January: a month where nearly everyone is paying off post-holiday bills and are feeling the pinch on their bank account. Additionally, new year’s resolutions mean you’re probably tightening your belt for reasons other than your empty wallet. So what should you do when it comes to dinner? Is it possible to have something delicious, filling, healthy and cheap? Fortunately, with January being National Soup Month, the answer is a resounding “YES!”
We’ve gathered up the 10 most budget-friendly, healthy soups to feed your soul and protect your bank account through the month of January.
One of the easiest ways you can stay healthy and financially frugal in January is to look towards meals that are vegetarian or vegan — however, that doesn’t mean they can’t be amazingly yummy. Check out The Edgy Veg’s take on the ever popular bowl of ramen.
There are few foods as easy and economical as potatoes, and with the simple addition of a leek you can make a spectacular and comforting (not to mention cheap!) meal. Good enough to even serve to company, this old standard doesn’t include any fatty dairy, but all of the flavor.
When he’s not yelling “You donkey!” at people, Gordon Ramsay actually makes a great soup. This particular batch is easy to whip up with just a few items on hand.
Get that thin, watery and cold excuse for a borscht you may have seen before out of your mind. Done right, borscht can be a cheap and rib-sticking meal on its own. Watch and learn from the Working Class Foodies via Hungry Nation, or for a more vegan take, watch Laura Miller’s borscht recipe from Raw. Vegan. Not Gross. https://youtu.be/LlP-y_sR8xo
Here’s an easy recipe from everyone’s favorite cheeky chappie, Jamie Oliver. Not only are black beans delicious, but they also have more protein punch than any of their other legume brethren. The addition of eggs at the end packs in even more nutritional benefit while keeping it on the cheap side.
Who doesn’t love a creamy tomato soup? Everyone’s favorite sick day meal gets a new spin with this utterly easy recipe that’s vegetarian, takes under 30 minutes to make and is perfect for dunking a grilled cheese into.
There are few things cheaper than a bag of carrots, and since this utilizes those often forgotten cilantro stalks, it’s even more economical! In case you’re a bit confused, cilantro and coriander are the same thing.
Hate dishes? Love a nice, spicy soup to cuddle up with on a warm night? Don’t want to break the bank? This tortilla soup is perfect for you, and can be mostly made stuff you probably already have on hand.
OK, don’t turn your nose up yet. While it may not look tasty, this soup is perfect when funds are running low. It also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future portions. Need some extra protein? Try shredding up some leftover ham or chicken on the top.
Love coming home to dinner already made? Sling this all in your slow cooker, and you’ll come home to a warming, filling meal that’s both cheap and tasty.
Do you have a favorite recipe for when the bills are piling up and the bank account is running dry? Maybe we’re missing one of your favorite soups? Let us know below!