EXTREME BUDGET ONE POT MEALS

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  • Опубліковано 23 бер 2024
  • I've been trying to save money on lunches and this is what I've been eating. These meals are so good, that I want to eat them again and again. These extreme budget meals can be customized to your needs or whatever ingredients are on sale where you live.
    #frugalmeals
    #extremegrocerybudget
    #budgetmealplan
    #budgetmeals
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    ⭐️VEGETABLE SOUP
    2 inches diced ginger
    2 cloves diced garlic
    1/4 to 1/3 cup dry lentils -washed and cleaned
    1 potato
    1 1/2 cups cabbage
    1 cup chopped spinach
    1 cup green beans
    olive oil -2 tbs ( 1 tbs per serving)
    *1-2 tbs Trader Joes Nutritional Yeast (optional)
    turmeric - start with 3/4 teaspoon and add a little more later if wanted
    salt to taste
    pepper to taste
    water - I think it was about 6 cups to start with, but you may need to add more.
    I add everything in except the potatoes. When the lentils are halfway done, I add in the potatoes.
    I add in the nutritional yeast at the end, but it's optional and can be added into the soup directly.
    I ate this with one roll or piece of bread and some fruit on the side.
    I got the French rolls from Trader Joes and toast one and take with my soup.
    This makes 2 servings for me.
    ⭐️MEATBALL SOUP
    2 inches diced ginger
    2 cloves diced garlic
    4 meatballs ( I used 3 Gardein plant based meatballs)
    1 potato
    1 cup chopped asparagus
    1/2 cup fire roasted corn (mine was frozen from Trader Joes)
    3/4 can diced Great Value fire roasted tomatoes (use the whole can if you have it)
    1 cup chopped spinach
    1/2 cup chopped green beans
    olive oil -2 tbs ( 1 tbs per serving)
    *1-2 tbs Trader Joes Nutritional Yeast (optional)
    turmeric - start with 3/4 teaspoon and add a little more later if wanted
    salt to taste
    pepper to taste
    water - I think it was about 6 cups to start with, but you may need to add more.
    For this one I sautéed the ginger, garlic and turmeric in olive oil in the pan before adding water and remaining ingredients.
    I ate this with a roll and some fruit and / or veggies on the side.
    Join this channel to get access to perks:
    / @ardentmichelle
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 356

  • @dawnt5587
    @dawnt5587 3 місяці тому +93

    Anyone who says healthy food is more expensive than junk food hasn’t watched your videos. You do an excellent job of creating recipes on a budget.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +5

      I appreciate this comment so much 💜 thank you!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +8

      I especially appreciate it now, because I'm trying to focus my content on extreme budget meals...even while I'm working.

    • @leannepayne4081
      @leannepayne4081 3 місяці тому +4

      For anyone who is facing food insecurity, please find the help within your community. Most have food pantries or something. Nobody should go hungry

    • @leannepayne4081
      @leannepayne4081 3 місяці тому +3

      If you need more ideas on how to save on your groceries, check out Frugal Fit Mom videos. She gives you all the tips and tricks to save money and she does lots of budget friendly meals as well.

    • @barbarabruce7648
      @barbarabruce7648 3 місяці тому +5

      Hi Michelle, I may have told you this already. Two weeks ago I made a similar soup to your first one.
      I made 150 bowls for $30. That was 20 cents a bowl! I made it at my daughter's High School for every student for lunch. She goes to a specialist music high school for gifted kids and they are so open to new things. I make vegan soup for them about once a month . This time I made Vegetable soup with a dollop of mashed potato, onion and parsley. I just bought what was in season.

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +46

    Whatever works for your schedule is A OK with me and I am sure a lot of your viewers. Your recipes are worth the wait. You do what works best for you. I would be sad if you got burnt out trying to make content. I have seen several channels I followed disappear because of creator burnout.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +7

      I always feel so supported by you 💜
      I know that once I get my regular schedule at work (after training) everything will be fine. Thanks for the concern. Burnout is a real thing and unfortunately I did experience it with my past job when I was trying to do both. I had to stop filming for a couple months. That job required a TON of overtime though...
      Thanks for always supporting me Pat 😁 I appreciate you so much!

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +43

    I am a fan of soup too. One thing about soup, when you think you have nothing in your fridge or pantry you can usually whip up some sort of soup.
    Some bullion, rice, noodles or potato, onion, lentils, left over meat no matter how little and poof walla soup.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +4

      so true 👍

    • @dianaobrien463
      @dianaobrien463 3 місяці тому +3

      I did that yesterday and still have some for today

    • @yvonnepalmquist8676
      @yvonnepalmquist8676 3 місяці тому +4

      Stone Soup is the best. 😁

    • @bettyir4302
      @bettyir4302 3 місяці тому +4

      Yes, we've been cleaning out the fridge the past 2-3 days and making comfort food. Froze some old bananas and milk. Had zucchini with a thrown together dip and turned the carrots into carrot soup, yum. Used some frozen homemade beef stock in the carrots and used the rest of the stock today in rice, an onion and some mushrooms just out of the dehydrator. There is 1 tomato left so it'll probably go into sandwiches tomorrow to finish up the bread. French toast will finish the bread for breakfast which will take care of a couple eggs, too. It is easier to clean an empty fridge.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      @@bettyir4302 love this 😁 so resourceful.

