7 BUDGETFRIENDLY DINNERS

If you are feeling the pinch in the kitchen, these dinners are just what you need.

Acollective sigh of relief was heard across New Zealand homes when takeaway meals became available again — but that freedom comes with a price tag. Indulging in fragrant curries, gourmet burgers and steamed dumplings has been fun but it's not the most cost-effective way to feed a family. These budgetfriendly dinners use affordable ingredients to feed many mouths and are the perfect antidote to any delicious over-spending.

1SIMPLY GOOD Classic tomato spaghetti

Canned tomatoes and tomato paste are high in lycopene, a protective antioxidant. Apart from the pantry staples, you’ll need fresh basil (or oregano in winter) and parmesan cheese. This tomato sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week and freezes well. This recipe serves 4; scale ingredients up or down to suit the number of people you are cooking for.

¼ cup olive oil

2 onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 cans crushed tomatoes

140g tomato paste

1½ tsp sugar

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 340g spaghetti

1 handful basil or oregano, to serve Grated parmesan, to serve

1 Heat olive oil in a large frying pan on medium heat and saute onion and garlic until onion is soft (about 10 minutes). Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar and simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce has reduced and thickened. Stir in extra virgin olive oil, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2 Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook spaghetti until just cooked (al dente). Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss spaghetti with tomato sauce, reserved pasta water and basil leaves. Divide between bowls and top with more basil and parmesan, if you have it in the fridge.

2YES YOU CAN CAN Tuna omelette Tuna is a lean and healthy protein to incorporate into meals, and the canned version beats its fresh counterpart on cost and shelf life. This Asianstyle omelette uses canned tuna, eggs and simple sauces and herbs you probably already have on hand.

5LOW- COST CRUCIFERS Cauliflower fritters with garlic yoghurt The cruciferous family of vegetables are known for their health-giving properties — they're high in minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, elevating them to superfood status. At this time of year cauliflower is great value and incredibly versatile, its subtle flavour lending itself to everything from cheesy bakes to these spiced fritters.

3WASTE NOT Easy vegetable curry You can add almost any seasonal vegetables to this curry sauce, which makes it very versatile. You can also experiment by adding extra flavours such as kaffir lime or curry leaves, soy sauce or fish sauce, fresh herbs or your favourite spices. The rice and quinoa provide a healthy and tasty textural combination.

6RICE IS NICE Chicken, mushroom and lemon risotto Rice is one of the most universal bellyfilling starches, and risotto is an easy way to feed many. If you have garlic and stock on hand you can make a satisfying meal.

Add a protein and other flavours, as in this chicken and mushroom version, and you have a total crowd-pleaser.

4NOURISHING NOODLES Chicken miso ramen Miso paste is a great budget-friendly item to keep on hand, it lasts well in the fridge and adds a rich, salty flavour to soups and stir-fries. This simple pantry ramen using leftover chicken, a few veges (use any you have on hand) and an egg is a healthy, hearty weeknight option. For a vegetarian version swap the chicken for firm tofu.

7BUDGET CUTS Sausage pie Meat can add a lot of cost to a meal, but not all cuts are created equal. Mince is a great budget option, as are chicken cuts like wings and legs, while an often underrated option is the humble sausage. Don’t just shove a snag between slices of white bread; instead dice it into a pasta sauce, add pieces to paella or bake a satisfying sausage pie for the family.