With the cost of living being what it is, trying to save money and still eat healthy is proving costly. We have put together cheap meals to help save you a few extra rands
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With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on South African households, making a filling meal without spending a fortune has become a skill worth having.
For many families, R50 may not sound like much, but with careful shopping, it can still stretch to a simple breakfast, lunch or supper.
The trick is choosing affordable staples, buying loose produce where possible and turning a few inexpensive ingredients into a meal that can feed more than one person.
Here are some budget-friendly ideas to make R50 go further:
Pap remains one of South Africa's most affordable staples and can be paired with eggs for a filling meal.
A small bag of maize meal can provide several servings, while a few eggs add protein. Add an onion or tomato if the budget allows, and you have a simple breakfast or supper.
What you need: maize meal, two to four eggs, one onion or tomato and a little cooking oil.
Dried beans and rice are a classic budget combination because both ingredients are filling and can stretch across several meals.
Cook the beans with onion, tomato and spices, then serve them with rice. Leftovers can easily become lunch the following day.
What you need: rice, dried beans, one onion, seasoning and cooking oil.
Potatoes are another budget staple that can be transformed into a satisfying meal.
Dice one or two potatoes, fry them with onion and seasoning, then add beaten eggs. It is quick, filling and suitable for breakfast or supper.
What you need: potatoes, two eggs, one onion, cooking oil and seasoning.
Cabbage is often overlooked, but it can be surprisingly filling when cooked properly.
Shred some cabbage and fry it with onion, tomato and spices before serving it alongside pap. A small amount of meat can be added when the budget permits, but the vegetable version works perfectly well on its own.
What you need: cabbage, maize meal, onion, tomato, cooking oil and seasoning.
When there is no time to cook a full meal, a simple sandwich can save the day.
Bread, tomatoes and onions can be turned into a tasty lunch with a little seasoning. If you have eggs at home, add a boiled or fried egg for extra protein.
What you need: bread, tomatoes, onion and seasoning.
Instant noodles are inexpensive, but adding a few basic ingredients can make them more satisfying.
Image: Pexels
Instant noodles are inexpensive, but adding a few basic ingredients can make them more satisfying.
Cook the noodles and add a fried egg, chopped cabbage, onion or leftover vegetables. This turns a quick snack into something closer to a complete meal.
What you need: instant noodles and one or two inexpensive additions such as an egg, cabbage or onion.
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