With ever-rising food prices becoming a concern, many opt for the low-cost food ranges available in our supermarkets. However, a report by the National Consumer Council in 2006 shows that most bargain basement lines contain significantly more salt - as well as more fat and sugar - than their more expensive counterparts, with only 35% of low-cost ranges meeting the Food Standards Agency's new sodium target. As all the ingredients in Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook: 200 Budget Meals are chosen and cooked by you, they're the best way to monitor your salt, sugar and fat intake levels while keeping the cost of your meals to a minimum.

Sunil Vijayakar was born in Bombay, where, while working as a food stylist for the film industry, he founded a successful catering company. He is now based in London and specializes in preparing food for photography. He has written a number of books for Hamlyn including Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook: 200 Curries and Fresh Indian, and contributes to many popular weekly and monthly publications.

STARTERS & SNACKS. Including: Warm goats' cheese & chive souffles; Deep fried goats' cheese with rocket & red onion marmalade; Smoked trout; Caramelized onion & mushroom quesadillas; Tomato risoni soup; SALADS & VEGETABLES. Including: Mushroom stroganoff; Golden mushroom & leek pies; Celery, red onion & new potato salad; Curried cauliflower with tomatoes & chickpeas; Baked aubergines with mozzarella; RICE, PASTA & GRAINS. Including: Ribbon pasta with aubergine & pine nuts; Summer vegetable fettuccine; Lemon & chilli prawn linguine; Mixed bean kedgeree; Broad bean & pea risotto; MEAT & POULTRY. Including: Chicken ratatouille; Chicken & spinach masala; Honey-soy duck breasts with plum & mango salsa; Pork & red pepper chilli; Mexican pie; Minted lamb skewers; Spicy pork rolls with minted yogurt; Bobotie; FISH & SHELLFISH Including: Chargrilled mustard salmon with lime courgettes; Monkfish kebabs with coriander, chilli & spring onion mash; Grilled rainbow trout with cucumber relish; Creamy prawn curry; Thai style coconut mussels; Nicoise spaghetti; DESSERTS Including: Apricot tartlets; Fig & honey pots; Pineapple with lime & chilli syrup; Madelines; Lemon cookies; Mango & passion fruit fool; Peach & raspberry tartlets;