Saving the pennies doesn’t have to mean cutting back on entertaining or treating yourself. Just spend on one luxury ingredient and use it to add flavour to a dish that serves several people to get value for money. Of course, one lobster between six in a luxury macaroni cheese is considerably cheaper than one lobster each, just as a truffle from a jar that costs less than a tenner can add perfume to a whole tray of chicken and potatoes, or a few spoonfuls of pistachio paste can transform a dinner party dessert.
Discover how to make fine ingredients go further with our pick of comforting dinner party meals…
Ibérico pizzetta bianca
Ibérico ham is graded according to the percentage of the pig that is black Iberian (it must be at least 50%) and its diet. The highest quality ham comes from free-range, purebred acorn-eating pigs, but you can try tasting various grades and choose depending on personal taste and affordability.
Truffle chicken & potato gratin
Truffle chicken & potato gratin
Lobster mac & cheese
Steak & chips pie
Season shop-bought pastry with rosemary, parmesan, mustard powder, smoked paprika or chilli powder. This is a quick and easy way to enhance flavour and save yourself time in the kitchen.
Pistachio soufflé with pistachio ice cream
Pistachio soufflé with pistachio ice cream
5 other luxury ingredients to try in small doses
1. Saffron
Made from the stamens of crocuses, you only need a pinch of saffron to add a floral flavour and yellow colour to dishes. Use it in saffron risotto or to poach pears.
2. Wild mushrooms
Wild mushrooms (not farmed varieties) are seasonal and expensive, but a few go a long way. Use them to spruce up a budget soup, gratin, risotto or tart.
3. Cognac
A decent bottle of this fine French brandy costs £35-£40, so buy half bottles or miniatures and use it to add finesse to rich cream and crème fraîche-based sauces, or to soak dried fruit.
4. Manchego
Made from the rich milk of the Manchega sheep in the La Mancha region of Spain and aged for at least two months, it has a complex nutty flavour. Shave into thin slices and add to salads, cauli cheese, or even scones.
5. Matcha
Matcha is an ingredient gaining in popularity. A very finely ground green tea, it’s used in baking to add both flavour and texture. Try it in everything from matcha latte to blondies, pancakes and mousse cake.
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Which other special ingredients do you use for budget entertaining? Leave a comment below…