Are you a Pinoy homemaker looking for healthy recipes for your children and family that won’t compromise your budget? Look no more because we got you with these 10 cheap yet nutritious alternatives you can cook and share with your loved ones!

1. Sautéed Mung Beans (Munggo Guisado)

This classic Filipino dish is hearty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. It’s also very budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mung beans (munggo)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis)
• 1/2 cup spinach or malunggay leaves (optional)
• 1 small carrot, peeled and sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the Mung Beans: In a pot, rinse the mung beans thoroughly and cook them in 2 cups of water over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beans become soft. Add more water if needed.
2. Prepare the Sautéed Mixture: In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, onion, and tomato until softened and fragrant.
3. Combine: Once the mung beans are soft, add the sautéed mixture to the beans and stir. Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: If using, add the spinach or malunggay leaves and carrots. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, then serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Mung beans (1 cup): Php 20
• Onion: Php 5
• Garlic: Php 2
• Tomato: Php 7
• Fish sauce: Php 5
• Spinach or malunggay: Php 10
• Carrot (optional): Php 8
• Cooking oil: Php 3

Total cost: Php 60-70 (depending on optional ingredients and location)

This dish is both filling and nutritious, perfect for a budget-friendly meal for the family.

2. Sinigang na Miso (Miso Soup)

This comforting Filipino soup uses miso paste and fresh leafy greens to create a savory, tangy, and healthy meal. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup miso paste
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 cup kangkong (water spinach) or any leafy green
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis)
• 1 liter water (free)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a pot, sauté onion and tomato in oil until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Miso: Stir in the miso paste and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Season: Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper, then adjust to taste.
4. Add Vegetables: Once the soup is boiling, add the kangkong (or any leafy green) and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until tender.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Miso paste: Php 15
• Onion: Php 5
• Tomato: Php 7
• Kangkong: Php 10
• Fish sauce: Php 3
• Water: Free

Total cost: Php 40-50

This dish is light, nutritious, and easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy family meal.

3. Ginisang Togue (Sautéed Bean Sprouts)

A quick and healthy Filipino dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. Ginisang Togue is a great way to enjoy the fresh crunch of bean sprouts while getting your daily dose of vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup togue (bean sprouts)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
2. Cook Carrots: Add sliced carrots and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
3. Add Bean Sprouts: Add the togue and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until the bean sprouts are tender yet crunchy.
4. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Togue (bean sprouts): Php 15
• Onion: Php 5
• Garlic: Php 2
• Carrot: Php 8
• Soy sauce: Php 2
• Cooking oil: Php 3

Total cost: Php 35-40

A healthy, quick, and tasty vegetable dish that pairs well with rice.

4. Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet)

Tortang Talong is a beloved Filipino comfort food made from grilled eggplant and eggs, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 eggs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Roast the Eggplants: Roast eggplants over an open flame or broiler until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Let cool and peel off the skin.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Beat eggs in a bowl, then add chopped onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Flatten and Coat the Eggplant: Flatten the roasted eggplant with a fork, then dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
4. Fry the Tortang Talong: Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated eggplant until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serve: Serve hot with rice or dipping sauce.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Eggplants: Php 20
• Eggs: Php 10
• Onion: Php 5
• Soy sauce: Php 2
• Salt and pepper: Php 1
• Cooking oil: Php 2

Total cost: Php 35-40

A simple yet flavorful dish that’s a great option for breakfast or dinner.

5. Adobong Kangkong (Water Spinach Adobo)

This Filipino version of adobo uses kangkong (water spinach) instead of meat, offering a light but flavorful alternative that’s rich in savory and tangy tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kangkong
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, sauté garlic and onion in oil until soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Sauces: Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Cook the Kangkong: Add the kangkong and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Kangkong: Php 20
• Garlic: Php 2
• Onion: Php 5
• Soy sauce: Php 3
• Vinegar: Php 2

Total cost: Php 32-35

A quick and healthy vegetarian version of adobo, perfect for busy days.

