[Optimistic Gardener]

This isn't exactly a meal idea, but it is a tip that saves money on buying food so I'm hoping it's allowed on this thread?

Cheapo tin of baked beans magically turns into fantastically tasting expensive tin of beans if you add a decent knob of butter to the pan whilst heating.

[Auntiemogs]

This isn't exactly a meal idea, but it is a tip that saves money on buying food so I'm hoping it's allowed on this thread?
Cheapo tin of baked beans magically turns into fantastically tasting expensive tin of beans if you add a decent knob of butter to the pan whilst heating.

[compostqueen]

Which is why I hope we support the use of a basic store of ingredients, butter is a good one. Black pepper is another. Both are vital in livening up baked beans. Chilli or curry power being two more   My husband adds HP to his beans which makes me cringe but he swears by it 

[Beetroot Queen]

Which is why I hope we support the use of a basic store of ingredients, butter is a good one. Black pepper is another. Both are vital in livening up baked beans. Chilli or curry power being two more   My husband adds HP to his beans which makes me cringe but he swears by it 

Hubby uses worchestershire sauce to his too.  not sure about it but he says its great.

[Auntiemogs]

This is one of my favourites for anyone who likes mashed potato but is short of time/energy and it's quite frugal too.  Just don't knock it unless you try it! 

I buy boxes of Mr Mash instant mashed potato.     I confess, I would have shuddered at the thought a while back but it really does taste homemade (nothing like the powdery gloop from Smash). 

It doesn't even have any salt in it so you add your own, along with some milk, boiling water and a knob of butter.

3 sachets to a box (2 generous portions per sachet) and it normally cost me £1 a box. 

I use it for last minute mash, with chees and a dollop of branston for a snack and it's also good for thickening soups (or a quick leek & potato). 

[arugula]

My husband adds HP to his beans which makes me cringe but he swears by it 

Worcestershire sauce- essential in beans.

[compostqueen]

Yes he does Worcestershire sauce too. He likes beans full stop    We must add baked beans to the store cupboard or is it already in by default 

[madcat]

We were away camping - bacon and (basic) baked beans for breakfast, only I hadn't brought the worcestershire sauce (well, would you?).  Tricky.    A good glug of ketchup saved the day!   

[Lardman]

Beans need Tabasco... and even branston pickle.

Not a meal in itself (at least I think not)  - but we could add veg fried rice. When there are no plot veggies to dice a bag of cheap own brand frozen mixed veg is the ideal size and can be chucked in frozen. Would need to add light soy / long grain rice to the store cupboard.

[SCassin]

I use a tin of baked beans, tin of chopped toms, splash of Worchester sauce, crushed garlic clove or 2, black pepper and salt to make a quick, easy and tasty sauce to mix pasta into.  Goes nicely with warm bread or a crusty roll 

You can also add anchovies if you like them but don't put extra salt in if you use the tinned ones as otherwise it just to much 

[GrannieAnnie]

Which is why I hope we support the use of a basic store of ingredients, butter is a good one. Black pepper is another. Both are vital in livening up baked beans. Chilli or curry power being two more   My husband adds HP to his beans which makes me cringe but he swears by it 

HA CQ, we said before they are alike!  Brian also puts HP on his beans!   

[compostqueen]

    My brother used to put it on his fish. My mother used to go mad

[surbie100]

I really like Jack's meals - all costed out, all veeeerrry budget friendly - given that she has/had £10 per week they had to be: http://agirlcalledjack.com/tag/recipes/

The garlic soda bread is amazing : http://agirlcalledjack.com/2013/09/02/easy-peasy-garlic-bread/

[mumofstig]

I've just looked at some of her recipes they look nice, but the trouble is what she thinks would serve one wouldn't be enough for me  - let alone for a working man  :blink:

Her Earthy Red Wine & Mushroom Risotto uses 50g of rice, and there's only 75g of pasta in the cheese and peas dish - it sounds like a weight loss diet to me 

[surbie100]

She only has £10/week. It's not weight loss, it's being poor. Portion sizes change a bit when you are that skint. I was very skinny when I was unemployed.