FRUGAL FEBRUARY RECIPES

I decided to do some Fugal recipes for February

Everyone seems to be worried about money and everything seems to increase in price.  We tend to only shop every few weeks and therefore price increases are noticeable.  I tend to shop for top-up items late in the evening when there are fewer people around and items are often reduced. This is especially fruit and vegetables.

I love cooking and experimenting and buying reduced-price items means that any cookery failures are not a financial disaster.  They should be easily adapted to what is in the cupboard or fridge.

These are which are vegan style. We do eat meat but also lots and lots of fruit and vegetables certainly the recommended 5 portions (400g) per day.

Sling it in soup

6-8 portions

This recipe can be varied according to what is available plus what is in the cupboard. Or fridge

Two 300g packs of chopped vegetables –mine were 10p each from Asda or use a similar amount of cooked vegetables or mixture of fresh ones like carrots, onions, chopped cabbage

100g split lentils

Put in a large pan and add a litre of boiling water -put the lid on and bring to the boil make sure you put the lid on

When the vegetables and lentils are cooked taste and then start adding any herbs you have, some spices like a pinch of chilli, keep tasting. I often add yeast extract about a teaspoon full, a squirt of tomato sauce, sometimes chilli sauce is good and even Indian chutney. Often, I just wash out old bottles of sauces etc with a little bit of water and add that.

Very easy Macaroni cheese

2 portions

This is a real standby when it is late, and we cannot face cooking.

One can macaroni cheese

One can chickpeas, butter beans or other white coloured beans drained –if you keep the liquid (aquafaba) it can be used as an egg substitute

Mix in a bowl and microwave or heat in a pan.

You can add other items like cooked potatoes or other cooked vegetables. It is particularly lovely with cooked cauliflower. Also, you can add grated cheese and melt this in the oven or grill

Serve

Water cake

This cake is a traditional one from Italy. It has no egg in it. A delicious sponge.

250g self-raising flour  if you want to use plain flour but add 2 tsp baking powder

3 tablespoons oil –you can use any

150g sugar

200-250 ml water

Grease a cake tin 8-9inch

Sieve the dry ingredients

Gradually add the oil

Add the water to make a batter-beating it in

If it is very thick add more water but just keep checking the consistency

Pour in the cake tin and bake at 180C for 30-40 mins

Check with a skewer or knife

If you want you can add 2 teaspoons cocoa powder for a chocolate cake, or try adding vanilla essence