12 Mouth-Watering Jamaican Meals Under $10 | Gourmet Cooking on a Budget

 

1. Jerk Chicken Thighs with Coconut Rice & Peas

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, coconut milk, canned red beans, long grain rice, green onion, thyme
Instructions: Marinate chicken with jerk seasoning and roast until cooked through. Cook rice in coconut milk, then stir in red beans, green onion, and thyme. Serve the chicken over the rice mixture.

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2. Ackee-Style Scramble with Callaloo and Plantain Slices

Ingredients: Eggs, canned callaloo, frozen peppers, onion powder, plantains, oil
Instructions: Sauté peppers and callaloo in oil. Add beaten eggs and cook until softly scrambled. Slice and fry plantains until golden. Serve everything together.

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3. Brown Stew Chicken with Island-Style Gravy

Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, canned tomatoes, garlic powder, thyme, onion, rice
Instructions: Brown chicken in a pot, then add tomatoes, onion, garlic, and thyme. Simmer until the chicken is tender and coated in rich gravy. Serve with hot rice.

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4. Saltfish & Cabbage with Festival Bread

Ingredients: Canned mackerel, cabbage mix, peppers, pancake mix, cornmeal, oil
Instructions: Sauté cabbage and peppers, then stir in flaked canned mackerel. Mix pancake mix and cornmeal with water to form dough, then fry until golden. Serve alongside the saltfish.

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5. Curried Chickpeas with Sweet Potato Mash

Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, frozen carrots, sweet potatoes or instant mash
Instructions: Simmer chickpeas and carrots in coconut milk with curry seasoning. Meanwhile, boil and mash sweet potatoes or prepare instant mash. Serve chickpeas over the mash.

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6. Escovitch Fish Fillet with Pickled Veggie Topping

Ingredients: Frozen fish fillets, vinegar, shredded carrots, onions, frozen hashbrowns, oil
Instructions: Fry fish fillets until crispy. In a separate pan, simmer vinegar with carrots and onions to make a quick escovitch topping. Serve over fish, with hashbrowns on the side.

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7. Rasta Pasta with Bell Peppers & Creamy Jerk Sauce

Ingredients: Penne pasta, frozen peppers, jerk seasoning, Parmesan-style cheese, canned chicken (optional)
Instructions: Cook pasta and set aside. Sauté peppers, stir in jerk seasoning and a splash of cream or coconut milk, then toss with the pasta. Add cheese and canned chicken if using.

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8. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Steamed Rice

Ingredients: Chicken, curry powder, potatoes, onion powder, rice, oil
Instructions: Brown chicken with curry and onion powder. Add chopped potatoes and a bit of water, simmer until tender. Serve over freshly steamed rice.

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9. Oxtail-Inspired Beef Neck Stew with Butter Beans

Ingredients: Beef neck bones or stew beef, canned butter beans, seasoning blend, brown sugar, onion
Instructions: Sear beef and onion in a pot. Add water, seasoning, and simmer until meat is tender. Stir in butter beans and brown sugar, simmer until the sauce thickens.

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10. Jamaican Chicken Patties with Side Salad

Ingredients: Canned chicken, biscuit dough or pie crust, frozen peppers, curry powder, lettuce mix, lime
Instructions: Mix chicken, peppers, and curry powder. Fill dough rounds, seal and bake until golden. Toss lettuce with a squeeze of lime and serve as a fresh side.

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11. Pepper Steak with Jamaican Brown Sauce & Rice

Ingredients: Beef strips, soy sauce, onion, peppers, rice
Instructions: Cook beef with sliced onions and peppers in a pan. Add soy sauce and a splash of water, simmer until thickened. Serve over hot rice.

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12. Jamaican Pumpkin Soup with Spinners and Vegetables

Ingredients: Pumpkin or butternut squash, carrots, onion, garlic powder, thyme, all-purpose seasoning, flour (for spinners), mixed vegetables (frozen), oil or butter
Instructions: Peel and cube pumpkin or squash and boil until soft. Mash and add chopped carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, seasoning, and frozen veggies. Mix flour and water to form small dumplings ("spinners") and drop into the soup. Simmer until thick, fragrant, and soothing.

