1. Rice

A staple in cuisines worldwide, rice is affordable, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s the main character in a risotto, or an accompaniment to a curry or stir fry, rice is essential in your pantry. 

2. Lentils

Quick to cook and very nutritious, lentils are your ticket to hearty soups, stews, and salads. Bonus: They’re packed with protein and are a great choice if you’re cooking vegan.

3. Beef Mince

Affordable and high in protein, beef mince is a versatile ingredient for making burgers, meatballs, pasta sauces and Mexican dishes like tacos, chilli con carne and burritos. It’s a cheaper cut which still allows you to cook quick, healthy and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

4. Potatoes

Affordable and versatile, potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or turned into fries. They’re the ultimate for soaking up delicious gravies and sauces in comforting winter warmers like beef goulash, topping a cottage pie or fisherman’s pie, or adding creamy depth to a leek soup. Have a look at this guide for lots of different ways to stuff a potato – they’re a complete meal, cost effective and really delicious.

5. Canned Tomatoes

A pantry must-have! A staple in Italian and Mexican cooking, they form the base of endless sauces and soups. They're inexpensive and bring depth of flavour to your dishes. Enrich a Mexican bean sauce with tomatoes in this delicious brunch dish, stuff them and bake them in the oven in this baked egg recipe, or use them in a rich tomato sauce for chicken cacciatore.

Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge when these ingredients are your go-to. Have a look at our Weekly Specials to see what’s on special at Hill Street this week and stock up on some staples.