Chipotle pinto bean stew

Try this smoky chipotle bean stew for a satisfying veggie dinner. You can make this in half an hour using tinned beans but dried beans do come out a bit cheaper. Dr Rupy’s recipe is great served with tortilla chips and his quick pickles, and only costs around 50p per portion to make. Each serving provides 404 kcal, 18g protein, 51g carbohydrate (of which 12g sugars), 13g fat (of which 5.5g saturates), 4g fibre and 1.1g salt.

Vegetarian bolognese

This delicious recipe for vegetarian bolognese sauce with lentils from Eat Well for Less makes enough for 2 meals. Brilliant with spaghetti or in a lasagne. Each serving provides 296 kcal, 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates (of which 10g sugars), 4g fat (of which 2g saturates), 8.5g fibre and 0.3g salt.

Kale and bacon soup

Kale soup is great for batch cooking as it freezes so well. Priya tops hers with fried bacon and grated Parmesan, so it’s got tons of flavour. Don’t be tempted to season with salt while cooking the soup as the stock, bacon and Parmesan are all quite salty. With a GI of 48, this meal is high protein, low GI. Each serving provides 410kcal, 19g protein, 32g carbohydrate (of which 21g sugars), 20g fat (of which 7.5g saturates), 9g fibre and 2.9g salt.

The best cottage pie

This cottage pie from Eat Well for Less is the ultimate comfort food. Baked beans are a low cost way to make the sauce extra rich, and come with a bonus portion of protein and fibre. Each serving provides 570 kcal, 28g protein, 64.5g carbohydrates (of which 19g sugars), 20g fat (of which 9g saturates), 10g fibre and 2.5g salt.

Your Kitchen Concierge chef avatar

Your Kitchen Concierge

Recipe finder and budget meal ideas
Hi, I am Your Kitchen Concierge. I am here to help with all things food. I can find recipes, explain cooking methods and ingredients, and help you plan meals on a budget. Try asking me a question.