12 Luxury European Meals Under $10 | Gourmet on a Budget with Dollar Tree Ingredients

 
🇫🇷 French Ratatouille Provençale

Ingredients: Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, pepper
Instructions: Chop vegetables. Sauté onions and garlic, then add remaining vegetables. Pour in tomatoes and season. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until tender.

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🇮🇹 Creamy Italian Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients: Long grain rice, mushrooms, onion, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, parmesan, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions: Sauté onions and mushrooms. Add rice and cook until translucent. Gradually add broth while stirring. Stir in butter and parmesan at the end.

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🇪🇸 Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)

Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, fresh or frozen spinach, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt
Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add chickpeas and tomatoes. Simmer, then add spinach and paprika. Cook until heated through and tender.

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🇬🇷 Greek Lemon Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients: Orzo pasta, zucchini, red pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper
Instructions: Cook orzo. Roast chopped vegetables. Toss orzo with lemon juice, olive oil, roasted vegetables, and oregano.

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🇵🇹 Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken Legs

Ingredients: Chicken legs, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, chili flakes, vinegar, salt, pepper
Instructions: Mix marinade and coat chicken. Let sit for 30 minutes. Bake or grill at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally.

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🇵🇱 Polish Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet

Ingredients: Kielbasa sausage, cabbage, onion, garlic, butter or oil, vinegar, salt, pepper
Instructions: Slice and sauté sausage, remove. Cook cabbage and onion in same pan with garlic and vinegar. Return sausage and combine.

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🇨🇿 Czech Garlic Potato Soup (Česnečka)

Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, onion, caraway seeds, bouillon or broth, salt, pepper, olive oil
Instructions: Sauté garlic and onion. Add potatoes, caraway seeds, and broth. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Mash some for thickness.

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🇷🇴 Romanian Polenta with Cheese and Egg (Mămăligă cu Brânză și Ou)

Ingredients: Cornmeal, water, salt, grated cheese, eggs, butter
Instructions: Boil salted water, slowly whisk in cornmeal. Stir until thick. Top with butter, cheese, and a soft-fried or poached egg.

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🇩🇪 German Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry

Ingredients: Cabbage, apples, onion, vinegar, butter or oil, salt, pepper
Instructions: Sauté onions, add chopped cabbage and apples. Cook with vinegar until tender and lightly caramelized.

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🇭🇺 Hungarian Paprikash Pasta

Ingredients: Egg noodles, onion, garlic, sour cream, paprika, butter, salt, pepper
Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add paprika. Stir in cooked noodles and sour cream. Heat gently until combined.

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🇧🇪 Belgian Waffle with Berries and Vanilla Cream

Ingredients: Frozen waffles, whipped topping or cream, vanilla pudding, canned or fresh berries
Instructions: Toast waffles. Mix pudding with whipped topping. Top waffles with cream and berries. Serve warm.

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🇬🇧 British Bangers and Mash

Ingredients: Sausage links, potatoes, milk, butter, onion, brown gravy, salt, pepper
Instructions: Boil and mash potatoes with butter and milk. Cook sausages. Sauté onions and add gravy. Serve sausages over mash with gravy.

Thailand-Inspired Gourmet Dinners on a Dime | $10 Meals with Dollar Tree Hacks

 

1. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 cup Thai basil leaves

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Thai chilies, minced (adjust for spice)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp fish sauce

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 fried egg (optional, for serving)

• Steamed rice

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant.

2. Add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks.

3. Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Cook until chicken is fully cooked.

4. Toss in Thai basil leaves and stir until wilted.

5. Serve hot with steamed rice and top with a crispy fried egg.

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2. Tom Yum Soup (Hot & Sour Lemongrass Soup)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken or shrimp stock

• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into pieces

• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn

• 3 slices galangal

• 1 cup mushrooms, halved

• 10 shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 2 Thai chilies, crushed

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp chili paste (nam prik pao)

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil stock with lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal for 5–10 minutes.

