Resisting takeaways

sluggy1967

Every Friday since we have been together (more than 20 yrs) we have ALWAYS had a takeaway, without fail. It's like a religion "Thou shalt not cook on Fridays"!

julie777

Microwave Jacket Potatoes are my stand-by. If you are cookin 4 that gives you time to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine or beer. They are so delicious! Just add a smear of butter, anything you can find in the fridge. If you chop some fruit and veg while sitting with your wine, I call that cheap AND healthy! My husband favours pasta, noodles and rice but give me a British standard spud anyday. Great topic for this week, thanks to everyone.

lynzpower

I agree, round my way ordering a takeaway will be 30 mins delivery and at least 30 mins umming and ahhing over what we will have / whos gonna phone etc!

CHICKEN BALTI for 2
1 tin value chopped tomatoes
1 pack passata
2 onions
haldful mushrooms
a pepper/ courgette?
tin of chickpeas
chicken/ turkey - as much as you need I use "stir fry turkey" thats about 2.00 a pack in tescos
pataks balti paste

Stick on the water to boil rice
Meanwhile heat large pan with dash of oil. Throw in chicken and stir fry.
throw in all assorted veg and 2 tablespoons balti paste
5 mins later throw in the chopped toms & the passata, and the chick peas
Stir and simmer
Then when the rice is done, your curry will be done.

This never takes me more than half an hour MAX, and it nevr has that slick of oil on the top like most of my local curryhouses seem to specalise in.

Smart price or shops own naan breads are ok for this too, sling them under the grill for a coupole of mins and JOB DONE!

lynzpower

Fajitas - also take less than 5 mins ( unless you are making your own guacamole )

strips of meat, slices onions/ peppers/ courgette
add requisite spices * search the infos on here as to making them without the el paso style mixes*
stir fry
wrap in tortilla wraps- scoff

Newgirl_2

lynzpower wrote: »

Fajitas - also take less than 5 mins ( unless you are making your own guacamole )

strips of meat, slices onions/ peppers/ courgette
add requisite spices * search the infos on here as to making them without the el paso style mixes*
stir fry
wrap in tortilla wraps- scoff

For me, they are garlic, chilli, cumin and whatever herbs you like - I tend to use basil and oregano. Never buy the packets myself cos OH thinks mine is better!

Newgirl

donglefan

I recommend the modern type of pressure cooker by Kuhn Rikon. Unlike old style pc's they are minimal hassle and no risk of explosion. You can make whole family meals or meals for one, depending on the size of pot. They do cost a fair bit but I've not looked back. I've needed new valves after about five years on mine, but you can easily order and replace diy.

You can make a hearty stew in next to no time. Say you want lamb stew, chop up the lamb, get it frying in the cooker, throw some chopped veg in there, sizzle it for a few minutes while you peel potatoes. Add a bit of passata and some water or wine, put on the lid, bring up to temp and it will cook in about 5 minutes with only the one pan, knife and chopping board to wash.
This type of dish is a lot more nutritious and winter-warming than pasta or pizza and takes about the same time.

Pressure cookers are very energy saving too of course.

corris3

when we really need a takeaway and nothing else will do we choose Curry and always cook the rice at home, much cheaper and it's ready by the time one of us has collected or the meal has been delivered. If I'm really oranised I do a naan bread from the freezer as well... bought when reduced or on special offer.

robbo_monkey

I made my OH a kebab/stuffed pitta for tea the other night, had some left over and so froze it for later needs.
basically, stir fry cubed chicken (the equivalent of a breast) with onions and add a teaspoon of curry powder. Add ginger, garlic and chilli to taste and cook on a medium heat. chop a tomato, pepper and a little raw onion if you like and mix in some coriander and mint. when the chicken is cooked (there should be little or no sauce), take it off the heat and stir in the raw ingredients.

Fill some warmed up pittas and enjoy! I add lettuce, houmous, and or spicy mayo to these if i have any available.

The point is, pittas freeze well as does the kebab mix, and what better thing to come home to after a post work drink on a friday evening...?

i'm working on a formula for HM fried chicken and then i'll be free of the take aways forever!!!!

Good luck

Elliesmum

The chinese curry paste is also available from Sainsburys and it tastes just the same. One of my favourite *cheap* takeaways is chips and curry. HM chips and the above sauce is better than the chinese down the road (especially if the OH does it then I feel like I've had the true benefit of a takeaway - he he)

EM xx

PS I really should go to bed!

krispyg76

Sit down and work out how much you have spent on takeaways in a month, ours is alwasy over £10 on chinese a week and usually we have a pizza and gemma will have a kebab so that about £10-12 a week, so we looking well over £80 a month on what is basically c**p food

Why not just buy a pizza from your supermarket. Or even some chicken £3 and a jar of nice curry sauce (£1.50) and some rice (50p), half of what you would pay for a take away for 2 people.