In a world grappling with the rising cost of living, finding ways to cut expenses is crucial. One woman has taken this challenge head-on, offering budget-friendly recipes that have captivated the internet. Lauren Leyva, a former architect, traded her blueprints for pots and pans, launching a full-time food business called ‘The Starving Student.’ Her mission? To help people eat well without breaking the bank.
Leyva’s recipes, designed to feed a family of four for under £5, have garnered millions of views online. Her diverse repertoire includes meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan options, all emphasizing minimal food waste. “I was a student for seven years and completed my architect training,” Leyva explains. “But setting up my food and recipe business through university is now a full-time business and helps over 70,000 people save money while eating well.”
Her passion for cooking, nurtured by her Spanish father, began at a young age. “My dad taught me to cook from the age of four,” she recalls. “Cooking remains the biggest bonding activity between us, and he was the reason I originally started sharing food photos on social media.”
Leyva’s popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown when she led a BBC radio segment called “Tasty Tuesdays.” With people confined to home and seeking creative ways to use limited ingredients, her low-cost, low-waste recipes struck a chord. One of her most popular dishes, a tomato soup recipe, has been viewed over a million times. “That tomato soup recipe resulted in 16,000 new social media followers, and the recipe was saved by over 20,000 people. I make four portions of it for under £5,” she says.
The recipe’s simplicity is key to its appeal. Using just three main ingredients—garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper—Leyva created a roasted tomato, red pepper, and garlic soup. “I wanted to create a recipe that required only what I had in the fridge at the time. The internet agreed with its low cost and minimal ingredients.”
Leyva is also known for sharing practical tips for saving money at the supermarket. “When you go to the supermarket, crouch down and look at the lower shelves,” she advises. “These are typically where the cheaper, unbranded products are placed. Also, look at the price per 100g or unit rather than the main price to find the best deals.”
She recommends stocking up on long-lasting items like tinned or jarred foods and advocates for batch cooking to save time and money. “Batch cooking is especially great for students and families with limited time. Spend a night cooking two big meals and freeze portions for later.”
Leyva’s passion extends to reducing food waste, a cause she considers paramount. “Wasted food is your hard-earned money down the drain. Stretching the life of food will save you money.” She encourages planning meals ahead, organizing the fridge, and avoiding impulse buys by always shopping with a list.
Her commitment to helping others save money and reduce waste is evident in her meal planners available on her website. “I hope I can continue inspiring those in need of help or inspiration in the kitchen,” she concludes.
