Photo: Jess J / Flickr

This Christmas season you may be feeling a little bit strapped for cash but its still winter and you still want something great to warm your belly. The following recipes will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Read on to find out some healthy, yet hearty, meals you can make for £10 or less. This festive season its time to try some dishes you never knew you would like and have some fun in the kitchen, all while sticking to a budget.

Roast chicken

Yes it is possible to have a great roast during the week and not only will this recipe suit your pocket but it’s also really quick to make. Have a look at what your supermarket has on offer. Sometimes a whole bird can be better than buying pieces and whole birds can either be bought with giblets or without, depending on your preferences. Stick the bird in the oven at 200°C with some chopped carrots and potatoes, cover with tinfoil and cook until golden brown. If you use chicken pieces you can par-cook the chicken in a frying pan before roasting. Drain the juices for great gravy and you are ready to eat.

Celebrity chef recipe

This winter you can make Aldo Zilli’s pesto pappardelle pasta. This easy to make recipe costs less than a pound a person if you feed a family of four. In a food processor mix 1oz fresh basil leaves, 30ml pine nuts, 2 peeled garlic gloves, 1/4pt of olive oil, 1 oz parmesan, 3 oz pecorino and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you don’t want to make your own pesto then simply buy a pre-made one.

Cook 300g of parpardelle pasta in boiling water (alternatively you can use fettuccine or any ribbon pasta). Fry some pancetta or sliced bacon, add a cup of mushrooms and season with pepper. When everything is cooked, mix it together and serve with grated parmesan cheese. If you buy a large amount of ingredients and have left over, save them for a couple of days and make the dish again!

Sausage and mushroom crumble

This home style meal fits into a budget and is a unique family meal. First skin four sausages and cut each one into about three pieces and shape into small balls. Cook one finely chopped onion in a frying pan until soft, add the sausage balls and cook until brown. Now add 4oz of mushrooms and when cooked add a dash of milk and a can of mushroom soup and simmer. Put the mixture into baking trays and sprinkle with a mixture of 2 ½oz self-raising flour and 1 3/4oz butter, bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown on a heat of 200°C.

For other great recipes visit allrecipes.co.uk or mirror.co.uk. The most important thing is to have fun with your cooking, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll be amazed at the meals you can come up with, even on a budget.

Tags: christmas, Christmas recipes