6. Ginisang Munggo with Chicharrón (Sautéed Mung Beans with Crispy Pork Skin)

This hearty Filipino dish features mung beans simmered with garlic, onions, and chicharrón for added crunch and flavor, creating a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mung beans
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 cup chicharrón (crispy pork skin), crushed
  Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Mung Beans: In a pot, boil the mung beans in water until they are soft, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sautéed Mixture: Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato in oil until fragrant.
3. Combine the Mung Beans: Add the cooked mung beans to the sautéed mixture along with fish sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add the Chicharrón: Top the dish with crushed chicharrón before serving.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Mung beans: Php 20
• Onion: Php 5
• Garlic: Php 2
• Tomato: Php 7
• Fish sauce: Php 3
• Chicharrón: Php 20

Total cost: Php 60-70

This filling dish is both nutritious and indulgent, perfect for lunch or dinner.

7. Paksiw na Isda (Fish in Vinegar Stew)

A tangy and savory Filipino fish stew made with vinegar, soy sauce, and fish, this dish is a Filipino classic that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium tilapia or bangus (Php 35)
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (Php 7)
• 1 small onion, sliced (Php 5)
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (Php 2)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (Php 2)
• 1 cup water (free)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: In a pot, combine fish, onion, tomato, vinegar, soy sauce, and water.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Tilapia/bangus: Php 35
• Tomato: Php 7
• Onion: Php 5
• Vinegar: Php 2
• Soy sauce: Php 2
• Water: Free

Total cost: Php 50-55

A tangy and flavorful fish dish that’s perfect with steamed rice.

8. Ginisang Miso (Sautéed Miso with Tofu)

This savory Filipino dish combines miso, tofu, and vegetables for a nutritious and comforting meal. It’s perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a light, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 cup spinach or any leafy green
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu: Heat oil in a pan and sauté tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Miso: Stir in miso paste and soy sauce, then add a bit of water to form a sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. Combine the Tofu: Add the sautéed tofu and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
5. Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Miso paste: Php 10
• Tofu (1 block): Php 25
• Onion: Php 5
• Garlic: Php 2
• Tomato: Php 7
• Spinach: Php 10
• Soy sauce: Php 3
• Cooking oil: Php 3

Total cost: Php 60-65

This dish is rich in flavor and protein, perfect for a healthy meal.

9. Laing (Spicy Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk)

Laing is a rich and creamy Filipino dish made with taro leaves and coconut milk, spiced to perfection with chili. It’s a flavorful dish that’s sure to warm you up.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried taro leaves (Laing mix or fresh)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2-3 Thai chili peppers, chopped (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pot and sauté garlic, onion, and chili peppers until fragrant.
2. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.
3. Add the Taro Leaves: Stir in the dried taro leaves, making sure they are well coated with the coconut milk. Add shrimp paste if using.
4. Simmer: Let it cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the leaves are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Season with salt and serve with steamed rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Dried taro leaves: Php 20
• Coconut milk: Php 25
• Garlic: Php 2
• Onion: Php 5
• Thai chili peppers: Php 5
• Shrimp paste: Php 5
• Cooking oil: Php 3

Total cost: Php 60-65

A creamy and spicy dish that’s a true Filipino classic.

10. Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bittermelon)

This traditional Filipino dish uses ampalaya (bittermelon), known for its distinct taste. Sautéed with eggs, garlic, and onions, it becomes a savory and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ampalaya (bittermelon), sliced thinly
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ampalaya: Slice the ampalaya and rub it with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off the bitterness with water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened.
3. Cook the Ampalaya: Add the ampalaya slices to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
4. Add the Eggs: Push the ampalaya to one side of the pan, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs, mixing them with the ampalaya.
5. Season and Serve: Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and serve hot with rice.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Ampalaya: Php 10
• Eggs: Php 10
• Onion: Php 5
• Garlic: Php 2
• Tomato: Php 7
• Soy sauce: Php 3
• Cooking oil: Php 3

Total cost: Php 35-40

A healthy, savory dish perfect for those who love the unique bitterness of ampalaya.