Are you tired of watching your hard-earned dollars disappear at restaurants and takeout joints? Well, it’s time to put your chef’s hat on and discover the mouthwatering world of home-cooking hacks that will not only tantalize your taste buds.
But also supercharge your savings! Say goodbye to overspending and hello to a wallet-friendly, culinary adventure right in your kitchen. We’ll unveil the secrets to delicious dishes that won’t break the bank, making every meal a money-saving masterpiece.
So, grab your apron and get ready to revolutionize your approach to cooking and budgeting. Let’s dive into the art of saving money with home-cooking hacks!
How To Save Money With Home Cooking Hacks
Plan meals in Advance
Deciding what to cook ahead of time may sound dull, but it can be a huge help. “Plan your meals to avoid unnecessary purchases and food waste,” says Zahid Adnan, chief editor and founder of The Plant Bible.
Buy ingredients in bulk
While it won’t be possible for all families, buying larger quantities of what you need could save some cash. “Look for opportunities to buy non-perishable items in bulk, such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and spices,” says Michelle Adenle, founder of the food blog My Morning Mocha. “Buying in bulk usually offers a lower cost per unit, saving you money in the long run. If you have the space, this is a great hack that not only saves money but prevents constant trips to your local supermarket.”
Always make a shopping list
Do you get a tad impulsive in the supermarket? “Creating a shopping list is an excellent way to save money and avoid impulse purchases,” says Jessica Clark, owner and recipe creator for Gluten Free Supper. “Take some time to [consider the] ingredients you already have and [incorporate] cost-effective options.”
Embrace plant-based proteins
Yes, you need protein but that doesn’t have to come from meat products. “Beans, lentils, and other legumes are often significantly cheaper than meat and can be just as satisfying when prepared well,” says Kyle Jones, head chef at Craft Wood Fired Catering. “They are versatile, packed with nutrients, and can be used in everything from hearty stews to refreshing salads.”
Make use of your leftovers
Quit throwing stuff away. “Whether you’re cooking for one or many, leftovers often fill the fridge and may ultimately land in the bin (throwing away food and money!),” says Giulia Scarpaleggia, author of Cucina Povera. “Rather than reheating the same dinner again, explore new ways to transform the ingredients so they’re new again, like using leftover bread in a soup or using leftover pasta to create a frittata.”
Make your broth
Turn bones and trimmed ends of veggies into homemade broth,” suggests Kris Bordessa, author of Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living. “Roasted a whole chicken or bone-in beef roast? Submerge the remains in a pot of water with some veggies (trimmed ends are fine) and simmer for at least 12 and up to 48 hours. A slow cooker is great for this. Strain out the solids and use the broth for making soup, or risotto, or just drink it plain.
Shop at restaurant suppliers
Looking for a sneaky way to save your pennies? “Shopping at restaurant supply websites is often the cheapest way to get quality cookware, bulk ingredients, and other cooking supplies,” says Brady Metzlerfrom WebstaurantStore.
“Additionally, some of them offer discounted appliances that have mild exterior damage (paint scratches, small dents, etc.). I recently ditched non-stick pans that need to be replaced yearly for some restaurant-grade stainless steel pans that should last a lot longer.
Create a DIY pizza
If you love ordering takeaway pizza, it’s time to stop. “Pizza consumption has steadily increased in the U.K. over the past several years,” says Casandra Carrick, a well-known food blogger.
“A great money-saving hack is to make your pizza at home, starting with homemade pizza dough.
Homemade pizza dough is easy to make, requires very few ingredients and can be used not only to make delicious pizza but also stuffed calzones, garlic knots and flatbread sandwiches. Stop spending money on takeaway pizza and make it at home.
Invest in tinned food
With a shelf life of years, tinned food is one of the best investments you can make. Stocking up on canned essentials, such as humble baked beans, lentils, and vegetables is the way to go. These items will be kept, are cheap, and you can use them in a variety of dishes.
Get cheaper cuts of meat
Head to the butchers and take a look at what they have on offer. “You can create really tasty meals using cheaper cuts of meat like chicken drumsticks and pork shoulder,” says Michelle Adenle. There’s a variety of different recipes out there using these cheaper ingredients. With this hack,k you can create affordable meals with lower costs.
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