Exploring the cost and pasta-bilities of spaghetti bolognaise

Whether smothered in a napolitana sauce with meatballs or laced with pesto cream and chargrilled chicken breast, pasta remains a firm family favourite. Accoladed for its versatility this ‘love-to-hate-hate-to-love’ carb has crept its way into many South Africans’ hearts through the humble but popular spaghetti bolognaise. Justmoney decided to conduct a price comparison between a meat and meat-free option of this traditional dish as adapted from Feasting at home.

Meat option

Ingredients and cost

*The below sections make use of Pick n Pay pricing and was correct at the time of publication.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Serves: 4

Meat-free option

For the full recipe, click here.

If you’re interested in really treating yourself and making a decadent gourmet version here are a few suggestions:

The results are in…

And yes, you may have guessed it!

The meat-free option is R50.44 cheaper. This proving a lovely economical option especially when you’re catering for vegetarians. If need be, and according to taste, you can bulk up the meat-free option with the use of mushrooms or carrots or even table celery. This will however alter the cost.

Apart from the subtle variances between the recipes and the obvious costing difference, there are other ways you can mix up the recipe that won’t necessarily make a difference to the taste but will make the meal lighter on your pocket. 

This comforting dish has a way of reminding one of dinners around your grandmother’s kitchen table, but nostalgia doesn’t have to cost a “pretty penne”. When next you’re in the mood for a culinary trip down memory lane or stumped as to what to make on a meat-free Monday, why not give this recipe a go.