Frugal Bites » tomatoes

Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil

frugalbites — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 18:08:18 +0000

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are an excellent source of cheap protein. Pair them with basil from your garden and sweet grape tomatoes when in-season, and you’ve got a frugal salad that’s also really healthy. I found these tomatoes at my ALDI store for just $.79 this week (view more recently posted Grocery Bargains). You could also easily add rotini to this to make it a pasta salad.

Frugal Tips: To save money, buy dried chickpeas and soak overnight. Beans can even be soaked and frozen for later.

Chickpea and Tomato Salad

Prep time: 10 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Serves: 3-4

A refreshing summer salad that’s rich in protein and packed with flavor

Ingredients

1 carton of grape tomatoes, halved
1 can chickpeas, drained
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
25 basil leaves, chopped
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. honey
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Whisk together the vinegars, oils, honey and salt and pepper. Drizzle over the chickpeas, basil, and tomatoes. I put mine in a plastic container and give a good shake. Chill a few hours or overnight.

Thanks for the inspiration, Green Lite Bites!

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Greek Salad with Couscous

frugalbites — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:07:41 +0000

I love Greek food. Not only is it packed with flavor, it’s usually pretty healthy. This easy Greek Salad with Couscous salad is no exception. Don’t have couscous? Substitute orzo pasta, quinoa or bulgur. I find that the couscous is a frugal way to extend the salad and give it more texture.

Frugal Tip: If jarred Kalamata olives are too expensive, check the grocery store deli. You may be able to buy them by the pound for less.

Greek Salad with Couscous

Serves: 6

Healthy Greek salad is packed with flavor

Ingredients

1 C. cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cucumber, cut in bite-sized pieces
1 red onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
¼ C. fresh parsley
6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
4 oz. feta cheese crumbles
½ C. Kalamata olives
Salt & pepper
1 C. large-pearl couscous

Instructions

Cook couscous according to package directions. Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients. Drain couscous and add to veggies/dressing. Chill for 4-6 hours before serving.

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Stuffed Pepper Soup

frugalbites — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:07:33 +0000

It’s been over a week since I’ve posted here on Frugal Bites… I’m having withdrawal! It’s not because I haven’t been cooking. It’s mainly because everything I’ve been cooking has been pretty boring, or recipes I’ve already shared with you. However, last night I made a wonderful Stuffed Pepper Soup. I came here right away to record the ingredients and instructions before I forgot, since it was one my husband said, “Definitely make that again!”

Stuffed Pepper Soup

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
1 1/3 C. beef broth (this made a thick soup. I’d bump it up to 2 C. if you like your soup thinner)
2 C. cooked brown rice
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

In a stock pot or dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion and green pepper. Drain. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add cooked rice, spices and Worcestershire sauce. Heat through and serve. Top with cheese if desired.

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