Cheap and tasty filler - Sainsbury's Basics Chopped Tomatoes

Advantages: Cheap

Disadvantages: Rank rotten on their own

You will pay around about 20 pence for these! 

That is a nice cheap addition to your kitchen store cupboard, right? 

Well yes, but don't eat these on their own. They are absolutely perfect for use in things like spaghetti and chilli con carne. I know some people who like eating tomatoes straight out of the tin, and to be honest this is not for me, especially these, as they don't taste as 'sweet' as more expensive brands and they are also a little 'tough'. 

They really do come into their own as a base for many many other meals, especially the stronger flavoured stuff like curries or chilli. They are an ideal choice for anyone who is living on a tight budget and I would say they are ideal for younger people who are living away from the pampering of their parents, who have not quite mastered the art of cookiing a good meal, and who are not rich - yes you know who I mean - students. 

There are so many easy and cheap meals you can make with these, and when you are hungry and lacking in money, the intricacies of ingredients and cooking methods can take a back seat - these easy recipes will suffice. Here is just one 

Mock pizza: 

You need a tin of Sainsbury's Basics Chopped Tomatoes, 4 to 6 slices of value bread, enough grated cheese for 4 to 6 slices of bread, and some dried oregano. 

Get the oregano from a local 'asian' shop, it is generally much cheaper. 

Pour the contents of the tin of tomatoes into the frying pan. Add about a dessertspoon full of dried oregano. Cook the tomatoes for about 5 mins. Mash the cooked tomatoes with a potato masher, or if you have a seive push it through to smooth the toms out a little. 

Toast the bread 

Spread the mashed tomato onto the toast. Sprinkle on the grated cheese. Pop the lot back under the grill, or in the oven till the cheese melts. 

Eat! 

Allright it is hardly a recipe, its just cheese and tomatoes on toast, but it is hot and filling and cheap. 

If you have some garlic, either chop it up and sweat it in the frying pan before adding the tomatoes to the pan.

Summary: A nice cheap base for many budget meals