Cheap Meals don’t have to mean cheap and nasty. We share our top 3 simple recipes for quick and delicious budget meals that won’t break the bank…
Quick Meal Money Saving Tips
1. Where possible, buy in bulk. Same goes for goods on special (that you use).
2. Buy fresh produce in season. It’s not only cheaper but better for you too.
3. Grow you own herbs. No more paying $4 a piece for coriander and mint!
Best Budget Meals Recipe #1 Chicken Laksa with Coriander, lime and lemongrass
Serves: 4
Ingredients
3-4 chicken breast fillets
1 tbs canola oil
1/3 cup laksa paste
1 fresh red chilli, seeded.
1 Stick of lemongrass, bruised and broken in two.
500ml light coconut milk
3 tsp fish sauce
1 & 1/2 cups chicken stock (reduced salt)
300g thin rice stick noodles
½ bunch coriander, fresh lime, bean sprouts and spring onion (to garnish as desired)
Method
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a wok or large saucepan. Cook 3 thinly sliced chicken breast fillets for 5 minutes or until almost cooked.
Step 2: Add 1/3-cup laksa paste, fresh chilli and lemongrass. Cook until fragrant. Add 300ml coconut milk, 3 teaspoons fish sauce and 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock. Simmer for approx 7 mins or until slightly reduced.
Step 3: Meanwhile, cook 300g thin rice stick noodles following packet instructions until tender. Drain and divide amongst serving bowls.
Step 4: Ladle broth over noodles in bowls. Serve topped with fresh coriander, trimmed bean sprouts, a wedge of lime and chopped spring onions.
Best Budget Meals Recipe #2 Zesty Lemon And Parsley Fish Cakes
Serves 4
Ingredients
600g potatoes, chopped into chunks
2 x 120g cans sardines in spring water, drained
4 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
The zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 tbsp low fat (or fat free)
Greek yogurt 4 tsp sunflower oil
3 tbsp low fat mayonnaise
1 tbsp plain flour
Side salad and lemon wedges to serve.
Method
Step 1: Cook diced potatoes in boiling water with a pinch of salt until tender, (approx 15-20 mins). Meanwhile, roughly mash the sardines in a bowl. Mix in 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley and half the lemon juice and zest. Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise and yogurt together, adding the remaining parsley, lemon zest and juice with some salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Drain potatoes, then mash until smooth. Carefully mix into the sardine mixture. Mould the mix into 8 large fish cakes using floured hands, then dust lightly with flour.
Step 3: Heat half the sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan, and fry half the fish cakes for approx 3 mins on each side until golden and crisp. Keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and fish cakes. Serve with lemon parsley mayonnaise, side salad and fresh lemon wedges.
Best Budget Meals Recipe #3 Asparagus & goat’s cheese frittata
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 eggs
1/3-cup cream (pure)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley and dill (or desired herbs)
2 bunches fresh asparagus, trimmed, cut into 4cm lengths
50g goat’s cheese, roughly crumbled
2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
20g butter Mixed salad leaves and fresh dill sprigs to serve.
Method
Step 1. Melt butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook, while stirring occasionally for approx 10 minutes or until onion is golden brown.
Step 2. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, pure cream, 1/2 cup chopped herbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan in a bowl. Add pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3. Preheat grill on medium-high. Add asparagus to pan and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until bright green (but tender). Pour egg mixture over asparagus mix. Tilt pan to distribute egg mixture evenly.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle goat’s cheese and remaining Parmesan over top. Cook for 10 minutes or until nearly set.
Step 5: Place pan under grill for 3 minutes or until set and golden. Let stand for 3 minutes. Use a spatula to loosen frittata and serve. Garnish with dill and serve with mixed salad leaves.
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