2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

3. Add shrimp and cook until just pink.

4. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste.

5. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro.

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3. Thai Green Curry with Veggies

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp green curry paste

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant)

• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional)

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• Thai basil leaves

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• Steamed jasmine rice

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot, add green curry paste and sauté until fragrant.

2. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.

3. Add vegetables and cook until tender.

4. Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and basil leaves.

5. Serve with jasmine rice.

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4. Pad Thai with Peanuts & Lime

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 1/2 cup chopped scallions

• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

• Lime wedges

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water until soft.

2. Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl.

3. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic, then push to side and scramble egg.

4. Add noodles and sauce, stir-fry until coated.

5. Add bean sprouts and scallions.

6. Top with peanuts and lime wedges.

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5. Massaman Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp massaman curry paste

• 1 can coconut milk

• 2 potatoes, cubed

• 1/2 onion, sliced

• 1 lb chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts

• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in pot and sauté curry paste until aromatic.

2. Add coconut milk and bring to simmer.

3. Add chicken, potatoes, onions.

4. Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and peanuts.

5. Simmer until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.

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6. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated carrot

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Butter or romaine lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. Cook ground chicken in a pan with garlic.

2. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.

3. Stir in carrots and cilantro.

4. Spoon mixture into lettuce cups and serve.                                                                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
      

   7. Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews                                                        

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)

   • 1/2 cup diced pineapple

   • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

   • 1/4 cup chopped cashews

   • 2 cloves garlic, minced

   • 2 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tsp curry powder

   • 1 egg (optional)

   • 2 tbsp oil

   • Green onions and cilantro for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add garlic and bell pepper, stir-fry until soft.

   2. Add the pineapple and rice, breaking up clumps.

   3. Stir in soy sauce and curry powder.

   4. Push rice aside, scramble egg (if using), and mix in.

   5. Toss in cashews, green onions, and cilantro before serving.

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   8. Thai Red Curry Noodles                                                                   

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 8 oz rice noodles

   • 1 tbsp red curry paste

   • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

   • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers

   • 1/2 cup shredded carrots

   • 1 tbsp fish sauce

   • 1 tsp sugar

   • Thai basil or cilantro

   • Lime wedges

   • 1 tbsp oil

   Instructions:

   1. Soak rice noodles per package instructions.

   2. Heat oil, sauté curry paste until fragrant.

   3. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

   4. Add veggies and cook until tender.

   5. Stir in noodles and herbs. Serve with lime wedges.

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   9. Sticky Thai Garlic Chicken Thighs                                                      

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 4–6 boneless chicken thighs

   • 3 tbsp soy sauce

   • 2 tbsp honey

   • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

   • 3 cloves garlic, minced

   • 1 tbsp oil

   • Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and garlic.

   2. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

   3. Heat oil in pan, cook chicken until browned and sticky, flipping as needed.

   4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

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   10. Thai Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veg                                                         

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 8 oz rice noodles

   • 1/2 cup julienned carrots

   • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

   • 1/2 cup cucumber slices

   • 1/4 cup peanut butter

   • 2 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

   • 1 tbsp honey

   • 1 tsp sesame oil

   • Crushed peanuts and lime wedges

   Instructions:

   1. Cook noodles and rinse in cold water.

   2. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.

   3. Toss noodles with sauce and veggies.

   4. Top with crushed peanuts and lime juice.

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   11. Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)                                                                 

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 2 cups chicken broth

   • 1 can coconut milk

   • 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed

   • 3 slices galangal or ginger

   • 3 kaffir lime leaves

   • 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thin

   • 1/2 cup mushrooms

   • 1 tbsp fish sauce

   • 1 tbsp lime juice

   • Thai chilies (optional)

   • Fresh cilantro for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Simmer broth with lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves for 10 minutes.

