Quick Easy Cheap Meals: Haystacks Unlimited

The traditional haystack consisting of a pile of rice topped with a variety of tasty additions is the inspiration for this post. Here are the parts we need: something to make the stack out of. That could be rice, pasta, potatoes, couscous, bulgur, barley, etc. These are all cheap and healthy and the toppings are quick and easy. Let your imagination run wild: pineapple, chow mein noodles, chopped nuts, chopped veggies such as red pepper, cucumber, sauteed onions, celery-raw or sauteed, any leftover cooked veg, chopped apple, raisins, grated cheese, leftover cooked meat, etc. Choose a sauce that goes with your creation. Maybe tomato sauce for pasta; honey-garlic sauce for rice; mushroom sauce for barley, etc.

This meal can actually fall together very quickly and easily, even on a minute's notice. First, get your water boiling for cooking whichever food you choose for the main stack. While that is happening, raid your fridge and pantry for possible toppings. Serve them in separate bowls and line it up on the table like a salad bar. Serve each family member a stack of the main ingredient and then let them top it as they like!