Prep the Beef:

Thinly slice 200g ribeye or sirloin steak. Season with salt & pepper.

Calories: 330 kcal | Cost: ~£2.60 (200g Tesco ribeye)

Cook the Veggies:

Slice 1/2 onion and 1/2 green bell pepper. Sauté in olive oil until soft and caramelized.

Calories: 70 kcal | Cost: ~£0.45

Cook the Beef:

Add sliced beef to the pan. Cook for 2–3 mins until just browned and tender.

Calories: Included above | Cost: —

Add Cheese:

Add 1–2 slices of provolone or mozzarella (or use a dairy-free version).

Calories: 140 kcal | Cost: ~£0.55 (2 slices)

Assemble the Sandwich:

Slice open a sub roll or baguette (~80g), lightly toast, and fill with the steak, melted cheese, and veggies.

Calories: ~230 kcal (roll) | Cost: ~£0.50

Optional Toppings:

Hot sauce or mustard • ~5 kcal • ~£0.05

Pickles or jalapeños • ~10 kcal • ~£0.10

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~785–800 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£4.25

Make the Béchamel Sauce:

In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in 1 tbsp plain flour. Slowly pour in 150ml milk while whisking. Simmer 2–3 mins until thickened.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Calories: ~110 kcal | Cost: ~£0.35

Assemble the Sandwich:

Butter 2 slices of white or sourdough bread. Spread béchamel on the inside of one slice.

Add 2 slices of cooked ham and 2 slices of Gruyère or Emmental cheese.

Calories: ~410 kcal | Cost: ~£2.00 (ham + cheese + bread)

Grill It:

Close the sandwich, top with more béchamel and extra grated cheese. Grill or toast in a hot pan or under a grill until golden and melty.

Calories: ~150 kcal (extra cheese & toasting) | Cost: ~£0.60

Optional:

Add a fried or poached egg on top to make it a Croque Madame (+90 kcal | ~£0.30)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~670–700 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£2.95

Prepare the Chicken:

Flatten 1 boneless chicken thigh or small breast (100–120g). Season with salt and pepper.

Coat in flour, dip in beaten egg, and press into panko breadcrumbs.

Calories: ~250 kcal | Cost: ~£1.30

Fry the Chicken:

Shallow-fry in vegetable oil for 3–4 mins per side until golden and cooked through.

Drain on kitchen paper.

Calories: ~90 kcal (from oil absorbed) | Cost: ~£0.25

Make the Sauce:

Mix 2 tbsp mayo + 1 tbsp tonkatsu or brown sauce + a pinch of mustard or Worcestershire sauce.

Calories: ~80 kcal | Cost: ~£0.30

Toast the Bread:

Lightly toast 2 slices of soft white bread or milk bread.

Spread sauce on both sides.

Calories: ~220 kcal | Cost: ~£0.40

Assemble:

Place shredded cabbage on one slice, then the katsu, more sauce, and the top slice. Press gently and cut in half.

Calories: ~20 kcal (cabbage & garnish) | Cost: ~£0.10

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~660–680 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per sandwich): ~£2.35

Toast the Bread:

Slice a small baguette in half lengthwise. Toast under a grill or in a pan until golden and crisp.

Calories: ~220 kcal | Cost: ~£0.50

Spread the Pesto:

Spread 1–2 tbsp of green pesto on each side of the toasted bread.

Calories: ~140 kcal | Cost: ~£0.40

Add Tomatoes:

Slice 4–5 cherry tomatoes and layer them over the pesto. Add a pinch of salt & pepper.

Calories: ~20 kcal | Cost: ~£0.30

Add Burrata:

Carefully break open 1 small burrata ball and spread/pull apart across both halves of the bread.

Calories: ~300 kcal | Cost: ~£1.85 (Waitrose/Tesco burrata)

Finish & Serve:

Drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh basil or rocket if available.

Calories: ~40 kcal | Cost: ~£0.25

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~720–750 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£3.30

Cook the Pasta:

Boil 160g pasta (spaghetti, tagliatelle or penne) in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

Calories: ~280 kcal | Cost: ~£0.30

Sauté the Mushrooms:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add 200g sliced mushrooms (chestnut or button). Cook until golden and softened.

Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 min more.

Calories: ~180 kcal | Cost: ~£1.10

Add Parmesan & Pasta Water:

Add 40g freshly grated Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until a silky sauce forms. Season with black pepper.

Calories: ~170 kcal | Cost: ~£0.80

Combine & Serve:

Add drained pasta to the pan. Toss to coat everything evenly. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes if desired.

