Times are hard, the cost of living is rising, and so, like many people, I’m trying to cook cheaper meals for the family. I recently did the Piri-piri chicken wing, wedges and corn traybake from BBC Food.

Wings are cheap, potatoes are cheap, and corn isn’t crazy expensive. The limes were probably the most extravagent ingredient. Total price, probably £2-£3 per person.

It was great, and the family all enjoyed it. To the point where it would go on the regular rotation even if we had suitcases full of cash stashed around the place!

What are your best economical recipes that aren’t just beans, chickpeas, and rice? Meals you actively looks forward to, rather than just a budget way of getting calories inside you?

On my list for the coming week:

  • Carbonara
  • Sausage and mash with onion gravy
  • Chicken Quesadillas
  • Mac and Cheese with salad
  • Spicy black bean tacos
  • Stir-fried tofu
  • Slow cooker leek and potato soup

I can supply recipes for any of these.

  • lowspeedchase@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    5 days ago

    Go-to meals that don’t break the bank:

    • Butter/Vindaloo Chicken
    • Marinara/Ragu/Bolognese
    • Whole air-fried chicken
    • Roast Pork Butt w/ ratatouille
    • Madras Lentils
    • Refried Black/Pinto beans + wraps

    Tips:

    • I buy a bag of taters and pressure cook like 6-12 at one time (depending on size) then individually freeze them. Now potato sides, baked potatoes, etc are greatly simplified.
    • Buy a large pork butt and either section it yourself and freeze or roast the whole thing for leftovers. Collect the drippings and make a pork broth, great for a soup base!
    • Roasting a whole chicken with simple seasonings/butter, then sectioning and using the carcass for stock - lots of precooked chicken and ‘free’ stock in the fridge!