Consumed: Budget Cooking | HuffPost Life

Four in 10 Americans struggle to pay for their groceries , according to a study from the Urban Institute, with 23.3% experiencing food insecurity. Low-income households reported the most hardship, but considering the fact that Americans send about 40% of our food to landfills every year, it’s clear we’re all struggling with how to eat efficiently and stick to a budget.

That’s why this month, HuffPost Food & Drink will focus on budget cooking. We’ll teach you how to turn a bag of lentils into dinner for an entire week, how to find a chef’s knife that won’t break the bank, how to cook with the most delicious (and affordable) canned tomatoes, how long you can really keep your leftovers, and so much more. But we’ll also talk about many common budget cooking tips don’t help those who need them most parents on a low income.

Keep coming back all month long to read more stories.

Fried Kale Stems, The Zero-Waste Salty Snack

You were going to throw them out anyway so why not fry them up?

Do We Really Have To Eat Leftovers Within 4 Days?

The FDA has strict guidelines that aren't entirely practical. Here's how to determine when you can be lenient.

The Best Canned Tomatoes: Which Brands Taste Superior?

Chef Jamie Adams taste tested 10 popular brands including San Marzano varieties to determine the good from the bad.

How To Choose The Best Affordable Chef's Knife

Blades can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Here's how to identify a good knife at a low price.

Top Chefs Share Their Favorite Affordable Kitchen Tools

These are the next-level basics you can pick up for under $50.

How To Shop At Aldi, The Confusing Budget Grocery Store

From the quarter required to release a shopping cart to the complete lack of name brands, here's a primer on what to know about Aldi.

How To Cook Cheap, Delicious Meals In Your Instant Pot

Dining out may seem like the easiest option, but it's also the most expensive. Here's how the Instant Pot can make cooking just as easy as ordering takeout.

How To Turn A Bag Of Lentils Into 3 Delicious Meals

Just because your wallet is on a budget doesnt mean your taste buds are.

Why Budget Cooking Tips Are Useless For Low-Income Families

Not everyone has time to prep meals or money to buy Instant Pots.

Cut Your Food Spending In Half By Cooking At Home

If you're sick of the 300% markup at restaurants, follow these tips on how to make your own food and save a ton of cash.

20 Simple Ways To Save Money On Groceries

1. Stay away from the inner aisles.

Ways To Save Money When Your Kids Eat A Ton Of Food

At bulk stores, stick with meat, dairy and produce.

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