Easter feast on a budget: Tips on how to enjoy family favourites without breaking the bank

CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson speaks with Justine Drake, Masterchef SA judge, foodie, and editor

Listen below:

Providing a family feast over the Easter weekend can be a costly endeavour.

Thankfully, it doesn't have to be.

Even your go-to Easter treats like pickled fish and roast lamb can be prepared affordably.

Drake shares her top tips to help your Easter feasts stretch further, without compromising on your favourites.

One Easter favourite, lamb, has become incredibly expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to go without it.

“Lamb is, for many, synonymous with Easter.”

- Justine Drake, Masterchef SA judge 

Drake suggests replacing a lamb oven roast with slow roasted lamb served in Greek or Turkish style, accompanied by pita bread and sides.

This also makes for a great meal that encourages your guests to contribute items, such as tzatziki or pitas, so the responsibility isn't solely yours.

“I never go to any lunch or dinner without asking what I can bring.”

- Justine Drake, Masterchef SA judge 

She also recommends going with lamb shoulder over leg of lamb.

Moving on to pickled fish, another Easter staple, Drake recommends preparing a pickled fish pâté instead to achieve the same flavour at a quarter of the cost.

How to do this? Mash butter beans or cannellini beans with the sauce, lemon peels, and parsley, then fold in the fish.

RELATED: How to ensure you're long-distance ready this Easter

“It is utterly delicious and goes so far.”

- Justine Drake, Masterchef SA judge

She also recommends opting for an Easter brunch and preparing delicious dishes like potato frittata and snoek kedgeree.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.