Mrs. Money: Save Money with Easy Vegetarian Fall Recipes
I love the fall, and one of my favorite parts is the yummy comfort food. Recently my husband and I decided to re-visit our budget, and we noticed that we were spending a lot of money on both our grocery budget and eating out. We decided to drastically cut back on our dining out expenses, and try to control our grocery budget at the same time. One of the biggest budget busters was that we were buying a lot of organic, free range, and grass fed meat. That stuff is expensive!
One of the easiest ways we can save money on groceries is to cut back on that spending. I’ve found some recipes that are yummy and vegetarian.
I love the fall, and one of my favorite parts is the yummy comfort food. Recently my husband and I decided to re-visit our budget, and we noticed that we were spending a lot of money on both our grocery budget and eating out. We decided to drastically cut back on our dining out expenses, and try to control our grocery budget at the same time. One of the biggest budget busters was that we were buying a lot of organic, free range, and grass fed meat. That stuff is expensive!
One of the easiest ways we can save money on groceries is to cut back on that spending. I’ve found some recipes that are yummy and vegetarian.
- Squash. Squashes are plentiful in the fall. One of my favorite squash is the spaghetti squash. It’s very easy to make: Cut it in half, place it in a roasting pan with the cut side down, and roast for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. When it’s done, the squash will come out easily. Add some marinara sauce to the squash and serve like spaghetti! It’s super healthy and tastes great. It’s also naturally gluten and dairy free!
- Broccoli soup. I made broccoli soup for the first time last weekend, and I was shocked at how quick and easy it was. Take a few cups of vegetable broth, cut up a bunch of broccoli, and add some onions and garlic. Let it simmer for about half an hour, remove from heat, and add 2 cups of milk. Top with cheese, and you’re done!
- Potato soup. Potato soup is very similar to broccoli soup. Prepare the same way except for mashing the potatoes once they’re cooked. After they are mashed, add your milk or cream, and stir.
- Lentils and rice. Lentils are a nice alternative to beans, and are so easy to prepare. You can use basically any spices you want! Some of my favorites are curry and cumin (but not at the same time!).
Cooking in the fall can be so wonderful. You can save money and eat healthier by replacing one or two meals each week with a vegetarian meal. Try it- you’ll be glad you did!
What are your favorite vegetarian fall recipes?
Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green, and living a simpler life.