We've got some great tips for the frugal food shopper (who isn't these days), plus a selection of credit-crunch-defying recipes that cost less than a fiver.
- Choose loose rather than pre-packed mushrooms – they’re better value
- Ring your local butcher and ask if he’ll do a good deal if you buy in bulk, then fill the freezer with mince, chops and chicken
- Buy your rice in a large bag from an Asian supermarket and store in a cool dry place. It will save you a small fortune
- When making a recipe requiring breadcrumbs, don’t buy expensive ready-made ones. Pick up a loaf on offer at the end of the day. Its slight staleness will make better crumbs, so whizz up the whole loaf and freeze whatever is left over
- Don’t feel tied to always using beef mince. If your local butcher or supermarket has a good offer on lamb or pork mince, substitute that instead
- If you’re putting bacon pieces into pasta or a risotto, don’t buy expensive rashers or cubes. Ask the butcher for off-cuts
- Buy a big chunk of budget Cheddar, then grate in a processor and freeze in bags. You can add a handful to sauces and other dishes straight from the freezer.
Meals that cost less than a fiver for four people
Creamy chicken cobbler recipe
This delicious chicken recipe costs less than a fiver to make and takes
just half an hour to cook. Turkey is an even cheaper alternative.
Crispy pork belly recipe
A fantastic, cheap cut of meat – this recipe feeds four for around
£4.50. You don’t need to stick to fennel seeds on the pork belly – try
adding lemon zest, garlic and rosemary instead.
Mushroom and bacon pasta recipe
If you’re putting bacon pieces into pasta or a risotto, don’t buy expensive rashers or cubes. Ask the butcher for off-cuts.