Forums > Social Chat > Eating on a budget, plain/exotic suggestions please
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HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
Posted:
Well lately I've realised just how bad my money situation is getting so I need to start spending a lot less, and with that goes stop buying loads of crap to eat when its easier to get healthier and cheaper things from places like the market etc and I'm sure my waist line could benefit aswell.
So basically I'm asking you guys for any suggestions as to any culinary delights which I can get on a budget, so far the best idea i have is apples, filling and cheap
but i'd love some good suggestions, just so u know i HATE cheese and not a big fan of tomatoes 
Well lately I've realised just how bad my money situation is getting so I need to start spending a lot less, and with that goes stop buying loads of crap to eat when its easier to get healthier and cheaper things from places like the market etc and I'm sure my waist line could benefit aswell.
So basically I'm asking you guys for any suggestions as to any culinary delights which I can get on a budget, so far the best idea i have is apples, filling and cheap
but i'd love some good suggestions, just so u know i HATE cheese and not a big fan of tomatoes An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind
Give a man a fish and he'll eat 4 a day hit a man with a brick and you can have all his fish and his wife
"Will's to pretty for prison" - Simian
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
Make up a week stew(thats the nickname we have for it)...... basically you get a huge pan and you chop up loads of veg into cubes..... potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, corgettes, ....anything you like. Fry the onions in the bottom of the pan with a little oil untill they brown. If you're not a veggie like me, you can add bacon(or any other meat you can lay your hands on) in with the onions all chopped up. Throw in all the other veg and let it fry for a couple of mins stirring all the time. Don't worry if some catch on the bottom of the pan a bit, and brown, this adds to the flavour. Just be sure nothing burns. Pour in water up to the level of the veg and stir, making sure you loosen any veg that got stuck on the bottom when frying. Crumble in a couple of stock cubes. Put a lid on it and simmer for about 10 mins. Uncover it after ten mins and see how thick it is. If its too watery thicken it with cornflour. If you like lentils add a can of pre cooked ones now. Simmer with the lid back on until the potatoes go soft. Now eat.
Its called Week Stew because after you have eaten what you want on the first day you put it in the fridge and heat it up again on the next day adding a few more veg to it. You just keep on adding each day a little bit and it goes on forever or until you are sick of the sight of stew.
Each batch you make will taste different because it depends on what you have to throw into it. You can add herbs and garlic for a different flavour each time. On the last day throw in some curry powder and eat it with nan bread. When I was particulally strapped for cash I lived on this stuff for ages. Its not the most exciting meal but its full of good stuff and it fills you up.
Make up a week stew(thats the nickname we have for it)...... basically you get a huge pan and you chop up loads of veg into cubes..... potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, corgettes, ....anything you like. Fry the onions in the bottom of the pan with a little oil untill they brown. If you're not a veggie like me, you can add bacon(or any other meat you can lay your hands on) in with the onions all chopped up. Throw in all the other veg and let it fry for a couple of mins stirring all the time. Don't worry if some catch on the bottom of the pan a bit, and brown, this adds to the flavour. Just be sure nothing burns. Pour in water up to the level of the veg and stir, making sure you loosen any veg that got stuck on the bottom when frying. Crumble in a couple of stock cubes. Put a lid on it and simmer for about 10 mins. Uncover it after ten mins and see how thick it is. If its too watery thicken it with cornflour. If you like lentils add a can of pre cooked ones now. Simmer with the lid back on until the potatoes go soft. Now eat.
Its called Week Stew because after you have eaten what you want on the first day you put it in the fridge and heat it up again on the next day adding a few more veg to it. You just keep on adding each day a little bit and it goes on forever or until you are sick of the sight of stew.
Each batch you make will taste different because it depends on what you have to throw into it. You can add herbs and garlic for a different flavour each time. On the last day throw in some curry powder and eat it with nan bread. When I was particulally strapped for cash I lived on this stuff for ages. Its not the most exciting meal but its full of good stuff and it fills you up.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
Make polenta! In case you don't know what that is, you buy corn semolina (you'll get it in healthy or Asian shops, probably not supermarkets, but it's cheap!) and boil it with water, salt and milk (250 g of polenta per litre of liquid, I usually take 50/50 milk/water), until you get a very thick paste. Basically you can eat that with anything, with meat, with bolognese (:P) etc. The best version I've ever had (except for the one with cheese on top...) was made by a priest who'd been in Africa: a huge bowl of chicken and veggie soup and a huge bowl of polenta. People put soup in their little bowls, took bits of polenta and shaped them like the end of a spoon, then went through the soup with them grabbing bits of food and eating it with the polenta. Yummy, and lots of fun to eat
Make polenta! In case you don't know what that is, you buy corn semolina (you'll get it in healthy or Asian shops, probably not supermarkets, but it's cheap!) and boil it with water, salt and milk (250 g of polenta per litre of liquid, I usually take 50/50 milk/water), until you get a very thick paste. Basically you can eat that with anything, with meat, with bolognese (:P) etc. The best version I've ever had (except for the one with cheese on top...) was made by a priest who'd been in Africa: a huge bowl of chicken and veggie soup and a huge bowl of polenta. People put soup in their little bowls, took bits of polenta and shaped them like the end of a spoon, then went through the soup with them grabbing bits of food and eating it with the polenta. Yummy, and lots of fun to eat
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Posted:
turn vegan, much cheaper, if not only because your access to junk food, restuarants, ready made meals and takeaway is severly limited!