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +25

    I realize that you don't have a lot of time because of your job but I chop and freeze celery, peppers, cilantro etc for use in my soups. That way when prices are high, I am still enjoying the veggie bargains. It really makes a difference in my budget.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +5

      I love this tip and also because it's a huge time saver!

    • @yvonnepalmquist8676
      @yvonnepalmquist8676 3 місяці тому +2

      Any special tips for freezing cilantro? I didn't know that could be frozen, that would save me so much.

  • @user-if2sz2ku2w
    @user-if2sz2ku2w 3 місяці тому +13

    This afternoon I made a pot of lentil soup. Celery, onion, carrot and garlic. Fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth with some seasoning. A cup or so of lentils and simmer till done. Plenty for dinner with leftovers for lunch.
    I try to make a different soup every week in the winter.
    I call it Soup of the Week! 😄

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Sounds great with the tomatoes added in there and I bet the chicken broth makes it especially rich and savory.

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +17

    You can keep celery for weeks if you don't cut it up or wash it just wrap really well in aluminum foil. I just break off the stalks and wash them as I need them. My celery stays firm and nice for up to 4 weeks. This also works very well for lettuce.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +5

      I've never heard of that method. Sometimes I get stuff on sale at the local market and then the next day it is COMPLETELY wilted if I don't put it in water. I'll have to try this method.

    • @jerrieanderson2245
      @jerrieanderson2245 3 місяці тому +2

      Thank you for this hack! I live alone and do t use it as fast do a great money saver for me.

    • @Ms_AP_
      @Ms_AP_ 2 місяці тому +2

      You can also wash it, chop it up, dry it off, and freeze it. No waste.

  • @momof2momof2
    @momof2momof2 3 місяці тому +9

    To preserve ginger, garlic, herbs.....you can chop or grate it put in ice cube trays and cover with oil, water or stock. Then freeze, and then you can pop the cubes out, bag them and keep them in your freezer for whenever you need it. Making your own dinner rolls from scratch is even cheaper. Those little sweet peppers are so good cut in half and filled with cream cheese. Happy Easter ! 🥰🌷💐🌿🐣🐇🥚💗✝ Thanks for sharing !

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the tips! Happy Easter 😁

  • @kristyh982
    @kristyh982 3 місяці тому +4

    I put my ginger in the food processor then freeze it in ice cube trays. I just keep the loose ginger cubes in a freezer bag and grab as I need. I do the same thing with garlic. It just saves time in the long run

  • @joanacker917
    @joanacker917 3 місяці тому +7

    Great video!!
    Another tip I recently came up with is:
    Run the crockpot while you are sleeping.
    It’s a great time saver and it’s really nice to wake up to a meal all cooked❤️

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      oh I like that idea! I could do that with my soups.

    • @suekurtz1024
      @suekurtz1024 2 місяці тому +1

      And then freeze soup in 2 cup portions. Great for my work lunches@@ArdentMichelle

  • @annac9534
    @annac9534 26 днів тому +1

    I have been ranting and raving about soup since I was a child. Literally! Lol. I’ve loved soup my entire life. It’s so comforting and I love how versatile it is. What I love most about soup is that it tastes and FEELS so medicinal. I truly feel like I’m healing my body when I eat a homemade bowl of soup. Also, making pots of soup is incredibly fun! It’s my favorite thing to cook because I find chopping everything so incredibly relaxing.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  23 дні тому

      I agree.....I'm still eating the soup even though the weathers warmer.

  • @tereclemmer7923
    @tereclemmer7923 3 місяці тому +16

    Wholesome and healthy soup ideas. 👍🏻

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +2

      Thank you 😁 glad you like my meals!

  • @colettebishop2173
    @colettebishop2173 2 місяці тому +4

    A nice addition to a chunky soup is the little pastini shapes, pearl barley, orzo or noodles. Alternative starches could be plantain, cocoyam or rice.

  • @user-id7tq1ge8x
    @user-id7tq1ge8x 3 місяці тому +6

    As a newly single person who loves to eat healthy, I really enjoy your videos. They give me a lot of ideas.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      I'm so glad. Thanks for letting me know! 😁

  • @ksacosta69
    @ksacosta69 3 місяці тому +3

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the longer videos! I love seeing the unique recipes you are able to create with whatever is on sale for that week! 😍

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for letting me know that you like this video!

  • @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111
    @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111 3 місяці тому +5

    Ginger and turmeric are so great for you! I often keep my ginger in a pot with potting soil. It will grow.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      interesting 🤔 I've never seen ginger growing. I love it enough to grow it though. Wish I got more sun through my window.

