Cheap food for me means beans soaked 24 hours then cooked. Chickpeas being the most meaty
I got some dried fava beans recently at a middle-eastern grocery that are also quite large and chewy even after soaking and long cooking.
Chick peas are a wonder.
Blenderize them with squeeze of lemon, some tahani or other nut paste and you have humus. You can season it any way you want, roasted peppers, cayenne.. Makes a great substitute for dip or sandwich spread.
Cost pennies on the dollar if you buy them dry and soak and cook them yourself.
When the melamine issue was going with dogfood, I used them to make my own for months..Hounds loved it.
We love “Henry Hill’s” chic pea salad....It’s so simple....chic peas, chopped pimento’s, chopped red onion, fresh Italian parsley, olive oil, s&p and grated lemon zest.....Don’t forget the crusty Italian bread!!!!