Do you know a young person who’s clueless when it comes to cooking without relying on takeout? It’s concerning how many teens and those in their twenties lack basic culinary skills and everyday life skills.
I’m here to assist anyone eager to learn. While I doubt many of my readers are under 50, those of you who are in your middle years might want to save this for the younger generation, maybe even your grandkids, who could really use a little home economics guidance.
Setting up your first kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be remarkably affordable—if you’re okay with buying second-hand items.
Let’s dive into how to establish a budget-friendly kitchen. I’ll also share a couple of simple recipes that are perfect for even the most hesitant cooks.
Cost Analysis of Takeout
Before sharing practical tips, let’s look at the issue. Honestly, I was shocked to see this trend. Many young folks online seem to think that fast food or services like DoorDash are cheaper than buying groceries and cooking at home.
It’s no joke—many Gen Z individuals lack even basic skills when it comes to managing food costs. If we take a look at responses in online discussions about food expenses, there’s a lot of chatter suggesting that a significant number of younger people struggle to afford their daily needs.
It’s a puzzling situation to explain.
One social media post compared the price of a fast-food hamburger and fries to the cost of purchasing ingredients to make the meal at home. The fast food combo rang up at $14.99 for one person, while making it at home only costs about $5.43 per serving and yields four servings.
Seems clear, right? Not quite. Check out the responses; some people insist that groceries actually cost more than fast food meals. How did that happen? It’s about the difference in perspective—from comparing total grocery costs to breaking it down by meal.
Value of Leftovers
It’s frustrating to see how young people often overlook the idea of saving leftovers. Some even claim that for a single person, fast food is cheaper than cooking for themselves. Isn’t it strange to let good food go to waste?
One young person even mentioned they prefer not to eat a cheeseburger repeatedly for a week. But, why let your meals go bad when there are perfectly good leftovers to be saved or frozen? Their mindset seems to be stuck on a desire for convenience.
It’s disheartening. I tried to break down the facts with unit pricing, but hit a wall. These kids seem determined to defend their preferred lifestyle of ease and comfort, even if it’s not sensible.
Of course, there are Gen Z individuals who manage their budgets better through basic cooking skills. The issue is many just haven’t been taught. I know my own parents didn’t equip me with household budgeting skills, and school dropped home economics long ago. Young people often hear that everything is prohibitively expensive, and they feel powerless about it.
This is where we, the older generation, step in to provide the necessary training about home management. Think of this as the first lesson in “Uncle Josh’s Finishing School for Gen Z.”
Setting Up a Kitchen on a Budget
Getting a kitchen going in your first place doesn’t have to put you in the poorhouse. If you consider buying used items, it can actually be budget-friendly.
Many kitchen appliances can be picked up at thrift stores for a fraction of the price of new ones. Like many of my peers, my first apartment was furnished almost entirely from thrift finds. Even though I’m a homeowner now, plenty of my furnishings are second-hand.
Essential Kitchen Gear
This is based on the assumption you already have a stove and fridge, which most apartments do. If not, you can get an electric burner for around $20-50, and smaller fridges often sell for around $75 used.
With that in mind, here’s a list I suggest:
- 1 large frying pan
- 1 large saucepan with lid
- 1 small pot with lid
- 1 big pot for pasta or soups
- 2-3 mixing bowls
- 1 spatula
- 1 set of tongs
- 1 sturdy chef’s knife
- 1 colander
- 1 cutting board
- 3 to 4 wooden spoons
- Enough dishes and utensils for four
All of this can often be found at thrift stores for under $50 total—or even less.
From there, you can gradually acquire more kitchenware as needed. But this basic setup will allow you to create a wide variety of meals, including the two recipes I’ll outline.
Simple and Affordable Meals
When I was around 8 or 9, my mother began teaching me how to cook. It was standard practice back then and should be now. If the young people around you aren’t familiar with cooking, these recipes are a great starting point. They’re both simple and nutritious.
You can estimate the cost of these meals based on current grocery prices. In my case, my calculations yield a cost of about $2.65 per serving for one dish and about $2.75 for another. Plus, any leftover ingredients can be utilized in future meals or frozen.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a bean and sausage stew:
Bean and Sausage Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried beans (about $2)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (around $6)
- 1 medium onion (89 cents)
- 2 stalks celery (roughly $2)
- 1 bay leaf (few cents per leaf)
- Olive oil for cooking (negligible cost)
- Salt and pepper (basically free)
Instructions:
Soak the dried beans in a pot with water, using about double the water to beans. Once the beans have soaked, salt the water and add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to check for tenderness.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in another pan. Chop your onion and celery, crumble the sausage, and toss it in with the vegetables. Cook until everything is cooked through, around 10 minutes. Add this mixture to the beans during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking.
Once cooked, you can add a splash of cream for a rich texture. It pairs wonderfully with a salad and some crusty bread.
Now for another dish:
Yakitori with Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables
I’ve grown up cooking like this and it’s still my go-to method. Sure, I love exploring new cuisines, but there’s something really comforting about simple, well-prepared food. It’s affordable, delicious, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks (about $4)
- 1 pound fresh carrots, chopped ($3)
- 2 large Russet potatoes, cubed ($2)
- Olive oil for greasing
- McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning (approximately $5)
- Salt and pepper for flavor
Instructions:
Start by greasing a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Season the chicken, ensuring you get under the skin as well. Mix the potatoes and carrots with olive oil, then place everything in the baking dish. Cook at 375 degrees for around 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the juices run clear. Timing isn’t super critical—just keep an eye on it.
Happy cooking!
