Saucy savings from Leah Itsines: Delicious and nutritious family meals for under $20
Everyone is always looking at new ways to save money and make a quick meal at the same time.
Online sensation Leah Itsines has shared two recipes here for you to try at home. Risoni is her “favourite thing ever” as it’s so easy to make and appeals to kids.
Itsines spaghetti-based creamy mushroom and ham pasta will make great use of any leftovers from Christmas.
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Cost: $18.54
Serves: 6
Cook Time: 10 min
Prep Time: 10 min
- 1 small brown onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- Chili flakes
- ¼ fresh parsley bunch
- 200g mushrooms
- 500g spaghetti
- 200g ham, sliced
- 600ml thickened cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
METHOD
1 In a large pan, heat olive oil over a medium heat.
2 Add garlic, onion, chilli and parsley into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
3 Add mushrooms and ham into the pan and cook until they’ve softened, around 10 minutes. Add cream, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
4 Meanwhile, add pasta into boiling water and cook until almost al dente.
5 Add pasta to the pot with the cream and allow to cook until pasta is fully cooked. If you need, add a little pasta water here. Season again with salt, pepper and parmesan.
6 Serve and enjoy.
BEEF AND TOMATO RISONI
COST: $11.90
SERVES: 4
COOK TIME: 15 min
PREP TIME: 10 min
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 small brown onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 bag risoni
- 2 cups of beef stock
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Sprinkle of dried oregano
- Sprinkle of chili flakes
Method
1 In a large pan, add a splash of olive oil to the bottom of the pan and heat over medium heat.
2 Add mince and break up into small pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Once mince is ¾ way cooked, add the onion, garlic and tomato paste. Cook for a further 3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
3 Add risoni, tomato puree, crushed tomatoes and half a cup of the beef stock. Continue stirring and adding stock as needed.
4 Once you’ve finished the stock, add the parmesan cheese and stir through.
5 Serve, topped with a little more parmesan cheese.
