Healthy Dinners for Two on a Budget

Dinner time should indeed be a happy and enjoyable time. It's a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with loved ones, and savor delicious food. And if you are looking for healthy dinners for on a budget, we have accumulated the perfect list for you. Check out our healthy dinners for two on a budget and prepare something special for yourself and your partner tonight. High on flavour and low on calorie as well as cost, these dinner options will surely be a hit!

Vegetable Stir-Fry:

Sauté a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas in a small amount of olive oil. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. Serve over brown rice or whole wheat noodles.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 carrot, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup snap peas

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Optional: protein of your choice (tofu, chicken, shrimp)

Instructions: 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. If using protein, add it to the skillet and cook until cooked through.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve the stir-fry over brown rice or whole wheat noodles.

Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables:

Season chicken breasts with herbs, spices, and a little olive oil. Bake in the oven until cooked through. Meanwhile, toss mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender.

Ingredients: 

2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and green beans)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them around the chicken thighs on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve the baked chicken thighs with roasted vegetables on the side.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers:

Easy to prepare dinner that is a sure shot winner! This healthy dinner for two on budget is perfect to perk up any special night!

Ingredients:

2 bell peppers

1/2 cup quinoa, cooked

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn kernels

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Serve the quinoa stuffed bell peppers as a satisfying and nutritious dinner.

Dal (Lentil) and Rice:

A comfort food that can be cooked comfortably! Nothing matches the comfort, ease of preparation and nutritional value of this all-familiar dinner recipe. Whether you are under the weather or simply want to prepare something filling yet quick, this recipe is just perfect for all occasions.

Ingredients:

1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)

3 cups water

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Cooked rice

Instructions:

• Rinse the lentils thoroughly and place them in a pressure cooker with water, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
• Pressure cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
• Once the pressure releases, open the cooker and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with cooked rice.

Aloo Paratha (Potato Stuffed Flatbread):

You can’t go wrong with everyone’s favourite Aloo Paratha. This is one recipe that is perfect for all meals- breakfast, lunch as well as dinner.

 Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 onion, finely chopped

2 green chilies, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions: 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to make a soft dough. Knead well and set aside for 15 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Divide the dough and potato filling into equal portions.
4. Roll out one portion of the dough into a small circle. Place a portion of the potato filling in the center and bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
5. Roll out the stuffed dough gently into a flatbread (paratha).
6. Heat a tawa or griddle and cook the paratha on both sides until golden brown, applying ghee or oil as needed.
7. Serve hot with yogurt or pickle.

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry):

Chana Masala is a popular and flavorful Indian dish made with chickpeas (also known as chana) cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It is a staple in North Indian cuisine and is enjoyed as both a main course and a side dish. Chana Masala is known for its rich and robust flavors, making it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
4. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add the chickpeas and a little water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
7. Serve hot with rice or roti (Indian bread)