for fabulously frugal food
If you are on a tight budget, Christmas food can be very difficult, causing stress, and maybe even debt too. Happily, no need to get into debt, when with a bit of extra planning, you can enjoy a delicious festive meal, without spending a fortune, and continue festively all week for around £2.60pppd!
I tried these several years ago as my brother is coeliac and these, if you use the gram flour option, are gluten free. They are easy to make, freeze well and taste delicious. This recipe serves 4 adults. Great for kids as it’s easy to portion, they can just have fewer dumplings, and for the veg phobic kids, they don’t even taste of spinach!
I love this soup, it is my go to for a soup for lunch. I usually add a tsp of ginger paste from a jar, a tsp of garlic paste, and a tsp of turmeric to give it a lovely spicy kick, and it’s cheap enough to have a big bowl.
It sounds a very odd combination, a boiled egg, a handful of lentils, mayo to moisten and raisins to sweeten, but it is wonderful!
Risotto made with aubergine (eggplant) and winter squash or pumpkin
A beetroot ragu vegetable lasagna for a budget family dinner. Swap the beetroot layer out for all kinds of different savoury mixes
This vegan BBQ sauce recipe is pretty simple, just bung everything in a saucepan and reduce it down a bit. It’s a very versatile and useful condiment to have around the place
This recipe came about when I was challenged to create an 8th day on Meal Plan 1 using remaining groceries. Whatever nuts you have in can be used in place of the peanuts. Or make a nut butter and spread it on
This chicken and mango salad is very simple to make and takes no time at all. Great for a quick dinner after work or packed lunches for all the family. This is one of the more expensive recipes on Thrifty Lesley, so if funds are short, maybe something for a special occasion.
Simple little fritters, very quick and easy. Change it up by using the peas as the fritter and the corn as the side
There is a lovely smoky hum from the paprika and a gorgeous texture from the lentils and vegetables, it’s utterly divine.
A versatile couscous salad that can use up all kinds of bits and pieces – add some more protein too if you like