Sticking to a budget can be challenging as a young widow. There are many expenses that we have no control over, but the grocery budget is one area that I found I can bring my monthly expenses down. I have control over what I buy, and when meal planning is applied, it can make such a difference in this area. Today I am sharing three easy, versatile, kid friendly recipes that are easy on the budget.
Black Bean Soup 
1 ½ c. chicken broth
1 c. chunky salsa
1 tsp. ground cumin
Combine ingredients in a blender and blend to your desired consistency.
Yield: 4 cups of soup. Heat on the stove until heated through.
To Serve:
- Topped with cheese and/or tortilla chips.
- Make some simple cheese quesadillas or grilled cheese on the side.
- Top with rice or cauliflower rice and more salsa.
To Freeze: Pour 2 cups into 2 quart bags freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Lay the bag flat in the freezer.
Simple Pulled Pork
4 lb. pork roast (bone in or boneless - many different cuts will work)
1 ½ tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon pepper
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. 2. Heat a dutch oven over medium high heat and melt coconut oil.
3. Combine the spices and rub all over the pork roast.
4. Brown each side of the pork roast in the dutch oven for a few minutes on each side.
5. Place the lid on the dutch oven and put in the oven for 4 hours.
6. Remove the lid from the dutch oven and heat the oven to 450 degrees and roast for an additional 20 minutes.
7. Take the roast out and shred the pork into a bowl. Add the juices from the dutch oven along with the apple cider vinegar. Toss to combine.
To Serve:
- Serve in bowls over coleslaw.
- Serve with slider rolls to make pulled pork sandwiches.
- Serve over baked sweet potatoes with a side of coleslaw or other veggie.
To freeze: This recipe freezes very well. Cool the meat, and put it in a quart sized freezer bag and freeze flat.
Easy Drumsticks
3-5 lbs drumsticks
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Coat the drumsticks with salt, pepper and onion powder. Bake in a large baking pan or on a cookie sheet for 45 minutes to 1 hour turning once.
To Serve:
- Serve with rice and green beans and/or coleslaw.
- Serve with baked sweet potato and broccoli.
- Use the meat from leftover drumsticks in a simple chicken soup or quick stir fry.
I hope you find these recipes helpful. They are all delicious and kid approved!! If you have dietary restrictions, these are all gluten and dairy free as is. Just modify your sides or add-ins to suit your needs.
Please share with me in the comments which recipe you are most excited to try first!
Photo by Mikey Frost on Unsplash.
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