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What’s for Dinner: Easy and Cheap Winter Meals

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the craving for hearty, comforting meals rises. Winter is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy warm, satisfying dishes that don’t break the bank. Here’s a roundup of easy and affordable winter meals that will keep your family cozy and satisfied.

1. Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Spices: cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth.
4. Season with spices and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Why it’s Great:

Lentils are not only economical but also packed with protein and fiber. This soup is versatile, allowing you to use up leftover vegetables.

2. One-Pan Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Spices: paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
2. Remove the chicken and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
3. Add rice and stir for a minute, then pour in broth and return chicken to the pan.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and chicken is tender.

Why it’s Great:

This one-pan meal minimizes clean-up time while delivering a balanced dish. It’s satisfying and can be adjusted to include whatever veggies you have on hand.

3. Vegetable Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and peppers in a pot until soft.
2. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices.
3. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Why it’s Great:

Chili is a classic winter dish that’s affordable and easy to make in bulk. It’s perfect for freezing, so you can enjoy leftovers later.

4. Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook leeks in a bit of butter until soft.
2. Add potatoes and broth; simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in milk or cream.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why it’s Great:

This soup is simple yet luxurious. Potatoes are inexpensive and filling, making it a perfect winter warmer.

5. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups mixed seasonal vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, sauté vegetables in olive oil until tender.
3. Combine cooked pasta with vegetables, adding cheese if desired.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why it’s Great:

Pasta is a budget-friendly staple, and this dish is flexible based on the vegetables you have, making it easy to adapt throughout the season.

Conclusion

Winter doesn’t have to be a time of overspending on food. With these easy and cheap meal ideas, you can keep warm without compromising on nutrition or flavor. So next time you ask, "What’s for dinner?" consider these comforting, hearty meals that will delight your family and keep your wallet happy. Happy cooking!