Recession cuisine

It's hard to beat an Irish stew for easy, tasty and healthy. It's also great value. But exactly what does a portion cost? I've just worked it out based on what I throw into a pot. These quantities make three hearty meals. Prices are Lidl's.

• 250g mushrooms €0.99
• 400g diced beef steak €3.49
• 1kg potatoes €1.75
• 0.5kg carrots €0.50
• 1 large onion €0.33
• Half a bulb of garlic €0.16
• 2 beef stock cubes €0.23

There are some dried herbs and seasoning in there too but this will be close enough. I figure that comes out at just under €2.50 per meal. Wonderful! And it freezes great too. Why would you eat anything else?