'Starving student' shares budget-friendly meal ideas that can feed four for £5
As the cost of living crisis continues, many Londoners are looking for ways to slash their food bills.
However, one woman insists she's discovered some wallet-friendly recipes that could lighten the load for a family of four. Lauren Leyva has become an internet sensation thanks to her straightforward recipes that serve up four portions for less than £5.
Originally trained as an architect, Lauren now runs a full-time food business named The Starving Student, dedicated to low-waste meals. The 26-year-old's inventive approach has struck a chord online, racking up millions of views with a range of affordable meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan recipes, all while emphasising minimal food waste.
"I was a student for seven years and completed my architect training," shares Lauren. "But setting up my food and recipe business through university is now a full-time business and helps over 70,000 people save money while eating well."
Her love for cooking began early on, inspired by her Spanish father. "My dad taught me to cook from the age of four," she remembers. "Cooking remains the biggest bonding activity between us, and he was the reason I originally started sharing food photos on social media."
Lauren's popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown when she was invited to host a BBC radio segment titled "Tasty Tuesdays." During this period, people were forced to cook at home with limited ingredients, and her low-cost, low-waste recipes quickly became a hit.
One of her most beloved creations, a tomato soup recipe, has captured the attention of over a million viewers. "That tomato soup recipe resulted in 16,000 new social media followers, and the recipe was saved by over 20,000 people. I make four portions of it for under £5," she revealed.
The charm of the recipe lies in its simplicity. With just garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper, Lauren whipped up a roasted tomato, red pepper, and garlic soup that's both budget-friendly and easy to make.
Lauren also shares tips for saving money during the weekly shop. "When you go to the supermarket, crouch down and look at the lower shelves," she advises. "These are typically where the cheaper, unbranded products are placed. Also, look at the price per 100g or unit rather than the main price to find the best deals."
She recommends stocking up on long-lasting items like tinned or jarred foods and advises batch cooking to save time and money. "Batch cooking is especially great for students and families with limited time. Spend a night cooking two big meals and freeze portions for later."
Lauren is passionate about reducing food waste. "Wasted food is your hard-earned money down the drain. Stretching the life of food will save you money." She encourages planning meals ahead, organizing the fridge, and avoiding impulse buys by always shopping with a list.
Lauren's commitment to helping others save money and reduce waste extends to her meal planners available on her website. "I hope I can continue inspiring those in need of help or inspiration in the kitchen," she concludes.
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