Here's the thing about reverse-searing: it's a restaurant technique that actually simplifies home cooking. You slow-roast the steak in a low oven first, building flavor gradually, then sear it hard in a screaming-hot pan for that gorgeous crust. This recipe walks you through the technique. You can use the chimichurri recipe from the above link, or opt for this one from J. Kenji López-Alt. Make extra chimichurri; it keeps for weeks and you'll want it on everything. This is the kind of dinner that feels fancy but costs about $5–$7 per person and takes roughly 30 minutes. We have a plan for using up that leftover chimichurri, too.

Use that leftover chimichurri from the steak. Roast whatever vegetables you like, toss them with chimichurri, and serve in warm tortillas. Add avocado, lime, diced white onion, cilantro, or just eat them as-is — they're vegan, flavorful, and cost about $2–$3 per serving.

If you want something lighter but still deeply satisfying, this Mediterranean ragout from NYT Cooking is a showstopper. Sturdy greens (collards, broccoli rabe, or frozen spinach) simmer gently with tomatoes, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then get tossed with pasta and softened ricotta. The beauty of this dish is flexibility: use whichever hearty greens you prefer, add in chickpeas or ground sausage for extra protein, or sub ricotta for a plant-based version to make it vegan. 

With wet rainy weather and deals on chicken and potatoes, there’s one thing to do: make curry. This aromatic, coconut-based one-pot meal from Pinch of Yum is pure comfort. The secret is a good yellow curry paste, which gives you flavors that feel fancy but come together in under 35 minutes (hit up Hong Phat for the best selection). Grab some chicken breasts, throw in baby potatoes, and serve it all over rice. This is the kind of meal that costs $3–$4 per serving and tastes like takeout.

Here's where the week really pays off: a deeply flavorful but incredibly cheap lentil soup — a vegan soup that costs about $1.50 per serving. This soup is proof that budget cooking and delicious cooking are not mutually exclusive. It's warming, it's nourishing and it freezes well. The lemon adds a pop of brightness that really brings out the flavors.

As always, if you cook any of these recipes (or whip up a different dish) let us know by replying to this email, in the comments on this article, or by tagging us on Instagram or TikTok at @StumptownSavings. We love seeing what you're making — especially when it's budget-friendly and delicious. 🌿

The standout event this weekend is $1 Day at all Portland-area Franz Bakery Outlets. Load up on bread, bagels, English muffins and more for $1 a package (applies to everything on their clearance walls). But that’s not all: Thursday, get free admission to the Portland Art Museum, Portland Armory, and more. Enjoy free rounds of pickleball and more Friday night at The People’s Courts, or learn how to host mason bees, or how to grow your own food on a budget. These are just a small sampling of the dozens of free and low-cost events we’ve rounded up for you this weekend.