Learning Objectives:
- Understand the basics of meal planning on a budget
- Learn how to prepare a simple, nutritious pasta dish
- Develop essential cooking skills
Required Ingredients:
- Pre-packed pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Dried herbs (e.g., basil, oregano)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoon
- Colander
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Chop the onion and garlic finely.
2. Making the Sauce:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the tinned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon.
- Stir in the dried herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
3. Cooking the Pasta:
- Fill a large saucepan with plenty of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta in a colander.
4. Serving:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Eating on a Budget:
- Look for pasta on offer or consider buying bulk quantities.
- Tinned tomatoes are often cheaper than fresh.
- Dried herbs are more economical than fresh.
- Leftover sauce can be frozen for future meals.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces to add variety.
Additional Notes:
- For added flavor and texture, consider adding grated cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt to the finished dish.
- To make the meal more substantial, serve with a side salad or a slice of wholegrain bread.
- Note: Always follow food hygiene guidelines when preparing food. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling food.
