I have a theory that there is a impossible trinity (like in economics), where a food cannot be delicious, cheap and healthy at the same time. At maximum 2 of the 3 can be achieved.
Is there any food that breaks this theory?
Edit: I was thinking more about dishes (or something you put in your mouth) than the raw substances
Some popular suggestions include
- fruits (in season) and vegetables
- lentils, beans, rice
- mushrooms
- chicken
- just eat in moderation
Edit 2: Thanks for the various answers. Now there are a lot of (mostly bean-based) recipes for everyone to try out!
Also someone made a community for cheap healthy food after seeing this topic!
The Instant Pot or equivalent is the best invention for this. Throw in whatever ingredients (beans, veg) were previously too much hassle to cook. Add water, press button, wait for beep, open pot, eat. Well better find some recipes first, but it’s almost that simple.
Here’s a favorite of mine: 1 cup dry beans, 1/2 cup tomato powder (yes that is a thing), 2 cups water, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, stir in a can of corn kernels from trader joe. Done and delicious and nourishing, due to the protein combination from the corn and beans mixing. Or use rice instead of corn, except that’s more hassle since it’s best to make that separately.
Edit: here is another one, oatmeal, old fashioned style that’s like $1 a pound at Costco. Takes 30 minutes on a stovetop or 4 minutes in the Instant Pot. Biggest hassle is cleaning the instant pot afterwards, since the oatmeal sticks to the sides.
I believe in this when it’s in my own hands but every single comrade I’ve had prepare a meal for us in an instant pot has been absolutely awful. I believe everyone has to be fucking with me because there is no way my comrades are living their lives eating crunchy rice and beans.
If it’s crunchy they didn’t do it long enough. Or perhaps did it way too long.
If the beans are crunchy they didn’t cook long enough. If the rice is crunchy there was not enough water.