What are some budget-friendly lunch recipes?

1. Bean Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large tortillas
• Optional: sour cream, lettuce, and avocado

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the black beans with salsa.


2. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.


3. Place a portion of beans, rice, and cheese on each tortilla.


4. Roll up the tortillas and serve with optional toppings.

2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• Optional: honey or cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread.


2. Place banana slices on one slice of bread.


3. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.


4. Top with the other slice of bread and cut in half.

3. Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.


2. Add garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking until tender.


3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked through.


4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients.


5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.


6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

4. Homemade Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can beans (any variety), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, basil, or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.


2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.


3. Add diced tomatoes, beans, and broth to the pot.


4. Season with dried herbs, salt, and pepper.


5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.


6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

5. Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: feta cheese and fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.


2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.


3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat.


4. Top with feta cheese and fresh herbs if desired.


5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.