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Budget Bites: Gourmet Recipes for Under $10



Who says gourmet dining has to cost a fortune? These recipes prove that you can enjoy elegant, restaurant-quality meals without breaking the bank. With just a handful of affordable ingredients, you’ll create dishes that taste like a million bucks—for less than $10. Let’s get cooking!


1. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Thighs

Succulent chicken thighs with a burst of citrus and fragrant herbs.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 chicken thighs ($4)

  • 1 lemon, sliced ($0.50)

  • 2 tsp dried rosemary ($0.20)

  • 2 tsp dried thyme ($0.20)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.30)

  • Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

  2. Arrange lemon slices under and around the chicken in a baking dish.

  3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Cost Per Serving: Approx. $1.25


2. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A comforting, velvety pasta dish that’s light on your wallet.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 12 oz penne pasta ($1.50)

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes ($1)

  • ½ cup heavy cream ($0.75)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil ($0.15)

  • Fresh basil leaves ($1)

How to Make:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in cream, season with salt, and toss with cooked pasta. Garnish with basil.

Cost Per Serving: Approx. $1.15


3. Loaded Veggie Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas packed with a rainbow of veggies and melted cheese.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 flour tortillas ($1)

  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced ($1)

  • 1 zucchini, diced ($0.80)

  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained ($0.80)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.15)

How to Make:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté bell pepper, zucchini, and black beans until soft.

  2. Layer cheese and cooked veggies on half of each tortilla. Fold and toast in a dry pan until golden.

Cost Per Serving: Approx. $1.50


4. Savory Mushroom Risotto

A creamy, earthy risotto that tastes far more indulgent than its price tag.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 cup Arborio rice ($2)

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth ($1)

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ($1.50)

  • 1 small onion, diced ($0.50)

  • 2 tbsp butter ($0.30)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan ($1.50)

How to Make:

  1. Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter until soft.

  2. Add rice and toast for 1 minute. Gradually add broth, stirring frequently, until rice is creamy and tender.

  3. Stir in Parmesan and serve.

Cost Per Serving: Approx. $2.10


5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

A rich, single-serve dessert ready in minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

  • 2 tbsp flour ($0.10)

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder ($0.10)

  • 1 tbsp sugar ($0.05)

  • 1 tbsp peanut butter ($0.20)

  • 2 tbsp milk ($0.10)

  • ¼ tsp baking powder ($0.05)

How to Make:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug until smooth.

  2. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Cost Per Serving: Approx. $0.60


Delicious, gourmet meals don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These budget-friendly recipes are perfect for treating yourself or your loved ones without overspending. Which one will you try first?


Bon Appétit,

The Scarlet Spoon Team 🍴

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