Back to School Cooking on a Budjet…

Recipes – By Lucy Andrews

As we get back into the swing after the holidays, I thought for this trip to Evermoor Community Shop, I would look for some easy and inexpensive lunch ideas. I spent a grand total of £3 for 10 meals – YES, JUST £3!!!! – and I had bits and bobs left for use for another meal. I utilise a lot of the free ingredients, and the staff are really helpful in pointing them out.

I chose vegan ingredients for our household, but my hope is that it gives ideas to those interested in eating something different. but I have loads of other ideas if you do eat meat. If you’d like me to meet you there and come up with some meals together, just get in touch via Facebook!

The community shop is located at the Evermoor Hub, Birleywood, WN8 9HR and is open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-1pm Saturday & Sunday.

Here’s also some ideas I picked up for some inexpensive ‘healthier’ snacks – the fruit and veg was free, and the rest was heavily reduced.

Avocado Toast – Serves 2 – Cost: Free (Insert Image 3)

I thought this would be a nice lunch for the office if you have a toaster in the kitchen, or for a quick breakfast a home. It’s so simple and healthy, but as you can see, I paid nothing for it! Sourdough cooks well from frozen so I use slices as and when. I cook it for longer than bread.

Ingredients:

1 x Sourdough load

2 x Salad tomato

2 x Avocados

1 x Pot of salsa

Method:

– Whilst the toast is cooking, slice the tomatoes and open the avocado.

– Remove the stone and use a fork to mash the avocado.

– Layer the toast with sliced tomato and avocado. Season to taste.

– Top with the salsa & enjoy!

Mediterranean Cous Cous – Serves 4 – Cost: £2 (Insert Image 4)

Again, a super easy recipe, healthy and so cheap to make!

Ingredients:

2 x Flavoured cous cous sachets

1 x Tin of mixed beans

1 x Tin chickpeas

1 x Jar sundried tomatoes

1 x Sachet olives

1 x Red pepper

Half a handful of capers

Method:

– Cook cous cous as per the instructions.

– Rinse the beans and chickpeas.

– Slice the sundried tomatoes, olives, red pepper and capers.

– Drizzle the tomato oil as a dressing if you like.

– Mix it all up and you’re ready to go

To see more of Lucy’s recipes & snack ideas, search ‘Lucy Andrews’.