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Thursday, October 20, 2011

$4 a Day Giveaway!

Remember my post from last night? I posted a picture of a Chorizo-Flavored Scramble from Ellen Jaffe Jones' new cookbook, Eat Vegan on $4 a Day. And while I admitted that yesterday's scramble wasn't exactly inexpensive to make, most of her recipes are. I just naturally gravitated to the one recipe in the book made with fake meat ... because I like the fake meat.

But tonight, I made a much more affordable recipe from Jones' book, as its name implies — Checkbook-Saving Bean Salad (seriously, that's it's name):

It's basically like my summer tomato salad, but with added chickpeas for protein. Just tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, oil, vinegar, and chickpeas. I used a pear balsamic vinegar and a blood orange-infused olive oil because I had those in the pantry, but the recipe could be made with plain ole vinegar or lemon juice and regular olive oil. Jones even suggests skipping the olive oil for a lower fat salad, but why would I do that?!

You can have your very own copy of Eat Vegan on $4 a Day since the publisher is allowing me to give one away to a lucky reader. The contest is limited to readers in the U.S. and Canada (sorry, their rules!). But leave me a comment here on your favorite inexpensive vegan meal for a chance to win.

For an extra entry, link to the contest on Facebook and leave a separate comment letting me know you did. Ditto for Twitter. That's a total of three comment entries per reader. Be sure and leave your email in your comment if yours isn't listed on Blogger. I'll randomly choose one comment next Tuesday night.
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89 comments:

  1. EmilyOctober 20, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    Puerto Rican style black beans and rice is my favorite budget meal.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cara SheppardOctober 20, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    I don't have fb or twitter, but I do have plenty o' cheapo vegan meals. Chili is a favourite in our house, and can be made with just about anything we have laying around: tomatoes (fresh or canned), whatever dried beans that are in the cupboard, frozen corn, mushrooms, potatoes, whatever... Lots of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Sometimes I make it into a casserole with a cornbread crust - heavenly!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MeganOctober 20, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    Woot! Sweet potato chili, mama! http://www.downhomevegan.com/2008/10/my-heart-is-as-big-as-sweet-pa-tay-ta.html

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. SummerOctober 20, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    I love any beans and rice recipe to keep it cheap, especially when I can buy both of them in bulk. Add in whatever vegetables are in season, and you're eating on the cheap!

    ReplyDelete
  5. SummerOctober 20, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    I posted a link to the contest on my Facebook page. I think this would be a good way for non-vegans to kind of get into it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MeganOctober 20, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Linked on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  7. PaganAngelOctober 20, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    I've been eyeing this book on Amazon since yesterday. I seriously need a budget-minded cookbook!

    For a long time, my favorite cheap recipe is from Clotilde's blog, rice and bean salad: http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2010/03/rice_and_bean_salad.php

    ReplyDelete
  8. MeganOctober 20, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Tweeted!

    ReplyDelete
  9. EmOctober 20, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    My cheapest meal is lentil soup with peanut butter and curry powder!

    ReplyDelete
  10. EmilyOctober 20, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    http://twitter.com/#!/EmilyNiev/status/127244349766508544

    I tweeted!

    ReplyDelete
  11. vijitaOctober 20, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    My favourite inexpensive "meal" is hummus made from dried chickpeas and that inexpensive tahini from the Persian grocery store (and garlic, salt, oil, and lemon, obvs!). Pair that with raw veggies or homemade pita and I'm a happy girl!

    ReplyDelete
  12. EmilyOctober 20, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Linked to on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  13. KellyOctober 21, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    I'm lucky enough to have the space to grow a lot of my own veggies, so, for me, veggies are cheap.

    I like to eat chickpeas and greens (usually sauteed with some fresh lemon juice and crushed red pepper - quick, easy, cheap)

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    That salad looks yum! My favorite money-saving meal is PB&J... its the best cuz I can always change it up with different bread, nutbutter, or jelly. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. ChristinaOctober 21, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    Tacos! (Mushroom or tofu) You can spend under $5 and feed 4 people.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Southern Purple VeggieOctober 21, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    My favorite inexpesive meal is penne pasta with saute spinach with garlic.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    My favorie chap vegan meal is beans & rice with sides of carrots and cabbage. Filling and really cheap.

    Dempseyk
    dempseyk@justice.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. SheriOctober 21, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Lentil Tacos!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Hummus, cucumber, kale, onion and carrot wrap on Ezekiel tortilla. Less than five minutes to prep and you're good to go for hours.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    That salad looks yum! My favorite money-saving meal is PB&J... its the best cuz I can always change it up with different bread, nutbutter, or jelly. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. SweetKarolineOctober 21, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    my favorite cheap vegan meal is any kind of bean+veg stew.

    I've been eating various kinds for lunch and dinner the past two weeks, they are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jen TreehuggerOctober 21, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Beans on Toast!!
    :-)

    (don't worry, if I win I have a US address)
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Pasta is one of our favorite budget meals around here. There's so many different ways to make pasta sauces with whatever ingredients we have around the house.

    thislittlemail@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. VeggieLowOctober 21, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Beans and rice. all teh way. i buy both in bulk, so each serving usually costs me less than $2!