turn vegan, much cheaper, if not only because your access to junk food, restuarants, ready made meals and takeaway is severly limited!
BRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
2,084 posts
Location: melbourne, victoria, australia
Pooh-Bah
2,084 posts
Location: melbourne, victoria, australia
Posted:
when we're poor, i can live on chickpeas. um, it helps if you actually like chickpeas though. also, it's cheaper to buy things in bulk, and better time wise to cook large meals, so make big pots of curries, stews, or whatever, eat what you need and freeze the rest. if you freeze things when you've got a bit of money to buy good stuff, you can eat it when you're poor.
having dinner with your folks is also a good way to get a free meal, and it makes you look like a good son. do you have hare krishnas where you are? little bit of kitchen work =free meal.
when we're poor, i can live on chickpeas. um, it helps if you actually like chickpeas though. also, it's cheaper to buy things in bulk, and better time wise to cook large meals, so make big pots of curries, stews, or whatever, eat what you need and freeze the rest. if you freeze things when you've got a bit of money to buy good stuff, you can eat it when you're poor.
having dinner with your folks is also a good way to get a free meal, and it makes you look like a good son. do you have hare krishnas where you are? little bit of kitchen work =free meal.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
Rice and noodles. Stir fries of both are really yummy and you can play with lots of different veges and stuff. A small amount of meat is only need if you want. I use alot of frozen veges mostly because I am slack. Use soy sauce and stuff like sweet chilli sauce to give extra flavour.
Rice isnt very filling for me so I prefer noodles. If you go to an asian shop to get fresh noodles
in Australia they often have fairly cheap asian vegetables as well.
Soup with bread can be cheap as welll. Like a watery stew I guess....
But I love toast..mmm and tomatoes..
Rice and noodles. Stir fries of both are really yummy and you can play with lots of different veges and stuff. A small amount of meat is only need if you want. I use alot of frozen veges mostly because I am slack. Use soy sauce and stuff like sweet chilli sauce to give extra flavour.
Rice isnt very filling for me so I prefer noodles. If you go to an asian shop to get fresh noodles
in Australia they often have fairly cheap asian vegetables as well.Soup with bread can be cheap as welll. Like a watery stew I guess....
But I love toast..mmm and tomatoes..
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SILVER Member
resident spelunker...cave bugs!!!!
152 posts
Location: San Antonio, TX, USA
resident spelunker...cave bugs!!!!
152 posts
Location: San Antonio, TX, USA
Posted:
instant ramen...
in the states you can buy 10 packages of ramen for $1.00 and there are supposedly 2 servings in 1 package.
good variety of flavors too (everything from shrimp to beef/pork/chicken)
must warn you, not the healthiest thing in the world for you....way too much sodium
but hey, to feed yourself 2 times a day for 5 days of the week and only spend $1.00...seems worth it to me if it's only gonna be temporary
instant ramen...
in the states you can buy 10 packages of ramen for $1.00 and there are supposedly 2 servings in 1 package.
good variety of flavors too (everything from shrimp to beef/pork/chicken)
must warn you, not the healthiest thing in the world for you....way too much sodium
but hey, to feed yourself 2 times a day for 5 days of the week and only spend $1.00...seems worth it to me if it's only gonna be temporary
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SILVER Member
Ghostbuster
455 posts
Location: York, UK
Ghostbuster
455 posts
Location: York, UK
Posted:
beans on toast is nice and cheap
beans on toast is nice and cheap
GOLD Member
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
Posted:
Wow some good suggestions there anymore??I wish Spag bol was cheap!
Wow some good suggestions there anymore??I wish Spag bol was cheap!
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind
Give a man a fish and he'll eat 4 a day hit a man with a brick and you can have all his fish and his wife
"Will's to pretty for prison" - Simian
GOLD Member
veteran
1,508 posts
Location: Out, United Kingdom
veteran
1,508 posts
Location: Out, United Kingdom
Posted:
tescos value noodles - 8p a bag!!!!!!!!!!!
tescos value noodles - 8p a bag!!!!!!!!!!!
AAARRRGGGHHH!!! My giant stick broke!!! In two!!! My stick broke in two!!! 
