Probably the cheapest, most healthful breakfast you can cook is oatmeal. For 1 or 2 people, measure out your 5-minute rolled oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl (a shallow, wide bowl works best) and microwave at 60% power for about 3 minutes. For more than 2 servings, cook it on top of the stove per the package directions. Add a serving of seasonal fruit and you have a healthful meal.

For a healthful, quick breakfast that needs no cooking, make smoothies. You can put nearly anything into a smoothie, including raw fruit, yogurt, nuts (particularly almonds), leftover oatmeal, milk, ice cubes to increase the volume, a bit of vanilla.

For a change of pace, a slice of cheese toast with an orange on the side makes a decent breakfast. So does a peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich.

My favorite healthful pancake recipe is 1/3 cup 1-minute rolled oats, 3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 egg, 1/4 cup canola oil, 3/4 cup water. Mix, bake on a griddle, serve with applesauce or fruit preserves or syrup.

For other meals of the day, remember that you need to make your meals 1/2 fruits and non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 whole grains, and 1/4 protein (including pulses and legumes). Interesting ways to eat healthy and cheap include:

Bean Soup
Select dried beans/peas–one kind or mix several kinds (dark take longer to cook; light cook quicker).
Wash and pick over the beans; soak several hours or overnight if you have time to do so.
Drain; put in cooking pot and cover with water to the second knuckle of your index finger.
Add any vegetables you car to add. Good additions include root veggies–carrots, onions, parsnips–and celery
Cook until done, 1 to 4 hours, depending on the bean variety. Serve with raw veggies and cornbread.

Rice and Greens
I got this "recipe" when I visited a friend who was cooking it. I thought it sounded gross; he invited me to taste it, and I liked it. You might too.
Wash 1 pound of mixed greens (turnip, mustard, kale, rocket, and similar greens)
Put the greens in a cooking pot with 1 cup of brown rice, 2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 1 hour.

Filed under: Healthy Home Cooking

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