Minimalism in the Kitchen: 5 Budget-Friendly €1 Recipes for Everyday Life

In today’s world, where sustainability and frugality are becoming increasingly important, minimalism in the kitchen offers a wonderful way to save money while still enjoying healthy and delicious meals. Most of us cook the same few meals on repeat anyway — not every dish needs to be Instagram-worthy or fancy. Sometimes, it’s the simple, humble recipes that bring the most joy.

Here are five easy and affordable recipes that cost around €1 per portion and are super simple to make. They’re also vegan (I personally eat about 95% plant-based), which makes them even more eco-friendly. Contrary to popular belief, eating vegan is often cheaper — especially if you skip expensive substitutes and focus on basics like lentils, chickpeas, rice, and pasta.

Let’s dive into my 5 favorite go-to meals that regularly show up on our plates. Of course, you can always customize the base recipes with leftover veggies or whatever you have on hand.

🥣 1. Red Lentil Soup

A classic example of a simple, budget-friendly meal. Red lentils are not only rich in protein but also very affordable.

Ingredients:

• 200 g red lentils
• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 1 potato
• 1.5 liters vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and potato.
2. Sauté the onion in a large pot with a bit of oil.
3. Add carrots and potato, sauté briefly.
4. Add lentils, tomato paste, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are soft.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

🍝 2. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

A timeless favorite. Canned chopped tomatoes are a cheap and practical staple.

Ingredients:

• 250 g spaghetti
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (400 g)
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, pepper, oregano, basil

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Finely chop onion and garlic, sauté in oil.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and season with sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Pour sauce over pasta and serve.

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🍛 3. Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas are a great plant-based protein and form the base of many affordable meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (400 g)
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (400 g)
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• Salt, pepper
• 200 ml coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Finely chop onion and garlic, sauté in oil.
2. Add curry paste and sauté briefly.
3. Add chickpeas and tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk for a creamy finish.

🍚 4. Rice with Vegetables

Rice and veggies are minimalist kitchen staples — cheap, versatile, and filling. Add canned pineapple and curry powder for a fun twist: pineapple fried rice.

Ingredients:

• 200 g rice
• 1 zucchini
• 2 carrots
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• Soy sauce
• Salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Chop all vegetables.
3. Sauté onion in oil, then add remaining veggies and stir-fry.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the rice and serve.

🥔 5. Potato Salad

A simple potato salad makes a great side or main dish — and it’s super cheap.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 tbsp vinegar
• 4 tbsp oil
• Salt, pepper
• Chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil, peel, and slice the potatoes.
2. Finely chop the onion and mix with vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
3. Pour dressing over the potatoes and mix well.
4. Optional: garnish with chives.

💡 Bonus Tips: Save Money on Groceries

One great way to save money is by shopping at online food retailers that specialize in short-dated products or overstock items. You can often find high-quality goods at heavily discounted prices — a win for your wallet and the planet.

Plant-based proteins and whole foods are often the cheapest options in the store. Staples like lentils, beans, chickpeas, and rice are not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and incredibly versatile.

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Minimalism in the kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. On the contrary — with simple, affordable recipes, you can create delicious meals that save time, money, and stress. Give it a try and rediscover the joy of cooking!