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,895 posts
Location: Cambridge UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,895 posts
Location: Cambridge UK
Posted:
baked beans,cheddar cheese and chopped frankfurters cooked together- very filling and warming!
baked beans,cheddar cheese and chopped frankfurters cooked together- very filling and warming!
Because ActiveAngel sounds like a feminine deodorant
Like sex, I'm much more interesting in real life than online.
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GOLD Member
Self-Flagellation Expert
3,414 posts
Location: Bogged at CG, Australia
Self-Flagellation Expert
3,414 posts
Location: Bogged at CG, Australia
Posted:
*adds thread to favourites*
I found that potatos are awesome. they're cheap (in australia, anyway, dunno about other plcaes), they taste like whatever you cook them with, and they're really filling. And you can do soooo much with them. baked, roasted, mashed, frittered, boiled, steamed, the list goes on. kinda like shrimp, from forrest gump, but a lot cheaper.
Two minute noodles are also really good (kinda). Theres an awesome one from indonesia called mi goreng, its sometimes available in our supermarkets, not sure what int'l availability is though. comes in a white packet, and has some 5 flavour sachets, including soy sauce, onion bits, and chili.
And if all else fails, try a one-pot-wonder. get anything you can get your hands on, be it veggies, meat, chicken, whatever, cut it all up, throw it all in a stock pot, put some water in, and let it cook until it tastes 'right'. sometimes it wont, so just add more until it does. Works wonderfully with potatoes, chicken (if you can get a whole chook, pull all the meat off and cut it up), and a few other misc veggies, put enough water in there to cover it, then let it stew away for an eternity. Everything ends up nice and chickeny and lovely.
Go fishing. nothing beats free food straight from the water. Except i dont particularly like fish. so i go crabbing instead. Blue swimmer crab is soo much nicer than lobster. i dont see what the fuss is about.
If you use sugar, try getting raw sugar. Personally, i think its nicer, and when you pay AUD$1.05 (US$0.80ish) or something for 2 kilos (about 4 pounds), you cant help but love it.
Grow your own herb(s). taste nicer, are cheaper, and you wont be so worried about not using much at once. Try growing a few of your own veggies, especially the more expensive ones, like snow peas, which are really really nice, but cost an arm and a leg.
use garlic, ginger, pepper and/or seasoning mixes to make things taste different. A clove or two of garlic, while making you an absolute hit with the ladies, will change the taste ofthe dish, enough so that you can eat it more than twice in a row without getting sick of it.
I'm living in on campus accomodation at the moment, so no doubt i'll find someone to talk to about excellent cheap meals, it might just take a while, cos people are still coming. Hope this helps.
Edit: *looks back on how much i wrote.*
I need a job
EDITED_BY: MiG (1108325618)
*adds thread to favourites*
I found that potatos are awesome. they're cheap (in australia, anyway, dunno about other plcaes), they taste like whatever you cook them with, and they're really filling. And you can do soooo much with them. baked, roasted, mashed, frittered, boiled, steamed, the list goes on. kinda like shrimp, from forrest gump, but a lot cheaper.
Two minute noodles are also really good (kinda). Theres an awesome one from indonesia called mi goreng, its sometimes available in our supermarkets, not sure what int'l availability is though. comes in a white packet, and has some 5 flavour sachets, including soy sauce, onion bits, and chili.
And if all else fails, try a one-pot-wonder. get anything you can get your hands on, be it veggies, meat, chicken, whatever, cut it all up, throw it all in a stock pot, put some water in, and let it cook until it tastes 'right'. sometimes it wont, so just add more until it does. Works wonderfully with potatoes, chicken (if you can get a whole chook, pull all the meat off and cut it up), and a few other misc veggies, put enough water in there to cover it, then let it stew away for an eternity. Everything ends up nice and chickeny and lovely.
Go fishing. nothing beats free food straight from the water. Except i dont particularly like fish. so i go crabbing instead. Blue swimmer crab is soo much nicer than lobster. i dont see what the fuss is about.
If you use sugar, try getting raw sugar. Personally, i think its nicer, and when you pay AUD$1.05 (US$0.80ish) or something for 2 kilos (about 4 pounds), you cant help but love it.
Grow your own herb(s). taste nicer, are cheaper, and you wont be so worried about not using much at once. Try growing a few of your own veggies, especially the more expensive ones, like snow peas, which are really really nice, but cost an arm and a leg.
use garlic, ginger, pepper and/or seasoning mixes to make things taste different. A clove or two of garlic, while making you an absolute hit with the ladies, will change the taste ofthe dish, enough so that you can eat it more than twice in a row without getting sick of it.
I'm living in on campus accomodation at the moment, so no doubt i'll find someone to talk to about excellent cheap meals, it might just take a while, cos people are still coming. Hope this helps.
Edit: *looks back on how much i wrote.*
I need a job
EDITED_BY: MiG (1108325618)
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SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Buy big bags of mince from a supermarket, but in bulk at the start of the term and fiddle with it with garlic, herbs, spices, whatever you lay your hands on...
