For economy and nutrition you cant beat dried Soya granules, wonderful stuff, cheap, and so full of protein, and quick to prepare.
I buy a 500gm bag for 1.35 euros, and only use a couple of handfulls at a time. A bag would do us around 10 meals for at least two people, more with lots of added veggies.
I soak a couple of handfuls for around 2 hours in cold water, just cover it by about 2-3 inches and leave .. when soft, drain and squeeze gently... use as mince. It doesnt have much taste on its own, but used as I do, as a spag bol mix its lovely,
So. soak your soya.
To a large heavy pan, add a dollop of olive oil, a med chopped onion, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers.. whatever veggies you choose really, I often use a jar of my own homemade veggie pasta sauce.. a dash of sugar, tons of basil (or a good spoonful of Pesto will do) when all cooked up nicely... add the soya. Cook for another 10 mins or so then serve...
This mix works well for Lasagne too... or cottage pie... jacket spuds... or anything you'd use a nice tomatoey herby mince for. I add more stock, a spoonful of Marmite, some cooked dried beans and make some dumplings and we have it with potatoes as savoury mince... hehehe you could live on one large batch for a week if you wanted... It doesnt go off either as its not meat... obviously the cooked mix would need to be stored in a fridge or cold place till used up...
Cheap moneywise as you've made three days worth of meals in one go, plus you are now free to go do other things with your time...
Frugal living in the Portuguese countryside,Eco-tourism, Agri tourism, recipes,family life, self sufficency, eco living, vegetable growing, tips and self help ideas for country living.
