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.
Ooh I love beans & rice. But we do eat other stuff, and I find the biggest $ savings comes from avoiding waste, not buying cheap ingredients.
My kids LOVE
Mapo Tofu (ground pork & tofu)
Bulgogi beef or pork with tofu
Cabbage in coconut curry with any protein - tofu, shrimp, chicken, or just veggies.
Rice bowls. This week we had one with chicken tenders, cabbage slaw (dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil) wasabi carrots (dressed in wasabi and soy sauce), cauliflower (grown in garden, no seasoning), avocado. Sauce of mayo & Sriracha. But most variations they like - a rice, a meat, bunch of veg or sometimes even fruit, a sauce.
Breakfast for any meal, eggs, potatoes, refried beans, and some meat, with onion, cheese, avocado on the side.