Buy whole meat from the market. Its cheaper than supermarkets and does not contain lots of water (like bacon) and is much better value for money. Potatoes are good, and get a book like "cooking for blokes" or other titles about eating on a budget... Again, buying in bulk with rice and stuff...
Tip: to get the best value for money, advertising laws here mean they have to put the unit price on the bottom of the ticket. Look out for that, cos it will tell you how much youre saving
Buy big, freeze everything you can, and dont be afraid to experiment....
Buy big bags of mince from a supermarket, but in bulk at the start of the term and fiddle with it with garlic, herbs, spices, whatever you lay your hands on...
Buy whole meat from the market. Its cheaper than supermarkets and does not contain lots of water (like bacon) and is much better value for money. Potatoes are good, and get a book like "cooking for blokes" or other titles about eating on a budget... Again, buying in bulk with rice and stuff...
Tip: to get the best value for money, advertising laws here mean they have to put the unit price on the bottom of the ticket. Look out for that, cos it will tell you how much youre saving
Buy big, freeze everything you can, and dont be afraid to experiment....
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
Cut down on meat, amongst other things it's expensive.
Instead use pulses like lentils, peas and navy beans. While the humble navy bean (sometimes packaged as baked beans) is loaded with heaps of good things, they may not taste that great. So, get I would suggest getting some interesting recipes.
My favourite vegetarian cook is Kurma. I even have 2 of his books.
Enjoy
Cut down on meat, amongst other things it's expensive.
Instead use pulses like lentils, peas and navy beans. While the humble navy bean (sometimes packaged as baked beans) is loaded with heaps of good things, they may not taste that great. So, get I would suggest getting some interesting recipes.
My favourite vegetarian cook is Kurma. I even have 2 of his books.
Enjoy
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,444 posts
Location: Bristol !!!!!!, United Kingdom
Pooh-Bah
2,444 posts
Location: Bristol !!!!!!, United Kingdom
Posted:
It is cheap! Buy a thing of mince (£1.50). Add a stock cube, tin of chopped tomatos (15p), some garlic, tomato puree and herbs. Serve with spagetti. The next day take the left over spag bol mince and add a tin of kidney beans and some chilli powder. You now have a really good chilli. Serve with rice. - Two meals for £1.65. Bargin.
Veggie curry is also good. A sound investment is the curry paste in the jars. £1.70 ish. tin of chickpeas, assortmant of veggies, bit of curry paste and some stock - real good curry.
Pasta bake is a good one as well. Take tuna, sweetcorn, broccolli and any other veggies you like. Stick them in a dish, add some water and bake covered with foil.
Noodles (not the instant kind - the sharwoods kind) with dark soy sauce and butter. Delish!
You can tell i used to eat on a budget!
Written by: PyroWill
Wow some good suggestions there anymore??I wish Spag bol was cheap!
It is cheap! Buy a thing of mince (£1.50). Add a stock cube, tin of chopped tomatos (15p), some garlic, tomato puree and herbs. Serve with spagetti. The next day take the left over spag bol mince and add a tin of kidney beans and some chilli powder. You now have a really good chilli. Serve with rice. - Two meals for £1.65. Bargin.
Veggie curry is also good. A sound investment is the curry paste in the jars. £1.70 ish. tin of chickpeas, assortmant of veggies, bit of curry paste and some stock - real good curry.
Pasta bake is a good one as well. Take tuna, sweetcorn, broccolli and any other veggies you like. Stick them in a dish, add some water and bake covered with foil.
Noodles (not the instant kind - the sharwoods kind) with dark soy sauce and butter. Delish!
You can tell i used to eat on a budget!
Gayle.....!
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,240 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
veteran
1,240 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
lentils- dahl... all you need is lentils, water, stock, pepper, ground cummin, salt, and some asifadeta (not sure about spelling, kinda like a garlic/onion alternative, normally from either asian or indian supermarkets) with a potato and chickpea curry, when i cook it, lasts about 4 meals and costs about $5 ($1.25 a meal) and it gets better with age...
lots of fruit.. and veg... less bread and meats. all makes for healthier and cheaper eating!
lentils- dahl... all you need is lentils, water, stock, pepper, ground cummin, salt, and some asifadeta (not sure about spelling, kinda like a garlic/onion alternative, normally from either asian or indian supermarkets) with a potato and chickpea curry, when i cook it, lasts about 4 meals and costs about $5 ($1.25 a meal) and it gets better with age...
lots of fruit.. and veg... less bread and meats. all makes for healthier and cheaper eating!
Only when you close your eyes can you really see...
