If you are a meat lover, you may end up spending a lot of money on meat each month. Even though America is mostly known for consuming high amounts of meat, in recent years, meat became more and more popular in Europe and Australia. However, this eating habit is expensive. But how can you save money, without giving up on this delicious food?
Save Money on Meat
Dishes with less meat and more vegetables
Nothing is more efficient when it comes to cutting down the expenses of meat than reducing your intake. Still, this doesn’t mean that you have to forget about the flavour of meat dishes, but you can opt for smaller individual portions.
Generally speaking, Aussies eat much more meat that their body requires, which may trigger several health problems. Therefore, reducing the size of your portion has only benefits, both for your budget and health.
But what are the foods that should replace the amount of meat you cut down? There is no doubt that vegetables are the healthiest ingredients in a meal, and also some of the cheapest ones. They are loaded with nutrients and improve your overall health, so don’t underestimate their power. Go with some of your favourite veggies and try to include them in your meat dishes, or to eat larger portions than usual.
Buy whole animals
Almost each part of an animal can be cooked, so don’t go only with middle meats. Whenever you have the chance, buy the whole animal and prepare all parts you can. This way, you can save money. For example, chickens and rabbits, which are small, are easier to purchase as a whole. On the other hand, you can save a small fortune if you buy half a cow, and then ask a butcher to take care of it and put the meat in your freezer. Portion it as you wish, and you can keep it this way for several months or even a year, without losing its flavour.
Find a butcher you can trust
Your favourite recipes may suggest a type of meat to work with, but in most of the cases, you can prepare a tasty meal with other kinds of meat, too. So, why don’t you talk with a knowledgeable butcher about this and ask him about cheaper alternatives? In some cases, you can also obtain better results with another type of meat.
A trustworthy butcher can help you to buy cheaper cuts, which you never tried, and also offer you tips regarding the way you can prepare them. Finding a skilled butcher is a great way to save money and savour delicious dishes.
