When grocery prices move around, the easiest way to protect your food budget is not to stop eating well. Instead, build meals around affordable staples, seasonal vegetables and ingredients that can be used in more than one dish.
7 affordable Indian meal ideas
- Dal, rice and seasonal vegetables: a simple combination that can be adjusted to whatever vegetables are affordable.
- Chana masala with rice: chickpeas make a filling pantry-based meal.
- Egg curry with rice: a practical option for households that eat eggs.
- Potato and peas curry with roti: use a larger vegetable portion and keep the roti serving sensible.
- Moong dal khichdi: rice and dal cooked together make an easy one-pot meal.
- Vegetable upma: roasted rava and seasonal vegetables can make a quick dinner or breakfast.
- Mixed vegetable curry with roti: use small quantities of several vegetables instead of buying many separate ingredients for one dish.
5 ways to stretch the grocery budget
- Check the price per kilogram instead of only the packet price.
- Plan meals before shopping to reduce impulse purchases.
- Use one ingredient in two meals, such as cooked chickpeas for curry and chaat.
- Buy seasonal vegetables when quality and price are favourable.
- Freeze suitable leftovers rather than letting cooked food go to waste.
A simple budget plate
Start with a modest portion of rice or roti, add dal or another affordable protein, then fill the rest of the meal with vegetables. This keeps the plate varied without requiring expensive ingredients.
More budget recipes
See our 10 Budget-Friendly Indian Meals Under £3 for more low-cost ideas. You can also pair these meals with our 15-Minute Mixed Vegetable Curry.
FAQs
What are the cheapest Indian meal staples?
Rice, wheat flour, potatoes, many dals, chickpeas and seasonal vegetables are often useful budget staples, although local prices vary.
How can I reduce food waste?
Plan portions, refrigerate leftovers promptly, freeze suitable foods and turn extra cooked vegetables or dal into a new meal the next day.