Has anyone ever asked you if you have a budget? And when they do, what do you think they mean? I always assumed it meant knowing, in a general way, how much I spend on rent, health insurance and the occasional $14 acai bowl. Turns out, some people actually keep spreadsheets — formulas, categories, color-coding, the whole deal.
Luckily, I have a Type A friend who sat me down and walked me through my credit card statements. That’s how I learned that after rent, my biggest monthly expense is… groceries. Given that my lease isn’t up anytime soon, food is officially where I’m trying to cut back.
That’s easier said than done, of course — especially if you love to eat. But luckily, delicious, satisfying meals don’t always have to break the bank. Here are 18 cheap(ish) Jewish dinners that are full of flavor, deeply comforting and won’t leave your budget in the red. Whether you’re in the mood for red lentils, potato knishes or the ultimate meatloaf, these are dishes that taste like a million bucks (but definitely don’t cost it).
Lox, Eggs and Onions
That’s literally all you need to make this dish.
Noodles and Cottage Cheese
The Eastern European answer to boxed mac and cheese — and so much tastier!
Polish White Borscht
A celebration of the humble potato and cabbage.
Easy Vegetarian Moroccan Tagine
This all-vegetarian tagine will transport you to Morocco, if only just for dinner.
Moroccan Couscous and Chicken
A hearty dinner easy enough (and cheap enough!) for busy weeknights.
Ethiopian Messer Wot
A satisfying vegan main dish full of flavor while using few ingredients.
Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls
You knew this beloved (and economic!) dish would be on this list.
Chremslach
Because you need something to make with that matzah meal in the back of the pantry.
Chicken Salad
A high-protein, on-the-go lunch to keep you full all afternoon long.
The Ultimate Jewish Meatloaf
With its signature hard-boiled egg center, klops is more than just meatloaf.
Chopped Liver
This classic recipe is surprisingly easy to make from scratch and uses very few groceries.
Potato Knishes
You are just a handful of ingredients and a few steps away from making your own delicious version.
The Ultimate Stuffed Cabbage
The delicious flavors of stuffed cabbage made easier and the taste of dinner made cheaper!
Mafrum
This Libyan Jewish meat and potatoes dish is a hearty and complete meal.
Chickpea Bolognese
A flavorful meat-free dinner you will love.
Egyptian Golden Potato Soup
You just might have all of these ingredients in your cupboard already!
Chicken Fricassee
Ashkenazi-style braised chicken and meatballs delivers a huge, protein-packed bang for your buck.
Salmon Patties
Traditionally made with canned salmon, some bread crumbs or matzah meal, eggs and seasoning, these are an easy and cheap way to throw together a meal.
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