Budget Friendly Recipe Ideas

Cooking on a budget does not necessarily mean sacrificing flavour and nutrition. The best part with having a multi cooker is even with little to spend, you can effortlessly come up with the healthiest and best-tasting meals right in time for dinner and any time of day! Try out these inexpensive dishes that are sure to please the whole family.

1. Pressure Cooker Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Faster, easier and better tasting potatoes! Cook the vegetables under high pressure for 6 minutes then quick release the steam. In a mixer bowl, whisk in some milk, butter, salt and pepper until the potatoes reach a creamy consistency. Experiment on the recipe with buttermilk, sour cream or cream cheese as you desire.

2. Slow-Cooked Smoky Pea Soup

Heartwarming soup that's great with homemade corn bread or biscuits. Potatoes create a starchy thick base while sweet and salty ham balances the earthy flavour of peas. Toss in carrots, celery, onions and garlic then cook on low for 8 hours. Garnish with parsley and pepper for a nice meal on a cold winter day, with leftovers that fare well in the fridge.

3. Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna

A brilliant vegetable lasagna idea kids will love! Trade the tomato sauce for winter squash puree, baby spinach, mozarella and creamy ricotta layered in your lasagna. After a few minutes of preparation and 4 hours cook time, come back to perfectly cooked al dente noodles straight out from your multi cooker.

4. Braised or Stewed Turkey Legs

Warm, deliciously filling and will last for several meals. Did you know that turkey legs or thighs are in fact the tastier part of the meat? That's on top of being a lot cheaper than turkey breast. You can have it slowly braised on a bed of celery and onions, then shredded and served with the braising liquid. Slow-cooking the turkey with various kinds of root vegetables produces a hearty meal infused with rich flavour.

5. Stuffed Green Pepper Casserole

An easy-to-make casserole with everything to rave about green peppers! It's only a matter of sauteing ground beef, chopped onions and garlic. Mix in:

• long grain rice;
• spinach;
• tomatoes;
• an abundance of green peppers.

Lock the lid in place then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then do a natural release for another 10 minutes. Sprinkle mozarella cheese on top then broil until it's lusciously melted.

6. Simple Pot Roast Recipe

Chuck roasts made into traditional stew or a sumptuous feast of tender meat. Cheaper and tougher cuts of meat pose no challenge for multi cookers. Low and slow braising completely tenderizes meat while bringing out amazing flavours and aroma. You can also brown on medium-high heat then pour broth and salad dressings and gravy mix altogether, then pressure cook for a perfect pot roast.

7. Vegetable Medley Ideas

Indulge in a heavenly mush of green and fresh vegetable flavours! Vegetarian proteins provide a less expensive alternative to meat or fish, yet can be equally satisfying. Whip up a large batch of bean stew, legumes, lentils, sweet potatoes or quinoa grains. With or without soaking, multi cookers can deliver you with the freshest, easily digestible, surprisingly delicious meals on a budget.