Eggs are a staple ingredient in many households, and for a good reason. They’re high in protein, versatile, and, best of all, budget-friendly. In this article, we’ll be exploring six delicious and cheap ways you can incorporate eggs into your meals.
1. Classic Scrambled Eggs
Let’s start with the basics. Scrambled eggs are simple, quick, and require just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of butter
- Optional: shredded cheese, chopped herbs, diced vegetables
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs in a bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the eggs.
- Stir gently with a spatula, creating large soft curds.
- When the eggs are cooked to your desired level, add any optional ingredients like cheese or herbs, and serve warm.
2. Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad sandwich is an excellent choice for a quick lunch. It’s filling, nutritious, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp of mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers
- 4 slices of bread
Instructions:
- After the hard-boiled eggs have cooled, peel and chop them.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the egg salad onto the bread slices. Add optional ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers.
- Close the sandwiches, cut into halves, and serve.
3. Veggie Egg Muffins
Veggie egg muffins are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. They’re packed with protein and veggies, giving you a great start to your day.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, etc.)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Beat the eggs and milk in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the diced vegetables and shredded cheese between the muffin cups.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the egg muffins are set.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for later use.
4. French Toast
French toast is a classic breakfast dish that can be made with just a few basic ingredients. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and turn it into a scrumptious meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of stale bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- Butter for frying
- Optional: maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar.
- Soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
- Melt some butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each slice of bread until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish of poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 eggs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and spices, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
- Make wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are done to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with bread for dipping.
6. Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is a quick, easy, and frugal meal that can be made with leftover rice. It’s a versatile dish where you can add any vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp of sesame oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, scramble the eggs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots, cooking until they’re heated through.
- Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Add the scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir to combine.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade egg fried rice.
These six recipes show just how versatile and budget-friendly eggs can be. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are so many delicious and cheap ways you can incorporate eggs into your meals. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with these egg recipes!
