Alright, who is feeling the need to improve the grocery budget? When I first became a stay at home mum I had to learn how to adjust “how” I made our meals. Discovering cooking from scratch simplified and improved my budget. It took a lot of trial and error to get to where I am at today with feeling confident that I can whip up meals with not a lot. I now take a more simple rustic approach to my cooking, and I can generally substitute an ingredient for a meal with confidence. Creativity + confidence helps you save money too.

So, let’s talk about how we can whip up some delicious meals from scratch without breaking the bank. It’s easier than you think, and your wallet will thank you for it!

1. Meal Planning Magic:
So, first things first, let’s get organized. Take a sec to plan out your meals for the week. Check what you’ve already got in your pantry and fridge, and build your meal plan around those ingredients. Once you have a rhythm of this you’ll find the staples you need to have in your pantry, fridge & freezer. Stick to your list when you hit the shops to avoid those sneaky impulse buys!

*tip: I have a Nourishing Food list of pantry/fridge & freezer staples printed out and stuck inside my pantry to refer to. Get a copy HERE

2. Bulk Buys FTW:
Now, who doesn’t love a good deal, right? Hit up those bulk sections in the store or find a wholesale spot where you can snag your staples at lower prices. Think rice, beans, flour, sugar and spices – buying in bulk save you $, plus it cuts down on unnecessary packaging. Try get one bulk item at a time and building up your staples this way.

*tip: Look out for Asian and Indian grocery shops have large bulk rice and other items.

3. Go Seasonal, Go Local:
Fresh is best, and nothing beats seasonal and local produce. Head to your nearest farmers’ market for some tasty fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. Plus, support local farmers! Another idea is to join your local FB homegrown produce group for swaps and selling, especially during harvest time when people have excess and sometimes simply do not have the time to preserve and are happy to sell cheaper than the shops.

4. Keep it Simple with Kitchen Basics:
You don’t need a fancy kitchen full of gadgets to whip up some magic. Invest in good-quality basics like a decent knife, cutting board, pots, and pans. With these essentials, you can tackle pretty much any recipe like a pro! We have a Thermomix and whilst it has been a massive workhorse I can see now how an Instapot and a high powered blender would have met our family needs better at a lower price point. Its good to consider how an appliance will meet your family needs before you purchase.

5. DIY Kitchen Staples:
Let’s talk about those store-bought staples. Did you know you can make ’em at home for a fraction of the cost? Bake homemade bread, pasta, sauces, and snacks. Not only do they taste better, but they’re also way healthier and budget-friendly. It is a great way to connect with your kids by spending time with them as you work side by side with them in the kitchen. My daughter loves to bake treats a few times a week. Seeing her creative attitude to giving things a go shows me how having a few staples has allowed her a base from which she can create from.

6. Batch Cook Like a Boss:
Batch cooking and meal prep are your BFFs when it comes to saving time and money. Spend a few hours on the weekend cooking up big batches of grains, proteins, and veggies. Portion out and pop in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals all week long. This save me so much time and energy through the week. Look out for my blog post on 1 chook for 3 dinners!

7. Get Creative and Have Fun:
Last but not least, let your creativity run wild in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Have fun, making delicious food that nourishes your family and your budget.

Cooking from scratch offers numerous benefits beyond just saving money. It leads to healthier eating by allowing control over ingredients, promotes portion control, fosters family bonding through shared meal preparation, cultivates valuable culinary skills, and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on processed foods and supporting local agriculture.

The way I look at cooking from scratch is about keeping it simple, getting creative, and enjoying some tasty eats without burning a hole in your wallet. So put on your apron, pop on the tunes, and let’s get cooking!