What makes a recipe recession-proof
Tony Dokoupil, CBS News anchor, was recently interviewed posted to Twitter About a “recession-busting bean recipe” he claimed was “better that beef.”
This post received a flood of responses, with many people sharing their favorite recession-proof ingredients. These included other types of beans and ramen. But what makes a recipe “recession-proof”? Why is it that beans and beef are both considered recession-friendly ingredients?
What makes a recipe recession-proof
A recipe that has ingredients that can last is generally considered to be recession-proof. That’s why we immediately think of items like canned goods — tomatoes, tuna, beans — or other shelf items that can go the long haul, such as pasta, rice and flour. However, we can also look at ingredients that are easily frozen and can be defrosted quickly or stretched easily to be recession-proof.
Richard LaMarita is a chef-instructor in health-supportive culinary arts at The. Institute of Culinary Education.
It all depends on what your perspective is. LaMarita states that many people have said that they have seen rising food prices over the years, especially during times like a pandemic. “As a private chef I can see this point of view. Food prices have dramatically increased.” This is what I see when I attempt to estimate food cost.
Others tell a different tale. LaMarita states that, while animal protein and produce are volatile markets, there are products that are stable.
What products are recession proof?
These products include packaged goods and bulk items. LaMarita says that canned beans, canned tomatoes and packaged stocks are all examples.
LaMarita does not work in these shops and cannot give specific recommendations. But, he said that overall, “these products are less volatile. The best advice I can give to a consumer would be to ask your local market about the products that you are interested in. Remember that your location might be important.
We are looking for ways to make more of what we have in a recession. This is evident in our cooking. We look for inexpensive ingredients that can be used to create multiple meals.
Ingredients that are easy to find
Many people think that “cheap” ingredients are expensive, but budget-friendly shoppers will often buy them. Jenn Nicken is the founder of virtual culinary school. The Chef and the DishAccording to Nicken, it is time to remove the stigma. Nicken says that “Ingredients are generally inexpensive because they’re plentiful,” which also includes seasonal items.
Nicken states that in summer, a recipe that includes seasonal and local ingredients, such as tomatoes and basil, will be more affordable than it would be during winter. So, for a recession-proof recipe to be truly affordable, it must align with the season. This is a great reason to preserve or save season’s produce, which can be re-used at a later date.
Filling and hearty ingredients
These ingredients are what you know. The meals you prepare for your family on a cold, miserable night. You know that they will love them and be satisfied. Nicken says that they tend to use a rich base. This could, depending on where you are from, be rice, wheat flour, or corn flour. Think pasta, breads, potatoes, rice, or masa. These ingredients are easy to find, but they can also be nourishing and filling for your whole family.
Products that have a long shelf life
Recession-proof recipes are more likely to last for a very long time. “Consider things you can keep in your pantry that won’t spoil quickly — dried pasta, flour to make bread, rice,” says Nicken. But don’t forget to consider what you will eat. Most recession-proof recipes can be frozen: soups, cabbage rolls, and shepherd’s pie are all good examples.
Flexibility and versatility
Recession-proof recipes are often adaptable, meaning you can make changes depending on what’s available, cheap, and readily available. You can also substitute a fresh leafy vegetable with a potato or substitute beans for meat.
Sometimes, you can swap out the meat.
Seafood and meat are the most expensive items we buy. However, you don’t have to be vegetarian unless you really want to. Instead: Jenna Helwig, The food director Real SimpleIt is a good idea to reduce the proportion of meat, fish, and vegetables in your meals.
You can substitute a whole pound for shrimp in stir-frys. Instead, use half the amount and add another head. Instead of using a full pound of ground beef for burgers, replace half with chopped sautéed mushrooms. “Not only will you save money making these switches,” says Helwig, “you’ll be eating more produce — a win-win.”
Buy frozen
You may not realize it, but the cost of the same ingredients could be lower if they were frozen. Frozen ingredients have greater flexibility and are therefore more affordable. Helwig states that frozen seafood is often less expensive than fresh. “Frozen berries last a lot longer than fresh, but they’re just as nutritious and perfect for smoothies — you can save $2 on 10 ounces of frozen raspberries as compared to fresh.” In fact, you’d have to buy several bunches of fresh spinach to equal as much as in a box of — and then you’d have to wash and cook it.
Food waste should be avoided
Food waste is money wasted. You are basically throwing away money if you throw away food, cooked or uncooked. Helwig says, “To reduce food wastage, avoid over-shopping perishable items (even if they are on sale). Get in the habit to eat leftovers for lunch and learn how you can make a few ‘catch all’ meals like frittatas or stir-fries to use any extra ingredients in your fridge.”
Stock up on the best ingredients that are recession-proof
Canned beans (or dried)
Beans come in a variety of varieties, and each one packs a wealth of nutrients and calories. This is great news if you are trying to cut your grocery costs. Trista Best is a registered dietician. “The fiber in beans will keep your stomach full and satisfied for a long time. It also helps to feed the gut’s good bacteria and binding and flushing away toxins from your body. It can even help reduce cholesterol and weight.” Best also says that beans are high in protein, which is a macronutrient often lacking in diets trying to cut costs at the grocery.
Brown rice is preferred
Rice It is cheap, filling, and when combined with beans it makes a complete meal. “Protein is composed of amino acids. Best explains that there are twenty amino acids. Nine of them are essential and must be consumed through diet. “Animal protein sources contain all 20 amino acids, so they are naturally complete proteins. Many plant-based proteins do not.” It is essential to consume all essential aminos for a healthy existence. Combining rice and beans gives you the right mix of amino acids.
Tomato paste
“Tomato paste is called for in a variety of recipes as a way to create depth and intensity of flavor — especially for a braise,” says John Castellucci, executive chef of Cooks and Soldiers For the culinary director Castellucci Hospitality Group Atlanta, Ga.
Canned fish
You should also consider canned seafood. hasn’t been majorly affected by inflation Over the last few years, like many other meats. “Spain offers a variety of high-quality canned fish. Boquerones, white anchovies, and ventresca are two of my favorite canned fish. Castellucci says that either could be used to make a cold appetizer, or to fold into a hot stew to give it a rich flavor.” Canning is another option Alaska salmonThis is a high-quality protein source, rich in omega-3s, and other nutrients, and can be used in countless recipes.
Recession-proof Recipe
LaMarita shares a recipe for a hearty winter stew that is seasonal and recession-proof.
There will always be vegetables on sale or affordable. “Start by sautéing an onion, garlic, celery and maybe a turnip. LaMarita says that dried onion or garlic powder is a great way to save. “Add some spices like turmeric or chili powder. Bulk barley can be purchased and added to the pot along some canned tomato and packaged vegetable stock. It should cook for about an hour. Add one can of beans to the pot, possibly two types such as a kidney bean or a white bean.
LaMarita says, “Simmer for 5 mins and then add some herbs (which can be grown in small pots on your windowsill). Voila! You have delicious vegetable bean stew that you can make on a dime.”
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