I can’t count how many times I’ve heard the excuse, “I would be vegan but it’s too expensive.” I’d venture to say its one of the most common reasons people don’t try a plant-based diet.
But here’s the real deal: Following a vegan meal plan can be expensive. But so can a paleo diet, and so can a gluten-free diet. Even a junk food diet can be pricey if you buy all of your snacks at Whole Foods.
The truth is, eating vegan doesn’t have to bust your budget. It’s entirely possible to buy healthy, wholesome foods and make delicious recipes without spending a fortune.
How do we know this? We do a lot of cooking. Are we going to drop hundreds of dollars each week on groceries? Absolutely not. We’re going to shop sales, buy in bulk, eat seasonally and stock our pantries with budget-friendly staples we’ll use again and again.
Then, we pass the savings along to you in the form of affordable recipes. In particular, the five dishes below are a few of the most budget-friendly dishes we have.
Vegan Tom Kha (Thai Coconut Soup)
I’ve been on this kick lately where I can’t stop thinking about going back to Thailand. I first went in 2016, then I went back in 2018. Now that it’s 2020 it only feels right to endure the dreadfully long flight to Bangkok again. If I could make a trip there every two years for
Crispy Baked Falafel
u003cpu003eThis Crispy Baked Falafel recipe is perfect for meal prep. Bake a batch over the weekend and enjoy for lunch throughout the week!u003c/pu003e
The Best Vegan Chili
u003cpu003eHearty, satisfying, flavorful, and filling, this just might be the best vegan chili recipe there is. I hope you like it as much as I do!u003c/pu003e
Roasted Carrot Curry Soup
This soup is perfection in the fall—from color to flavor, it exudes warmth. The basic preparation is so simple, but it dresses up beautifully with a few fresh herbs or homemade croutons.
Garlicky Vegan Zucchini Fritters
u003cpu003eTopped with vegan sour cream and fresh green onion, these Garlicky Vegan Zucchini Fritters make a fantastic summer appetizer or light lunch.u003c/pu003e
Vegan Vodka Sauce with Penne
This Vegan Vodka Sauce with Penne is our take on tangy, sweet, dairy-free vodka sauce! It comes together quickly so you can get dinner on the table ASAP.
Potluck Mediterranean Couscous Salad
u003cpu003eThis Potluck Mediterranean Couscous Salad is brimming with fresh veggies and herbs, while chickpeas and couscous add substance. It's a real crowd pleaser!u003c/pu003e
3 Easy Ways to Upgrade Ramen Noodles
In a perfect world, we’d all shop at Whole Foods and eat healthy whole grains and organic fruits and veggies. If this is you, awesome! But honestly, life is expensive and we can’t always afford to splurge on premium produce. Luckily, it’s totally possible to cook a vegan meal for less money than you’d spend
Curry Ramen with Crispy Baked Tofu
If you're going to marinade the tofu (optional), you'll want to add an extra hour to the prep time.
Crunchy Thai Salad (Cookbook Sneak Peek!)
In case you haven’t heard, we have a cookbook! Well, almost. Frugal Vegan will officially be available on June 20th from Amazon, Barnes u0026amp; Noble, IndieBound, Books-A-Million, and Powells. However, you can pre-order it right now and have it delivered to your doorstep the day it’s available. Frugal Vegan has been more than a year
Chipotle Sweet Potato Tostadas
If you’ve never made tostadas, we have the perfect recipe for you. Our Chipotle Sweet Potato Tostadas are topped with spicy sweet potatoes, black beans, and creamy avocado. The best part: you can find everything you need for the recipe at ALDI.
Drunken Pinto Beans over Creamy Polenta
Our Drunken Pinto Beans over Creamy Polenta makes a terrific weeknight dinner. Garnish with extra cilantro, green onion, and a squeeze of lime!
Vegan Mexican Lasagna
Our Vegan Mexican Lasagna is layered with soft tortillas, creamy refried beans, and veggies from your garden (or your pantry). It’s a great meal prep recipe since it freezes well, and it’s ideal for feeding a crowd!
Spicy Miso Soba Noodle Soup
This Spicy Miso Soba Noodle Soup is warm, comforting, and just a tad firey. It’s a perfect lunch on a chilly fall or winter afternoon! n
Lentil and Cauliflower Vegan Sloppy Joes
These Lentil and Cauliflower Vegan Sloppy Joes are sweet, tangy, and just as delicious as the hearty sandwiches you loved as a kid - but lightened up!
The Frugal Vegan Cookbook
If you’re concerned about being able to stick to a grocery budget on a vegan meal plan, don’t be.
Kate and I have written a book full of budget-friendly recipes that make eating vegan accessible for everyone.
We’re so excited for you to try the awesome bowls, salads, breakfasts, and desserts we’ve created. Learn more about Frugal Vegan here.
Shraddha Agarkar
Veganism on a budget is a tough job and you have given a perfect blend of taste and budget options.
quick ingredients to make and taste worthy.