How to cook cheap and healthy meals in Australia basic staples to keep at home is one of those topics that can save you significant money and improve your health. Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out, and having basic staples makes it easier. I’ve cooked at home for three years, and I’ve learned what staples to keep. Some staples are obvious. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what staples work.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve cooked at home and learned what staples to keep, and I’ve watched friends cook. Some staples work well. Others don’t. The difference was understanding what staples form the foundation.
So here’s everything I know about basic staples to keep at home for cooking cheap and healthy meals in Australia, based on what actually works.
Basic Staples: What to Keep
Let me start with this, because basic staples form the foundation.
Basic staples include: rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices.
Keep these: on hand, and build meals around them.
But here’s what I’ve learned: basic staples form the foundation. Keep rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices on hand. Build meals around them.
Rice and Pasta: The Foundation
This is important, because rice and pasta are cheap and filling.
Rice and pasta: are cheap, filling, and versatile. Keep them on hand.
Use them: as the base for meals, and add vegetables and protein.
But here’s what I’ve learned: rice and pasta are cheap and filling. Keep them on hand, and use them as the base for meals. They’re versatile and affordable.
Eggs: The Versatile Protein
This is important, because eggs are cheap and versatile.
Eggs: are cheap, versatile, and nutritious. Keep them on hand.
Use them: for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re versatile.
But here’s what I’ve learned: eggs are cheap and versatile. Keep them on hand, and use them for various meals. They’re nutritious and affordable.
Vegetables: The Healthy Addition
This is important, because vegetables add nutrition and variety.
Vegetables: add nutrition, variety, and color to meals. Keep basic vegetables on hand.
Use them: in various meals, and vary your selection.
But here’s what I’ve learned: vegetables add nutrition and variety. Keep basic vegetables on hand, and use them in various meals. They’re healthy and affordable.
Basic Proteins: What to Keep
This is important, because proteins are essential.
Basic proteins: include chicken, beans, lentils, and tofu. Keep basic proteins on hand.
Use them: in various meals, and vary your selection.
But here’s what I’ve learned: basic proteins are essential. Keep chicken, beans, lentils, and tofu on hand. Use them in various meals, and vary your selection.
Spices: The Flavor Makers
This is important, because spices add flavor without cost.
Spices: add flavor and variety to meals. Keep basic spices on hand.
Use them: to flavor meals, and vary your selection.
But here’s what I’ve learned: spices add flavor without significant cost. Keep basic spices on hand, and use them to flavor meals. They add variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important staples?
Rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices. Keep these on hand, and build meals around them.
How much do staples cost?
It varies, but basic staples are affordable. Rice, pasta, and eggs are cheap. Vegetables and proteins vary in price.
Should I buy in bulk?
Yes, for staples like rice and pasta. Buying in bulk saves money. Buy in bulk when possible.
How do I use staples?
Build meals around staples. Use rice or pasta as the base, add vegetables and protein, and flavor with spices. It’s simple and affordable.
What if I don’t like cooking?
Start simple. Cook basic meals, and build from there. You don’t need to be a chef to cook cheap and healthy meals.
Can I cook cheap and healthy?
Yes. Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out. Keep basic staples on hand, and cook simple meals. It’s affordable and healthy.
I’ve written about building a cheap weekly meal plan if you want more detail.
Final Thoughts
How to cook cheap and healthy meals in Australia: keep basic staples on hand, including rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices. Build meals around these staples, and cook from scratch. Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out. Start simple, and build from there.
Don’t overthink it. Cooking at home is straightforward. Keep basic staples on hand, and cook simple meals. It’s cheaper and healthier than eating out. Start simple, and build from there.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Keep basic staples on hand. Rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices form the foundation. Build meals around them, and cook from scratch. It’s cheaper and healthier than eating out.
If you’re still cooking, keep basic staples on hand. Rice, pasta, bread, eggs, vegetables, basic proteins, and spices form the foundation. Build meals around them, and cook from scratch. Start simple, and build from there. It’s cheaper and healthier than eating out.