  • @tinashort9098
    @tinashort9098 3 місяці тому +6

    I love Sundays because you’re here!! I made a giant pot of what I dubbed Taco Soup yesterday out of leftover taco filling and a bunch of random stuff and it’s great!! I love soup of any kind any time!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +2

      💜 thank you so much! That sounds like a soup I would like! 😋

  • @robininva
    @robininva 3 місяці тому +8

    You’re about as soothing to listen to as that soup is soothing to the soul. Soup if the best!! Thanks for all the tips!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      awe...💜 thanks so much! I'm glad you like my voice and my soup! 😁

  • @nancyculp6968
    @nancyculp6968 3 місяці тому +5

    I just wanted to let people know that some grocery stores and restaurants give their beef bones away for free. Ask to talk to the butcher and see…if he says no, go to the manager and ask. Sometimes people are lazy and just do not want to be bothered…also, a vegetable soup can be made with pork too. Doesn’t always have to be beef. If you buy a roll of sausage, cook it all up and make sure it is diced up finely while you are browning it up…no big pieces so it will go further. Put into small one cup containers and use only half to flavor your soups. Also there are soups like pasta Fagioli, Minestrone, Sausage and white bean soup, creamy chicken & wild rice soup( made with long grain and wild rice boxed ingredient like rice a roni ), Zuppa Toscana, chicken & gnocchi soup. All very filling and makes enough to feed a family with some leftovers, to freeze for later. These served with some crusty bread and a salad are filling and nutritious. Make a crustless custard pie for dessert( serves 8) or some rice pudding, and your family will surely be happy.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      all great ideas!

    • @hoperules8874
      @hoperules8874 2 місяці тому

      😂❤Love the suggestions-all excellent! It makes me giggle, however, to hear you speak of freezable left overs. You have clearly not met my precious pirhannah--I mean family! lolz

  • @gaildawson5464
    @gaildawson5464 3 місяці тому +3

    You found such great bargains at the store, and it was great how you combined those with foods you had in the refrigerator to make some tasty soups! I found myself thinking about how soup has been an integral part of daily eating across all cultures and time periods. I got to thinking about the Middle Ages in western Europe, before tomatoes and potatoes were available. People couldn't afford to waste any edible food, and at the same time, most everyone had to do hard physical labor so people had to eat as many calories as they could get. Soup would have been eaten with rye or barley bread. So much like your eating your soup with a roll!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      You make a good point. 👍I think soups are underrated in the extreme budget segment. Plus like you say, it helps with zero waste.

  • @TUKByV
    @TUKByV 3 місяці тому +7

    I freeze certain vegetable cuttings, and bones (mostly poultry), and when I have a full bag, it gets boiled for broth. This leads to a notable inconsistency I know, but, it's fun. Almost always turns out good.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      I love this style of cooking! It's what saves the most money and then you make some wonderful discoveries along the way!

  • @EmilyGOODEN0UGH
    @EmilyGOODEN0UGH 2 місяці тому +4

    The turmeric-pepper magic also requires a bit of fat. Proportions are something like 90 percent turmeric, 2 % pepper, 8% fat.
    Screw the lid backwards till it clicks down, then screw it tight. Lines it up right the first time, every time.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому

      I always have fat in my soups, so that works.

  • @michelleadams8309
    @michelleadams8309 3 місяці тому +12

    Another great & inspiring video, helping us to eat frugally, healthy & greatfully too. ❤ take care & good luck in your new job! 😊 watching you from BC, Canada 🇨🇦

    • @Makeitbymandy
      @Makeitbymandy 3 місяці тому +1

      Im watching from BC too! I love watching her vids and seeing what she pays for some of her items. .33 celery?! I havent seen it less than $3 in years haha. ✌️

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks so much. 💜 I'm so glad you like this video!

    • @bonniebrown1305
      @bonniebrown1305 3 місяці тому

      Another Canadian from Ontario!

  • @saraherber1887
    @saraherber1887 3 місяці тому +3

    I feel angry knowing there are individuals and families finding it hard to afford food. I applaud your efforts, Michelle, in providing real help to them and all of us who are frugally minded.
    Your soup looks wonderful. Lentils are great in taste and nutrition.
    Sorry your workplace is so cold. Brrrr.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      me too 😞 It's very sad.
      Glad you think my video is helpful! 💜 Have a great week!

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +9

    Have you tried slicing radishes and adding them to your soup? I tried it and it gives my soup a nice crunch. It was one of my experiments that turned out well.
    I also cut my meatballs into fourths for soup. A few meatballs goes a long way and I never feel deprived.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      yeah...I made the meatball soup again later in the week and that time I split up the meatballs. Easier to eat that way.
      I have NOT tried the sliced radishes inside the soup. Although you can bet I'll be trying that this week. I did have the radishes on top of my green pozole soup and loved that so much.
      Are you just adding in at the end or cooking them in the soup a little bit?

