Jun 15, 2010

curried red lentils with sweet potatoes

The sweet potatoes added such a lovely sweetness to this dish. Not overpowering, since the curry powder balanced them out. It was just a wholesome, delicious meal. I served it with pita and steamed broccoli. Kate enjoyed it more than the other two, and I enjoyed it more than Kate. I also added some heat with chili flakes. I love sweet and spicy together.

Cost Breakdown:
lentils: $1.25
sweet potato: $1.50
broccoli: $ 2
onion, garlic, spices: $1
pita: $2
Total to feed a family of 5:
$7.75



Jun 14, 2010

grilled artichoke soup

Every once in  a while I will make something and think it might not come out well. And then we'll take it to the table and it shines. This was one of those diamonds in the rough. It doesn't sound substantial and the ingredients are so minimal that you think it couldn't possibly be a meal. Surprise. This soup has a total of 6 ingredients - onion, garlic, artichoke, tomato, pine nuts, lemon. Admittedly artichokes and pine nuts are expensive, but the menu is give and take. We don't always have the costly items, so having it ever so often is doable.
It was delicious.
 Even Eldest Daughter had a second bowl - and she is picky! Some bread and a salad and the meal was complete.

Cost Breakdown:
onion, garlic, lemon: $1.50
artichoke, bottled: $4
tomato: $1
pine nuts: $1
bread: $2
salad: $3
Total to feed a family of 5:
$12.50