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.
I googled pretty much the same thing a few years ago. And that’s where I found my now favorite pasta sauce:
In general, most dishes that are focused around carbs are pretty cheap.
You can plus this up into a vodka cream sauce fairly easily. Throw some garlic in with that onion once it’s starting to look translucent. Cook the tomato paste for a bit until it starts taking on some color then add like 1.5 tbl of vodka and let it cook a bit to lose some of the alcohol flavor.
Throw in some butter and Parmesan cheese at the end if you have it. Also can incorporate different meats if they’re cheap that week and scales up real well.
Look up Brian Lagerstrom vodka pasta on YouTube or Piped for the recipe I’m referring to. He also gives options for shelf stable replacements so you can stock up.