Yes, times are questionable right now. The price of beef has risen beyond many customers’ ability to pay. This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last. People with limited incomes have always had difficulty affording the price of beef. At least cuts that are not the cheapest. When this happens, and it will, an alternative protein is necessary. Yes, chicken, turkey, and pork are all great, but how much of that can you eat every day?

If you have to skimp on price, don’t skimp on your protein. Some inexpensive options for protein can include beans, peas (split or fresh), lentils, and eggs.

I grew up in the 50s, my parents were raised during the depression where they were used to not having much, if anything, at times. They brought with them several ways to fill the pantry without a lot of money.

One of them was a pot of beans. A pot of beans will last several days. Beans contain a lot of protein, fiber, and many great nutrients, and are very tasty.

Everyone knows pinto beans. However, there are also red beans, navy beans, great northern beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans. The protein content in beans ranges from 7.2 g to 9.7 g of protein per ½ cup serving.

There are several ways to cook beans. The method depends on your reason for choosing beans. Is it due to a vegetarian diet or because they are less expensive than beef?

Personally, I like pinto beans with ham hock and onion. First, rinse the beans. Then, depending on how much you are cooking, put them in a large pot. Add 1 or 2 hocks, slice up an onion, salt &pepper, and cover with water. Let it cook for 4 or 5 hours, and voila, great food! This can be served with homemade bread & butter, or biscuits, and green salad. It can also be served with just corn bread, butter, and honey.

You can do this with any of your beans or just add whatever you want to enhance the flavor. I make black beans with just the beans and onion. That way, I can use the leftovers for burritos or whatever.

There are probably many other, cheaper meals, but this is my go-to when things get tight.

Eating on a limited budget isn’t fun, but it can be interesting and adventurous. Enjoy!

References:

13 Highest Protein Beans to Boost Your Diet

The 7 Healthiest Beans to Eat, According to Dietitians

The 5 Highest Protein Beans To Include in Your Diet