Calories: ~30 kcal (garnish/extra cheese) | Cost: ~£0.15

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~660 kcal (per serving)

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£2.35

Prep the Steak:

Take a 200–250g sirloin or ribeye steak out of the fridge 20 mins before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Calories: ~450 kcal | Cost: ~£3.80 (Tesco sirloin)

Sear the Steak:

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking hot.

Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and place the steak in. Sear for 2–3 mins per side (for medium-rare).

Calories: ~40 kcal (from oil) | Cost: ~£0.05

Baste with Butter:

In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tbsp butter, 1 crushed garlic clove, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly to baste.

Calories: ~100 kcal | Cost: ~£0.25

Rest & Serve:

Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serve with fries, salad, or garlic mash.

Calories: ~— (depends on sides)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (steak only): ~590 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per steak): ~£4.10

Make the Base:

In a small pot, heat 250ml double cream, 100ml milk, 50g sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract over low heat until warm (not boiling).

Calories: ~320 kcal | Cost: ~£1.10 (cream, milk, sugar, vanilla)

Add Gelatin:

Soften 1 leaf or 1 tsp powdered gelatin in 2 tbsp cold water for 5 mins. Stir into the warm cream mixture until dissolved.

Pour into 2 small ramekins or glasses. Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours.

Calories: negligible addition | Cost: ~£0.15

Make Raspberry Sauce:

In a pan, heat 100g raspberries with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice until soft. Mash or blend. Strain if preferred.

Calories: ~50 kcal | Cost: ~£0.65

Serve:

Unmold panna cotta or serve in glass. Top with raspberry sauce and fresh berries if desired.

Calories: ~20 kcal (garnish) | Cost: ~£0.30

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (per portion): ~390–400 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per portion): ~£1.60

Make the Coffee Mix:

Brew 200ml strong coffee. Stir in 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Let it cool. Optional: add 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa).

Calories: ~20 kcal | Cost: ~£0.20

Whip the Egg Yolks:

Separate 2 eggs. Beat yolks with 50g sugar until pale and creamy (use electric whisk).

Calories: ~160 kcal | Cost: ~£0.35

Add Mascarpone:

Gently fold in 200g mascarpone until smooth and thick.

Calories: ~410 kcal | Cost: ~£1.60

Fold in Egg Whites:

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold gently into the mascarpone mix to keep it airy.

Calories: negligible addition | Cost: ~—

Layer the Tiramisu:

Dip ladyfingers (savoiardi) briefly in the coffee mix. Layer them in a dish. Spread mascarpone mixture over. Repeat for 2 layers.

Calories: ~160 kcal | Cost: ~£0.70

Chill & Finish:

Cover and chill for 4–6 hours. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Calories: ~10 kcal (cocoa) | Cost: ~£0.10

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (per serving): ~760 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£2.95

Sauté the Curry Paste:

Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a deep pan or wok. Add 2 tbsp red Thai curry paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.

Calories: ~60 kcal | Cost: ~£0.35

Add Coconut Milk:

Pour in 400ml coconut milk. Stir to combine with the paste and bring to a gentle simmer.

Calories: ~300 kcal | Cost: ~£1.00

Add Protein & Veggies:

Add 150g tofu, chicken, or prawns + sliced vegetables (e.g. bell pepper, carrot, green beans).

Simmer for 10–15 mins until protein is cooked and veg is tender-crisp.

Calories: ~250 kcal | Cost: ~£1.80

Season & Brighten:

Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and juice of 1/2 lime. Stir and taste. Add more paste for heat or lime for freshness.

Calories: ~30 kcal | Cost: ~£0.30

Serve:

Spoon over jasmine or basmati rice. Garnish with fresh coriander, red chili, or crushed peanuts.

Calories: ~200 kcal (w/ 100g rice) | Cost: ~£0.40

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~840 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£3.85

Prep the Chicken:

Take 500g of chicken breast or thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric for color.

Calories: ~250 kcal | Cost: ~£3.00 (Tesco chicken breast)

Cook the Onion and Spices:

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until golden brown.

Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir for 30 seconds.

Calories: ~30 kcal (from oil and spices) | Cost: ~£0.20

Cook the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Calories: ~200 kcal (from chicken) | Cost: ~£1.50

Add the Sauce:

Pour in 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup of coconut milk.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

Calories: ~150 kcal (from coconut milk) | Cost: ~£0.50

Rest & Serve:

Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with steamed rice, naan bread, or a side of vegetables.

Calories: ~— (depends on sides)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (chicken only): ~600 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£4.70

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~720–750 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£3.30

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or penne work great).

Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Calories: ~200 kcal | Cost: ~£0.60 (Tesco pasta)

Make the Sauce:

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add 400g canned chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of red chili flakes (optional). Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Calories: ~100 kcal (from olive oil and tomatoes) | Cost: ~£1.20 (Tesco tomatoes)

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss to coat.

Calories: ~30 kcal (from pasta water) | Cost: ~£0.30

Finish and Serve:

Top with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.

Calories: ~— (depends on toppings)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (pasta only): ~330 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£2.10

Prepare the Beef:

Cut 1 kg of beef chuck or stewing beef into cubes (about 1.5 inches). Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and pepper on all sides.

Calories: ~250 kcal (for the beef) | Cost: ~£7.00 (beef chuck)

Brown the Beef:

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Remove the beef and set aside.

Calories: ~100 kcal (from oil) | Cost: ~£0.10 (oil)

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced onions, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Calories: ~70 kcal (from vegetables) | Cost: ~£1.00 (carrots, onions, garlic)

Add Wine and Broth:

Pour in 750 ml red wine (preferably Burgundy or any dry red wine) and 500 ml beef broth.

Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, then add 2 tbsp fresh thyme and 2 bay leaves.

Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 1.5 hours.

Calories: ~150 kcal (from wine and broth) | Cost: ~£3.50 (wine, broth)

Cook the Mushrooms and Onions:

While the beef is cooking, heat 1 tbsp butter in a separate pan over medium heat.

Add 200g small pearl onions and 200g sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned.

Calories: ~50 kcal (from butter and mushrooms) | Cost: ~£1.50 (onions, mushrooms, butter)

Finish the Dish:

Once the beef is tender, add the mushrooms and onions to the pot and stir. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to combine the flavors.

Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Calories: ~— (depends on sides)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (beef only): ~600 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£8.50

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g of pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or your choice).

Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente.

Calories: ~250 kcal (for pasta) | Cost: ~£0.50 (for pasta)

Drain and Save Some Pasta Water:

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Calories: ~5 kcal (for water) | Cost: ~£0.00

Combine with Pesto:

In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Add 4-5 tbsp of store-bought pesto (adjust according to taste) to the pan, and stir for 1-2 minutes to warm it up.

Once the pesto is warm, add the drained pasta to the pan, along with a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.

Calories: ~150 kcal (from pesto) | Cost: ~£1.50 (store-bought pesto)

Mix and Serve:

Mix the pasta and pesto together until well coated. Add a little more pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Serve with grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of pine nuts for extra flavor!

Calories: ~— (depends on toppings)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (pasta + pesto): ~400 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£2.00

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories: ~720–750 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£3.30

Prepare the Fish Fillets:

Use 2 frozen or fresh white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock). Pat them dry with paper towels.

Coat the fillets lightly in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispiness.

Calories: ~300 kcal | Cost: ~£2.00 (for fish fillets)

Fry the Fish:

Heat vegetable oil (about 1-2 cups) in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully fry the fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Calories: ~150 kcal (from oil) | Cost: ~£0.10 (for oil)

Toast the Buns:

Toast 2 soft burger buns in a dry pan or under the grill until lightly golden and warm.

Calories: ~150 kcal | Cost: ~£0.30 (for buns)

Assemble the Filet-O-Fish:

Spread a thin layer of tartar sauce or mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.

Place the crispy fish fillet on the bun, then top with a slice of cheddar cheese (optional) and the top bun.

Calories: ~100 kcal (for tartar sauce) | Cost: ~£0.50 (for sauce and cheese)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (sandwich only): ~700 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per sandwich): ~£3.90

Prepare the Wings:

Take 12-15 chicken wings (drumettes and flats) and pat them dry with paper towels.

Season the wings with salt, pepper, and a little paprika or garlic powder.

Calories: ~200 kcal | Cost: ~£3.50 (for wings)

Fry the Wings:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).

Fry the chicken wings for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Calories: ~350 kcal (from oil) | Cost: ~£0.10 (for oil)

Make the Buffalo Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Once melted, add 1/2 cup of hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is recommended), 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir well to combine.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.

Calories: ~150 kcal (for sauce) | Cost: ~£0.80 (for sauce ingredients)

Coat the Wings:

Place the fried wings into a large bowl, then pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss the wings until fully coated in the sauce.

Calories: ~50 kcal (additional sauce calories) | Cost: ~£0.30 (for extra sauce)

Serve:

Serve the wings hot with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Calories: ~100 kcal (for dressing) | Cost: ~£0.50 (for dipping sauces)

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🔢 Total Estimated Calories (wings only): ~700 kcal

💷 Total Estimated Cost (per serving): ~£5.20