Welcome to our cheap eats series! We all know that shopping sustainably is important, but with the cost of living creeping up we are also looking for ways to save a few bob where we can. This series of recipes will focus on making at least four decent portions for under €2 each.
Let’s get started with an absolute classic, that is great for cooler months, filling, and delicious – Potato and Leek soup!
Vegan potato and leek soup
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 5 medium potatoes
- 2 large leeks
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 litres veg stock (make your own from vegetable scraps for an even more budget friendly meal!)
- Salt & pepper
Dice the onion and garlic. Chop the potato and leek into bite-sized pieces. Use the full length of the leek (well washed) including the green tops – they are packed with flavour!
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil to a large saucepan. Cook the onion and garlic until slightly transparent.
Add the potato and leek and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the veggie stock or bouillon and a good grind of black pepper.
Bring your soup to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook till the potato is nice and soft.
Remove from the heat and blend till smooth.
Cheap-o-meter
In November 2022, the ingredients for this recipe cost about €7.50 at Dublin Food Co-op and it made four big servings.
You could also cook 100 grams of chickpeas from dry (also available at the Co-op) to add to the meal for bonus protein and bulk, which will set you back a whopping 50 cents and possibly even give you another serving.
To take this dish to the next level, you could sneak in a cheeky bay leaf when you add the stock, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to serve!