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +2

      @@ArdentMichelle I added the radishes when I was adding the other veggies. But nearer the end leaves them crunchier.
      I hope you enjoy them and I haven't steered you wrong. We all have different tastes after all.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +2

      @@patpeters6331 I think you and I like a lot of the same kind of food though. 😂 thanks for sharing this. Looking forward to trying it.

  • @laura-id5nd
    @laura-id5nd 3 місяці тому +4

    Trying to change over to plant based, I really appreciate your ideas and cost comparison!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Welcome 😁

    • @yvonnepalmquist8676
      @yvonnepalmquist8676 3 місяці тому

      I am far from vegetarian, vegan or plant-based, but have found two really wonderful channels for both. Caitlin Shoemaker has excellent vegan ideas and recipes. Flourishing Miranda currently is doing vegetarian while she's pregnant, but is usually budget friendly WFPB and has a ton of WFPB content already on her channel.

  • @thelisaofmonalisa4829
    @thelisaofmonalisa4829 3 місяці тому +3

    Yay for warm soup when you work in a cold place! Same here, I love warm food for lunch.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +2

      yeah....for some reason, I've always loved hot food at work. Even when I worked my last job and I wasn't freezing to death 😂

  • @gabrielawhitten3131
    @gabrielawhitten3131 3 місяці тому +4

    I have a ton of lentils (and other legumes) and need ideas on how to prepare them. I am on a diet with a lot of restrictions due to some health issues. So thank you for all your ideas. Your creativity and mindfulness to nutrition is like a treasure to me. 💖💕 Thank you for sharing.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      this makes me so happy 💜 thanks for letting me know my videos have been useful! 😁

  • @lindawilson290
    @lindawilson290 3 місяці тому +2

    AM, I bet your co-workers are envious of you and your yummy, nutritious lunches! I'm looking forward to when your office's A/C is fixed and you create some non-soup recipes as well.🙂

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Glad you're looking forward to more of my content. I've got some fun recipes planned. 😁 Have a great rest of your week.

  • @colettemcwilliams1325
    @colettemcwilliams1325 3 місяці тому +14

    Good morning. I really enjoy soup too. My family is Caribbean. Growing up my Mom would make soup most Saturdays. YOu should look up spinners. They are an easy dumpling you can make for your soup. Probably less expensive than your bread. I think I am going to start making soup more often.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +4

      Just added spinners to my recipe bucket list. Thanks for sharing. I know I don't have many more weeks of soup weather left, so I'm embracing it wholeheartedly. It's really become my favorite lunch. Let me know if you have any soups I should try. I would love to do more Caribbean recipes. I have at least a few viewers from there.

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 3 місяці тому +3

      Hi Colette Thank you for your suggestion about Spinners. I just looked them up and am definitely going to try making them. It's always fun to learn about different cuisines. 😋

    • @cav788
      @cav788 3 місяці тому +2

      Chilled soups are good and refreshing in the warm weather too! I had a great soup in France that was made of melon and cucumbers!

  • @allyrooh3628
    @allyrooh3628 3 місяці тому +3

    I don’t have a cooking channel (yet 🤪) so I make my soup in bulk & can it. It’s so nice to come home & have my homemade soup at the ready. I’m so excited for Spring produce & farmers markets. I live in the Midwest, so produce gets ridiculous in the winter. Btw, cream cheese goes with everything! Good video!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      This is such a great idea! You and Pat need to teach me how to can. I did it years ago, but don't have any supplies now. She said I could just use a regular pot and some jars to do it. I think this is the push I need to buy the jars. I have an Amazon gift card I've been saving. I hadn't thought of canning soups for some reason. 🤔 My younger son would love this too because he likes to sometimes take it for work.
      Any suggestions would be appreciated. 😁 I can also Google 😂

  • @rphomemovies
    @rphomemovies 3 місяці тому +4

    The soup looks delightful! The only thing I would do differently would be to have a whole grain roll instead of white. Or maybe some homemade oil free chips made out of corn tortillas. 🙂

  • @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111
    @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111 3 місяці тому +4

    I love to use celery leaves as lettuce like on a tuna sandwich! Yum!

  • @amyfinnell3349
    @amyfinnell3349 3 місяці тому +6

    I bet your coworkers are jealous of your lunches! 😋

  • @user-zv1xr7wt1f
    @user-zv1xr7wt1f 2 місяці тому +1

    I've been wishing you'd do some videos using items received from a food pantry. That'd help a lot of people

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому

      I would love to but I haven't been able to get my hands on a food box!

  • @susantaulli6580
    @susantaulli6580 3 місяці тому +4

    I love soup. I eat soup all year round.

  • @janinelegrand1513
    @janinelegrand1513 3 місяці тому +2

    I freeze my ginger whole. When you take it out it is easy to peel with a spoon after very briefly sitting. You can also chop it up in whatever shape you need even when frozen. What you don't need, just pop back in the freezer. Works great.

  • @aikanae1
    @aikanae1 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm stunned at how much cheaper and the variety of your produce. It is what it is, I guess.

