Organic Doesn’t Mean Expensive!

By Molly Blakemore

One myth about organic food is that it is too expensive. Given that organic food contains less water and 25-50% more nutrients, gram for gram, organic food is often cheaper than chemical food and chatarra, or junk food. It’s possible to be frugal and still support local organic farms. Here is a recipe for a three-course, gourmet, organic meal for a family of four for about $60 pesos per person. All ingredients can be found at the Via Organica tienda at Margarito Ledesma #2 Col. Guadalupe.

Vegetarian Green Enchiladas

Serves 4

3 Enchiladas per person

Ingredients

1 kilo organic tomatillos $25p
1 package organic tortillas $16p
1 bunch organic spinach, chopped $17p
2 cloves whole organic garlic $2p
3 cloves chopped organic garlic $3p
½ small organic onion, cut into large chunks $5p
1 organic Serrano pepper $1p
1 cup organic cilantro, cleaned $3p
2 tsp organic olive oil $2p
200g grated organic Manchego cheese $38p
1 cup organic sour cream $10p

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Grand Total: $122p

Directions

In a large pot of boiling water, cook tomatillos, whole garlic and Serrano pepper until soft (about 12 minutes).
In a blender combine tomatillos, garlic, Serrano pepper, cilantro and onion and blend until smooth.
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat, sauté spinach and 3 cloves chopped garlic until al dente.
Mix together cheese and sour cream (or blend together with the tomatillo sauce).
On a Comal or in a skillet, heat tortillas,  flipping often until soft.
Roll spinach mixture into tortillas.
Set rolled tortillas in a glass baking dish in a single layer.
Cover tortillas with tomatillo sauce and cheese mixture.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Enjoy!

Green Bean Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

½ kilo organic green beans $25p
5 organic radishes, sliced thin $4p
1 bell organic bell pepper, chopped $5p
½ small organic red onion $5
1 head organic lettuce of your choice $10
½ organic oil (olive, corn) $3
1 pinch organic Mexican oregano $2
2 tbs. red or white vinegar $2
1 clove organic garlic, minced $1
Salt and pepper to taste $1

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Grand Total: $63p

Directions

Steam green beans until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Mix oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper for dressing.
Toss beans, radishes, bell pepper, onion and any additional ingredients together with dressing.
Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Enjoy!

Optional Additions

Preparing a kilo of beans lentils and cannelloni and freezing them for later use is a cheap, quick and healthy way to add protein and fiber to a meal.

4 tbs. organic lentils, cooked and drained (1 kilo $28p)
4 tbs. organic cannelloni beans, drained (1 kilo $33p)
Feta or Ranchero cheese, crumbled (200 g $48p)

Sweet Potato Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 ½ cups cooked organic sweet potatoes $32p
2 tbs. organic flour $1p
2 tbs. unsalted organic butter $4p
2 cups organic milk $10
½ tsp. ground organic ginger $2
½ tsp. ground organic cinnamon $1
½ tsp. ground organic nutmeg $2
2 ½ cups water
Salt and pepper to taste $1

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Grand Total: $53p

Directions

In a heavy saucepot, over medium-low heat, cook the flour and butter, stirring constantly until roux achieves a light caramel color.
Add water bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
Stir in the sweet potatoes and spices, bring to a simmer again, and cook for 5 minutes more.
In a blender, puree the soup in batches and return to saucepot. Add the milk, and reheat soup.
Season with salt and pepper
Ladle into warm soup bowls and serve.