Eats you can afford by Richard Augustin
Suffering a case of tight wallet syndrome doesn't mean you have to forgo delicious meals. Here are easy thrifty recipes you can try at home.
The current economic slowdown has gotten everybody in a pickle resulting in consumers being not as frivolous with the ringgit as they once were.
Prices of goods are on the rise and as people find a common ground in trying to taper their spending, more and more of us are – for the lack of a better term – tight fisted with money these days.
Food is one of the first things that seem to hit most of us during this economic slowdown with the majority of the public now changing their eating habits and have gone so far to opt from dining out in order to save a little cash.
Restaurants are realising this too as more eateries and franchises, even fast food ones, offering special "value for money" offers in order to make up for this current deficit.
But if you want something a little more substantial, nutritious and tasty compared to salted fish, soy sauce and steam rice on a daily basis, then do take heed of these meal suggestions (from RM5 to RM30) you can attempt at home. We guarantee they'll satisfy your hunger pangs without putting a dent into your wallet.
Best for RM5
Although the omelette is widely considered as a breakfast item, it's also versatile enough to be had at any time of the day especially with a wide variety of ingredients added in.
A three-egg Spanish omelette, for example, is perfect to satisfy that hunger pang or as a quick snack. To make the omelette more appetising and fulfilling, use chopped onions, sliced bell peppers and mushrooms with a little shredded cheddar cheese for the filling.
If you're the carnivorous type, some sliced sausages, chopped ham and bacon bits will definitely work a treat.
Start off by heating the pan with a little oil, sweat the onions and add in the peppers, mushrooms and meat items. Cook for a minute and add in beaten eggs into the mix, cook until eggs are set and add in pepper and salt to taste and cheddar cheese before folding. Set into plate and add in a dash of Tabasco sauce before serving. (Serves two persons)
Best for RM15
Spaghetti is a cheap option as it's easier to store, cook with and most importantly saves you time and money.
Plus, pasta sauces these days come in all sort of flavours, which you can also easily modify on your own.
For added variety and a bit more of a kick, do consider adding in canned tuna or meat items like sliced chicken fillets or minced beef for a meatier option to the dish.
A quick boil of the pasta and a saucepan is all that's needed for this hearty pasta meal. A dash of pepper and salt with a sprinkle of rosemary herbs to the meat and a quick stir-fry in a little olive oil (before adding in the pasta sauce) will add a little depth to the dish. Throw in chopped peppers and sliced mushrooms.
For a more Malaysian flavour, feel free to sprinkle in some dried chillie flakes to the dish as well. (Serves three to four)
Best for RM30
Nothing is heartier than a roast chicken meal and even though it takes a little preparation time, it's easy enough to do on your own.
All you need is a whole chicken (patted dry) marinated with butter or olive oil, thyme, rosemary or basil, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a tablespoon of Montreal Chicken Seasoning.
Marinate the chicken with the ingredients – especially inside the cavity – and tie the bird up around the wing and thigh area before placing in the roasting pan.
Preheat oven to about 180 to 200 degree Celsius and place a few potatoes (wrapped in aluminium foil) into the pan as well. Roast the chicken for approximately one hour and 15 minutes or until done; you can tell by the golden brown skin colour.
To make absolutely sure, prick the side of the chicken thigh to see if there's a clear juice oozing out of it. Once you're sure it's done, remove the chicken and leave it aside to cool.
Cut the chicken into quarters and serve with a portion of baked potato. Last but not least, toss in a few salad leaves or a scoop of baked beans to complete your meal. (Serves four)
