First of all, please forget about making quiche to celebrate the forthcoming coronation. It’s too expensive, and the idea that it’ll come to 41p a slice is ludicrous as this doesn’t take fuel costs, general ingredient prices and the time spent faffing about making pastry into account.
Celebration
Aldi or Lidl are my go-to supermarkets when the budget is under strain – that’s most weeks – as their prices are so much lower than other supermarkets. No, they don’t sponsor me – I wish.
Grab some cooked chicken thighs – the curried coconut and lime ones are £2.49 for 180g. In real terms this would feed around three people at a stretch, but Aldi’s ‘unadulterated’ range costs £1.89 for 280g, so this may be a better option. If you’re veggie or vegan Aldi have a wide range of plant-based products, including 200g of non-chicken Peri Peri for £1.89.
Most social supermarkets will have rice, herbs and spices on their shelves – grab these. Also, on your travels, see if you can afford or source some natural yoghurt.
Finally, at the end of the day, most markets will be preparing to chuck unsold salad items. The price reductions are spectacular. If you don’t have a local market to hand, then even your local corner shop will have reduced prices. By law they have to sell fresh produce in date, and anything left over on the specified date will have to be thrown away. Try to do a deal.
Making pukka salad
This is the fun bit, and you can get your kids to join in. In a large bowl mix together chicken, salad bits and pieces – and yes, this can include that manky old apple that’s been staring at you for the last week. If you have a can of tinned potatoes – maybe from your foodbank – add these if you haven’t been able to source any rice. Mix everything together, with the yogurt. If you’re able, add any salad cream or mayonnaise to the yoghurt. Place in the fridge. If you don’t have a fridge, then cover the bowl and place in the coolest part of your home. Many will have to work over the coronation weekend – zero-hours don’t allow for bank holidays. So this is a treat that the family can enjoy while you’re away at work. It’s both cheap and tasty.
More foody thoughts from East Anglia Bylines
