If you’re following my on how to cut food costs and still eat well, you’ll by now be used to the need for forward planning. However, there’s still room for some treats. A take-away dinner at the end of a long day that happens to be at the end of a hard week isn’t just desirable, it sounds heaven sent! Take-aways add up though, so why not plan in a fakeaway.
So here are my fakeaway ideas — some may be less than healthy, but so is the typical take-away, and it’s not an everyday meal. Fakeaways may take more time and preparation then your take-away, but they are so much cheaper, and you can prepare some elements ahead making it easier to whip one up when you’re in need of an easy meal: Finding kosher Mexican takeout in London is nearly impossible, so I have always made it at home. You can buy a do-it-yourself taco kit, fajita mixes and a variety of tortilla wraps, both in kosher stores and Amazon – these make a quick and easy dinner — and contain loads of protein and vegetables — making this a healthier option as well.
Bake up a tray of nachos topped with vegan mince, cheese and sauteed peppers for everyone to dig into. Fajitas are a lovely sociable option and easy to prepare. Simply lay out plates of fillings (sauteed peppers; sliced vegetables; grated cheese — if you’re making a veggie version — plus the wraps and everyone can assemble their own.
Mash-up Friday night dinner and curry-night for a special end to the week. Indian curries are one of those.