3 Tipid Recipes From Judy Ann’s Kitchen: Cheesy Meatballs With Gravy, Oatmeal Arroz Caldo, Meat-Free Shepherd’s Pie

Judy Ann Santos hasn’t uploaded a new episode on  Judy Ann’s Kitchen, since the end of January, almost 5 months ago. The YouTube channel has over 1.5 million subscribers and it has been airing her home cooking videos for 4 years.

On the ABS-CBN talk show, Magandang Buhay, of which the actress-turned-restaurateur is a host, Judy Ann broke her silence and said that the rising prices of ingredients is what stopped her. “Ayokong hindi maka-relate ‘yung viewers sa kung anumang lutuin ang gagawin ko kasi parang napaka-unfair naman,” she told her co-hosts Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal.

Judy Ann insists on being sensitive to the times. “Ayoko lang na parang masabihan ako na, ‘luto ka nang luto, ‘di naman namin magagawa ‘yan,” she added. She also said that cooking on the show is an “outlet” for her, not work, so she isn’t pressuring herself to produce an episode without inspiration.

RELATED: Judy Ann’s cooking is know to be “made with love.” See what her husband Ryan Agoncillo has to say about the origins of her signature dish and eponymous restaurant, Angrydobo.

What is causing the price increase?

According to Inquirer Business, the factors behind the increase in prices of goods involve the war between Russia and Ukraine as well as its effects on fuel and other supply constraints. The Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) reported a 6.1 percent inflation rate in June, which shocked even the new President Bongbong Marcos, who said, “It can’t be that high.”

Earlier this month, fast food market leaders McDonald’s and Jollibee announced a local chicken shortage that has been affecting the supply in some of their stores. Besides this and the crushing impact of diesel prices hitting P100, inflation is a real problem that every Filipino feels.

READ: Hindi Tipid Ang 'Tingi-Tingi' Sa Pag-Gas, Here's Why

3 recipes by Judy Ann’s Kitchen that are affordable, easy, and flexible

1. Cheesy Meatballs with Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

Judy Ann says this recipe is “mas pang-bagets” and describes it as meatballs with mozzarella inside. The main ingredients are ground pork, ground beef, potatoes, bacon, eggs, and mozzarella cheese.

While the price of meat and vegetables are not inflation-proof, we chose this recipe because it’s a heavy, big meal that the whole family can enjoy while mom or dad can prepare it with easy ingredients.

Para maka-tipid:

• Replace the ground pork and/or beef with ground chicken.
• Judy Ann says that the gravy can be replaced with teriyaki sauce or curry, so you have the option not to include bacon and butter in your recipe and just use a pre-mixed sauce.

2. Oatmeal Arroz Caldo

This can be meal-prepped from the night before and even serve as a healthy baon. The main ingredients are quick-cooking porridge oats, water, and hardboiled eggs. Because Judy Ann shared this recipe as a healthy baon, she replaced patis with Himalayan salt for more benefits.

Of course, para maka-tipid, you can use patis or regular salt. If you want to use rice and chicken broth, feel free to make adjustments as well.

READ: Lasagna, Fried Chicken, Mac And Cheese A La Judy Ann Santos! 5 Of Her Must-Try Recipes

3. Meat-free Shepherd’s Pie

Judy Ann created this plant-based alternative to the shepherd’s pie for holiday cooking, but if plant-based meat is inaccessible to you, try using tofu with mushrooms to mimic the texture of the meat (habang nakaka-tipid!). Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with ground beef or even ground lamb, but Judy Anne says it’s up to you to use the meat you want.