BBC Easycook January 2023

After the fridge and freezer-emptying excesses of Christmas, I've become obsessed with batch cooking, especially soup, like this one (right). (New Year, New Soup, anyone?). It's so rewarding re-stocking with family meals that are a doddle to re-heat, especially when my teenage boys get home from school – check out the recipes we've created on p62. Of course, saving money without compromising on quality is on every home cook's mind right now, so try our collection of simple storecupboard suppers, from just 74p per serving (p8). And, if your kids love chips as much as mine do, mix them up a bit with tasty toppings (p28). Plus, find speedy sweet treats you can make in the microwave on p16. A thrifty, happy new year to you all. Editor…

NEXT LEVEL DIPPERS ◼ Serves 4 ◼ Prep 10 mins ◼ Cook 40 mins VEGETARIAN FREEZABLE Soup only 1 onion, roughly chopped 1 stick celery, roughly chopped 25g butter, plus extra for the bread 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 750ml vegetable stock 1 tbsp creamed horseradish (optional) 100ml double cream or milk FOR THE CHEESE DIPPERS yeast extract, for spreading 4 long slices sourdough l00g cheddar, sliced 1 Cook the onion and celery in the butter over a low-medium heat until softened, then add the garlic and stir for 2 mins. Add the tomatoes, ketchup and stock, and season. Simmer for 20 mins. Stir in the horseradish, if using, and cream or milk. Warm through. Blend until smooth. 2 Meanwhile, spread some yeast extract on one side…

Turkey tortilla pie Serves 4 Prep 5 mins Cook 25 mins 2 onions, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra if needed 2 tsp ground cumin 500g pack turkey mince 1 ½ tbsp chipotle paste 400g can chopped tomatoes 400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 198g can sweetcorn, drained 2 corn tortillas, snipped into triangles small handful grated Cheddar 2 spring onions, finely sliced 1 Cook the onions in the oil in a deep flameproof casserole dish for 8 mins until soft. Add the cumin and cook for 1 min more. Stir in the mince and add a bit more oil, if needed. Turn up the heat and cook for 4-6 mins, stirring occasionally, until the mince is browned. 2 Stir in the chipotle paste, tomatoes and half a…

BUDGET FRIENDLY AND EASY TOO Falafel tabbouleh withlrmon yogurt, p10 Falafel tabbouleh with lemon yogurt Serves 4 Prep 5 mins Cook 15 mins VEGETARIAN 16 ready-made falafel 200g couscous 2 large lemons, 1 zested, both juiced 3 tbsp olive oil bunch spring onions, finely sliced 1 cucumber, halved and sliced small bunch of mint, leaves roughly chopped large bunch of parsley, leaves roughly chopped 150ml tub natural yogurt 1 Cook the falafel following pack instructions and boil the kettle. Tip the couscous into a large bowl, pour over 325ml boiling water, cover, then leave to stand for 5 mins until absorbed. 2 Fluff up the couscous with a fork, then stir through the lemon zest, juice from 1½ lemons, the olive oil, spring onions, cucumber, mint and ¾ of the parsley and some seasoning. Tip onto…

GET THE BEST FROM WHAT'S LEFT Until a few years ago, the idea of not using leftovers to make another delicious meal would have been unheard of. In fact, many popular dishes like bubble & squeak, were invented to use them up. ◼ It's tempting to leave cooked food sitting on the kitchen worktop to deal with it later, but if you want to cook with leftovers, make sure you cover and chill food as soon as you can once it's cooled. ◼ Always make sure that reheated leftovers are cooked through properly, until piping hot. ◼ As a general rule, don't keep cooked leftovers in the fridge for any longer than three days, but it's best to follow your own judgement. If in doubt, throw it out! ◼ If faced with more leftovers than…

Tasty cottage pies Makes 4 Prep 1 hr Cook 35 mins FREEZABLE FOR THE MEAT LAYER 2 onions 2 tbsp olive oil 500g lean minced beef 2 beef stock cubes 3 tbsp brown sauce 415g can baked beans FOR THE TOPPING 900g large potatoes 3 medium carrots 25g butter good splash milk 40g mature cheddar 4 small tomatoes cooked broccoli or peas, to serve (optional) 1 Slice then fry onions Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Halve the onions on the chopping board using the sharp knife. Peel off the skins, then thinly slice the onions. Heat oil in a large frying pan, add the onions (take care the oil doesn't spit), then fry them until golden, stirring occasionally. 2 Add the meat Add the mince, breaking up the block of meat with the wooden spoon until it…