It’s officially spring, which means a fresh new menu of fruits and vegetables featured on the shelves. But did you know that timing your shopping to what’s in season can be one of the easiest ways to save on your grocery bill? 

Portland’s plant and growing guru, Catherine Francis, has a 60-square-metre organic veggie garden in her backyard. She recommends shopping for seasonal produce, as it's often more affordable, fresher, and packed with flavour.

So, which vegetables are in season right now?

“Both cauliflower and broccoli are bountiful in my garden at the moment and well priced to buy as well, and oh so healthy for us too,” Francis told the Brolga.  

She noted asparagus and snow pea season are also in full swing. 

“We still have some cold days upon us so a pot of leek and potato soup is a winner.”

“Leeks are looking great at the moment and with a generous lash of butter to cook to soften them before you add the potato and vegetable stock really makes this soup shine.” 

The Brolga has sourced some cheap recipes featuring Catherine’s picks to inspire your weekly meal plan, all under $10 per serve.

Garlic Beef, Broccoli and Cauliflower Stir Fry - from thelittlekitchen.net

Serves four
Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min

The total cost of ingredients for this recipe according to Coles comes to $30.47, making the cost per serve of this dish $7.61.

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked rice

7 garlic cloves, minced and divided in half

1 tsp sesame oil

Three and a half tbsp oyster sauce

500g stir fry beef

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 green onions, chopped (whites & greens separated)

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2-3 cups broccoli, chopped

2 cups cauliflower, chopped

Click here for the full recipe

Spring Pasta with Asparagus and Snow Peas - from nothangryanymore.com

Serves four
Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min 

The total cost of ingredients for this recipe according to Coles comes to $21.56, making the cost per serve of this dish $5.39.

Ingredients

500g dried pasta

1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic

250g cherry tomatoes

200g asparagus

200g snow peas

Half a lemon

1 handful fresh basil

1 handful fresh parsley

1 spring onion

Salt and pepper, to taste

Click here for the full recipe

Potato and Leek Soup from taste.com

Serves four 

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min

The total cost of ingredients for this recipe according to Coles comes to $32.24, making the cost per serve of this dish $8.04.

Ingredients 

60 ml (quarter cup) olive oil

1 brown onion, halved, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

4 medium potatoes (about 700g) Desiree or Pontiac, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes

2 leeks, pale section only, washed, dried, thinly sliced

1.25 litres (5 cups) vegetable stock

3 thick slices of bread (crusts removed), cut into 2 cm cubes

Extra olive oil (for croutons and to serve)

125ml (half a cup) thickened cream

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

Click here for the full recipe