Affordable Deliciousness: Cooking on a Budget with Five-Ingredient Recipes

Budget-Friendly Cooking with "Thrifty Cuisine": Five Ingredients, Five Euros, Two Servings

Introduction

In the whirlwind of life, time and money can often be scarce. But must culinary delights be sacrificed? Absolutely not, especially at your local farmers market! Our new series, "Thrifty Cuisine," takes on the challenge of creating delectable dishes with a strict budget: five basic ingredients, five recipe ingredients, and a total cost of five euros for two generous servings.

Ingredients:

• Fresh yeast: €0.19
• Wheat flour: €0.17
• Olive oil: €0.20
• Mozzarella: €0.46
• Parsley: €0.05

Total Cost: €1.07

January’s Culinary Adventure:

Throughout January, I enthusiastically immersed myself in the art of sourdough breadmaking, carefully tending to doughs and baking rustic loaves in my trusty yet occasionally temperamental skillet. Meticulously, I documented the nuances of each recipe, noting the triumphs and pitfalls. For 2025, I embark on an ambitious project entitled "The Bread Diary." Dough, a captivating and enigmatic entity, deserves my utmost attention as I unravel its complexities and dissect its occasional whims.

Recipe:

Rustic Sourdough Bread with Mozzarella and Parsley

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 250g (2 cups) of wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of fresh yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 150ml (5 fl oz) of warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Second rise: Cover the loaf with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
6. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Score the top of the loaf and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Garnish with mozzarella and parsley: Once the bread is out of the oven, top with torn mozzarella and chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Tips:

• Use fresh, active yeast for the best results.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• Do not over-knead the dough, as this can result in a tough bread.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease a baking sheet instead.
• You can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Budget-friendly cooking does not have to compromise on flavor. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. So, embrace the art of "Thrifty Cuisine" and explore the culinary wonders that await you at your local farmers market.