As the cost of living crisis continues, many are looking for ways to cut food costs.
But one woman claims she's found some budget-friendly recipes that could ease the burden. family from four. Lauren Leyva has captured everyone's attention with her easy recipes that make four portions for under £5.
She originally trained as an architect, but now runs her own catering business called Starving studentwhich strives for low-waste and affordable meals. The 26-year-old's innovative approach has resonated online, garnering millions of views thanks to his variety of accessible meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan recipes, all while emphasizing minimal food waste.
“I was a student for seven years and completed my architecture training,” says Lauren. “But creating my food And recipe “The business through the university has now become a full-fledged business and helps over 70,000 people save money and eat well at the same time.”
Her passion for cooking began at a young age, inspired by her Spanish father. “My dad taught me how to cook from the age of four,” she recalls. “Cooking remains the most unifying activity for us, and he was the reason I initially started sharing food photos on social media.”
Lauren's popularity has skyrocketed over the course of COVID-19 quarantine when she was asked to lead BBC A radio show called “Tasty Tuesdays.” At a time when people were forced to cook at home with limited ingredients, her low-cost, low-waste recipes quickly gained popularity.
One of her most popular dishes is tomato soup. recipehas been viewed by over a million people. “This tomato soup recipe resulted in 16,000 new social media followers and recipe “Over 20,000 people have saved it. I make four portions for under £5,” she says.
The recipeSimplicity is part of its appeal. Using just three basic ingredients—garlic, tomatoes, and red peppers—Lauren created a roasted tomato, red pepper, and garlic soup. “I wanted to create recipe “It only required what I had in my fridge at the time. The internet agreed with its low cost and minimal ingredients.”
Lauren also shares tips for saving money during your weekly shopping. “When you go to the supermarket, sit down and look at the lower shelves,” she advises. “This is usually where the cheaper, non-branded products are. Also, look at the price per 100g or unit, rather than the headline price, to find the best deals.”
She recommends stocking up on shelf-stable foods like canned or preserved foods, and advises cooking in batches to save time and money. “Plus, batch cooking is especially good for students and families with limited time. Spend the night preparing two large meals and freeze portions for later.”
Lauren is passionate about reducing food waste. “Food thrown away is your hard-earned money thrown away. Making food last longer will save you money.” She encourages planning meals in advance, organizing the fridge and avoiding impulse purchases by always shopping with a list.
Lauren's passion for helping others save money and reduce waste extends to her meal plans. available on her website“I hope I can continue to inspire those who need help or inspiration in the kitchen,” she concludes.