This is a quick, hearty, oil-free lunch or dinner that can be prepared in minutes. It can be made even quicker if you use microwaveable rice but I prefer the taste of fresh cooked rice. Fresh rice does take 25 minutes but I find it quick and easy to throw one part rice to two parts water, boil, cook covered for 20 minutes on low heat, fluff with fork, and let sit for 5 minutes. 

The Sainsbury’s tin of five beans in mild chilli sauce is perfect for my kids but I needed to add a big spoonful of salsa to the top of my bowl. Adding fresh cilantro/coriander really elevates the flavor of this dish without adding any cost if you already grow herbs on your kitchen windowsill or in your garden.

Cost breakdown:

  • 1 serving rice 4p
  • 1/2 tin Sainsbury’s mixed beans in mild chilli sauce 32p (or Tesco kidney beans in mild chili sauce)
  • 1/8 head of lettuce 5p
  • 2 cherry tomatoes 4p
  • Big spoonful of salsa 8p (maybe 1/10 of a 300g jar from Tesco?)
  • Cilantro/coriander free from garden as a garnish

Total: 53p

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