buy red lentils in bulk, they're one of the most affordable pantry staples out there! You can also use bouillon or water instead of broth.

Meal Prep Tip: Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes great for up to 3 months

Dinner 2: Cheesy Pierogi Casserole ($1.70 per serving)

Pair With: Cabbage steaks, a simple green salad, or air fryer green beans​

Make It Your Own: Fold in frozen peas or spinach between the layers for extra veggies

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble up to a day in advance and bake fresh- keeps in the fridge for 4 days and freezes well too

Dinner 3: Teriyaki Tofu ($1.10 per serving)

Pair With: Steamed rice, broccoli, or stir-fried veggies​

Make It Your Own: Add edamame, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra colour and veg

Meal Prep Tip: Marinate the tofu the night before for more flavour - keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days

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Dinner 4: Chickpea Panzanella Salad ($1.90 per serving)

Pair With: A bowl of soup or garlic bread​

Budget Tip: Use day-old or stale bread for the croutons - it actually works better in this recipe! You can also use less olive oil to save costs and use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.

DIY It: Make your own balsamic vinaigrette with pantry staples, its much cheaper than bottled dressing

Meal Prep Tip: Store the bread separately and toss together just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!

Dinner 5: Roasted Cauliflower Soup ($1.2 per serving)

Pair With: Crusty bread, homemade pita (this week's bonus!), or a simple side salad

Make It Your Own: Top with crispy chickpeas, a drizzle of coconut milk, or chili flakes

Budget Tip: Homemade vegetable broth from kitchen scraps, bouillon or water instead of broth makes this even more budget-friendly. You can also swap fresh thyme for dried thyme.

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🥗 Lunches

Lunch 1: 15 Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad ($1.9 per serving)

Pair With: Pita chips, warm pita bread, or any main dish!

Make It Your Own: Add olives, roasted red peppers, or extra cucumber

Budget Tip: You can bring the cost down by making your own tofu feta, or leaving it out (this saves about $1). You can also reduce olive oil slightly and use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.

Watch It: Cook it with me here!​

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Lunch 2: Peanut Butter Ramen ($1.25 per serving)

Pair With: Crispy tofu or edamame for extra protein

Budget Tip: Instant ramen noodles are one of the most budget-friendly ingredients you can buy, just toss the seasoning packet! You can also use water or bouillon instead of stock, skip sesame seeds and scallions.

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​🥞 Breakfasts

Breakfast 1: Steel Cut Oats ($0.55 per serving)

Pair With: Fresh or frozen fruit, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup

Make It Your Own: Top with banana and peanut butter, apple and cinnamon, mango and coconut flakes, or anything else you have on hand!

Budget Tip: Skip agave (optional anyway), use more water and less plant milk, and buy steel cut oats in bulk, Frozen fruit is just as nutritious as fresh and much cheaper!

Breakfast 2: Oat Flour Pancakes ($0.30 per serving)

Pair With: Maple syrup, fresh berries, or nut butter​

Make It Your Own: Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or your favorite fillings! You can also make it in a sheet pan!

Budget Tip: Skip maple syrup and use sugar instead, use water instead of milk and make oat flour from oats!

Meal Prep Tip: Freeze extras in a single layer, then transfer to a bag, pop in the toaster or microwave for a quick weekday breakfast

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🍰 Dessert

​Peanut Butter Cake ($1.45 per serving)

Make It Your Own: Add chocolate chips to the batter or top with crushed peanuts for extra texture

Budget Tip: Buying natural peanut butter in bulk is the most cost effective! You can also skip the frosting, half it, or do a simple glaze instead, and use oil instead of vegan butter.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge or 2–3 days at room temperature, slice and freeze for longer storage.

⭐ Bonus

​Pita Bread ($0.27 per serving)

Pair With: Hummus, cauliflower hummus, whipped feta dip, or use to scoop up the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Roasted Cauliflower Soup this week

Make It Your Own: Stuff with falafel, roasted veggies, tempeh gyro, or chickpea salad for a quick and filling lunch

Budget Tip: You can swap maple syrup for sugar!

Meal Prep Tip: Make a full batch and freeze, reheat in a skillet or oven for fresh-tasting pita anytime!