The 10 Healthiest Foods Under $1

Now that we've made our New Year's resolutions, and the post-Christmas budget pinch is ambushing our wallets, it's time to revamp those indulgent holiday eating plans, and rethink the way we've been doing dinner. After reading Michael Pollan's Food Rules book this weekend, I decided to sit down and make a list of the healthiest and most affordable foods found in grocery stores and farmers market stands.

I also pulled together 10 recipes from The Family Kitchen which feature these foods, because I believe one of the best ways to get healthy and stay on a budget is to have a recipe and a plan. Here are 25 healthy foods that can be purchased for a dollar, and 25 incredible recipes to go with each of the food picks.

1. Tofu

A pack of Tofu costs about a buck and is packed with healthy soy protein. Add these Simple Salt and Pepper Tofu Triangles to your dinner menu tonight! These cute tender tofu triangles are salt and pepper crusted. Crisp, caramelized edges, soft on the inside. Salty, peppery flavor in each bite. Simply recipe. Perfect as a entree protein, side dish, party appetizer or pile into a burrito or wrap. And just imagine the variety of yummy dipping sauces you could pair with these cuties.

Related: 10 ways to buy organic on a budget

Make Simple Salt and Pepper Tofu Triangles:

Ingredients:

14 ounce firm tofu, sliced into triangles as shown
1/4 cup safflower oil
fine black pepper to taste (enough to coat)
1-2 tsp agave syrup
1/2-3/4 tsp salt

"Cheesy" option: sprinkle with nutritional yeast fresh off the saute pan - or during last minute of cooking.

Directions:

1. Drain tofu. Remove from pack. Squeeze dry with a paper towel. Remove as much water as you can without breaking the tofu. Slice into triangles.

2. Heat a saute pan on high with the 1/4 cup safflower oil heating. Wait until oil is hot and carefully drop tofu. Be careful as oil may slightly splatter. Try to evenly space tofu in pan.

3. Do not disturb the tofu for the first few minutes - simply let it cook, heat and toast that first edge. During this time you can add a very thick layer of fine black pepper to the uncooked side of the tofu. the pepper should cling to the raw, still damp surface. Also add an even amount of salt to the tofu. You can add more salt later so don't over-do it. A light sprinkle will do. Drizzle in the agave or maple - this adds a slight nice sweetness to compliment the saltiness. When the edges start to appear browned you can flip the tofu.

4. Allow this second side to cook for a few more minutes.. You want all sides to be toasty brown and crisp. You can start flipping more casually as needed now until you like the browning on each edge of the triangles.

5. Remove from heat and cool on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. You can add some nutritional yeast for an added "cheezy" flavor and texture.

6. Serve hot, warm or even chilled!

Related: 7 ways to save money at the farmers market


2. Sardines
Sardines offer heart-healthy oils. Where many larger fish populations are suffering from overfishing, the smaller fishes like mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, remain well regulated and highly healthful.
Make the world's best sardine sandwich


3. Spinach
Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled. Better yet, it's cheap!
Make spinach and ricotta stuffed portobello mushrooms


4. Whole-Grain Pasta
Whole grain pasta takes a classic dinner treat and pumps up the nutrition, without swapping out any of the taste at all!
Make green alphabet pasta

Related: 10 family meals under $10


5. Canned Tomatoes
Canned Tomatoes are always at the ready when you have them in the pantry, and offer crazy amounts of lycopene which has been proven to fight some cancers.
Make enchilada soup


6. Lentils
Lentils are one of the best sources of vegan protein. They cook quickly and cost just a few cents per ounce.
Make vegan red lentil soup


7. Yogurt
Yogurt offers a quick source of dairy and protein. It's cheap, healthful, and sweet enough to replace dessert.
Make homemade yogurt pops

Related: 7 low-budget ways to cook a box of penne


8. Green Tea
Green Tea is a mild drink, proven to offer significant cancer-fighting benefits. Look for boxes of bulk green tea packets in your grocery store that have been created in the U.S.A to ensure top notch food standards.
Make watermelon green tea punch


9. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is low in fat and carbs, but high in dietary fiber, folate, and vitamin C. A head of cauliflower will set you back about 2 bucks, but it can easily serve up to 4 family members!
Make cracklin' curried cauliflower


10. Potatoes
Potatoes are filling and starchy, and full of phytochemicals, carotenoids, and natural phenols.
Make hasselback potatoes

For 15 more healthy foods under $1, visit Babble

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