Eating well in a cost-efficient way doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavour, nutrition, or joy in your meals. These recipes are the kind of dishes that warm your heart and nourish your body without the need for extravagant ingredients. Below, we share 5 ways to make your cooking more cost-efficient.
1. Embrace the Power of Meal Planning
The magic of meal planning - not only does it save you time and reduce food waste, but it also helps to keep the costs low. Start by setting aside some time each week to plan your meals. Look for recipes that use similar ingredients to minimise the number of items on your shopping list. Trust us, if this is possible for you; this little habit can be a game-changer. If you need a bit of inspiration, read this article for more tips to simplify meal planning.
2. Master the Art of Batch Cooking
When you prepare larger quantities of your favourite dishes, you can portion and freeze them for later. This approach not only saves you money but also ensures that you always have a homemade meal ready to go. Soups, stews, and casseroles are perfect contenders for batch cooking. Our Lentil Bolognese and Double Bean Chilli are absolutely perfect for this.
This healthy, hearty bolognese is packed full of vegetables. It’s a delicious and satisfying way to incorporate more wholefoods into your diet.
View RecipeThis chilli is packed full of delicious flavours and textures and tastes incredible served warm with some rice and smashed avocado.
View Recipe3. Get Creative with Affordable Ingredients
Rice and beans, lentils, oats, and pasta – these are your budget-friendly heroes. These staples are not only nutritious but also versatile. With a little creativity, you can turn them into a wide array of satisfying dishes. Think lentil soups, rice and bean bowls, oatmeal, and pasta with simple, homemade sauces. Our Aubergine & Tomato Pasta, Ratatouille Orzo Traybake and Simple Lentil Dhal are perfect examples. They’re so delicious you’ll find yourself going back to them again and again.
Pasta is our ultimate comfort food - and this can be put together with just a few vegetables and kitchen cupboard ingredients, so it couldn't be easier.
View RecipeShowcase some of summer’s finest produce with this simple one-pan dinner. Full of flavourful, vibrant ingredients, this is family-friendly food at its best.
View RecipeThis is one of my favourite warming dishes. Cooking the lentils in coconut milk makes each bite much creamier, while the tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chilli and curry powder add such a lovely blend of flavours.
View Recipe4. Love Your Leftovers
Don't let leftovers go to waste! Get creative with yesterday's meal by transforming it into something new. For instance, our Chickpea Ragu can be paired with pasta for supper, and then a baked potato for lunch, or even try it with some toasted sourdough for a quick and delicious meal.
This rich, hearty ragu is impressively versatile and a recipe to have on standby to come back to again and again. Serve it simply with a baked potato or toasted sourdough and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. Alternatively, we’ve created some recipes that showcase our favourite ways to enjoy it — teamed with roast vegetables or with added mushrooms and layered with pasta in a seriously satisfying lasagne.
View RecipeLoaded with ginger, spring onions, lime and soy, this flavour-filled soup will warm up chilly lunchtimes. Make up a batch on Monday and enjoy it for the rest of the week.
View RecipeEating well and tastiness should not have to be compromised when it comes to affordability, it’s just about striking a balance. With a bit of planning, creativity, and a love for wholesome ingredients, you can savour every bite while keeping costs low. Remember, eating well doesn't have to be an extravagant affair. It can be a deliciously cost-efficient journey filled with flavourful discoveries and healthy eating. So, go ahead and embrace the joy of cooking cost-efficiently without compromising on taste and nutrition.
