5 Simple CPM Recipes for Busy Cooks

With the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to cook can often feel like a luxury. However, eating well doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Cooking with ingredients that have a good Cost Per Meal (CPM) ensures you get the most bang for your buck while keeping your meals nutritious and delicious. Here are five simple yet satisfying CPM recipes tailored for those who need quick and cost-effective meals.

1. Lentil and Carrot Soup

This hearty soup is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a perfect meal that’s both affordable and quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils and add them to a pot with vegetable broth.
2. Add diced carrots and onion to the pot.
3. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, optionally with a slice of bread for dipping.

🌟 Note: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth.

2. Chickpea and Spinach Saute

This dish combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the freshness of spinach, offering a meal that’s quick, healthy, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic, and sauté until golden.
2. Add chickpeas and paprika, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Serve as is or with rice or flatbread.

3. One-Pan Chicken with Veggies

Minimize cleanup time with this all-in-one dish that’s as tasty as it is easy on the wallet.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place all ingredients in a large baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

4. Egg Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into a flavorful dish that’s both economical and filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice, cooled
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Scramble the eggs until just cooked and remove from pan.
2. Add more oil if needed, then sauté vegetables.
3. Add rice, breaking up any clumps.
4. Stir in soy sauce and spring onions.
5. Reintroduce the scrambled eggs, mix well, and serve hot.

5. Pasta with Chickpea Tomato Sauce

A quick and easy pasta dish where chickpeas bring a surprising richness to the sauce, making it both hearty and economical.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 250g pasta
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil or 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• Red chili flakes to taste
• Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, but make it al dente.
2. In a pan, sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Toss the pasta with the sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with cheese or nutritional yeast.

With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without breaking the bank or spending too much time in the kitchen. They utilize common, cost-effective ingredients that stretch your food dollar while delivering satisfying, nutritious meals. By focusing on simplicity, flavor, and cost-efficiency, busy cooks can still put a wholesome meal on the table nightly.