Pooh-Bah
1,662 posts
Location: Bristol
1,662 posts
Location: Bristol
Posted:
bacon & potato hotpot is my absolute favourite - layer up sliced potato & bacon in a bog pot, pour qhite sauce over, grate cheese on the top & cook it really slowly for about 1 - 1.5 housrs. the juices all run in together. mmmmmmmmm...
bacon & potato hotpot is my absolute favourite - layer up sliced potato & bacon in a bog pot, pour qhite sauce over, grate cheese on the top & cook it really slowly for about 1 - 1.5 housrs. the juices all run in together. mmmmmmmmm...
I had a dream that my friend had a
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it was the book of my dreams.
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
buy a 50lb of rice and a 50lb bag of red beans...and bacon for flavor.....
the 3 together are like... <20$ methinks..
should last you around a month at a minimum
during the great depression of the 1920's people would live off of red beans and rice...and its pretty healthy for you too....
add into this vitamins and you should do fine...
oh! and get some pepper vinegar(mmm soul food) to spice it up
...dunno if you have it there..its REALLY common here in the south...like...more common than cornbread...
EDITED_BY: darkpoet (1108398512)
buy a 50lb of rice and a 50lb bag of red beans...and bacon for flavor.....
the 3 together are like... <20$ methinks..
should last you around a month at a minimum
during the great depression of the 1920's people would live off of red beans and rice...and its pretty healthy for you too....
add into this vitamins and you should do fine...
oh! and get some pepper vinegar(mmm soul food) to spice it up
...dunno if you have it there..its REALLY common here in the south...like...more common than cornbread...
EDITED_BY: darkpoet (1108398512)
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SILVER Member
old hand
845 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
old hand
845 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
Make flapjacks!!!! I'll make some for you for Fredmouth!!
Make flapjacks!!!! I'll make some for you for Fredmouth!!
Slicing the Loaf as we speak.
I need it..... Trust me!
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,626 posts
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Pooh-Bah
1,626 posts
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Posted:
Right, my lazy fat sod's cheap food ideas...
Pot noodle - why buy real ones? The ASDA chicken and mushroom ones (apparently the most popular, according to a magazing article I read) are like 33p. So for the price of one normal one, you can have 3 ASDA ones. That's a day's worth!
Potatos - mash them? Nah, you can buy instant mashed potato for 25p from ASDA.
A big bag of baking potatos is about £4.. for at least 20 potatos. Add a tin of beads, a bit of cheese or just a bit of a salad and you have a meal.
Another good ASDA buy (can you tell where I used to work?) is a tin of veggie curry. You have a can of pre-made curry for about 30p - microwave it/cook it in a pan, add to a potato or rice, you're done.
Oh yeah, the obvious rice, pasta and noodles. Buy in bulk. Also curry powder is really cheap, get a huge box of it and you can liven up any meal you're a bit bored of. Also "all-spice" is a worthy investment for any talentless cook.
Now for one from my (less lazy) girlfriend:
This one is for veggies so adapt if you want to use meat
If you're feeling rich, get some quorn chicken style pieces. Cook them on the hob in some water until they've warmed through.
Then take a tin of soup (any - change to add variety to your menu!) and put it in another pan, and put this on the hob too.
Chop up any vegetables or potatos, or just use peas, mixed beans, lentils etc and add to the mix.
Allow this to simmer for a while, until it's all cooked and heated through. Voila - instant casserole!
Make as much as you like, mixing different tins of soup if you like. You can keep it in the fridge for several days, and it will only take a few minutes to heat in the microwave
So there you go, no excuse for starvation. Great thread btw!
Right, my lazy fat sod's cheap food ideas...
Pot noodle - why buy real ones? The ASDA chicken and mushroom ones (apparently the most popular, according to a magazing article I read) are like 33p. So for the price of one normal one, you can have 3 ASDA ones. That's a day's worth!
Potatos - mash them? Nah, you can buy instant mashed potato for 25p from ASDA.
A big bag of baking potatos is about £4.. for at least 20 potatos. Add a tin of beads, a bit of cheese or just a bit of a salad and you have a meal.
Another good ASDA buy (can you tell where I used to work?) is a tin of veggie curry. You have a can of pre-made curry for about 30p - microwave it/cook it in a pan, add to a potato or rice, you're done.
Oh yeah, the obvious rice, pasta and noodles. Buy in bulk. Also curry powder is really cheap, get a huge box of it and you can liven up any meal you're a bit bored of. Also "all-spice" is a worthy investment for any talentless cook.
Now for one from my (less lazy) girlfriend:
This one is for veggies so adapt if you want to use meat
If you're feeling rich, get some quorn chicken style pieces. Cook them on the hob in some water until they've warmed through.
Then take a tin of soup (any - change to add variety to your menu!) and put it in another pan, and put this on the hob too.
Chop up any vegetables or potatos, or just use peas, mixed beans, lentils etc and add to the mix.
Allow this to simmer for a while, until it's all cooked and heated through. Voila - instant casserole!
