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.
One thing I like making is Pesto Pasta. It’s just:
Just boil/drain the pasta, add everything else, stir it together, and you’re done. It’s easy, cheap, and surprisingly good.
I make it with Classico traditional pesto which can be a bit pricier (I think it’s worth it if you have the extra few dollars) but any kind works. I also tend to add salt to the water before boiling the pasta but it can be added later to taste as well. Usually feeds 6-8 people at like $1-2/person.