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Peter Noanoa

Father of four tamariki

The kids help in the kitchen by cooking simple meals like French Toast, and the oldest one makes some mince-based meals.

The kids also help around the kitchen by peeling, grating, gathering kai and cutting veges.

Tips

Have some easy meals on hand like supermarket pizza base and add healthy toppings and vegetables – healthier, cheaper and tastier than takeaway pizzas.

Involve the kids in shopping, so you get the healthy food they like and you don’t waste your money.

Peter’s favourite recipes

Nachos

 

Evening meals

Evening meals can be a challenge after a long day. Check out these low-cost, quick and easy options.

Fast minestrone soup
Preparation time: 40 minutes

Minestrone is a complete meal in a bowl. If you have vegetables in the freezer and cans of tomatoes and beans in the cupboard, this soup is a fast family meal for only $3.32 per person.

Chicken chop suey
Preparation time: 20 minutes

This is quite cheap because you don't need much meat at all – in fact, it’s fine to miss it out completely. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Vegetable slice
Preparation time: 45 minutes

An easy way to eat more veggies! Just chop vegetables, pour over egg mixture and bake. Use whatever veggies you have in the fridge, freezer or pantry.

Hamburgers
Preparation time: 30 minutes

The kids will enjoy creating their own burger. Plus, these are cheaper and healthier than takeaways.

Crunchy potato wedges
Preparation time: 40 minutes

An easy, tasty, healthy alternative to deep-fried store-bought wedges. And, cheap at less than 50 cents per person.

Crispy fish pieces
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Fish can be a cheap, easy and filling meal - look out for specials at the supermarket. Frozen hoki or dory fillets are also a good alternative to fresh fish - these are in the frozen food section of the supermarket. A healthy and tasty alternative to deep-fried fish.

Sweet and sour pork
Preparation time: 25 minutes

Tasty, fast Chinese favourite. This home-made version takes only 25 minutes - just as fast as going to the take-away store!

Spinach and potato tortilla
Preparation time: 30 minutes

If you can chop vegetables and beat eggs, you can make this!

Stella's pork fried rice
Preparation time: 30 minutes

A tasty alternative to store-bought takeaways. This is a great way to use left-over rice. Any time you cook rice, cook double the amount and freeze half for fast, easy meals like this.

Vegetarian shepherd’s pie
Preparation time: 1 hour

A very tasty, economical version of an old favourite. Add or change some of the vegetables to suit what you have in the cupboard or what's in season.