There is no doubt that a fist-size serving of carbohydrates helps us feel full and provides energy for an active body. It is also often the least expensive part of the meal. So keeping a selection of carbs in stock will ensure you always have the basis for some of the cheapest and tastiest meals known to man.
Most carbohydrate foods are long-keeping and easy to prepare and if you follow some of my serving suggestions, not only will you eat well, you’ll spend less.
Basic costs
- 1 cup basmati rice = 54c
- 1 cup dry pasta = 52c
- 1 cup couscous = $1.78
- 1 cup of basmati rice = 56c
- 1 slice toast bread = 10c
- 1 cup arborio (risotto) rice = 79c
- 1 medium potato = 39c
- 1 cup red lentils = 46c
Size matters
If you're struggling with getting the serving size right, use a
measuring cup when serving on to dinner plates. Or try serving rice in
a separate dish on the plate; the plate then looks very full and
appealing.Cooked rice, risotto and couscous can all be firmly packed into small cups or pottles then turned out onto the plate to form a 'timbale'.
Quality not quantity
Tasty, well-seasoned food is much more satisfying. Use a
well-flavoured side dish if the main event is a little dull: spicy
lentil dhal with a plain roasted chicken thigh, or spiced potatoes with
cold meats and chutney.Recipe ideas
Jacket potatoes: Use a floury variety of potato –
Agria is my favourite. Select smaller ones when you shop, then allow 1
per person according to the size of their fist.Scrub off all the dirt (a green plastic souring pad is ideal for this). Cut a cross in the top, spray the skin lightly with cooking spray and bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour or microwave on high power for 6 minutes. Then place in the oven and finish cooking in the oven – the skin will go crispy and the flesh fluffy.
Couscous: This is incredibly quick to prepare. Pour 1 cup of hot stock into a bowl containing 1 cup of couscous and stand for a few minutes, then fluff up with a fork. Include seasonings, vegetables, beans and herbs as desired.
Bread: A roll, burger bun or pita can be an excellent side kick, or try bruschetta: a slice of good bread, rubbed with a garlic clove, brushed very lightly with oil then toasted till crispy.
Beans: Try a bean mash as an alternative to mashed spuds. It's great with sausages and braised dishes. Use cooked or canned white beans such as cannellini or butter beans. Place a spoonful in the centre of the plate, add vegetables, then arrange the meat / sausage / casserole portion of the dish on top in an informal stack.
http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/articles/searchcategories?vocabulary_name=hfm.categories.foodandnutrients&catalog_index=foodandnutrients_categories&vocabulary_term=carbohydrates
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