Hey all, things are getting tough out there so I wanted to seek out what your tips are for getting a little more value out of cooking

My tips:

  • I throw all my vegetable trimmings into a freezer bag for stock later
  • Breaking down a whole chicken can be cheaper than buying specific cuts. This varies a lot depending on the sales.
  • Save the drippings in your pan after cooking meats. I put them in containers and label them, then use them for flavouring or roux
  • This one will sound weird, but I smell the potatoes at the store. After a while you’ll be able to smell a difference in which ones will last longer.

In general I just try and find ways to use up all the bits of food that get discarded.

I’m still only a novice chef, so any of your tips would be greatly appreciated.

  • Okokimup@lemmy.world
    31·
    2 days ago

    Beans are inexpensive and full of protein and fiber.

    Grocery stores typically run sales from Wednesday to Tuesday. Check weekly ads for sales/coupons when planning your meals. Also, check for meat on mark down near the end of the sale cycle. If you can’t use it right away, you can still freeze it.

    Try to eat fewer meals with meat, or use smaller amounts per meal. It’s better for your wallet, your health, and the planet.

    Fiber helps you feel full, while ultra-processed foods keep you hungry. You’ll eat less and feel more satisfied if you eat whole foods.

    • wise_pancake@lemmy.caOP
      41·
      2 days ago

      I do steel cut oats or ground flax seed and yogurt for breakfast, it’s cheap and high in fiber, and it does work very well at keeping me feeling full with energy.

      • xtr0n@sh.itjust.works
        2·
        1 day ago

        Frozen berries are cheaper and more nutritious than the sad out of season ones in the market. I like to defrost half cup portions in the fridge overnight for my morning yogurt.

        Yogurt isn’t super expensive but making yogurt is actually pretty easy if you happen to be set up for it (it helps to have a bread proofer, an oven with a proofing setting, a yogurt maker, an instant pot or a giant thermos)

      • th3dogcow@lemmy.worldEnglish
        5·
        1 day ago

        They mean the weekly sales start on Wednesday and run until the following Tuesday. The next day (Wednesday) a different set of products will go on sale for a week.