I have a theory that there is a impossible trinity (like in economics), where a food cannot be delicious, cheap and healthy at the same time. At maximum 2 of the 3 can be achieved.

Is there any food that breaks this theory?

Edit: I was thinking more about dishes (or something you put in your mouth) than the raw substances

Some popular suggestions include

  • fruits (in season)
  • lentils
  • GTac@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    You already mentioned them, but I’m a huge fan of lentils. They go with so much stuff and you can combine them with a variety of spices. Give me any leftover ingredients and some lentils, and I’ll cook up something delicious. I can and will eat lentil soup for days.

    They are also a pretty solid crop, they can grow in a variety of climates, require little water and are good for the soil.

  • LoafyLemon@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Onion. It’s cheap, nutritious, acts as a low-key anti bacterial solution, can be served in a multitude of ways, or eaten raw.

    Subscribe for more onion facts. 🧅

  • eduardm@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Well, something being delicious is subjective, but if we assume a “general acceptance” of most delicious foods, potatoes could fit easily. They can be cooked in all kinds of ways, are very nutritious and, again, pretty much everyone says they’re delicious.

    • bitcrafter@lemmy.sdf.org
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      1 year ago

      Completely agreed, though I’d also add that to get the most nutrition out of them you want to make sure that you are also eating the skins. (Personally I like the skins anyway, and not having to remove them makes them easier to cook!)

    • nijntjefan@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 year ago

      That’s a good point, but even within potatoes there is perhaps still a trade-off between “delicious” and “healthy”. As in steamed potatoes without sauces or stuff is kind of meh, while french fries are not that healthy.

  • derelict@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The biggest problem with this is subjective metrics.

    “Healthy” depends a lot on both what your needs are and the rest of your diet, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

    “Delicious” is even more subjective.

    ‘Cheap’ at least is fairly objective, but even so different qualities, different locations, or different seasons can change prices drastically, and that’s before you get into the fact that what really matters is the more-subjective ‘cheap to someone of your means.’

  • Chobbes@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    So… Are you just unaware of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, haha? In my opinion there’s a huge amount of food that fits all three categories. One of the best example of cheap, delicious, healthy, and easy is beans and rice, spiced up however you like.

    • foggenbooty@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Yup. Mexican, Indian, a lot of cuisine from poorer countries figured this out long ago. Beans or lentils over rice with the right spices, incredible. The restaurant version will add a lot of fat and heavy cream but if you make it yourself you can adjust that so it’s not unhealthy.

      • Chobbes@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Yeah! Exactly! A huge amount of the best food (imo) comes from these cultures. Plus many of these dishes are also really easy to make in bulk, which is a big win too.

  • andrei_chiffa@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Yes - generally beans are both healthy (33% protein, 33% fiber, 33% carbs), cheap (dried or in cans), and can be pretty tasty, even out of cans, but if not with eggs, as part of a soup (tomatoes + grain + spices + veggies).

    • taj@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Agreed. Beans can easily be dressed up and made delicious with just a few spices for very cheap, and are very healthy.

    • Sunforged@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Ful medames @nijntjefan@lemmy.world look up a recipe, and tweak to your liking.

      Honestly if you want cheap, delicious and healthy look outside of western cuisine. The middle east, south Africa and Asia all know how to grub down. Spices are cheap when bought in bulk, you can’t forget about them.

  • PaxSapien@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    When I was in college, I had the rule of not buying anything that is >$1.50 per pound. This is what I was reduced to (prices may be different now due to inflation and geo area):

    1. Apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries when they are on sale
    2. Milk, yogurt
    3. Pork shoulder, chicken quarters, thighs, drumsticks
    4. ground pork, ground beef
    5. Carrots, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage (you’ll be surprised at how good thinly sliced cabbages taste in a sandwich)