Reply #24: One possibility is that they're adding in the cost of all the spices as well. [View All]

[Systematic Chaos]

Sure, a pound of beans is around $1, and if you go with the more nutritionally complete brown rice a pound may set you back an extra $1-2 more than inferior white rice. Those two ingredients alone won't run you more than $4 or so.

But then you also will probably want to add some veggies, and almost certainly some spices. And if you don't already have the spices in your pantry that's gonna really hit you in the wallet the first time around. Also, those who add a bit of meat to the recipe are going to pay a couple dollars more.

But you're right. I can't see any way the cost would be that high unless you're taking into account first time investment for every ingredient including bottles of spices. :shrug: