soup #3 tomato and basil

We apologize sincerely for the silence, at the moment our time is being eaten up by two monstrosities: dissertation and a music event we’re organising. In the meantime, we have been managing to feed ourselves and have learned a thing or two about meals that you can make so quickly that they don’t even count as a study break. Yes, this is possible. But before we share those, here is a delicious and simple tomato soup that has become a staple in this house.

Serves 2, 45p per serving

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 sticks celery
• handful basil
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 1/3 cup red lentils (optional)
• salt, pepper, oil

Instructions:

1. chop the onion and slice the celery into discs
2. heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a deep pan on med-high heat
3. add the onion and celery and fry until the onion is translucent
4. add the chopped tomatoes, stock, lentils and basil
5. cook for 15 minutes and then blend using a stick blender
6. season with salt and pepper

How to save money shopping for food

This article by Jack Monroe gives excellent tips on where, how and what to buy in order to stretch your budget as far as it will go. Take a look at her recipes too, they’re  incredibly budget-friendly, creative and delicious. Here’s a two we’re hoping to try soon: Bramley apple soda bread & Apple crumble granola

The wonders of shortcrust pastry

Making shortcrust pastry, like riding a bicycle, is daunting and seemingly impossible at first, but it’s actually surprisingly easy and once you get the hang of it it makes life so much easier.