  • @Vi3t1997TMBY
    @Vi3t1997TMBY 2 місяці тому +1

    I absolutely love soup. If I could eat it for every meal, I would!

  • @kimhumphrey4053
    @kimhumphrey4053 3 місяці тому +3

    Thank you for all the lunch ideas. I don’t know why but it seems like it is so easy to get into a rut for lunch!! You are saving an absolute fortune by planning & taking a lunch from home. Restaurant food where I’m at has skyrocketed to scary proportions!!!! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      Welcome 😁 glad you like my video. Restaurant food is VERY expensive here too. I mean you can't even go to McDonald's anymore 😂 it's as much as a sit down place.

  • @thegigiollieshow8768
    @thegigiollieshow8768 3 місяці тому +3

    Everything looks absolutely delicious and I cannot get over how beautiful the okra is absolutely picture perfect I will tell you when you freeze ginger be sure and great it as soon as you remove it from the freezer I have forgotten a couple times and it turns into a liquidy mush so be sure and great and immediately thank you for sharing so many recipes again this week great big hugs 🖤

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you 💜 I was thinking about dicing the ginger first and then freezing it.

  • @christinejunk8184
    @christinejunk8184 3 місяці тому +2

    Not sure if you are aware but a complete protein source is made possible by combining the humble potato, the versatile bean, and the nutrient-rich lentil, and you will be able to achieve a complete protein solution that is not only satisfying but also full of amino acids. Maybe this is why your soup satisfies you!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      I think you're right, because if the nutrition isn't there, then it just doesn't satisfy for very long.

  • @connieblack5276
    @connieblack5276 3 місяці тому +4

    Only good thing about the cold office room is it will help keep some of the germs down😂 winco had a sale Thursday for a large loaf of French bread for 49 cents and it was really fresh. Thanks again.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      wow that's a great deal. I want to plan a trip to Winco soon! 😁

  • @rachael6927
    @rachael6927 3 місяці тому +5

    You've really inspired me to go outside my veggie comfort zone. I tried tofu for the first time this past week because I'd seen how you used it in several videos! Thank you for sharing, loved this lunch theme long video!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      oh good! Did you enjoy the tofu? It may take a few times cooking it to get the hang of it and the style you like. I prefer firm tofu myself. I find the soft to be a little gross 😂 If you have a great tasting sauce it's tasty.
      Glad you like my video! Thanks for letting me know.

    • @rachael6927
      @rachael6927 3 місяці тому +1

      @ArdentMichelle Aldis had a 16oz extra firm for only $1.70 so I thought it was worth a try. I pressed it and pan fried it (like ground beef) with taco seasoning and made a taco salad! It was good! I think pressing even more moisture out would have made the texture more meat-like but it was very nice in the salad, I would definitely use tofu in soup, or in a salad like that again.

  • @brightpurpleviking
    @brightpurpleviking 3 місяці тому +3

    Great ideas, thank you ❤ I need to get one of those soup travel things for my husband.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      I'm wanting to get one for my son too. I really like the 25 ounce one for myself. It's perfect. They also sell some that are 32 ounce or maybe even bigger would be better for your husband. Just watch out for the lid thing with it being easy to screw on. 😂

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      and you're welcome. Thanks for watching! 😁

    • @brightpurpleviking
      @brightpurpleviking 3 місяці тому +1

      @@ArdentMichelle thank you for the heads up! 🥰

  • @kathyclarke6327
    @kathyclarke6327 3 місяці тому +3

    Put some everything but the bagel seasoning on your peanut butter celery. Thank me later💖🥰

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      I bet that's good. going to try it 😁

  • @osoniye4209
    @osoniye4209 3 місяці тому +5

    Great video. So helpful. Now I'm ready for some soup!

  • @stormyweather2807
    @stormyweather2807 3 місяці тому +3

    I've begun making a white bean, greens, veggie broth and noodle soup. It's so filling and delicious, but i also make a 9x13 pan of cornbread with jiffy mix, creamed corn, kernal corn, eggs and sour cream. Cut into small squares and freeze. Throw a couple in your soup as it heats, and it's so good.

    • @effiecross2008
      @effiecross2008 3 місяці тому

      That all sounds really yummy!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      I love cornbread with soup. I've been craving my Mexican spoon bread lately but yours sounds delicious with the sour cream and creamed corn. yum 😋

  • @marenwilliams2787
    @marenwilliams2787 3 місяці тому +2

    Love your soups! Still eating off a batch of caldo verde I made & froze. I used Brussels sprouts instead of the kale- it’s almost $6 a pound right now! Luckily I planted some & it grows super well here, so pretty soon I’ll have more than I know what to do with!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      I loved that caldo verde too. There is just so much variety with soups and they're all so tasty! I love that you subbed in a less expensive vegetable.

  • @user-zv1xr7wt1f
    @user-zv1xr7wt1f 2 місяці тому +2

    Celery freezes & dehydrates super well. Can freeze without blanching 😊

  • @moonstoneway2694
    @moonstoneway2694 3 місяці тому +3

    Thanks. I feel better after eating a good veggie soup too. Very comforting and nutritious.

