ooking with food that you might otherwise simply throw out makes, sense in all sorts of ways. Making something tasty from languishing fruit or vegetables, extending the life of fresh meat by using marinades, preserving gluts of fruit or vegetables in jams or chutneys, or simply using up a bowlful of leftover meat, rice or pasta will not only save you money but also make a substantial environmental difference. This kind of thrifty cooking is not about making an impression. Most of the time it’s more likely to be throwing something together quickly for lunch or an evening in front of the telly or with a good book. It’s about being relaxed without compromising on quality and taste, this is the kind of cooking that you simply can’t be fetishistic about. This is not the place for purism or marvellous presentation. So that’s a relief.

here's no need to rehash the same old meat endlessly throughout the week and there’s plenty of inspiration out there: think of Italy, where leftover dishes such as Ribollita, Arancini and Bread Salad or ‘Panzanella’ are some of the finest in the repertoire. Thrifty cooking is mostly common sense: fresh herbs and good spices are essential components of making food tasty; one simple extra ingredient from a store cupboard or picked up on the way home can transform all the bits in the fridge that need to be used up; meat that’s already been cooked is not going to give up any more juices.

his is not about bland dinners for the sake of saving a chicken wing. With fresh cream in just about every corner shop, olive oil on every shelf and inspiration flooding in from all corners of the globe, there is nothing stopping Thrifty Cooking from being as good (or better) than it was the first time around. So take a look at what you have to hand and then decide what kind of taste and texture you want and what kind of cooking you’re in the mood for: a soup, pie or stir-fry, a salad, stew or bake?

Sky News

Kate talks about the philosophy of Thrifty Cooking, its inpact on communities, the environment (and your wallet)

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