Make as much as you like, mixing different tins of soup if you like. You can keep it in the fridge for several days, and it will only take a few minutes to heat in the microwave
So there you go, no excuse for starvation. Great thread btw!
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look @my member
466 posts
Location: Ft worth Texas
466 posts
Location: Ft worth Texas
Posted:
Ok To save time I didnt read the above so someone might have listed.
Ramen noodles 1 pack
2 eggs
cheese (optional)
cook ramen as normal but dont add spice packet
crack eggs into boiling noodles
cook 3 minutes
strain
add spice packet and cheese(optional)
enjoy
smokies & tortillas
wrap 3 or 4 lil smokies (cocktail sausages) in flour tortilla with cheese,heat till melty
cheesy weiner buisquits
1 can crescent rolls
some cheese (chedder or pepper jack preferably)
lil smokies or sliced ham
roll 2 smokies (or ham) with cheese into a crescent roll( I usually cut each roll in half bfore rolling ,its more proportinate and you seem to get more)
cokk by the directions on the can.
I hope these help , I suvived for a while on these.
Ok To save time I didnt read the above so someone might have listed.
Ramen noodles 1 pack
2 eggs
cheese (optional)
cook ramen as normal but dont add spice packet
crack eggs into boiling noodles
cook 3 minutes
strain
add spice packet and cheese(optional)
enjoy
smokies & tortillas
wrap 3 or 4 lil smokies (cocktail sausages) in flour tortilla with cheese,heat till melty
cheesy weiner buisquits
1 can crescent rolls
some cheese (chedder or pepper jack preferably)
lil smokies or sliced ham
roll 2 smokies (or ham) with cheese into a crescent roll( I usually cut each roll in half bfore rolling ,its more proportinate and you seem to get more)
cokk by the directions on the can.
I hope these help , I suvived for a while on these.
There are no obstacles only challenges.
Very funny scotty now beam down my pants.
[colour."green"}What would willie do?
AHH theres too many wee leprechauns i cannae squash them all
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
mmmm....try a 2 minute noodle variation...you can buy cheap vegies and either have a stir fry or soup....I make it all the time....(you can buy bulk two minute noodle things from chinese food stores).
And you can variate it...my favourite is buying the mie Goreng 2 minute noodles:
Cabbage
Bean Sprouts
Coriander
Garlic (optional)
And some form of green vegie (I usually go for the asian vegies)
If you buy a crisper too the vegies will last for a long time (not the kind in the bottom of your fridge they are useless). Well worth the money as I have had vegies in those things last up to two months.
Now I usually chop up some garlic and fry it up in some olive oil (then you have nice browned garlic).
In a LARGE bowl throw in some bean sprouts, some of the garlic oil, chopped cabbage and some of the green vegie you choose (also chopped) and then you can also chuck in some chopped cooked meat if you want (you don't have to though you can go vegie with this meal).
So in a pot boil some water and throw in a splash of Oyster Sauce, (a bottle if you keep it in the fridge lasts for AGES....), a splash of soy sauce and cook the noodles as required.
For the soup just add the cooked noodles to the vegies in the bowl, mix and eat (you can add the sachets that are included in the two minute noodle packs but I tend not to like MSG too much!)
For the stir fry throw the vegies in a pan and stir fry for a couple of minutes throw in the noodles (which should be drained by this time), stir for a minute, add another splash of soy or oyster sauce (doesn't matter which), stir and serve.
It's super healthy and if you buy things in bulk it works out to be VERY cheap.
You can mix and change what vegies you use....And if you want to put meat in it is so versatile you can use any meat at all.
mmmm....try a 2 minute noodle variation...you can buy cheap vegies and either have a stir fry or soup....I make it all the time....(you can buy bulk two minute noodle things from chinese food stores).
And you can variate it...my favourite is buying the mie Goreng 2 minute noodles:
Cabbage
Bean Sprouts
Coriander
Garlic (optional)
And some form of green vegie (I usually go for the asian vegies)
If you buy a crisper too the vegies will last for a long time (not the kind in the bottom of your fridge they are useless). Well worth the money as I have had vegies in those things last up to two months.
Now I usually chop up some garlic and fry it up in some olive oil (then you have nice browned garlic).
In a LARGE bowl throw in some bean sprouts, some of the garlic oil, chopped cabbage and some of the green vegie you choose (also chopped) and then you can also chuck in some chopped cooked meat if you want (you don't have to though you can go vegie with this meal).
So in a pot boil some water and throw in a splash of Oyster Sauce, (a bottle if you keep it in the fridge lasts for AGES....), a splash of soy sauce and cook the noodles as required.
For the soup just add the cooked noodles to the vegies in the bowl, mix and eat (you can add the sachets that are included in the two minute noodle packs but I tend not to like MSG too much!)
For the stir fry throw the vegies in a pan and stir fry for a couple of minutes throw in the noodles (which should be drained by this time), stir for a minute, add another splash of soy or oyster sauce (doesn't matter which), stir and serve.