    ReplyDelete
  25. VeggieLowOctober 21, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    wrote about it on twitter :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. cdbOctober 21, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    rice and tamarind lentils! (with sauteed garden kale)

    missdo.overdawn @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. PatienceOctober 21, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    I made a Lebanese Red Lentil Stew the other night that was truly delectable (even company worthy), particularly considering how cheap the ingredients were....! I also bake my own bread for added cheapness....

    ReplyDelete
  28. ArleneOctober 21, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Fennel in the crockpot!

    ReplyDelete
  29. LeahOctober 21, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    This is cool--I'm in grad school right now, so time- and money-saving meals are a necessity. I like black beans seasoned with chipotle tabasco w/ rice & some greens and peppers--super cheap & quick (with canned beans, that is...) and one cup of rice and a can of beans can make 2 or 3 dinners.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dana VickersonOctober 21, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    My boyfriend and I have been making what we call "Josh's Poor Man's Chili" Mix one can Vegetarian Baked Beans with one can chili rotelle and some vegan bbq sauce. Pour over a steaming baked potato. YUM! We can eat this meal three times out of one batch of beans.

    ReplyDelete
  31. AllysiaOctober 21, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I'd be into this book fo sho. Chili is my favorite budget meal because it doesn't really make me feel like I'm broke when I eat it. Same goes for pancakes topped with fruit!

    ReplyDelete
  32. JennyOctober 21, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    A pot of beans!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sarah E. HoffmanOctober 21, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I find that homemade pizza is super cheap, easy and yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  34. BabetteOctober 21, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    My favorite inexpensive meal is probably pasta that I accompany with sautéed veggies and crumbled tofu... and nooch!

    ReplyDelete
  35. MelodyOctober 21, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    I'm a big fan of making inexpensive soups - especially chili!

    ReplyDelete
  36. MelissaOctober 21, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Lentil 'sloppy joes'!

    ReplyDelete
  37. WendyMemphisOctober 21, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Roasted tomatoes (tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper).
    Eat on pasta, toast, by themselves, or on anything else your little heart desires.

    wendympark @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. WendyMemphisOctober 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I also twatted it...
    @wendycurlytop

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Homemade, bulk bought beans and rice with whatever vegies are on sale that week.

    Mindy S.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lee AnnOctober 21, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Soup - split pea or lentil soup in the winter or tomato with white beans and pasta any time of year.
    Quick, cheap and tastes great

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kendy POctober 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Seitan with mashed potatoes & gravy...Pretty cheap - buying a lot of the stuff from bulk bins!

    ReplyDelete
  42. HAOctober 21, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Oh man, kim chi and rice is my favorite cheap meal.

    ReplyDelete
  43. HAOctober 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Shared on Twitter!

    ReplyDelete
  44. LesleyOctober 21, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Oh, I love bean salads. They're particularly good for people who don't have a lot of fridge space at work. I loved being able to keep a salad at my desk instead of risking its disappearance in the communal breakroom. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  45. bittOctober 21, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    My favorite inexpensive vegan meal is probably just beans and some cheapo veggies. But I also can make popcorn a meal and that's ultracheap too.

    ReplyDelete
  46. stephaniesaysOctober 21, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    my favorite cheapie vegan meal, especially in weather like this, is a tie between baked/stuffed squash (lentils, squash from the farmer's market, and whatever other veggies are cheap and available = YUM) and vegan chili (beans, tvp, diced tomatoes, and SPICE). i can typically make meals for DAYS out of these and they are hearty and healthy to boot!

    ReplyDelete
  47. LauraOctober 21, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Baked potato or sweet potato topped with lentils

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownOctober 21, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    I like fresh, homemade tomato and basil bruschetta!

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownOctober 21, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    I'm tweeting!

    ReplyDelete
  50. KariOctober 21, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Asian ramen salad w/ baked tofu. for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  51. cattaOctober 21, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    My cheap & easy goto meal is baked potato with a saute of whatever greens/veggies I have on hand. In a pinch, a little EB and nooch is pretty tasty too.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Get Skinny, Go Vegan.October 21, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    A True Testament that Vegan can be CHEAP!!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. williams8594@bellsouth.netOctober 21, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    My favorite vegan meal is a chili that my friend makes.Its loaded with beans and spinach and it's spicy. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Salad! Throw whatever veggies you have together and enjoy. Simple, cheap, and delicious!

    Courtney

    ReplyDelete
  55. the admiralOctober 21, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    when i want something cheap and simple, i make a good old-fashioned burrito! beans, rice, tomatoes, the works.

    ReplyDelete
  56. the admiralOctober 21, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    aaand tweeted :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Amanda @ Hungry Vegan TravelerOctober 21, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Cheap and simple meals for me are tofu scrambles, stir-fries, and veggie curries, because you can throw anything into any of them!

    ReplyDelete
  58. The FI WitchOctober 21, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    My favorite budget meal would have to be breakfast!
    Take a potato, shred it and make hash browns and then scramble up some tofu(and ground flax seeds) in the extra oil. When all is said and done, I add hot sauce to the tofu(unless I'm lucky enough to have had fresh peppers to cook with it).

