This mum’s $2 meal can keep your tummies warm in the cooler months!
- Replies 11
In these times of soaring living costs, many of us are feeling the pinch in our wallets, especially when it comes to grocery shopping.
We've recently stumbled upon a hearty culinary trick that's light on the pocket but not on the stomach.
A thrifty mum has shared her secret weapon for those days when the budget is stretched thin and her family craves a satisfying meal.
Her go-to recipe? A simple 'pasta soup' that feeds a family of five for a mere $2.
The recipe only calls for three items: one packet of Woolworths brand penne pasta, priced at 90 cents, and two packets of chicken-flavoured noodle soup at 55 cents each.
‘My mum used to make this when I was a kid,’ she shared in a post.
‘It wasn't very nutritional but she was a single mum with five kids and it would fill our tummies. Sometimes, that's what matters.’
For those who want to add variety to this dish, consider throwing in some frozen vegetables, a couple of eggs, or a sprinkle of cheese.
These additions not only enhance the flavour but also boost the meal's nutritional profile without significantly increasing the cost.
Commenters also chimed in with their own budget-friendly meal ideas.
‘My mother's go-to was a packet of pasta with 12 slices of cheese mixed through,’ one comment read.
‘We now add a jar of bold cheese spread with dried onion and herbs. If we can afford to, we dice up a ham steak for extra taste.’
‘I like using a packet of mie goreng noodles, add a diced onion, grated carrot and 1/4 cup of peas. I top it off with a fried egg,’ another shared, calling their recipe ‘A very tasty cheap meal.’
‘My pre-payday meal is a jacket potato with cheese and beans,’ a third comment read.
One particularly creative idea was a 'surprise bread' recipe.
This dish calls for hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with whatever is on hand—butter, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and perhaps some ham or cheese.
After mixing the filling ingredients, they're placed back inside the bread, sealed with the top crust, and baked until toasty.
It's a versatile and filling meal that can be adapted based on available ingredients.
These recipes are more than just meals; they're a reminder of people’s resourcefulness during tough times.
They also highlight the importance of community sharing, as cooking tips and tricks can be a lifeline for those looking to save money without sacrificing satisfaction.
What are your go-to recipes when you need to stretch your dollar further? Share your budget-friendly cooking recipes and tricks in the comments below!
We've recently stumbled upon a hearty culinary trick that's light on the pocket but not on the stomach.
A thrifty mum has shared her secret weapon for those days when the budget is stretched thin and her family craves a satisfying meal.
Her go-to recipe? A simple 'pasta soup' that feeds a family of five for a mere $2.
The recipe only calls for three items: one packet of Woolworths brand penne pasta, priced at 90 cents, and two packets of chicken-flavoured noodle soup at 55 cents each.
‘My mum used to make this when I was a kid,’ she shared in a post.
‘It wasn't very nutritional but she was a single mum with five kids and it would fill our tummies. Sometimes, that's what matters.’
The mum’s ‘pasta soup’ is also highly customisable with any pantry items or protein sources. Image Credit: Woolworths
For those who want to add variety to this dish, consider throwing in some frozen vegetables, a couple of eggs, or a sprinkle of cheese.
These additions not only enhance the flavour but also boost the meal's nutritional profile without significantly increasing the cost.
Commenters also chimed in with their own budget-friendly meal ideas.
‘My mother's go-to was a packet of pasta with 12 slices of cheese mixed through,’ one comment read.
‘We now add a jar of bold cheese spread with dried onion and herbs. If we can afford to, we dice up a ham steak for extra taste.’
‘I like using a packet of mie goreng noodles, add a diced onion, grated carrot and 1/4 cup of peas. I top it off with a fried egg,’ another shared, calling their recipe ‘A very tasty cheap meal.’
‘My pre-payday meal is a jacket potato with cheese and beans,’ a third comment read.
One particularly creative idea was a 'surprise bread' recipe.
This dish calls for hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with whatever is on hand—butter, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and perhaps some ham or cheese.
After mixing the filling ingredients, they're placed back inside the bread, sealed with the top crust, and baked until toasty.
It's a versatile and filling meal that can be adapted based on available ingredients.
These recipes are more than just meals; they're a reminder of people’s resourcefulness during tough times.
They also highlight the importance of community sharing, as cooking tips and tricks can be a lifeline for those looking to save money without sacrificing satisfaction.
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