It's super healthy and if you buy things in bulk it works out to be VERY cheap.
You can mix and change what vegies you use....And if you want to put meat in it is so versatile you can use any meat at all.
SILVER Member
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
old hand
768 posts
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posted:
The ramen idea is a good one. An easy way to avoid the sodium is to use the noodles only, but rather than using the flavor packet they come with, put in some soy sauce, or miso, or cook the noodles in chicken or veggie broth instead. Throw in some veggies -- and my favorite -- an egg -- yum. I sometimes make this even when I'm not broke.
Written by: Masi
instant ramen...
in the states you can buy 10 packages of ramen for $1.00 and there are supposedly 2 servings in 1 package.
good variety of flavors too (everything from shrimp to beef/pork/chicken)
must warn you, not the healthiest thing in the world for you....way too much sodium
but hey, to feed yourself 2 times a day for 5 days of the week and only spend $1.00...seems worth it to me if it's only gonna be temporary
The ramen idea is a good one. An easy way to avoid the sodium is to use the noodles only, but rather than using the flavor packet they come with, put in some soy sauce, or miso, or cook the noodles in chicken or veggie broth instead. Throw in some veggies -- and my favorite -- an egg -- yum. I sometimes make this even when I'm not broke.
taken out of context i must seem so strange
~ ani di franco
SILVER Member
addict
475 posts
Location: Van Diemans Land, Australia
addict
475 posts
Location: Van Diemans Land, Australia
Posted:
The advice i will give you is.
Even if you are going to eat cheaper, make sure that you are going to enjoy what you eat and make sure that there is plenty of variety.
Eating is one of lifes pleasures, make sure it stays one, or you will become a sad panda very quickly
The advice i will give you is.
Even if you are going to eat cheaper, make sure that you are going to enjoy what you eat and make sure that there is plenty of variety.
Eating is one of lifes pleasures, make sure it stays one, or you will become a sad panda very quickly
Fair luna bright, fair luna moon
it shines at night but fades too soon
fair luna moon, fair luna bright
forever we dance
we dance under starlight
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
Vietnamese spring rolls are cheap and yummy too....
Althought hey are fiddly to make.
Ohh I know one....cook up some rice, drain and set aside....
Cook up some chicken (I actually bake chicken munchies for this one hehehe...but you can cook up just normal chicken and if you like a bit of different taste to your chicken add a splash of cooking sherry to glaze the chicken, cooking sherry is cheap and last months and months and months).
Peas and corn are the vegies of choice for me but again you can variate what you throw in to your taste.
In a pan throw the chicken, peas and corn (or other vegies of choice) and the rice, add some garlic (if you like it) (has anyone else noticed I tend to use a lot of garlic in my cooking), throw in some red curry paste and stir (add as much or as little curry paste as you like, depending on how spicy you like your food I add about one and a half tablespoons).
Mix everything thoroughly and serve.
Vietnamese spring rolls are cheap and yummy too....
Althought hey are fiddly to make.
Ohh I know one....cook up some rice, drain and set aside....
Cook up some chicken (I actually bake chicken munchies for this one hehehe...but you can cook up just normal chicken and if you like a bit of different taste to your chicken add a splash of cooking sherry to glaze the chicken, cooking sherry is cheap and last months and months and months).
Peas and corn are the vegies of choice for me but again you can variate what you throw in to your taste.
In a pan throw the chicken, peas and corn (or other vegies of choice) and the rice, add some garlic (if you like it) (has anyone else noticed I tend to use a lot of garlic in my cooking), throw in some red curry paste and stir (add as much or as little curry paste as you like, depending on how spicy you like your food I add about one and a half tablespoons).
Mix everything thoroughly and serve.
BRONZE Member
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
Posted:
when ever i move into a new house i always get 10kg bag o rice
7kg bag of spuds 5 kg bag of onions... the onions and spuds dont last too long but the rice never seems to run out. the cheapes meal is pink rice simply make ure rice then strain of course the add butter and tomato sauce to taste its tasty i swear try it u will like. and if thats not to ure liken bur lots of stock cubes and garlik powder and put them in while cookn ure rice and this will make a realy thick stiky sauce, chickens the best. and if u think u hav nutn to eat u can make wikid food from bairly nutn just mix wot eva u think might go together it works trust me iv dun it many a time ohh the memories. oh and anouther 1 buy bulk hamsteaks and frozen vedg and lotsa noodles cook the ham steaks chopem up and get ure vedg and put it in a bowl of noodles and mix em its better than it sounds.
and a big pasta bake will make 8 or mor meals. go to ure nearest salvoes or city mition type place most of them have a bread bin they fill evry day and it is fresh normaly baked day b for at banjo's if it wasnt 4 them i would hav starved to death...
and if u crave that fast food bp hav the good old hot dog cheap and filling luv em...
