In an era where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, finding ways to stretch the household budget without compromising on quality or taste has become a culinary challenge for many Australians. But celebrity chef Curtis Stone has recently demonstrated that it's still possible to create a gourmet dinner for a family of four on a shoestring budget, using simple staples from Coles supermarket.

Stone, who once graced our screens with Coles advertisements promising affordable family meals, has revisited the concept amidst the current economic climate. In a conversation, he shared insights into how he crafted an 'inexpensive' yet delicious dinner that won't break the bank.


The key, according to Stone, is to be savvy with your shopping. 'Well, you have to, of course, take a calculator with you and add stuff up as you're doing it, that's always how we had to do it,' he advised. He also highlighted the value of affordable fruits, vegetables, grains like quinoa and rice, and legumes as budget-friendly ingredients that can help extend your grocery dollars.


Stone's recent creation? A hearty cassoulet featuring chicken drumsticks priced at a mere $3.75 per kilo, combined with a can of beans and some fresh veggies. This simple yet satisfying dish is a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity and careful shopping, gourmet meals can indeed be accessible on a budget.


Many Aussies have taken to social media to share their own tips and tricks for economical eating. From stocking up on dried legumes and grains to incorporating more vegetarian options like lentils and tofu, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor. Some have even suggested using textured vegetable protein (TVP) to bulk up meals, or swapping beef for pork mince as a more affordable alternative in dishes like spaghetti bolognese or nachos.

For those looking to make their grocery budget stretch even further, buying in bulk and investing in a vacuum sealer can make a significant difference. As one shopper pointed out, purchasing meat directly from a local butcher and sealing it for later use has had a 'massive impact' on their grocery bill.

However, it's important to note that while these strategies can help, the reality of inflation means that the $10 family meal is more challenging to achieve than it was in the past. Some users have expressed skepticism, noting that the cost of living has increased significantly since the original Coles ad campaign.


Despite the challenges, the spirit of frugality and innovation in the kitchen is alive and well. Whether it's a stir-fry made with affordable beef cuts and frozen veggies or a lentil bolognese that delivers both nutrition and taste, there are countless ways to impress your guests without emptying your wallet.

So, next time you're planning a dinner party or simply looking to feed your family a delicious meal, take a leaf out of Curtis Stone's book. With a little planning and some smart shopping at Coles, you can create a gourmet experience for $10 or less. It's all about making the most of what you have and embracing the joy of cooking with budget-friendly ingredients.
We'd love to hear from you, our savvy Senior Discount Club members! What are your top tips for creating delicious meals on a budget? Have you tried any of Curtis Stone's recipes or have your own to share? Let us know in the comments below, and let's inspire each other with our culinary creativity and thriftiness!