The Smart Cook
Cooking doesn't stop during an economic slowdown—it just gets smarter. It involvesmaking—and sticking to—a grocery budget, collecting a back pocket full ofaffordable dinner recipes, and knowing how to make an exciting meal out ofa few eggs and a canof chickpeas. (Or a can of tomatoes.) (Or artichokes.) Below, we've assembled an entire playbook for cooking cheaply, including a tip about what to do with an almost-empty jar of peanut butter. Because smart cooks leave nothing—especially not peanut butter—behind.
Welcome to The Smart Cook, a Guide to Making Great Food on a Budget
Cheap recipes. Money-saving tips. And a really delicious thing to do with leftover kale stems.
$10 Dinners
如何制作一个购物预算,会工作吗for You
And (here’s the fun part) how to really stick to it.
3 Eggs and a Can
3 Eggs and a Can of Artichokes
With the addition of a few eggs, the time-tested flavor combination gets the main course treatment.
3 Eggs and a Can of Soup
Caramelized onions and a trio of spices turn an ordinary can of lentil soup into a flavorful dinner.
3 Eggs and a Can of White Beans
It's perfect picnic lunch that requires barely any cooking.
Food Wasted Is Money Wasted
Cheap Thrills
The Smart Cook
How to Make Bubble Tea at Home
Store-bought bubble tea? In this economy? Experts share their tips on how to make the best cup of bubble tea at home, including which tapioca pearls to buy and the kind of sugar you should use.
Recipe Roundup
35 Budget Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
Everything's more expensive these days, which is why you need this list of filling, flavorful budget meals. These satisfying dinners (and lunches and breakfasts) all clock in under $5 per serving.
Recipe Roundup
13 Cheap Dinner Ideas for Great Flavor on a Budget
These budget dinners feed four people for $10 or less.
Dinner and Change
You’ll Want These Easy, Crispy Salmon Cakes for LunchandDinner
These salmon croquettes require no filler and no fuss.
Dinner and Change
This Vegan Red Pepper Pantry Pasta Is Easy on a Weeknight—and Even Easier on Your Wallet
The “garlic bread breadcrumbs” take it to the next level.
Dinner and Change
You Thought You Didn’t Need Another Kale Salad. But This One Has Potato Chips
It also has a killer sweet onion dressing and spicy gochujang-glazed peanuts. A picnic showstopper that costs less than $2 per person? Sold.
Dinner and Change
These Easy, Creamy Papas con Rajas Let Me Shop My Kitchen
Having potatoes and poblanos around means this budget-friendly dinner is just minutes away.
3 Eggs and a Can
These Smoky Potatoes and Eggs Prove YouCanHave It All
What happens when the perfect crispy-gone-soggy texture meets a creamy-spicy sauce combo—plus runny eggs? You’re going to have to make your own pan, because this one’s all mine.
The Smart Cook
For the Most Succulent Fish, Cook the Collar
This ocean-friendly cut is cheaper than fillets—and richer in flavor.
The Smart Cook
A Pastry Chef’s Guide to Baking on a Budget
Nobody knows how to control costs like a professional chef. Here, the owner of Savannah’sBack in the Day Bakerybreaks down how to bake without breaking the bank.
3 Eggs and a Can
Extra Can of Cranberry Sauce? Make This Post-Thanksgiving Snack Cake
What else is there to do on Black Friday but shop online and eat cake?
Dinner and Change
This Thanksgiving Dinner Costs $7 Per Person (and Yes, That Includes Dessert)
In 2020, Thanksgiving calls for frugality. This recipe, which scales up and down to feed just you or your whole family, offers that on a plate.
3 Eggs and a Can
Fall Is Happening, Make a Pumpkin Butter Dutch Baby
The cinnamon-spiced train that is autumn has left the station and is barreling in our direction. Get on board (with this very easy, seasonal breakfast).
Dinner and Change
Melted Broccoli Will Melt Your Heart (but Not Your Wallet)
A simple technique turns a few pantry ingredients into that rarest of things: a pasta that might actually be new to you.
Dinner and Change
This Peach and Tomato Salad Is Summertime Thrift at Its Best
Hot pickled peppers, a smattering of bacon, and crisp cubes of bread round our this budget-friendly high-summer dinner.
3 Eggs and a Can
For Brunch At Home, Try Green Sauce and Spam Eggs Benedict
Yes, you’ll have to poach some eggs. Yes, you can do that!
Cheap Thrills
Hooni Kim's Cheap Thrill Is A Bunch of Barely-Held-Together Scallions
The chef's quick-and-easy dinner move is a savory pancake that's actually more vegetables than batter.
Dinner and Change
In This Lentil Salad, Crispy Cheese Is The Star
Summery peppers and basil? Good. Golden brown hunks of grilling cheese? Better.
Dinner and Change
A Garlicky Fried Rice Dinner You Can Make (Mostly) Ahead (or Not!)
Sinangag was my mom's go-to breakfast, but it'smygo-to dinner.
Nothing Wasted
Freeze Every Citrus Peel That Comes Through Your Kitchen
It's free flavor, and it's not doing your compost bin any favors.