The Common Foods We Buy at Stores That We Can Easily Make at Home with Healthier Ingredients
Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, people are constantly on the go, and often turn to convenience foods for quick meals. However, many of these foods are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, such as refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Making these common foods at home can not only be healthier, but can also save you money in the long run. In this post, we'll explore three common foods that you can easily make at home with healthier ingredients.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a popular snack choice, but many store-bought options are loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Making your own granola bars at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients. Start with a base of rolled oats, and add in ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for added flavor and nutrition. Sweeten with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option. Not only will you save money by making your own granola bars, but you'll also have a healthier snack option on hand.
Salad Dressing
Many store-bought salad dressings are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. Making your own salad dressing at home is a simple way to control the ingredients and make a healthier option. Start with a base of olive oil and vinegar, and add in herbs and spices for added flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt as a base for a creamy dressing, and add in avocado for a healthy fat option. By making your own salad dressing, you'll have a healthier option that's also more cost-effective than store-bought options.
Pasta Sauce
Store-bought pasta sauces can be loaded with added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. Making your own pasta sauce at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients. Start with a base of canned tomatoes and add in herbs and spices for added flavor. You can also add in vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers for added nutrition. By making your own pasta sauce, you'll have a healthier option that's also more flavorful than store-bought options.
Basil Pesto Sauce
Store-bought pesto sauce can be high in added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. Making your own basil pesto sauce at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients. Start with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse the basil, garlic, and pine nuts until finely chopped.
- Add the parmesan cheese and pulse until well combined.
- While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Mayonnaise
Ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Stevia (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk together the egg yolk, dijon mustard, and white vinegar in a mixing bowl.
- While continuing to whisk, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add stevia if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ketchup
Ingredients:
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Stevia (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Water (as needed)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, stevia, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Pizza Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Stevia (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add stevia if desired. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey (or stevia)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, honey (or stevia), and salt.
- Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet and let rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Energy Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- Stevia (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse the dates until they form a paste.
- Add the nut butter, oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and vanilla extract, and pulse until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Add stevia as desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
By making your own foods at home, you can control the ingredients and make healthier options that are also cost-effective. Granola bars, salad dressing, and pasta sauce are just a few examples of common foods that are easy to make at home with healthier ingredients. So next time you're at the store, consider making these items at home instead for a healthier and more budget-friendly option.