  • @ToriE1073
    @ToriE1073 3 місяці тому +6

    Everything looks so good!! As usual. 😊I am planning to make that soup thanks for the great idea! My Aldi has big bags of lentils on sale right now for around a dollar which is pretty good!
    Regarding the celery, I thought you might like to try making your own celery salt. It’s so easy! You remove all of the leaves and dry them out in your toaster oven. (or dehydrator if you have one) once they’re dry just throw them in a grinder or use a mortar and pestle and grind them with a little salt and that’s it! It’s kind of fun and I like it better because I can use different salts.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +2

      Glad you like this. 😁 I had no idea making celery salt was that easy. Since I love the flavor of celery salt, I'm definitely adding this to try in the future. I've been thinking about buying a dehydrator. 🤔

    • @rphomemovies
      @rphomemovies 3 місяці тому +4

      @@ArdentMichelle I just looked on Allrecipes and you can make celery salt by drying the leaves in the microwave 🤯

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      @@rphomemovies wow....that's crazy!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +3

      excellent use for some celery that is getting old too! Although that rarely happens in my house 😂

    • @ToriE1073
      @ToriE1073 3 місяці тому

      @@ArdentMichelle same! We love celery! But I always do this with the leaves now and I never have to buy celery salt.

  • @patriciatzai
    @patriciatzai 3 місяці тому +3

    I love the veggie haul. Veggies here on the east coast seem to be more expensive (and sometimes less fresh) than they seem to be where you are. Still, I try to prioritize getting them, they are the most favorite part of my own grocery hauls.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +3

      I get a positive emotional response from a good veggie haul 😂 plus there's that little dopamine rush from getting a good deal 😂

  • @patriciacooke886
    @patriciacooke886 2 місяці тому +2

    I love your ideas, anyone who have grocery challenges because of low income I hope see this. Thank you for the awesome video

  • @talascam
    @talascam 3 місяці тому +1

    I have yet to find someone who is doing really budget keto meals. My husband and I are prediabetic and we have had to cut out all the cheaper fillers like carrots, potatoes, corn, rice pasta and beans to bring our AIC down without medications. It’s easy to eat inexpensively when you can eat anything. Your meals look very yummy and we would have eaten them in the old days.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      meat is definitely expensive. That's probably why there's not a lot of budget keto channels. Glad my meals look good to you though! Thanks for watching!

  • @pinkflamingosalwaysfascina8097
    @pinkflamingosalwaysfascina8097 3 місяці тому +2

    This happens to me too If things in your fridge are all the way in the back and touching the wall they will freeze.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Too many adults with food in the fridge 😂

  • @ktbooberrys
    @ktbooberrys 3 місяці тому +2

    I love making lazy garlic bread with nutritional yeast. It's just butter or olive oil on toast, with nutional yeast and garlic powder. I love having that with soup.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      I want to to try this! Saving this to try!

  • @EmmaginationMiss
    @EmmaginationMiss 3 місяці тому +12

    Hi Michelle from France/Italy (dad french/mum italian). My nonna did a wonderful minestrone with veggies, beans, and pasta + parmesan (the real one ;-)

    • @EmmaginationMiss
      @EmmaginationMiss 3 місяці тому +5

      in Italy you keep the parmesan or grana crust. You scrub it a lilltle bit and you put the crust in your soups. Not only minestrone. May fav were " pasta e fagioli " and " pasta e ceci "

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      I LOVE to top my soups with shaved parmesan. So delicious!
      Lucky you to grow up with an Italian mom - assuming she was doing a lot of the cooking - although a French dad could probably whip up some great meals too 😂

  • @PABWECG
    @PABWECG 2 місяці тому +1

    This is awesome! Thanks so much!

  • @Mrgreenjeans578
    @Mrgreenjeans578 Місяць тому +1

    Love your ideas!! Thanks

  • @sct4040
    @sct4040 2 місяці тому +1

    Vegetable bean soups are such a great idea.

  • @ingriddavis1201
    @ingriddavis1201 3 місяці тому +4

    Thanks Michelle, I appreciate the lunch ideas 😋

  • @lauriesheppard3394
    @lauriesheppard3394 3 місяці тому +1

    Great ideas! Thank you!, so healthy and something I could do!

  • @randaray24
    @randaray24 2 місяці тому +1

    You are the absolute best. ❤️ thank you!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому

      💜 welcome. Thank YOU for watching my video!

  • @muddymississippientertainm7285
    @muddymississippientertainm7285 3 місяці тому +2

    Just love watching
    Always healthy meals from fresh ingredients

  • @CFord-wu3in
    @CFord-wu3in 2 місяці тому +1

    Excellent! I love seeing how inexpensive one can make a meal. You've done that and also made it delicious. Thanks!

  • @mgom7646
    @mgom7646 3 місяці тому +2

    This is a very good video, thanks!

