Man cannot survive on Taco Bell alone. Although the fast food chain is one of our go-to favorites for vegan junk food (bean burrito sans cheese, please!), it’s not exactly enough to fuel you through a busy work week. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that will—without a full Sunday’s worth of prep work in between. Here are some of the most mouth-watering recipes we’ve seen for an affordable, quick menu schedule that will keep you going all the way until payday.
Vegan Thai “Take In”
Ah, Thai. The secret weapon to survive those late nights at the office or weekend-long home improvement projects. And many of the best entrees are made with coconut milk, rather than cream, and feature egg- and dairy-free noodles. But at about $10 a plate, takeout meals like these aren’t exactly great for your financial diet. This quick peanut noodle recipe reportedly costs less than a dollar to make, and will feed your hunger for some cuisine from the Land of Smiles.
Dairy-Free Pie to Cover Your Pizza Cravings
With researchers calling cheese as addictive as heroin, it’s no wonder that a lot of us have trouble kicking the fromage when we switch to a dairy-free diet. But pizza is possibly one of the world’s most perfect foods, so there’s no reason vegans should have to go without. This recipe uses pre-made vegan crust and a rich cashew-basil sauce to give you the ultimate ‘za experience without a huge time commitment. Plus when you make it at home, you can save your tips for your bank account.