This article lists the top budget-beaters on our editor’s radar: Why 2-minute noodles are always in his pantry, flavour boosters, a splurge-free cocktail, budget-friendly desserts, how to maximise your freezer space.

Chop Chop  

One of my best kept secrets (well, not anymore) is to stock up on plenty of 2-minute noodles. They’ll not only save you time, they’re also more cost-effective than the likes of linguini, tagliatelle and spaghetti.  

Try using them in a chicken noodle soup or in a bowl of Thai broth — you won’t know the difference. Or toss them with shredded chicken and a simple salad dressing for a speedy office lunch or lazy dinner. I tend to avoid using the accompanying seasoning.  

I prefer adding a dash of soy sauce, smoked paprika or a chilli sauce for a bit of a bite.   

Flavour Boosters  

If, like me, you’re always looking to save without compromising flavour, then stock up on a few pantry items where a little goes a long way.  

Add a tablespoon of Marmite or Bovril to elevate the umami flavour of gravy, sauces and meaty casseroles.  

Dried herbs are a great substitute for their more expensive fresh counterparts. Dried thyme, parsley or mixed herbs are versatile,9 and you only need a pinch.   

Tomato paste adds depth of flavour to sauces and stews. Create a cheat’s spaghetti bolognaise by adding a pinch of sugar to tomato paste, thinning it with water and cooking it off.  

Dijon or wholegrain mustard add a slight bite to cheese sauce, and work in almost all vinaigrettes. Combine it with mayo to make a dipping sauce.  

Money In The Bank 

Saving money is sweet. And having desserts that won’t break the bank is even sweeter. These quick-to-whip up desserts are not only budget-friendly but are good enough for that romantic date-night 

A Little Splurge (that won’t break the bank)  

This month’s obsession is the premium Whitley Neill gin which actually comes at the affordable price of R275. The scope of flavours is what has me hooked.  

The Aloe and Cucumber variant is inspired by the Karoo desert, while the Protea and Hibiscus flavour draws from the African landscape and makes for a smooth, floral gin. Whitney Neill is produced and sold exclusively in South Africa.   

 

Whitley Neill Protea and Hibiscus Cocktail 

Serves 1 

This month, we not only have a glamorous cocktail recipe for you to try, but four subscribers stand a chance to win a bottle of Whitley Neill gin. To enter SMS ‘MK GIN  MARCH’ with your name and ID number to 44001. 

Ingredients

50ml Whitley Neill Protea & Hibiscus gin  
200ml purple or regular tonic 
2 lemon slices  
edible flowers (optional)  

 

Method

1. Pour gin into a glass with ice, top up with tonic and garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers.
2. Serve immediately. 

  

You Can Do It  

Canned goods are an inexpensive way to bulk up meals. Try adding canned tuna to your next mac’ n’ cheese or stretching soups or stews with canned beans. Their superpower is their longer shelf life: nothing will go to waste plus they’ll provide great flavour and added fibre. 

 

Photography: Adobe Stock, Shutterstock