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Most people probably never take the time to break down the cost of each meal they prepare. I do it often. I just like to know…maybe justify to my husband a little when he sees the grocery receipts.
I was recently challenged to use the Kroger ad and only buying what was on sale try to spend $10.00 on a dinner for my family of 4. I really thought this would be a piece of cake but when you break it all down it seemed a little more daunting.
So, Kroger ad in hand, my youngest son and I set off on our quest. I never realized what a good lesson in budgeting your money this could be. My son was such a good helper and he scanned the shelves for the cheapest items as well as kept the running total so I was sure not to go over.
Here is what I bought and the breakdown in cost:
1 lime= .75
2 small mangoes=2.00 (I know..it’s a splurge)
1 bag of long grain brown rice= $1.00
1 can of black beans= .60
1 can of pineapple tidbits = $1.09
2.23 lb bag of freshly frozen Tilapia = $4.44
Total bill = $9.88
Total per serving (2 adults, 2 kids) = $2.47
Not too bad, really. I had hoped to get a red pepper but I just really refuse to spend over $2.00 for one this time of year and that’s what they were going for.
Ingredients
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of pineapple tidbits juice and all
- 1 lime juice and zest
- Tilapia, a little over 2 lbs, frozen
- 2 small mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp cumin (I had that already)
- salt/pepper to taste
- a drizzle of olive oil
- prepared brown rice
Instructions
- I used 4 cups of water and 2 cups of rice on a low boil for 45 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
- While that is cooking heat a large skillet on a medium heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and add the fillets.
- Sprinkle them with salt, pepper and the cumin.
- In a bowl add the remaining ingredients.
- You could also add all of these things to the skillet when the fish is cooked but I like to let it sit for a minute and come together a little bit.
- When the fish is done reduce heat and add the contents of the bowl.
- Let heat through and reduce just a little.
- Serve immediately over a bed of brown rice.
This is actually really good by itself 
