When I was an impoverished student I lived next door to my best friend, she and I used to take it in turns to cook for each other.It saved on ingredients and fuel bills. This is a tradition I have carried on with other friends over the years. This particular recipe only costs a matter of pennies for a meal for two. At today’s prices in the UK this would cost you 75pence ( just over 1 USA dollar) Also after you have made the meal all you would need to buy for next time would be the tin of tomatoes and the onion as the rest of the ingredients would be stored for next time.

Spaghetti with Lentil and Chilli Sauce

Ingredients

• 100 grams of red split lentils
• 1x 400 grams tin of tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
• 1 large onion
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder ( this can be adjusted to  taste)
• 2 servings of spaghetti ( see packet, I do this by eye)
• 4 tablespoons of water
• 1 Tablespoon sunflower oil

Method

Slice and fry the onions over a medium heat until soft

Add the chili powder and tomato puree to the onions and fry for a further minute

Add the lentils and the tomatoes, bring to the boil and then turn heat down so the the sauce simmers

Keep stirring the lentils and adding the water until the lentils are cooked

Whilst this is simmering boil a pan of water and add the dried pasta, boil for approximately 13 to 14 minutes

Drain the pasta and pour over the sauce, you now have a cheap, nutritious and delicious meal for two, enjoy!