Hey food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share an incredible budget-friendly recipe from Chef Bai’s YouTube channel. If you haven’t heard of Chef Bai yet, you’re in for a treat. She specializes in creating delicious, healthy, and affordable plant-based meals. In her latest video, Chef Bai shows us how to whip up a nutritious family dinner for four using ingredients from Trader Joe’s—all for just $12! As someone who loves both cooking and saving money, I think this is absolutely fantastic. So, let’s dive into the details!
Key Takeaways
- Budget-Friendly: A meal for four under $12.
- Healthy Ingredients: Whole, plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Simple Cooking: Minimal spices and easy steps.
Shopping List
Chef Bai managed to buy everything needed for this meal for just over $12. Here’s what she got:
- Sweet potatoes
- Pinto beans
- Power greens
- Salsa verde
- Papita salsa
- Avocado
- Corn tortillas
Step-by-Step Recipe
Steaming Sweet Potatoes
First, Chef Bai steams the sweet potatoes. She mentions that steaming is one of the healthiest and fastest ways to cook them. I love this method because it keeps the sweet potatoes tender and flavorful without adding extra oil. She suggests cutting them into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and even recommends steaming extra for salads or other meals later in the week. In my opinion, this is a great meal-prep hack!
Making the Salsa Verde Avocado Sauce
Next, Chef Bai blends half a jar of salsa verde with an avocado to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. I think this is genius because it adds a rich, tangy flavor without needing any dairy or extra ingredients. She adds a bit of water to thin it out and makes sure it’s smooth enough to drizzle. I tried this at home, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
Preparing the Filling
While the sweet potatoes are steaming, Chef Bai rinses a can of pinto beans and adds them to the pot along with the power greens. She emphasizes the importance of greens for overall health and suggests using a mix for added nutritional benefits. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, she mashes everything together with some papita salsa. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is absolutely delicious. In my opinion, this filling could be used in so many different dishes!
Heating the Tortillas
Chef Bai heats the corn tortillas directly over the flame, flipping them to get a nice char. I love doing this too because it adds a smoky flavor and makes the tortillas pliable. She recommends using a tortilla warmer to keep them hot and prevent cracking, which is such a helpful tip.
Assembling the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembling the tacos! Chef Bai fills each tortilla with the sweet potato, bean, and greens mixture, then folds them in half and crisps them up on a cast iron skillet. I tried this step myself, and the result is a perfectly crispy taco that holds all that delicious filling. Finally, she drizzles the avocado salsa verde on top, adding a creamy, tangy finish.
Personal Touches and Tips
- Extra Sweet Potatoes: I love having extra steamed sweet potatoes on hand. They’re perfect for salads, toast, or even a quick snack.
- Spice Level: Chef Bai mentions that the papita salsa is quite spicy. If you’re like me and prefer milder flavors, you might want to use less or opt for a different salsa.
- Tortilla Heating: Using tongs to flip the tortillas over the flame is a safer option if you’re not comfortable using your fingers.
Final Thoughts
This $12 Trader Joe’s family dinner is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients and flavor. The combination of sweet potatoes, beans, greens, and salsas creates a meal that’s satisfying and delicious. I love how Chef Bai makes healthy eating accessible and easy, even on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a way to feed your family nutritious meals without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Happy cooking!