Tips for making cheap and successful meals without spending a lot of money

Cheaper alternatives to these holiday meals

We know there are some classic ingredients that are hard to give up: you don’t have to (or don’t do it at all) because there are cheaper and equally delicious alternatives for everything. Here are a few, keep an eye out! :

Poultry: Use free-range chicken instead of capon or prada chicken

How much you can save: 20 euros.

• Capon and pulparda are the classics at this time, but they are expensive (15-17 euros/kg).A more affordable alternative is turkey pie (6€/kg): 2 pieces of 800g for 4 people.
• One free-range chicken (€5.50/kg) To be filled in or filled in (€15.50/1.5kg) is another good option for special meals.

Meat: Pork or beef, lamb alternatives

How much you can save: 40 euros.

• Yes, Not everything at Christmas is lamb (from €16/kg per medium) or sirloin (from €37/kg). There are also cheaper beef options such as fish (from 13€/kg), Grilled and dipped in sauce, they’re so juicy.
• Pigs are another great ally. Instead of choosing the more expensive feathers or game, choose roasted meats (€6-8/kg) or Iberico ribs (€7-9/kg) and bake them in the oven: they will be delicious.

Cheap luxury fish and frozen seafood

How much you can save: 40 euros.

• Bass or snapper are perfect for special days: roasted, brewed… and they are not expensive (8-16€/kg, depending on quality). If you choose fish pie, in small quantities (salmon, cod), you will create a popular holiday dish.
• If the seafood is fresh, it can increase by 30-50%. But if you choose frozen products (shrimps or clams, €11-14/kg), they won’t cost you much.

Vegetables and fruits: seasonal ones are better

How much you can save: 10 euros.

• Choose red cabbage instead of thistle (€1.90/kg). Or use beets instead (€2/kg): The breaded almond paste was delicious.
• Strawberries, pomegranates, pineapples, and papayas usually rise in price during Christmas, but with most common fruits (oranges, pears, persimmons, apples) You can make a fruit salad full of flavor and color without breaking the budget.

Appetizers: Sausage, cheese…ten servings in total

How much you can save: 20 euros.

• The Iberico sausage is very popular, but the appetizers are expensive. If you want to treat yourself without spending too much money, there are other great options besides pricey hams and tenderloins. Choose sausages and sausagescheaper (about 6.90 euros each for 500 g).
• Cheese is a great snack option Or for dessert: boards with various types of wedges, priced from 6 to 13 euros.
• If you like the “sailor” appetizer, substitute some of the cocktails for the traditional shrimp cocktail Mussels in vinegar sauce, steamed with tomatoes…super economical! (approximately €2-4/kg).

Nougat and candies: better in bulk

Bulk purchases: If the product is packaged, you will also need to pay for the tray and basket. How much you can save: 10 euros.

• If high-quality handmade nougat (€7-€13) is beyond your budget, Choose medium qualitythey will cost you half or less (from €3.25).
• If you buy Polvorones, preserves, mantecados, chocolates in bulk… you can make your own varieties for all parties for 10-15 euros.

If you liked these tips for saving money without compromising on eating well, we’ve got some more ideas for you to use leftovers from previous days and continue saving on your recipes every day! :