Kaya 959 Lifestyle Reporter
Just weeks ago, meals were little pleasures we took for granted and today they’re on a budget.
Why, because December was fun and now we’re midway through a not-so-fun Januaworry.
So how do we make that meal budget last without being cent wise and rand foolish?
Simple, we keep it traditional and homely.
No more prawn pasta or steaks with all of the sides.
Instead, we’re looking at meals we’re enjoyed that were made with love by our grandmothers who had too many mouths to feed at any given time.
Nothing beats a homemade meal made with love.
Top 5 meals on a budget:
Cheese and Macaroni
This easy-to-make quick sticks recipe is a winner for both the old and the young. All it requires is:
- Macaroni
- Milk
- Corn flour or Cake flour
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
- Milk
Increase the flavour by adding bacon, onion, and mixed herbs.
Smash Burgers
Stretch your rand with this easy-to-make yet delicious homemade burger. All you need is:
- Mince
- Rolls
- Cheese
- Onion
- Tomato
- Lettuce
Season the mince to your liking. Basic salt and pepper will do but it’s your burger and your imagination is your only limitation.
Spaghetti Bolognese
This recipe requires a bit more ingredients but the good news is that you more than likely already have it in your cupboard.
- Oil
- Spoon of minced Garlic
- 1 diced onion
- 500g Mince
- 2 spoons of Beef stock powder
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons/ or to taste of Worcestershire sauce
- 2x Bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Spaghetti
A quick and easy meal that could feed and satisfy an army of adults and children.
Shake and Toss Pizza Dough
This is a simple dough recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to toss together. Simply add:
- 750 ml Cake Flour
- 200 ml Boiling Water
- 200 ml Sunflower Oil
- 5 ml salt
Place it all in a bowl with a lid, shake and toss the ingredients to mix and then roll out your dough to the size and thickness of your preference. Add your choice of toppings.
Minced Beef Curry
This delicious budget beater can be eaten with any choice serving of bread, roti, vetkoek, rice or couscous.
- Oil
- 1 diced onion
- Teaspoon of diced garlic
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 4 cardamom pods
- 2 bay leaves
- Curry powder to taste (1 teaspoon if too hot is not your thing)
- Chilli powder to taste (quarter teaspoon if too hot is not your thing)
- 1 teaspoon of Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 500g of beef mince
- 3 potatoes
- Frozen peas
Start with the onion, followed by the spices, garlic, mince, potatoes, seasoning and lastly the frozen peas.
Add fresh coriander for added fresh flavour.
