Cheap Dinner Ideas

Creating a delicious and budget-friendly dinner is an art, especially when using high-quality ingredients like Spanish olive oil. This versatile ingredient adds depth and richness to even the most economical dishes. Below are two easy-to-make recipes that are both cost-effective and flavorful, showcasing the unique properties of Spanish olive oil.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (about 700g) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 4 tablespoons Spanish olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat Spanish olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Saute Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
5. Arrange Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet among the rice and vegetables.
6. Pour Broth: Pour chicken broth over the chicken, rice, and vegetable mixture. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
7. Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Chicken and Rice Casserole hot. This hearty and flavorful dish is a comforting and economical option for a family dinner.

Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 200g fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons Spanish olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Steps:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat Spanish olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Add Chickpeas and Spices: Stir in the chickpeas, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
3. Add Spinach and Broth: Add the fresh spinach and vegetable broth. Simmer until the spinach wilts and the stew thickens slightly.
4. Serve: Serve this hearty stew warm, perfect for a cozy night in.

These recipes demonstrate that cooking with budget-friendly ingredients doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality. By incorporating Spanish olive oil, each dish is elevated, offering a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a simple or more complex recipe, a few Spanish olive oil spoonfuls play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall flavor profile, proving that great taste can indeed come at a small cost.