As winter tightens its grip and food prices continue to squeeze household budgets, a resourceful mother has shared a simple culinary solution that is warming hearts and wallets alike. Jo, known online as This Mum Cooks, has demonstrated how to create a delicious, hearty soup for just 35p per portion, offering a tasty and affordable alternative to expensive tinned soups.
The Recipe That Beats The Tin
The inspiration for this thrifty dish struck after Jo purchased a tin of Heinz 'Big Soup' for £2.20. Determined to create a more economical version, she developed her own recipe using a handful of low-cost ingredients. Her shopping list included a 1kg bag of frozen vegetables, a tin of lentils, a stock cube, 750ml of water, and salt and pepper for seasoning.
Speaking directly to her 284,000 TikTok followers in a recent video, Jo laid out her ingredients, emphasising the staggering value. "This tin of soup just cost me £2.20, I can't believe I spent £2.20 on that and I managed to get all of this for just £2.05," she explained, showcasing the components for her bulk batch.
Simple Steps to a Hearty Meal
Jo's method is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. She began with an optional step to enhance the flavour: softening a chopped onion with a tablespoon of oil and spices like cumin and chilli powder in a pan.
The core of the recipe comes together quickly. "Next, toss in the whole bag of frozen veg," she advised, followed by the drained and rinsed lentils. A stock cube and 750ml of water complete the mixture. "Bring this to the boil, season well with salt and pepper, cover and leave to simmer on low for around about 20 minutes," Jo instructed.
The final result can be served as a chunky broth or blended to a smooth consistency, depending on personal preference. The soup is not only cheap but practical, lasting three days in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer.
A Hit With Home Cooks
The recipe has been met with enthusiasm online, sparking a conversation about the benefits of homemade food. One commenter nostalgically remarked, "I remember when tinned soup was the meal you ate when trying to save money!"
Others praised the simplicity and health benefits. "I think making soup from what you have is such a cash saver," one person wrote, while another added, "I never used frozen veg in my soups but will do now." The consensus was clear: "Can't beat home made soup." Jo's convincing demonstration and the recipe's undeniable value have inspired many to ditch the tin opener and reach for the stock pot instead.
