The perfect night in
Staying in is the new going out. Well, it is when you’re out of money at least. But banish thoughts of Saturday night TV, or evenings spent uploading pictures of happier times onto Facebook. Instead, take your tiny tiny budget, and put it to good use, giving you and your pals an evening of suave sophistication. Food, booze, a group of you all similarly destitute: what more do you need?
You need recipes and ideas. What to cook, what to cook? Mexican food, apart from tasting great, is a really cheap option when making in bulk. And the great thing is you’ll find some of these items already in your cupboard.
Viva Mexico!
Getting the right atmosphere is half the battle for a truly great dinner party. This doesn’t have to be too elaborate, just try keeping with a red, white and green colour scheme (a la the Mexico flag). Dig out any ponchos you may have lying around and sombreros. After a few months at uni you’re bound to have some fancy dress lying around…you can encourage your guests to dress up too.
Have a search on Amazon for some cheap Mexican music to help set the mood. I managed to find Mexico by Luis Mariachis Gonzales for 68p! And for a little interior theming: If you have any cacti lying around use them as table pieces, otherwise pop into a garden centre or make some cardboard cacti Blue Peter style. Don’t forget the sticky back plastic!
Starter
Start off nice and simple with some tortilla crisps with salsa and dips. If you’re on the alcohol bring out the tequila for some Latin American fun…don’t forget the salt and the lemons! This will help things get off to a swinging and cheap start. The food totals £1.06 and the drink £10.83
Main
You can’t go Mexican without having chilli con carne. There’s a few options here, beef or Quorn and pre-made chilli sauce or make your own. For this recipe we’ll use Quorn and MYO chilli sauce but the alternative comes in at £3.60.
First of all pop the rice on. This is the item which is likely to take the longest, read the instructions on the back for exact details but a rough guide is to bring a pan of water to the boil and heat the rice thoroughly for 12 minutes before draining. Now on to the proper stuff: take a frying pan or a wok and heat a little oil. Pour in one pack of frozen quorn and start to heat at a medium heat. This should only take a few minutes to heat through, so in the meantime start preparing the sauce. Slice one onion finely and stir in with the quorn, then add one large tin of chopped tomatoes and another for both the chilli and black beans. Next add a drop of wine or beer, finishing up with a little chilli sauce, some salt and some pepper for seasoning. Stir this in thoroughly, it will be ready after three minutes.
Meanwhile, pop the tacos in the oven for approximately three minutes until crispy and serve alongside the chilli and rice. Garnish with a little salad and some grated cheese for a truly sublime main course. Wash down with a fine Mexican larger or something fizzy.
Dessert
For an interesting dessert with a Mexican slant try jalapeño brownies. To make it simple take a simple brownie mix where adding water is all that is required. Then dice 2 -3 jalapeño peppers, ensuring you remove all the seeds. Mix the peppers in with the brownie mix and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at around 200oc. Serve with cream.
Entertainment
For your post-feast entertainment consider watching The Mexican with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts available through Amazon for £1.49 or maybe A Mexican Werewolf in Texas for £4.60; and don’t forget those party tunes that are setting the mood! Maybe try pin the tail on the donkey or get a piñata for £7.99 from Wilkinsons.
Shopping List (based on Tesco prices for four people)
Tortillas – 18p x 2 – 36p
Salsa – 70p
Salad - £1
Quorn - £1.89
Onion – 18p
Chopped Tomatoes – 21p
Chili Beans – 27p x2 – 54p
Black Beans – 29p
Cheese - £1.49
Tacos - £1.38 for 12
Rice – 79p
Brownie Mix – 86p
Jalepeno Peppers - £1.50
Cream -27p
Mexican Beer – £3.69 for 4
Tequila – £9.99
Salt – 24p
Lemon – 60p
