In today's fast-paced world, takeaway meals have become a staple for many households. They offer convenience, variety, and the joy of indulging in delicious dishes without the hassle of cooking.

However, this convenience often comes with a heftyprice tag and are often laden with extra calories.

If you're looking to save money while still enjoying your favourite takeaway dishes, it's time to embrace the "fake-away" trend.

By recreating these meals at home, you can enjoy the same flavours for a fraction of the cost.

Here's how you can get started.

Why Fake-away?

1. Cost Savings: Takeaway meals can add up quickly, especially if you're ordering for a family. By making these meals at home, you can significantly cut down on food expenses. Ingredients bought in bulk or on sale can be used for multiple meals, stretching your budget further.
2. Healthier Options: When you cook at home, you have full control over the ingredients. This means you can opt for healthier alternatives, reduce the amount of oil, salt, and sugar, and ensure your meals are free     from preservatives and additives.
3. Customisation: Love extra cheese on your pizza or want to add more veggies to your stir-fry? When you make your own fake-away, you can customise each dish to suit your preferences, making your meal exactly how you like it.

Popular Fake-away Recipes

Here are some popular takeaway dishes that are easy to recreate at home:

1. Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home is fun and easy. Use a pre-made dough or make your own from scratch. Top it with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favourite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. You can also cook pizza in the airfyrer.  

2.Chicken Kebab

For a delicious chicken kebab, marinate chicken pieces in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked through. Serve with pita bread, salad, and a side of tzatziki sauce.

3. Sweet and Sour Chicken

Recreate this Chinese takeaway favourite by coating chicken pieces in a light batter and frying until crispy. Toss in a homemade sweet and sour sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. Add sweet peppers and pineapple chunks for an authentic touch.

4. Fish and Chips

For a classic British fake-away, try making fish and chips at home. Coat fish fillets in a batter made from flour, baking powder, and beer or sparkling water. Fry until golden and crispy. Serve with homemade chips and a side of mushy peas.

5. Indian Curry

Whip up a rich and flavourful curry using spiceslike turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook your choice of meat or vegetables in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and onions. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

Tips for a Successful Fakeaway Night

1. Plan Ahead: Choose your recipes in advance and make a shopping list of all the ingredients you'll need - Delicious and Real can help you with this! I have hundreds of suitable recipes in my library.
2. Prep in Advance: Marinate meats, chop vegetables, and prepare sauces ahead of time. This will make the cooking process quicker and more enjoyable.
3. Get the Family Involved: Cooking together can be a fun family activity. Assign tasks to each family member and enjoy the process of creating your meal together.
4. Set the Mood: Make your fake-away night special by setting the table, playing some music, and maybe even dressing up. The right ambiance can enhance the overall dining experience.
5. Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and recipes. Cooking is a creative process and trying new things can lead to delicious discoveries.

Conclusion

Fake-away nights are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavours of your favourite takeaways while saving money and eating healthier. With a little planning, creativityand maybe a Delicious and Real membership, you can recreate restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own home.

So, the next time you're craving a takeaway, why not try making it yourself? Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you.