7 Budget-Friendly Autumn Meals Under €3 Per Serving (Healthy & Seasonal)
Eating well on a budget is easier than you think — especially in autumn. Seasonal produce like pumpkin, lentils, and apples make for nourishing, affordable meals. Here are 7 simple dishes under €3 per serving — perfect for busy evenings or weekend meal prep.
1. Pumpkin & Lentil Soup (€2.40 / serving)
Ingredients: pumpkin, red lentils, onion, broth, mild curry. How to: sauté onion, add pumpkin and lentils, cover with water, cook 25 min, blend. Keeps 3 days in fridge or 2 months frozen.
2. Cabbage-Carrot Stir-Fry with Eggs (€2.20 / serving)
Ingredients: white cabbage, carrots, 2 eggs, olive oil, garlic. Tip: add soy sauce and sesame seeds for a light Asian twist.
3. Barley with Mushrooms & Thyme (€2.80 / serving)
Ingredients: pearl barley, mushrooms, onion, broth, thyme. How to: one-pot cook for 35 minutes — naturally creamy texture.
4. Roasted Veggies & Chickpeas Traybake (€2.90 / serving)
Ingredients: cooked chickpeas, squash, red onion, paprika, olive oil. Tip: top with yogurt or tahini when serving for extra creaminess.
5. Baked Apple Oats (€1.80 / serving)
Ingredients: rolled oats, apples, plant milk, cinnamon, honey. How to: bake 25 min at 180°C. Keeps 4 days refrigerated.
6. Garlic Butter White Beans on Toast (€2.50 / serving)
Ingredients: white beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon, whole-grain bread. Tip: a protein-rich alternative to avocado toast.
7. Autumn Pasta (Pumpkin & Sage) (€2.90 / serving)
Ingredients: pasta, pumpkin, butter, sage, walnuts. How to: mash pumpkin, mix with melted butter and crisp sage leaves.
Batch cooking tip
Double the soup and stir-fry quantities — they store perfectly and save you two dinners later in the week.
Conclusion: With a few simple ingredients and a bit of planning, eating well doesn't have to break the bank. These autumn recipes prove that saving money and eating healthy can go hand in hand. Continue your savings with our tips to reduce food waste and discover how to boost your energy naturally this autumn.
About the author:
Alexandre Dubois is a European sustainability enthusiast who shares practical, tested tips for everyday life. From saving on household energy to reducing waste, he focuses on simple changes that deliver real impact. He writes from personal experience, testing solutions in his own home before recommending them. Contact: info@greendailyfix.com