15 Awesome ‘Poor People’ Foods Your Parents Fed You

When we talk about ‘poor people’ food, we mean far more than cheap meals. We want to take you through the delicious, exotic cuisine your parents fed you, even with a restricted budget. It was supposed to be satisfying and much better than you think. Here are 15 awesome ‘poor people’ foods your parents fed you.

Beans on Toast

One would think beans on toast are too plain, but it is one of the most comforting foods out there. Fried, warm, and spicy baked beans on buttered toast are all there is to it. This recipe is rich in protein and fiber, so it is both satisfying and good for you. It is also quite simple.

Ramen Noodles

Ramen might be one of the most inexpensive meals, but with a bit of creativity, you can make it gourmet. Drop an egg in it, chop up some green onions to sprinkle on top, and throw whatever food leftovers you have in the fridge. You can add in whatever it takes to make your 30-cent packet of noodles taste like it is from a fancy noodle shop.

Fried Bologna Sandwich

We agree that fried bologna is not gourmet, yet it is a classic that deserves all the respect. When fried, bologna curls up, and the edges get crispy. Put a couple of fried pieces of bologna between two pieces of white bread with a fancy mustard and you are golden.

Canned Tuna Casserole

Most of us probably associate tuna casserole with school-style cafeteria dinners. But believe it or not, this casserole can be a quick, easy, low-cost dinner made from canned tuna, cheap noodles, and a can of creamy mushroom soup. Top it up with some spices or add a handful of frozen peas; it is a flavorful dish that truly warms up the feelings.

Potato Soup

Potato soup is a great example of something so elementary that it can also be extremely delicious. Simply combine onions, potatoes, and a splash of milk with some seasoning, and you will have a hot nap to keep you warm on a cold, rainy day. Potato soup reveals why to use costly constituents when basic items can be so enjoyable.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a Southern food, but its simplicity and comfort are loved all over. You can whip up a sweet or savory version based on your mood or pantry, and it is made from budget ingredients like cornmeal. Eat it with chili or stew, slather it with warm butter and a little honey, and you have a basic dish that has been transformed into something special with a tiny upgrade.

Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil

Simple ingredients can sometimes bring you the most delightful dishes. One of the best examples of that is spaghetti with garlic and oil. Pasta, a few cloves of garlic, olive oil, and some chili flakes are all it takes to make this Italian classic, also known as spaghetti aglio e olio. Quick to prepare, cheap, and delicious, this dish is ideal for a budget-friendly and yummy dinner.

Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a classic combination in various cultures throughout the world. If you mix them together, you get a full protein diet. This makes it not only cheap to prepare but also a nutritious meal. Add a few onions and spices; if you are feeling great, add some sausage or bacon. This food is satisfying, delightful, and provides sufficient nourishment to take on your day.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Whatever vegetables you can pick up on offer or are left in your fridge could be the start of a great meal. A vegetable stir-fry is a fantastic supper option for people on a tight budget and wanting something healthy. Toss in some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for the sauce, and pour the blend over the rice. If you have any extra chicken or beef, throw it in, too. 

Egg Drop Soup

Although it may seem to be a dish to order from a takeout menu, egg drop soup could not be easier to make and enjoy on a restricted budget. Add two eggs to a pot of chicken broth, and then garnish it with some chopped green herbs if you like. What you have got is a healing and delicious dish sure to be a hit when it is cold or you are feeling off. 

Cabbage Stew

Cabbage stew is the unsung hero of hearty meals that cost next to nothing. It is as simple as cutting a head of cabbage and throwing that in a broth containing chunks of potatoes, carrots, and onions and simmering it until the veggies are soft and delicate. You might like to add some bacon or sausage for that additional flavor pack.

Grits

Grits might be the most stunning comfort food. It is a Southern dish prepared from ground corn that you can eat with practically anything. For breakfast, you can go for the buttery and cheesy, and for dinner, add some shrimp to make it feel both humble and luxurious. Grits proves that the most delicious food is not necessarily the most expensive or complex.

Pasta Fagioli

Often dubbed “pasta and beans,” this basic Italian dish blends pasta with cannellini or borlotti beans in tomato sauce. Pasta Fagioli is a fantastic pan meal because you almost certainly already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Let the sauce simmer with herbs, a heavy olive oil drizzle, and some parmesan coating, transforming the plate into something that could have arisen from your Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Leftovers can be pretty uninspiring. However, it is possible to use them and feel like you are eating a ‘new’ meal. The filling is simply a mix of rice and spices with leftover tomatoes, meat, or beans, and the peppers act as an edible bowl that infuses everything with their sweet flavor as they bake. And best of all, you get a good dose of vegetables even when barely trying. 

Bread Pudding

And then there is bread pudding. This breakfast or dessert, depending on how you eat it, is a way to see stale bread as a treat. Bread mixed with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla is baked until it turns into something puffy and golden. It is a recipe from a time when all food was made to be delicious.