Good food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. For chef, TV personality, and Diabetes Australia Ambassador Miguel Maestre, cooking well on a budget is all about planning, creativity, and making smart choices.

Miguel’s philosophy is simple: “We just need to be smarter. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save.” His approach to budget-friendly cooking is grounded in practical tips that anyone can follow:

• Plan ahead: Knowing what you’re cooking each day helps reduce impulse buys and food waste. Sharing your meal plan with your family also encourages collaboration and accountability.
• Buy in bulk: Staples like rice, pasta, legumes, and whole chickens are cost-effective and versatile. Bulk prepping allows you to transform one base dish into multiple meals—think Bolognese that becomes tacos, burritos, or cottage pie.
• Use everything: Waste not, want not. That roast chicken carcass? Boil it down for a rich, homemade stock that adds depth to soups and sauces.
• Shop smart: Avoid shopping when hungry and resist the temptation of large quantities of premium cuts. A small piece of quality steak, sliced thin and served with plenty of veggies, is just as satisfying and enjoyable.
• Roast your veggies: Simple ingredients like carrots become flavour-packed delights when roasted with mustard and olive oil.

Miguel’s love for fresh, honest ingredients is at the heart of his cooking. He’s a passionate advocate for native Australian produce, celebrating ingredients like lemon myrtle, pepperberry, bush tomatoes, and salt clams. “I love using lemon myrtle, it has a very Mediterranean taste,” he says. “And pepperberry—the leaves burn in your mouth!”

His pantry is a vibrant mix of tropical fruits, leafy greens, and everyday staples. “Cos lettuce! It is the most underrated ingredient in the world,” he laughs.

From avocados and mangoes to tomatoes and garlic, Miguel’s meals are a celebration of freshness and flavour.

Miguel’s cooking is not just about saving money, it’s about finding joy. His dishes reflect a deep connection to culture, land, and wellbeing. By embracing simplicity and making thoughtful choices, Miguel shows us that cooking on a budget can be both delicious and deeply rewarding.