Frugal feasts

These recipes will inspire you to rethink what is possible while cooking on a budget.

Salmon cakes with apple salad

PREP + COOK TIME 50 MINUTES (+ FREEZING) SERVES 4

1 Make apple salad.

2 Drain salmon; discard skin and bones, flake salmon. Drain on paper towel.

3 Combine mayonnaise and rind in a medium bowl; stir in salmon, potato and chives, season. Shape mixture into 8 patties.

4 Place flour, egg and breadcrumbs into separate shallow bowls. Dust patties in flour, shake away excess. Dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Place patties on a tray; freeze for 10 minutes until firm but not frozen.

5 Heat ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat; cook patties, in batches, for 4 minutes each side or until golden. Drain on paper towel.

6 Serve salmon cakes with apple salad, aïoli and lemon wedges.
APPLE SALAD Whisk vinegar, oil and mustard in a medium bowl until combined. Add apple, radish and coriander; toss gently to combine, season to taste.

One-pan sausage bake

SERVE WITH crusty baguette and mustard, if liked.

PREP + COOK TIME 40 MINUTES SERVES 4

1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan.

2 Heat a large flameproof baking dish over high heat. Cook sausages until browned all over. Add capsicum and onion; season.

3 Transfer dish to oven; roast for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, roast a further 15 minutes or until sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4 Meanwhile, bring the water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in polenta, reduce heat to low; cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in cream; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in parmesan; season to taste.