End of the Month Delight: A Quick, Budget-Friendly Meal
Hey there, amigos! We all know that the end of the month can get a little tight on the wallet, but that doesn't mean we have to skimp on delicious, hearty meals. Today, I’m excited to share a fantastic recipe that’s not only budget-friendly but also super quick to whip up! This end-of-the-month meal is a lifesaver, taking less than 25 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. With just a handful of ingredients like tomatoes, a poblano pepper, half an onion, a garlic clove, a small bunch of cilantro, and some hot dogs or your choice of protein, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the hot dogs for spam, tofu, or simply double up on the potatoes if you're running low on other ingredients. Start by boiling your cubed potatoes to keep them nice and firm, then sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes in a bit of olive oil for that extra nutty flavor. Add your protein and cook it until everything is well incorporated. Throw in your poblanos and pre-cooked potatoes, sprinkle your spices, cover, and let it all simmer. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve. Pro tip: If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, an eight-ounce can of tomato sauce works wonders!
This dish isn’t just a dinner; it’s a lifesaver for busy families. Make a little well in the middle of your serving dish, add some rice, and Boom Done—dinner is served! Not only is it perfect for a quick meal, but the leftovers are a blessing. Store them in snack-sized storage bags and freeze them for an easy, microwaveable snack. Trust me, your kids will thank you. So, give this end-of-the-month meal a try and let me know in the comments how you liked it. As always, sending you lots of love and delicious vibes! Until next time, happy cooking!
Ingredients:
2 tomatoes (or 8-ounce can of tomato sauce)
1 poblano pepper (or substitute with Anaheim or pan chili)
1/2 of an onion
1 large garlic clove
A small bunch of cilantro
1/2 cup of warm water
1/2 tablespoon of chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 tablespoon of Mexican oregano
1 pack of hot dogs (cubed or sliced as preferred)
2 potatoes + water to boil
Olive oil
Instructions:
Cube the potatoes, slice or cube the hot dogs, chop the tomatoes, poblano pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Boil for 10-12 minutes to keep the potatoes intact and not mashed.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat for 30-45 seconds. Add a little bit of olive oil to the pan. Add the garlic and onion, then the tomatoes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add the cubed or sliced hot dogs (or your preferred protein like Spam or tofu). Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the chopped poblano peppers. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
Add the drained pre-cooked potatoes to the pan. Mix the chicken bouillon, black pepper, Mexican oregano, and warm water together. Place a lid over the pan and cook on medium heat (about a 5 on the dial) for another 8-10 minutes.
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, use an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Start by adding 4 ounces of tomato sauce and adjust to taste.
Once the dish is cooked and flavors are well combined, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top (or green onions if you prefer). Serve with rice or as desired.
Tip:
-Chop potatoes big if you want bigger pieces.
-This dish can be stored in snack-sized storage bags and frozen for easy reheating.
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