What’s that, another rate rise on top of the fact that we are living in a cost of living crisis. And I’m looking to make smarter choices when I complete the family grocery shop. A family of four estimated monthly costs are $6,000 without a mortgage payment or rent. Looking at a family of six and I would say that we average about $8000 – with a large chunk being food.

I’m stretching out the lamb mince with cheeper ingredients like pasta – to create a winter-warmer that fills my family. You can also make your stock from scratch using chicken bones and veggie scraps from your weekly baked dinner (instead of purchasing something that is store bought and probably full of salt).

If you’re interested in ‘Scrappy Cooking’ I would highly recommend following Carleigh Bodrug on Instagram. I really enjoy watching her recipes and picking up some awesome trips and tricks to make my ingredients go further.

Recipe: Lamb meatball soup

• 500 g lamb mince
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 litres low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 1 large bag of baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

In a large bowl, gently combine the lamb, onion, feta cheese, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the salt, and pepper until well mixed. Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, being careful not to squeeze the mixture too vigorously (working gently ensures tender meatballs).

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is warm, add the meatballs and cook, turning, until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate to rest.

Add the chicken stock into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the orzo, meatballs and 1/2 the spinach – cook until the pasta is tender.

Top each bowl of soup with extra spinach and cheese.

Have you ever whipped up a recipe from my blog? I would love for you to let me know…So I don’t feel as if I am just writing all this stuff down for nothing… If you choose to whip up one of my recipes , then I would love for you to share it on social media, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #goodfoodweek.