Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti or noodles — $1.20
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, sliced thin — $1.20
• 1/3 cup peanut butter — $0.70
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce — $0.30
• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup — $0.20
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice — $0.20
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — $0.20
• 1 tablespoon oil — $0.20
• 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water — $0.00
• Optional: red pepper flakes or green onions — $0.30

Estimated ingredient total: $4.20 to $4.50
Displayed planning estimate: $6.90

Detailed Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions.
2. While the noodles cook, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar or lime juice, and warm water in a bowl until smooth.
3. Slice the cabbage thinly and mince the garlic.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the cabbage and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until it softens and shrinks down.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Drain the noodles and reserve a small splash of pasta water.
8. Add the noodles to the skillet with the cabbage.
9. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together.
10. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
11. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce or sweetness if needed.
12. Top with optional red pepper flakes or green onions and serve.

Helpful Notes

• Cabbage is one of the best low-cost vegetables for stretching meals.
• This works warm or cold.
• Add shredded carrots if they are already on hand.

Price Note