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It is really easy to get into the habit of buying everything from the supermarket instead of making it yourself, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Getting home from work and having to cook from scratch can feel pretty daunting.
However, there are a bunch of foods that are really easy to make at home from scratch and won’t cost too much extra time in the kitchen.
As well, there are tons of other positives to making certain foods at home instead of buying them at the grocery store. You can be in control of the ingredients and be sure that you are feeding yourself and your family good, clean food.
You can help to cut down on packaging, and you might even save a few pennies. What’s more, many of these homemade foods can be made in bulk and eaten throughout the week, meaning that you have more time in the evening to spend relaxing.
Check out this list of foods that you could start making from scratch and quit having to buy from the store.
1. Hummus
Source: Roasted Garlic Hummus
Having to buy those plastic pots of hummus is expensive, creates a bunch of plastic recycling, and, let’s be honest, they don’t last that long.
The best way to save money is to try to buy chickpeas in bulk as it means you can make vats of hummus to indulge in. The only other ingredients you need are some tahini—one jar can make multiple batches of hummus— cumin, salt, garlic, and some lemon.
2. Refried Beans
Source: Refried Beans
Refried beans are a must for all of your Mexican-inspired dishes. Whether you are making burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, or loaded nachos, a good refried bean recipe can make a difference.
The cans of refried beans that you can buy at the store often have hidden animal products in them, so it is a great idea to make your own at home.
Again, you can make a big batch and have them on hand when needed.
3. Yogurt
Source: 4-Ingredient Probiotic Oat Yogurt
There are some really delicious vegan yogurts out there to buy, these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a go at making some yourself.
Yogurt is full of beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. Fortunately, there are various ways to make vegan yogurt at home from oats, coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk.
Check out this great OGP ‘how to’ for making your own plant-based yogurt at home.
4. BBQ Sauce
Source: Slow-Cooker BBQ Sauce
Many of the BBQ sauces that you can buy at the store are filled with questionable sweeteners and other undesirable ingredients.
Making your own sauce means that you can add as much heat and sweetness as you like and keep the ingredients on the healthier side of things.
Use your homemade BBQ sauce in a whole bunch of recipes from cauliflower steaks and ribs to pulled jackfruit and meatballs.
5. Salad Dressing
Source: Carrot and Fennel Salad with Creamy Grapefruit Dressing
Salad dressing is usually quite inexpensive to make, and you can mix up all of your favorite flavors to create that perfect dressing.
You can even use your own homemade infused oils and vinegar to make custom dressings.
A bonus is that you won’t have bottles and bottles of half-used dressing in the fridge. You can make just enough to use for your meal. This helps to keep everything fresh and cuts down on food waste.
6. Granola
Source: Hazelnut Granola
Buying good granola in the stores can get pretty pricey. Making your own means that you can add all of your favorite nuts, dried fruit, and the sweetener of your choice.
The most economical way to make your own granola would be to buy your oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit in bulk. This way, you can make batches as and when you need them, and it will help to cut down on packaging.
Granola is great with plant-based milk, on top of vegan yogurt or ice cream, and as a snack just on its own.
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