enjoy..
when ever i move into a new house i always get 10kg bag o rice
7kg bag of spuds 5 kg bag of onions... the onions and spuds dont last too long but the rice never seems to run out. the cheapes meal is pink rice simply make ure rice then strain of course the add butter and tomato sauce to taste its tasty i swear try it u will like. and if thats not to ure liken bur lots of stock cubes and garlik powder and put them in while cookn ure rice and this will make a realy thick stiky sauce, chickens the best. and if u think u hav nutn to eat u can make wikid food from bairly nutn just mix wot eva u think might go together it works trust me iv dun it many a time ohh the memories. oh and anouther 1 buy bulk hamsteaks and frozen vedg and lotsa noodles cook the ham steaks chopem up and get ure vedg and put it in a bowl of noodles and mix em its better than it sounds.
and a big pasta bake will make 8 or mor meals. go to ure nearest salvoes or city mition type place most of them have a bread bin they fill evry day and it is fresh normaly baked day b for at banjo's if it wasnt 4 them i would hav starved to death...
and if u crave that fast food bp hav the good old hot dog cheap and filling luv em...
enjoy..
the simplest way to plan ahead is mearly to be ready for everything....
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
*cringe* this would have to be the most unhealthiest meal I have heard of....as someone who had to study nutrition as part of an apprenticeship to becoming a chef please do not have this meal to often.
You will only do your body more harm than good eating this kind of meal constantly...
Though it is a good (if you like it) for a once off when you are just feeling too lazy to cook anything (which in my case is nearly every day).
Written by: AnTiC
the cheapes meal is pink rice simply make ure rice then strain of course the add butter and tomato sauce to taste its tasty i swear try it u will like.
*cringe* this would have to be the most unhealthiest meal I have heard of....as someone who had to study nutrition as part of an apprenticeship to becoming a chef please do not have this meal to often.
You will only do your body more harm than good eating this kind of meal constantly...
Though it is a good (if you like it) for a once off when you are just feeling too lazy to cook anything (which in my case is nearly every day).
BRONZE Member
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
Posted:
i also did a commercial cookery coarse at drysdale 4 a year and also learnt nutrition and thats not that bad uve got ur starch,salt,vedg and dairy
and no not somethin u want daily but that was not my intent
but when u hav nothing else whitch has obiously not happend to u its great.
u dont know ne thing of life until u starve 4 more than a week
mayb u should try it and u may respect the little things in life and not b rude towards ppl who try to help some 1 in need of it.
oh and who eva left that note on ure car means business i recon
so wach urself u obiously said the wrong thing to some 1 on the blocky rout....
i also did a commercial cookery coarse at drysdale 4 a year and also learnt nutrition and thats not that bad uve got ur starch,salt,vedg and dairy
and no not somethin u want daily but that was not my intent
but when u hav nothing else whitch has obiously not happend to u its great.
u dont know ne thing of life until u starve 4 more than a week
mayb u should try it and u may respect the little things in life and not b rude towards ppl who try to help some 1 in need of it.
oh and who eva left that note on ure car means business i recon
so wach urself u obiously said the wrong thing to some 1 on the blocky rout....
the simplest way to plan ahead is mearly to be ready for everything....
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
I wasn't trying to be rude you took me totally out of context.
Maybe you should clarify people's intent before jumping down their throat.
I was just simply making a statement.
Anyone who knows me on here will tell you I never deliberately set out to insult anyone.
I apologise for the fact that you think it was an insult to you it was not meant that way.
I wasn't trying to be rude you took me totally out of context.
Maybe you should clarify people's intent before jumping down their throat.
I was just simply making a statement.
Anyone who knows me on here will tell you I never deliberately set out to insult anyone.
I apologise for the fact that you think it was an insult to you it was not meant that way.
BRONZE Member
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
member
26 posts
Location: aussie, Australia
Posted:
im sorry it was just im trying to help this pearson bcoz i have been in a bad place and know how he feels and some times thats all u hav 2 eat.
its hard sometimes to tell what some1 is getting at bcoz u cant see them say it and i need that. i evn hate talkn on the phone.
sorry again medusa cool name by the way
peace
im sorry it was just im trying to help this pearson bcoz i have been in a bad place and know how he feels and some times thats all u hav 2 eat.
its hard sometimes to tell what some1 is getting at bcoz u cant see them say it and i need that. i evn hate talkn on the phone.
sorry again medusa cool name by the way
peace
the simplest way to plan ahead is mearly to be ready for everything....
eating apples with chopsticks can be rather difficult
167 posts
Location: Perth, Western Australia
167 posts
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posted:
baked beans and toast... in a sandwich, or dip toast/bread into beans.. and if your feeling generous some cheese and vegies
baked beans and toast... in a sandwich, or dip toast/bread into beans.. and if your feeling generous some cheese and vegies
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