Easy, affordable, and delicious plant-based dinners.
Imagine cooking a delicious meal for under £5 per person, featuring an array of colorful vegetables, wholesome grains, and legumes that offer both nutrients and satisfaction. This concept not only caters to those with tight budgets but also presents an opportunity to explore diverse culinary traditions. Plant-based cooking encourages creativity; a single ingredient can be transformed into various meals that tickle the palate and nourish the body.
Meal Ideas & Planning Guide: Delicious and Affordable Dinners Under £5
Below are five weeknight dinner ideas that keep costs down while maximising flavour, nutrition, and satisfaction. Each dish is designed to serve two people comfortably, with pricing based on average UK supermarket costs (as of 2025).
1. Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry – £4.60 total (£2.30 pp)
Why it works:
A rich, satisfying curry that’s ready in 25 minutes and uses pantry staples like tinned chickpeas and coconut milk.
Ingredients:
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1 tin chickpeas (£0.65)
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1 tin coconut milk (£1.20)
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1 onion (£0.25)
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2 cloves garlic (£0.10)
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1 tbsp curry powder (£0.15)
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200g basmati rice (£1.25)
Budget Tip: Buy rice in bulk and use frozen spinach or kale for extra greens at no extra fuss.
2. Smoky Sweet Potato & Black Bean Wraps: £4.50 total
Why it works:
Sweet potatoes and black beans are a match made in heaven, hearty, smoky, and full of fibre.
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2 medium sweet potatoes (£1.00)
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1 tin black beans (£0.75)
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1 red pepper (£0.50)
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4 tortilla wraps (£1.20)
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Spices (smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder) (£1.05, small jar use £0.25)
Quick Prep: Roast sweet potatoes while you sauté peppers and beans ready in 30 minutes.
3. Lentil & Tomato Pasta: £4.10 total
Why it works:
Comforting, protein-packed, and incredibly cheap. Red lentils give the sauce a meaty texture without the cost or cholesterol.
Ingredients:
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200g red lentils (£0.80)
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400g pasta (£1.00)
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1 tin chopped tomatoes (£0.70)
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1 onion (£0.25)
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2 tbsp olive oil (£0.60)
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Italian herbs (£0.25)
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Garlic, salt, and pepper to taste (£0.50)
Time: 25 minutes start to finish.
4. Vegetable Fried Rice with Tofu: £4.90 total
Why it works:
Turn leftover rice into a balanced, flavourful dish packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients:
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200g firm tofu (£1.70)
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2 cups leftover rice (£0.00 if reused)
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1 carrot, 1 courgette, 1 spring onion (£1.50)
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Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger (£1.70 for all; ~£0.70 portion use)
Tip: Marinate tofu in soy sauce and ginger for extra depth of flavour.
5. Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: £5.00 total
Why it works:
Classic British comfort food, but plant-based — packed with lentils, carrots, peas, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
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250g brown lentils (£0.90)
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3 medium potatoes (£1.00)
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1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 cup frozen peas (£1.80)
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Tomato purée & stock cube (£0.80)
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Vegan butter & herbs (£0.50)
Cooking time: 40 minutes.
Conclusion: Affordable, Delicious, and Planet-Friendly
Eating plant-based on a budget is less about restriction and more about creativity. These meals prove that with simple ingredients and a touch of planning, you can cook dinners that are delicious, balanced, and easy on your wallet. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, making these recipes part of your weeknight rotation will save money, time, and maybe even the planet one tasty meal at a time.
