3 Dinners Under $15
— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Visit University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Chickpea Pot Pie, Fajitas, and Ramen Noodle Skillet recipes.
Looking for a new family favorite recipe that is quick and affordable to make? I’m glad you found this! Let’s go through each recipe and why you should try it.
Chickpea Pot Pie
Enjoy the delicious creamy taste of this childhood classic, but make it vegetarian-friendly! In this recipe, no vegetable chopping is required because it uses a combination of canned and frozen vegetables, so it can’t get any quicker to prepare. A couple of weeks ago, I made this recipe using a can of no-salt-added cream of mushroom soup with a little broth to thin it out, and didn’t even have to make the roux to thicken the broth. Another corner cut—that was a win for me!
Go to UMaine EFNEP’s Instagram and watch EFNEP’s student employee, Ethan, shop for the recipe ingredients and only spend $10.97!
Fajitas
A build-your-own fajita-themed meal is great because it can be modified for you and your family’s needs. Choose your own protein, vegetables, spices, and favorite toppings. I don’t love my fajitas with a lot of heat, so I reduce the chili powder and increase the garlic powder. My favorite combination is black beans, bell peppers, onions, cheese, and guacamole.
Go to UMaine EFNEP’s Instagram and watch EFNEP’s student employee, Grace, shop for the recipe ingredients and only spend $9.38!
Ramen Noodle Skillet (aka Fancy Ramen)
The ultimate quick comfort food, a budget-friendly and surprisingly satisfying meal. This recipe elevates the basic ramen noodle soup by lowering the sodium, increasing the nutritional value, and stretching a single pack into a more substantial meal. I use any frozen vegetable stir-fry mix I have on hand, and I like to add sauteed or air-fried tofu to mine.
Here’s my go-to recipe to replace that seasoning packet:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Go to UMaine EFNEP’s Instagram and watch me shop for the recipe ingredients and only spend $8.47!