How to Be Vegetarian on a Budget

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Select protein rich affordable foods such as: Dried foods such as: beans

   These can be purchased in bulk at very good prices and will store for a long time provided, if you store them properly.
   
   They go a long way and are a good budget food.
   
   Tinned beans and ingredients such as chickpeas, tinned chopped tomatoes etc can be very economically purchased.
   
   See Stock a Vegetarian pantry on LifeGuide Hub for more information on different products.
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   Step 2: quinoa

   These are spice mixes, sauces, preserves etc as well as fresh seasonings like lemon juice, chilli, garlic etc.
   
   The problem with vegetarian cuisine, especially on a budget is that it can be very uninteresting and bland.
   
   Using different flavour bases can really make a low cost meal delicious. , Likewise with dried spices, clean jam jars with lids can store spices up to 6 months. , Parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage and basil are easy ones to start with. ,, If there aren't any in your local area, contacting your local vegetarian society can often make recommendations. , If you buy a large bag and store them properly in freezer safe containers, they can last long enough to make value. , Save good vegetable scraps for making into stocks which can be used as a flavoursome soup base, or frozen for future meals.
   
   Clean potato & sweet potato skins can be baked with spices until dry and crisp for a low fat, cheap snack. , Those who live in warm climates year round still should buy to what's in season as the quality is better for the price. ,,
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   Step 3: lentils

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   Step 4: couscous

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   Step 5: polenta or dried peas.

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   Step 6: Invest in condiments or make your own.

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   Step 7: When making a spice paste

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   Step 8: make a decent quantity and freeze what you don't use that day.

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   Step 9: Grow your own herbs is a cheap way of getting fresh flavour into meals

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    Step 10: or to garnish a meal to make it more attractive.

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    Step 11: Choose soy

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    Step 12: mushrooms

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    Step 13: low-fat cheese

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    Step 14: low-fat dairy products

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    Step 15: fruits

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    Step 16: vegetables

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    Step 17: fresh juice

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    Step 18: olive oil

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    Step 19: whole grains

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    Step 20: dried fruits

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    Step 21: or up to two teaspoons of honey per day.

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    Step 22: Go to Farmers markets or large wholesalers as the produce is almost always cheaper and better.

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    Step 23: Frozen vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh.

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    Step 24: To cooking - save waste by cooking what you need

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    Step 25: or make enough to freeze for another day's meal.

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    Step 26: Plan your meals around the seasons

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    Step 27: occasionally certain produce becomes much cheaper in warmer months if you live in a cold climate.

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    Step 28: Invest in cooking books

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    Step 29: you can get these cheapest from charity stores or swap meets.

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    Step 30: Experiment with your cooking

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    Step 31: some recipes are really bland but can be improved by adjusting seasoning to your taste and made good again.

Detailed Guide

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