I’ve noticed that the families who stretch their food budget the best don’t necessarily cook less. They simply choose meals that are filling, affordable, and easy to prepare in large quantities.

Here are a few that I recommend:

 1. Beans and Garri

Simple, filling, and packed with protein. A pot of beans can feed many people, especially when served with garri.

 2. Jollof Rice

One of the easiest meals to cook in large batches. Add vegetables and protein based on your budget.

 3. Eba and Vegetable Soup

Garri is relatively affordable, and soups like efo riro or okra can go a long way when cooked with plenty of vegetables.

4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)

A hearty one-pot meal. You don’t need a lot of meat to make it satisfying.

 5. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce

An affordable option that’s quick to prepare and usually a favourite with children.

 6. Corn and Beans (Adalu)

A nutritious combination that’s both filling and budget-friendly when corn is in season.

 7. Okra Soup with Swallow

Okra is relatively inexpensive, and the soup can easily serve a large household when paired with eba, semo, or fufu.

 8. Sweet Potato Porridge

When potatoes are reasonably priced, they’re a great alternative to rice or yam and can feed several people with the right ingredients.

If you had just 10,000 naira to feed a family for a day, what Nigerian meal would you cook? Share your best budget-friendly ideas in the comments.