  • @julieeacott7644
    @julieeacott7644 3 місяці тому +4

    Thanks again for an inspirational video, Michelle. God Bless.

  • @carollynt
    @carollynt 2 місяці тому +1

    Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to lentil soup. Makes it much better tasting.

  • @MommaMakesCents
    @MommaMakesCents 3 місяці тому +2

    I love those baby peppers! My favorite uses for them is to cut them in half lengthwise then fill them with buffalo chicken dip or leftover taco meat.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      this sounds amazing! Are you heating them at all?

    • @MommaMakesCents
      @MommaMakesCents 3 місяці тому

      @@ArdentMichelle Yep! Well, sometimes. I typically do the taco peppers in the oven or toaster oven. The buffalo chicken peppers I have heated and they're amazing. Or eaten cold if I'm feeling lazy, or rushed, either for a snack or a light lunch. The taco peppers might do well cold as well if you're really good about getting the excess fat out of the meat. Cold fat in a bite is yuck haha.

  • @kj7653
    @kj7653 3 місяці тому +1

    That potato price is fabulous!

  • @jerrieanderson2245
    @jerrieanderson2245 3 місяці тому +1

    These soups sound great. And two servings is just right!

  • @beckywhinery4652
    @beckywhinery4652 3 місяці тому +2

    Those soups look amazing!

  • @susanjones8938
    @susanjones8938 3 місяці тому +2

    Delicious

  • @WilletteB
    @WilletteB 2 місяці тому +1

    I love to make soup after I've made bone and vegetable broth. I usually eat it until it's gone. Yummy broth makes a big difference. I also like to add gnocchi to my chicken soups. It's hearty and costs very little to space out over several days.

  • @annmich4593
    @annmich4593 3 місяці тому +1

  • @susanwebster9218
    @susanwebster9218 3 місяці тому +1

    Another awesome video.

  • @helenkathrynhoover7298
    @helenkathrynhoover7298 3 місяці тому +2

    I also make soup every weekend and take to work. I make a big pot and freeze extra in lunch portions. I take my Hot Logic to work and heat it with that.
    Also, I tried the black lentils you recommended! Delicous!!
    Thank you!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Yay! 😁 I'm glad you liked the black lentils. That is so AWESOME that you have a Hot Logic. How fun!

  • @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111
    @wynnkidsnannylorivance4111 3 місяці тому +1

    If you are a fan of soft boiled eggs, make them with running yolks, boil or roast the asparagus and dip them into the soft boiled eggs.

  • @margaretd3710
    @margaretd3710 3 місяці тому +5

    Wow! Where do you live that you can get potatoes so cheap? They are pretty expensive here in central Florida

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      Irvine, California.

    • @TUKByV
      @TUKByV 3 місяці тому +1

      That is a shame, because there are some sizable potato farms in the NE quarter of FL. I have the same issue with tomatoes, despite there being varieties specifically developed to grow commercially in S.FL (such as Homestead and Hot Boy).

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +3

      @@TUKByV I just looked it up and potatoes are grown year round here in California, but they are very expensive in the summer...so I don't buy them then.

    • @TUKByV
      @TUKByV 3 місяці тому +1

      @@ArdentMichelle It's strange! I'm in FL and for at least 20 years most or all the oranges in local stores are either from CA or other countries!

  • @christinasimmons8325
    @christinasimmons8325 2 місяці тому +1

    I am really enjoying your recipes. You have wonderful energy. I like how clear your instructions are and how easily you make the meals. I might even try lentils.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому

      Thank you so much 😁 I hope you do try them. I have an excellent lentil soup recipe on my recipes channel. That would be a great place to start.

  • @hoperules8874
    @hoperules8874 2 місяці тому +1

    ❤❤❤Fan! Thank you for the excellent recipies! I learned a long time ago that you can cook fancy shmancy gourmet for less than the cost of McD's! 😮

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому +1

      💜 Thanks so much! and yes!!!!! So true 👍

  • @dianasanchez117
    @dianasanchez117 3 місяці тому +2

    Yummy. I make turkey meat balls and freeze them in a baking sheet. When they I put them in ziplock bags.

  • @chandaharkins4418
    @chandaharkins4418 3 місяці тому +1

    That okra looked amazing! I love hearing about your produce. The prices there are great. I don't know why i don't make soup - it's so easy. Good reminder! Thank you!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      Once you get dialed in to your own taste buds and what they like....it's heavenly 😂

  • @danasandlin2435
    @danasandlin2435 3 місяці тому +1

    celery and hummus is also a good option: thanks for the tip on raddish and cream cheese--sounds perfect...dts/usa

    • @danasandlin2435
      @danasandlin2435 3 місяці тому +1

      your second soup reminds me of a local soup that has been made for over 100 years here: Okra and tomato soup...is quite good...a classic here in the southeast...dts/usa

  • @dixiebell7011
    @dixiebell7011 3 місяці тому +2

    Looks yummy. You are getting good prices.

