Frugal foodie recipes from a guy

Who knew there was a masculine and feminine way to cook? This fact struck me after reading three $10 dinner recipes by Men’s Health blogger Paul Kita. Maybe I’m being judgmental, but would a woman serve chicken, diced tomatoes, and stale bread to guests?

On second thought, his simple recipes have made me awfully hungry. Here’s one of the three he shares. The other two are for chili-rubbed chicken and chicken and black bean lettuce cups.

Recipe #3: Italian bread soup
With the carcass of the bird, make chicken stock. Next, saute 1 medium chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves for 10 minutes. Add a can of diced tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Add the strained stock and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano. Cook 15 minutes, add salt and pepper, and stir in one chopped stale baguette. Ladle into bowls; add a swirl of olive oil, shaved Pecorino cheese, and cracked black pepper.

If you’re living lean, resolve to use every part of every ingredient you buy. You’ll achieve the same pride of cutting costs, only this time you’ll please your taste buds without ever having to touch cake batter, questionable meat byproducts, or packets of dehydrated “flavor.” Enjoy. You’ve earned it.