Vegetables that contain protein
If food prices have you scrambling down the aisles of the grocery store trying to find something that's more affordable than meat but still has protein, know that you're not alone!
Back in the days when my grandparents went through the Great Depression, it was really tough times, but they survived through the hardships by growing their own food.
There are a lot of veggies that actually do contain protein, and they're packed full of additional nutrients that our bodies all need.
Vegetables highest in protein:
Vegetables high in protein include artichokes, asparagus, beans, bean sprouts, and beans in general: broccoli, Brussel sprouts, chickpeas, green peas, kale, mushrooms, mustard greens, spinach, sweet corn, and turnip greens.
For a few examples: Black beans contain 15 grams of protein in just a 1-cup serving. In fact, a 1/2 cup of cooked beans provides close to 7 grams of protein, which is the same as eating one ounce of meat.
As for collard, kale, spinach, turnip greens, and mustard greens, the protein content of one cup of cooked dark leafy greens is about 5.1 grams.
Broccoli has a higher protein-to-calorie ratio than steak. However, you'll have to eat more to receive the same amount of calories that meat provides.
Practical solutions:
Since the prices on meat have gotten extremely high, you can stretch your dollars and the amount of meat you use and also maximize your health by making soups, stews, salads, and casseroles.
Substitute the amount of meat that a recipe calls for with beans or other vegetables that are high in protein.
Adding beans, greens, and other vegetables to amp up the protein will not only help you save money but also help you and your family's bellies stay fuller longer.