Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Classic Vegetable Soup
- 2. Hearty Lentil Soup
- 3. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- 4. Chicken and Rice Soup
- 5. Spicy Black Bean Soup
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when it’s budget-friendly! In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. This article presents five budget-friendly soup recipes—each costing under $10 to make—without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, these recipes will warm your heart and soul without breaking the bank.
“Soup is a hug in a bowl.”
1. Classic Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
- 2 carrots, sliced ($0.30)
- 2 celery stalks, diced ($0.40)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ($0.10)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes ($1.00)
- 4 cups vegetable broth ($2.00)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped ($1.00)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ($0.05)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) ($1.00)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, green beans, thyme, and mixed vegetables.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Onion | $0.50 |
| Carrots | $0.30 |
| Celery | $0.40 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Diced Tomatoes | $1.00 |
| Vegetable Broth | $2.00 |
| Green Beans | $1.00 |
| Mixed Vegetables | $1.00 |
| Total | $6.30 |
2. Hearty Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils ($1.00)
- 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
- 2 carrots, diced ($0.30)
- 2 celery stalks, diced ($0.40)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ($0.10)
- 4 cups vegetable broth ($2.00)
- 1 teaspoon cumin ($0.05)
- 1 teaspoon paprika ($0.05)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions
- Rinse lentils and set aside. In a pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add lentils and broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lentils | $1.00 |
| Onion | $0.50 |
| Carrots | $0.30 |
| Celery | $0.40 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Vegetable Broth | $2.00 |
| Spices | $0.10 |
| Total | $4.40 |
3. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes ($2.00)
- 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ($0.10)
- 1 cup vegetable broth ($0.50)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk ($1.50)
- Fresh or dried basil ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes and broth, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in cream and basil; season with salt and pepper. Warm gently before serving.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Diced Tomatoes | $2.00 |
| Onion | $0.50 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Vegetable Broth | $0.50 |
| Heavy Cream/Coconut Milk | $1.50 |
| Basil | $0.50 |
| Total | $4.10 |
4. Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded ($3.00)
- 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
- 2 carrots, diced ($0.30)
- 2 celery stalks, diced ($0.40)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ($0.10)
- 4 cups chicken broth ($2.00)
- 1 cup cooked rice ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add cooked chicken and rice, simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | $3.00 |
| Onion | $0.50 |
| Carrots | $0.30 |
| Celery | $0.40 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Chicken Broth | $2.00 |
| Cooked Rice | $0.50 |
| Total | $6.80 |
5. Spicy Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans ($1.50)
- 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ($0.10)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes ($1.00)
- 2 cups vegetable broth ($1.00)
- 1 teaspoon cumin ($0.05)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ($0.05)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add black beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend for a creamier texture if desired. Season before serving.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Black Beans | $1.50 |
| Onion | $0.50 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Diced Tomatoes | $1.00 |
| Vegetable Broth | $1.00 |
| Spices | $0.10 |
| Total | $4.20 |
Conclusion
Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. These five delicious soup recipes are sure to please your palate and keep your wallet happy. Each recipe costs less than $10 to prepare, making them perfect for families, students, or anyone looking to save a little money while enjoying hearty meals.
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
For more quick and healthy meal ideas, check out our selection of 10 Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights or 10 Delicious Healthy Snack Recipes for Guilt-Free Munching.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these soups?
A: Yes! Most of these soups freeze well. Just let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
“Soup is a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.”
Q: How can I make these soups vegetarian?
A: Many
Last modified: January 29, 2025
