Wholesome Meals on a Budget

Hi everyone,

January is always a tough month. After Christmas and New Year's we always feel that we need to tighten our belts somehow. But that shouldn't stop us from making wholesome good food.

A lot of main ingredients (minus meat) are not as expensive as we think. Pasta, Rice and Potatoes for example don't cost the earth, and they make for great meals. They also can be made in advance and can be made in bulk.

I do a lot of batch meal making and it really saves cooking lots of different meals every week. It also means that if I don't fancy cooking one night we've already got meals pre-made in the freezer.

Some ideas for wholesome meals on a budget:

Pasta:

• Veggie Pasta Bake

• Mac 'N' Cheese

• Spag Bol

• Lasagne

• Ravioli

Rice:

• Curry

• Chilli Bowls

• Fajitas

• Stew

Potatoes:

• Curry

• Mash/Veggie Mash

• Cottage/Shepherds Pie

• Veggie Pot Pie

• Stew

• Chicken Pot Pie

• Potato Gratin

The average cost of a bag of pasta (500g) is around £0.60p. The average cost of a pouch of rice is around £0.70p-£1.00. The average cost of boil in the bag rice or bags of rice can vary depending on weight- Some families buy in bulk and some families buy rice occasionally. The cost varies between £1.50p-£10.00. The average cost of a bag of potatoes is around £0.90p-£2.50p (depending on type, weight and size).

This all depends on what supermarket you go to. I know that Lidl and Aldi seem to be the most reasonable on cost but I never shop in them as they don't correctly label allergens on their products which is a big no no for me given the severity of my food allergies.

I mostly shop in Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda. I get the occasional treat for my husband from M&S and their Christmas biscuit tins/selections make great presents. M&S also do lovely bits to make a hamper anytime of the year.

Some of the recipes listed above are already on this blog and some I will be trialling throughout this year.

What are your best meals on a budget?

Do you plan your meals ahead every week/every month?

Do you utilise vouchers/coupons etc?

Do you have a Sparks/Clubcard/Nectar card etc?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and keep your eyes peeled for the recipes above.

Enjoy!

Lily xxxx