    My omniverous boyfriend prefers the equally vegan meal with hash browns but opts for sauteed onions(over tofu)!

    ReplyDelete
  59. ChrisOctober 21, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Veggie hummus with pretzels and raw veggies. I eat that a lot these days as a broke grad student.

    ReplyDelete
  60. MaraOctober 21, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Favorite budget meal has to be oven-roasted veggies with olive oil and seasonings over messaged kale with some avocado and edamame - yumm!!!


    zenlucia13 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  61. ROctober 21, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Quinoa and beans! :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. moonswordOctober 22, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    Curried quinoa and beans is really easy, inexpensive , superhealthy and so very satisfying. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  63. CatOctober 22, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I think I just found one of my fave simple yet yummy cheap vegan meals this week. Its just a simple burrito but so good and a great base recipe that can be changed up however you like. One can of black beans and a cup of salsa warmed in a pan, crushing up at least half of the beans as you stir it up. Mix in 3/4 tbsp of cumin and 3/4 tbsp of chili powder. Divide it between 6 large tortillas, top with sharp cheddar or monteray jack and you've got dinner!

    ReplyDelete
  64. CatOctober 22, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Liked on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  65. MonsterAteMyOctober 22, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Right now our standby meal is black beans cooked with onion, garlic & spices and mixed with chunks of sweet potato served over rice. Cheap and easy.

    ReplyDelete
  66. SaraOctober 22, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    I love a good chickpea curry over brown rice! A can of coconut milk and curry powder make an inexpensive meal seem gourmet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. ZeeOctober 22, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    lentil soup! hommade of course

    ReplyDelete
  68. Suzie BOctober 22, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Homemade hummus is always a cheap standby - and versatile! Toss in roasted red peppers, beets, etc..
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  69. Suzie BOctober 22, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Fb share
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=187026291376374&id=611836186
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  70. Suzie BOctober 22, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    http://twitter.com/#!/sbabij/status/127822034796429312
    Tweet!
    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  71. KorinnefaloOctober 22, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    I enjoy making a lentil soup! It's great cause you can alter the recipe based on what you have and it's always delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  72. KorinnefaloOctober 22, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    I also linked this to Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  73. JamesOctober 23, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    I also love the snobby joes from Veganomicon as a dinner-on-a-dime, and recently have been taking a liking to the slow cooked chana dal in coconut milk, a recent entry on Two Blue Lemons. Living in Japan atm, but family and all are back in Canada, I'm sure they will forward it along to me if I'm lucky enough to win!

    ReplyDelete
  74. KimOctober 23, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    My favorite inexpensive vegan meal is probably anything with beans and rice or anything with potatoes. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hindy GarfinkelOctober 23, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    I love a good chickpea/spinach curry over rice. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    vegan chili! with some brown rice and its complete protein too! tastes awesome with a bit of curry powder ;)

    ReplyDelete
  77. MeghanOctober 23, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    black bean (made from dried beans, which are crazy cheap) and tvp burgers! yum

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousOctober 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Vegan spring rolls! We pretty much just clean out the pantry with whatever veggies and protein we have add some homemade peanut sauce, and you're in business.

    Thanks for the contest, knittygrrl at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. MikeCOctober 24, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Cornbread and beans or toast with sliced tomatoes and gravy are tasty, filling and cheap.

    ReplyDelete
  80. KelliOctober 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    My Vegan Sloppy Jasons!! So yummy! Here: (http://sproutnewroots.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/hello-world/)

    ReplyDelete
  81. adamhiteOctober 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    a quick stir-fry is always good!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Nichole RouseOctober 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I have been vegetarian for 3 years after learning the truth behind our awful meat industry. Mother of 4 boys (17, 13, 12 and 8) and wife. Trying to convert 5 men is a difficult task but I am NEVER going to give up hope on them.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Maria WolfeOctober 25, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Oh how I loooove cookbooks!! My favorite inexpensive meal is cream of tomato soup made with pureed white beans and nutritional yeast in place of dairy! Perfect for fall weather!! Thanks for the opportunity!! Maria

    ReplyDelete
  84. UnknownOctober 25, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Am I boring for loving Easy Stir Fry Kale from Veganomicon? Also, black beans with tomato paste and avacado is delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  85. saveyrgenerationOctober 25, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    potato soup! best cheap fall/winter meal.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Carolyn FernandezOctober 25, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Mmm, I like to eat simple: baked potato topped with beans. Wintery comfort food :D

    ReplyDelete
  87. DeirdreOctober 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Spicy Tomato, Red Pepper soup! Juice 2 tomatoes, a red pepper, a green onion and a couple of cloves of garlic, add a little cayenne pepper and warm up. yummmy for the cool weather.

    ReplyDelete
  88. BethanyOctober 25, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    My favorite inexpensive vegan meal is a plain ole peanut buter & banana sandwich! It's quick, cheap, portable, and tasty!!

    ReplyDelete
  89. the admiralOctober 25, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    posted on facebook! :)

    ReplyDelete

I live for your comments!! Seriously. I'm waiting right now for you to write something.