  • @gloriaskryski5222
    @gloriaskryski5222 3 місяці тому +1

    We just finished some a pot of vegetable soup and never thought of adding lentils thanks for the great idea Michelle 😊

  • @rachelhero3413
    @rachelhero3413 3 місяці тому +1

    I really want to try this! I’m hoping it doesn’t spike my blood sugar.. but it looks so good and it’s all whole healthy foods!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      which one are you going to make, the meatball soup or the first one with lentils potatoes and cabbage?

  • @reginacheesbro8209
    @reginacheesbro8209 3 місяці тому +1

    I love watching you ❤

  • @ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq
    @ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq 3 місяці тому +1

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @gailgulliver8970
    @gailgulliver8970 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you Michelle that was lovely if you put your celery in foil it lasts for weeks ,congratulations on your new job.xx

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      glad you like it 😁 one of my other viewers just mentioned the foil. I had never heard of that.

  • @DaniiSav
    @DaniiSav 2 місяці тому +1

    Michelle back at it again with the bangers! I LOVE making soup. I also have never tried radishes with cream cheese, that sounds delicious.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  2 місяці тому +1

      😂 yep! Doing my best with the content!
      yeah..there's something about the heat of the radish against the creaminess of the cream cheese that works so well.

  • @mediumchunkymads
    @mediumchunkymads 2 місяці тому +1

    I found out about the fennel in gardein meatballs too it's so good!!

  • @Laguns-ij4hn
    @Laguns-ij4hn 2 місяці тому +1

    Soup looks amazing. I am a big soup eater too.

  • @chellesoup
    @chellesoup 3 місяці тому +2

    I’ve been eating a lot of “Dolly Parton’s Diet Soup” just because it’s delicious and satisfying.

  • @loveandjoy810
    @loveandjoy810 2 місяці тому +1

    This is soothing. I don’t know why. 😂

  • @thirstymercfan
    @thirstymercfan 3 місяці тому +1

    Always great ideas on a small budget, you can def eat healthy there’s no excuse. Prepping the meals or the ingredients is the key. I like to prep my meals and make a whole batch ahead of time and then freeze them…. I’ve learnt this works better for me to eat healthy food. I also love to make soups too… they are great to use up whatever is kicking around in the vege crisper. Then if there isn’t a lot I add a bit of pasta or a potato or sweet potato and done 😊 I like to make my own bread and slice it all up and leave in the fridge in ziplock bags until I need to. So much cheaper

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      I put some of my bread in the fridge too. Some also goes in the freezer because I can't eat it up before it goes bad.
      Glad you like my video! 😁

  • @maryellenbeltracchi
    @maryellenbeltracchi 3 місяці тому +1

    I clean and freeze my ginger whole. You can use it frozen on a micro grater. Quite fluffy but works so well and the skin isn't an issue.
    Also...a small container of everything but the bagel seasoning to dip celery in is a favorite.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      thanks for the tip on the bagel seasoning and your suggestions for freezing ginger. 😁

  • @midlifeandnailingit6342
    @midlifeandnailingit6342 3 місяці тому +1

    I make soup almost every week for my lunches. I large container of beef broth and fam size tomato soup make a super yummy base for so many variations of veg soup.. You can add lentils or beans too.

  • @ms.thrify631
    @ms.thrify631 3 місяці тому +2

    Thank you again for your great food videos! I didn't grow up eating lentils and I just started to cook them this past year due to divertculosis diagnosis. I have to eat lots of high levels of fiber. I make an awesome celery; carrot and lentil recipe from Andrew Lessman's soup cookbook. It's a great recipe & I freeze it. If you freeze your ginger or tumeric, let us know how that goes. When I tried that when I unfreezed it, it was rubbery. Perhaps I wasn't supposed to take the whole piece out and just pieces as needed. I don't know....I stopped doing that. I have never cooked with okra and I will save your video and try it! Keep up your amazing recipes.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому +1

      You're welcome 😁 I know a friend that's in the same boat. He was having some issues and his doc told him to eat a high fiber diet.
      Did you see that other okra recipe I made on my channel? It was the okra stew with tomatoes? It's a southern meal. I ate it over rice and it was so good! But don't ask me where that video is. I don't remember 😂 I'm trying to post recipes to my recipes channel when I come across them so that it's easier to find individual recipes. Glad you're enjoying my channel.

  • @user-pp6do9cr3k
    @user-pp6do9cr3k 3 місяці тому +1

    You've inspired me to attempt to make veggie meatballs as it never occurred to me to add them to a soup. I know you used store-bought ones as they're so convenient, but I'm sure theres a recipe out there for homemade ones.
    I love spinach as well. We often buy it in the frozen isle as they come as a bag of individual pucks. Very convenient, as one member of the household loves them for smoothies everyday.
    I agree with other commenters that healthy does not equate to expensive. Loved your video.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  3 місяці тому

      thanks so much 😁 I'm thinking the veggie meatballs would need a binder like eggs but I'm sure they would be a lot less expensive to make. I'm still thinking about that soup. It was SO GOOD!