Day 122- 1/3rd of the Way Done and a New Challenge!

First though, I actually cooked and ate yesterday. A lot.

I didn't even spend much more time than it took to make rice. I know, because I filled and started the rice cooker first.

This is my super lazy, ultra cheap kinda channa masala thing. Really, it's just chickpeas, cooked onions, salt, tomato paste, and curry powder. Chop and fry the onions (and some garlic) in some oil, when they get soft, add everything else and some water, and cook until it thickens a bit.

I did this whole thing (and started/ rinsed black beans from dry in the crockpot) while the rice cooked. I even had time to do some dishes so the kitchen was just about clean when I finished. Not bad, right? This is one can of beans, so probably two servings for a normal person- Less than $2 as made, less (lots) if dried beans are used. Probably get it down to about 30 or 40 cents per serving, including rice.

Black beans cooked, I rinsed them and made my own version of the black bean salad/ salsa.

Now, normally this would have half an avocado, some lime juice, maybe some cilantro, and a handful of frozen corn in it. But I don't have any of that stuff, so it's ultra basic-

• 1qt cooked black beans (est)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/3 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, diced
• oil
• vinegar
• salt

Dump it all in a bowl and nom away.

Optional-

• chopped avocado
• chopped cilantro
• roasted or frozen corn kernels
• lime
• all ingredients, really
• corn chips for efficient salad intake

really, super easy. I think the most expensive ingredient might have been the oil. Or maybe the 16 cent tomato.

ok. So on to the challenge.

This time the challenge is pretty much all make at home.

I challenge you (yep, you out there) to adjust a recipe that's expensive to make the "right" way so that it's more affordable. The goal is 20% savings, with out it taking more than a couple extra minutes hands on time, and without seriously changing the flavors. Most people won't notice if, for example, you use cheap long grain rice in a recipe instead of basmati, or if you use legs and thighs for your chicken skewers instead of boneless skinless chicken boob.

And just to make it more... interesting, it should be something you wouldn't be embarrassed to serve to guests. Extra invisible points for larger savings, pictures, side by side price breakdowns, and whole menus. Same $5 shopping limit as last time.

Think next Friday sounds like a good deadline? Ooh, and extra bonus-y bonus points if making it cheaper *also* makes your recipe healthier.

Any questions? Does that sound fair? Anyone know what they're doing?