This is yet another great meal that was made possible by keeping an eye out for deals. I found a Hormel Pork Tenderloin deal that was advertised “2 for 1″ at a local grocery store. This ended up being a tremendous deal since pork tenderloin is generally a pricier cut of meat. I did not purchase the box of Near East Garlic Herb Cous Cous on sale, but there is a grocery store in our city that sells it at a reasonable price. Cous cous, particularly whole wheat, tastes great and is a healthy alternative to your standard macaroni and cheese or other highly processed sides. Our three year old son devoured the cous cous and the broccoli but didn’t like the meat. There was leftover meat and we used it in a tortilla soup the following day.
1 pork tenderloin ($4.51)
1 box Near East Garlic Herb Cous Cous – Whole Grain ($2.26)
1 bag frozen broccoli ($2.18)
2 tablespoons sugar ($0.05)
2 tablespoons iodized salt ($0.05)
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Chipotle seasoning ($0.20)
1 tablespoon kosher salt ($0.10)
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes ($0.50)
TOTAL: $9.85
RECIPE:
Brine the pork tenderloin in water and the iodized salt and sugar for a few hours. This is optional but will help the cut of meat to remain juicy while grilling. It also helps the flavor. Sprinkle the Mrs. Dash Chipotle seasoning on the meat and rub it in with your hands vigorously. Sear the tenderloin on high heat on both sides for around 1 minute each and then finish grilling on medium. When the meat is finished, I usually slice it and grill it again for just a minute to add some flavor. The cous cous is a boxed dinner and is very simple. I just steam the broccoli very quickly.
NOTES: NOTE: My amounts are estimated and sometimes the result of my finding items on sale. I do not add sales tax because not all states charge it on food. Almost everything we buy is either private label or purchased on sale.
Mmm! Seeing that broccoli makes my mouth water for beef and broccoli! Really a very inexpensive meal for me since I have just about everything but the beef on hand. I first saw your website on kfor a while back. Thanks for the tips. I just read your herb harvesting post from today and might I say I am jealous! My basil (from seeds) is STILL only about 5 inches tall. I have tried everything. So, next year, POTS! You give such great ideas. Thank you! I don’t grow anything else right now since thee grasshoppers have taken over, but free cucumbers, squash and okra are abundant here. So many people who have more than they can handle. Bell peppers are bought from a neighbor. A gallon size baggie for $1-$1.50. I am thinking of starting an inside herb garden. Hopefully if I do it works better than the outside, Fresh herbs frighten me for some reason. Thanks again for your tips!
Glad you’re enjoying the site! In years past we grew our Basil from seed, but this year we bought plants that were already started (4-6 inches tall) since we planted them so late in the ground. We’ve been successful in pots as well for our basil. If you lived near me I could have given you a grocery bag full of basil a week ago. It’s growing like a weed at our house. I’m jealous of all the great vegetables that are available to you at such low costs. We’re hoping to add more to our garden next year as well. Gardening really is enjoyable, maybe not picking the bugs off the tomato plant though. Yuck!
We live out in the country so gardens are everywhere around us. We just picked a bad spot this year I guess. We will move it back to our old area next year and having more space between some of our plants will be a great help in getting them to grow.
Around my area people sell their produce in town and even with the good old “honor system” out of their own front yards. A scale, sacks, money jar and fresh produce. It’s people who have lived around this are for may years so we feel comfortable purchasing.
My Grandmother works for a seniors center and they are always bringing sacks filled with various produce up there to divide up. She brings us what nobody needs up there and we are very thankful. Fresh corn was given to us by my SIL from her boss at work (2 grocery bags filled.) It is bery much a blessing this day in age to receive so much great and useful things. We have given away some of what we have grown, but since it hasn’t been much there hasn’t been alot to share.
Hopefully I get some herbs going. My dehydrator needs to be used more. Making my own dry herb mixes would be great.
Thanks for your responses. I appreciate your info.