Budget winter recipes

Whizz up this versatile vegetable soup in a soup maker using your favourite vegetables. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and some herbs

Sophisticated and intensely chocolatey with a hit of juicy raisins and crunchy biscuit pieces, serve this decadent chocolate fridge cake as a teatime treat

A hearty budget meal of spiced red lentils with butternut and tomatoes. Add coriander, cumin, turmeric and a dollop of mango chutney

Make this low-calorie veggie lasagne as a lighter alternative to the traditional bake. It's layered with pasta, ratatouille and sliced aubergine, and packs in all of your five-a-day

A flavour-packed, unusual salad that's delicious warm or cold - works really well as part of a buffet

Marinade tofu with teriyaki sauce and serve with broccoli and noodles or rice to make this easy veggie midweek meal. It takes under 30 minutes to make

Hosting a party? Try this slow-cooker hot chocolate for an easy way to serve a crowd. You could also add your favourite liqueur to each mug

Make this budget-friendly tropical cake with canned or fresh pineapple. If you're using fresh, decorate with pineapple 'flowers' for the wow factor

This warming winter soup is high in fibre, low in fat and can be frozen for ultimate convenience

This microwave banana pudding is a super-speedy dessert that's ready in just 20 minutes. Served with ice cream or yogurt, it's sure to be a hit with the family

Serve up this creamy leek and potato soup on cold days when you want something warming and comforting. Made with a soup maker, it's good for lunch or supper

For a super speedy supper, try Jack Monroe's vegetarian kidney bean chilli - a great way to get 2 of your 5-a-day in this microwavable, midweek meal

Use a soup maker to make this easy, creamy mushroom soup. Chestnut or button mushrooms work well. Serve with crusty bread and freeze any leftovers

Make this beef curry in a pressure cooker for an easy midweek meal. Serve with rice or naan bread to mop up the juices

Batch cook a delicious and healthy spaghetti bolognese in your slow cooker. Freeze the leftovers for easy midweek dinners when you're more pushed for time

Blend this comforting and colourful carrot and coriander soup in a soup maker. Serve straight away with crusty bread or freeze it

Make a batch of this warming butternut squash soup in a soup maker for an easy lunch or supper. The chilli gives it a nice kick

Try this slow cooked smoky chicken as an easy alternative to pulled pork. It's best served in a bun or with rice, and makes a simple dish for a family meal

Use a soup maker to make this easy lentil soup with leek and carrot for lunch or supper. It's filling and nutritious, plus low in calories and fat

Mary Cadogan's aromatic broth will warm you up on a winter's evening - it contains ginger, which is particularly good for colds.

Use whichever beans you have in the cupboard for this richly spiced beef and chipotle slow cooker chilli. It's a perfect meal to prepare for busy weeknights

Cook up a batch of fresh, low-calorie celery soup for a healthy and filling veggie lunch or supper. Serve with chunks of crusty bread

Come home to a warming bowlful of this filling, low-fat soup