Inexpensive International Dishes: 6 Budget-Friendly Recipes from Around the World

Delicious food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Let’s take a culinary trip around the world, exploring budget-friendly dishes that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll share recipes that offer a taste of different cultures, all easy on your wallet.

1. Mexican Chicken Tinga

This traditional Mexican dish features a delightful blend of chicken, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with smoky chipotle peppers.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breasts
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Boil the chicken until cooked, then shred it.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add tomatoes and chipotle peppers, then cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken to the sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. Season to taste.
5. Serve on warm tortillas with a dollop of sour cream.

2. Italian Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A staple in Italian cuisine, this pasta dish is simple yet flavorful, showcasing the magic of garlic and olive oil.

Ingredients

• 200g spaghetti
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a pan, heat oil, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic is golden.
3. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic oil. If needed, add pasta water to create a silky texture.
4. Season to taste and garnish with parsley before serving.

3. Chinese Egg Fried Rice

A quick, inexpensive dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. It’s a staple in many Chinese households.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan, then add beaten eggs. Scramble until just set.
2. Add rice to the pan and stir-fry until the rice is hot and the eggs are fully cooked.
3. Stir in soy sauce, spring onions, and season to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with more spring onions.

4. Indian Red Lentil Dal

Dal is a hearty, delicious, and budget-friendly staple in Indian cuisine. This red lentil version is packed with flavors and perfect served with rice or naan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation

1. Rinse lentils until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger, sauté until golden.
3. Stir in turmeric and cumin, followed by the lentils. Add enough water to cover the lentils by an inch.
4. Simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Season to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

5. Greek Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a refreshing and versatile Greek dip. It’s perfect as a spread for sandwiches, as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Stir in fresh dill and season to taste.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.

6. French Ratatouille

This classic French dish is a vibrant medley of vegetables simmered in a tomato sauce. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until slightly softened.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

These six international recipes not only provide a delicious journey around the world, but they also prove that eating on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. Enjoy the adventure and happy cooking!