Get a packet of tofu. It'll cost you anywhere from $1 to $5 depending on what kind you get and where you get it from. I'd recommend Firm Tofu, but you can get anything from Medium Firm to Extra Firm or Pressed.
Take it out the packet - There will be water in it, so be careful.
For anything other than Extra Firm or Pressed, you should pat dry the tofu with some paper towels. Then place something heavy on it for a few minutes to get out all the extra water. You can skip this step if you want, doesn't really matter that much.
Meanwhile, heat up a pan and, once its hot, put some oil on it.
Crumble your tofu into little pieces and put it on the pan.
It'll start sizzling and becoming golden brown. You don't have to wait for it to become completely brown or anything. Just cook it for a few minutes.
Now put whatever spices you want/have. I use a minimum of black pepper, turmeric, and salt. But seriously, use whatever you want. For salt, I prefer Kala Namak or Indian Black Salt (it's pink in color). I also put in some nutritional yeast near the end.
Just keep tossing and turning it for a few minutes. Say, five minutes. You can add some spinach or other veggies if you want. Then take it off the pan and enjoy.
You can eat this straight up (if you want) or have it with some ketchup or sriracha. Or on a toast with some avocado.
Seriously. The entire thing takes like 10-15 minutes (if that) and is super cheap and healthy. You get all the protein you need in one meal and you can add some veggies to make it even healthier. One packet of tofu can be anywhere from one meal to three meals depending on how big you are and how much you eat, btw.
You can look up Tofu Scramble online to find a million different ways of making it with different spices and veggies and cooking techniques etc. There are so many variations that you can have this as a meal everyday and never have the same dish twice.
I should start buying tofu..
YES
Just look at all the different tips and tricks in this thread! I promise you, it's a good idea.
Yes. Lentils are another option. Do lentils, potatoes, and rice and veggies. There's also this Ethiopian seasoning I use to make a good lentil stew, absolutely delicious and very filling