   2. Add coconut milk, chicken, and mushrooms. Cook until chicken is done.

   3. Add fish sauce and lime juice.

   4. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

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   12. Thai-Style Stuffed Peppers                                                                           

   

   
   

   Ingredients:

   • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed

   • 1/2 lb ground chicken or pork

   • 1 cup cooked jasmine rice

   • 2 tbsp red curry paste

   • 1 tbsp fish sauce

   • 1 tsp sugar

   • 1/4 cup chopped onions

   • Thai basil or cilantro for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   2. Mix meat, rice, curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, and onions in a bowl.

   3. Stuff pepper halves with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.

   4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is cooked.

   5. Garnish with herbs and serve.

Affordable Spanish Gourmet: 12 Stunning Meals Under $12 Using Budget Ingredients

🇪🇸 1. Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4–5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through (about 2–3 minutes per side).

4. Season with salt, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

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🥔 2. Tortilla Española (Spanish Potato Omelette)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 6 eggs

• Olive oil

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Cook potatoes and onions in olive oil over medium heat until tender (15–20 mins).

2. Beat eggs with salt, stir in potato mixture.

3. Pour into skillet, cook slowly on low until set. Flip and cook the other side.

4. Cool slightly, slice and serve warm or at room temp.

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🔥 3. Patatas Bravas (Crispy Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 4 potatoes, cubed

• Olive oil

• Salt

Bravas Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Roast or fry potatoes until crispy and golden.

2. Simmer sauce ingredients for 10 minutes.

3. Drizzle over potatoes before serving.

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🍞 4. Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread)

Ingredients:

• Rustic bread or baguette

• 2 ripe tomatoes

• 1 garlic clove

• Olive oil

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Toast bread slices.

2. Rub with garlic.

3. Grate tomato and spoon onto bread.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

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🥬 5. Chickpea and Spinach Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas

• 3 cups spinach

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.

2. Add chickpeas and paprika, cook 2 minutes.

3. Add spinach and stir until wilted.

4. Season to taste and serve.

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🌶 6. Spanish-Style Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1/2 lb ground meat or lentils

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 1/2 tsp cumin & paprika

• Tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook meat and onion with spices.

2. Mix in rice.

3. Stuff peppers and top with tomato sauce.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 mins.

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🥘 7. Seafood Rice Skillet (Budget Paella Hack)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• 2 1/2 cups broth

• 1/2 cup frozen seafood or shrimp

• 1/2 bell pepper

• 1/4 cup peas

• 1 garlic clove

• 1/2 tsp turmeric or pinch of saffron

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and bell pepper.

2. Stir in rice and seasonings. Add broth.

3. Simmer 10 minutes. Add seafood and peas.

4. Cook until broth is absorbed.

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🐷 8. Chorizo & Potato Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Spanish chorizo, sliced

• 3 potatoes, cubed

• 1 onion

• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté chorizo until crisp. Remove.

2. Cook potatoes and onion until golden.

3. Return chorizo, stir, cook a few more minutes. Serve hot.

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🥣 9. Spanish Lentil Soup (Lentejas)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils

• 1 carrot

• 1 potato

• 1 grated tomato

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 tsp paprika

• 4 cups broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and paprika. Add tomato.

2. Add lentils, chopped veggies, broth.

3. Simmer 30–40 minutes until tender.

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🍅 10. Gazpacho (Chilled Tomato-Cucumber Soup)

Ingredients:

• 4 tomatoes

• 1 cucumber

• 1 bell pepper

• 1 garlic clove

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Chill for 1 hour. Serve cold with chopped veggies or croutons.

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🍄 11. Spanish Garlic Mushrooms (Champiñones al Ajillo)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp parsley

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.

2. Add mushrooms, cook until browned.

3. Finish with parsley and salt.

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🍚 12. Spanish Sweet Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice

• 4 cups milk

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Lemon peel

• 1/4 cup sugar

• Ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Simmer rice, milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel for 45 minutes, stirring often.

2. Add sugar and mix well.

3. Remove cinnamon stick and peel.

4. Serve warm or chilled with cinnamon on top.