I am pleased to say that I am nearing the end of my Bob's bag of millet. About time, right? I have about half a cup left, so the pressure is on to make a delicious and worthy recipe for those final grains!
But I am excited to share with you this more luxurious recipe. It is still possible to create a rich and indulgent dish, even if you are on a budget, for under $10 per serving. The real kicker is that there is a healthy helping of prawns which is some of the most expensive protein sources around!
Prawn Fried Millet
Time: 30 minutes Servings: two Price per serving: $9.49*
Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup of millet
1 1/2 cup water
340g large raw prawns
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes
One bunch of asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Six medium crimini mushrooms, sliced
One cup of chicken broth
1/2 cup of white onion, sliced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a small pot, put dried millet with 1 1/2 cups of water. Place in medium to high heat and bring to a boil. While millet cooks, skim off any foam that appears on the top.
In a sauté pan, turn the element on medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan. Cook the prawns and season them with garlic powder and black pepper powder. Turn over accordingly until the prawns are no longer raw.
Slowly add the sundried tomatoes, onion, and mushrooms to the sauté pan. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms turn brown.
Reduce heat to low, then add in the asparagus and chicken broth. Mix the asparagus in, then cover it with the lid. Simmer until the millet is ready.
Once the millet is ready, fluff it up with a fork. Add it to the sauté pan.
Scrape the bottom of the pan to make sure all the goodies are not sticking, then dish up!
From the cupboard: Millet, olive oil, sundried tomato, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
From the fridge: Chicken broth concentrate and white onion.
From the store: Asparagus, large raw prawns, and crimini mushrooms.
Final thoughts: The increased cost of food in British Columbia
As some of you may know, I am from beautiful BC. And let me tell you, the cost of groceries is getting tight! I see myself working at a health foods store, and it breaks my heart that the cost of basic amenities goes up not once but twice a year. The living wage is not cutting it anymore for us to feel comfortable with our purchases.
Because my partner and I are putting away extra savings for our future (we hope to be homeowners someday!) I am taking some measures to help us save a buck. Here are some of my cost-saving tips!
Compare Prices at your Local Stores: With online shopping available at most larger chain grocery stores, it is easy to look up products and compare them to other stores without getting your butt off the couch! And there's no need for fancy spreadsheets. Just jot it down on one of your apps on your phone to have it handy. I've done this many times when I make grocery lists. Don't forget to look over it about every 4-6 months since prices usually increase during that time. If there is a store that you like to shop at that doesn't have an online platform, have a look around and make notes on your phone. You don't need to take inventory of everything- that can be laborious!- just the items you frequently purchase.
Meal Plan Around Sales: If you are lucky, sometimes grocery stores release their weekly flyers a day before they start. That is a great time to check out what is a steal. That's how I got my raw prawns at a BOGO price to make this delicious meal! Make a list with the price and size of each item, then check the pricing at the other stores you shop. You may be surprised because the regular price may be cheaper than the other stores' sale price!
Sign up for a Rewards Card: Not all rewards cards are equal points-wise. Honestly, I don't understand the More Rewards system work, and it doesn't seem worth it to me. Redeem 2500 points for a bunch of green onions that costs $1.49. No thanks, I'm growing my own at home! Recently, I've been using a Scene Rewards card to collect points at Fresh Co. 1000 points = $10 off your next purchase. I have shopped there twice now and am already at 750 points. Come on, Save on. You can do better!
So there you have it, folks. Some tricks, tips, and another delicious meal in your arsenal!
How are you doing with these price increases? Do you have any cost-saving tips that have helped you get by these past few months?
Let me know in the comments below. I look forward to hearing them!
Until then, stay well
Chloe
*Prices may vary depending on where you shop.