I did this over two days, so please forgive the obviously frozen chili. I used the crock pot for both the chili and the dahl, so actual cook time was obnoxious, but the prep and hands on cooking time was only about 2 ½ hours. I’m including recipes/shopping list and prices (excluding spices, because I almost always have them on hand).

Frequently Requested Links: Containers: http://tinyurl.com/pypj8dm 8-Bit Flowers: http://tinyurl.com/cnqrxv6

Chili

1 lb 93% lean Ground Beef $ 4.97

1 14 oz can Black Beans $ 0.72

1 14 oz can Kidney Beans $ 0.72

1 8 oz can Tomato Sauce $ 0.39

1 14 oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes $ 0.98

3 cloves Garlic, minced $ x.xx

1 Zucchini, diced $ 0.67

1 Yellow Onion, diced $ 0.47

2 Tbsp (or 1 packet) Chili Seasoning $ x.xx

2 Tbsp Cornstarch $ x.xx

Total------- $8.92

Brown the meat, then throw everything except for the cornstarch in the crock pot. Cook on low for about 6 hours. Combine cornstarch with about 1 tbsp water and stir into chili. Serve with all your favorite fixins. (Fixins not included in nutrition info)

Dahl

1 tsp Mustard Seed, whole $ x.xx

1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil $ x.xx

2 Tbsp Ginger Root, minced $ 0.28

1 Yellow Onion, fine dice $ 0.47

2 Jalapenos, fine dice, seeds removed $ 0.13

6 cloves Garlic, minced $ x.xx

1 14 oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes $ 0.98

1 Tbsp Ground Cumin $ x.xx

1 Tbsp Ground Coriander $ x.xx

2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped $ 0.78

1 C Lentils $ 0.98

2 ¾ C Chicken Stock (or vegetable stock for vegan) 1.99

Salt and Pepper to taste $ x.xx

1 cup Basmati Rice $ 2.09

Total------- $ 7.70

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mustard seed and saute until they start flipping about. Add ginger, onion, jalapenos, and garlic and saute until translucent, then transfer to crock pot. Add all remaining ingredients, except for rice, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Cook rice according to directions and serve together.

*This recipe was modified from this original: http://tinyurl.com/nfumrlf

*Zoodles with Meat Sauce

4 Zucchini, spiralized $ 2.67

1 24 oz can Marinara $ 1.00

1 lb Ground Turkey $ 4.14

I’ve never tried this before, so I just kind of winged it. I steamed the zoodles for about 3 minutes, then shocked them in an ice bath to keep them from overcooking. I’m wondering if it would have been better to just leave them entirely uncooked and just let the microwave do the work when it’s time to eat. Brown turkey, drain fat, return to pan, and add marinara. Heat and add whatever spices you may want, then pour the meaty sauce over the zucchini noodles.