Last summer, supermarket chain Asda experienced mixed reactions from the public as it rebranded its Smart Price range as Just Essentials. While many shoppers lauded the fact that they could easily spot the bright yellow branding and know straight away which was the budget option on the shelves, others slammed the brand, claiming that the distinctive colour of the packaging made it obvious to others if someone was shopping on a budget.
Personally, I don’t think that shopping on a budget is a bad thing at all. The cost of groceries is rising by the week, so why not economise on things where you can?
That’s certainly what I’m doing – making sure that I’m focusing on food budgeting in areas where its possible, and where I know I won’t be compromising on flavour and quality.
One product from the Asda Just Essentials range that I’ve really enjoyed (along with half of TikTok, it seems) is their Just Essentials Potato Pops. At 90p per 500g bag, the price has increased since the 72p of last summer, but they’re still great value for money. Crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, they’re like tiny, spherical potato croquettes – and they’re pretty moreish.
I decided to see how many different ways I could prepare them in – including, so far, buffalo potato pops with blue cheese sauce, plus a potato pop-topped cottage pie (for which I used the Tesco version – more expensive but do the same job). The biggest success, though, was definitely my salt and pepper potato pops – a great alternative to salt and pepper chips if you’re doing a fakeaway night at home. You can see my TikTok video recipe here – or scroll for the printable version!
Salt and pepper potato pops
Ingredients
- 500 g bag Asda Just Essentials potato pops
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (or more if you wish)
- 2 spring onions, sliced
Instructions
- Air fry your potato pops at 180C for 15 mins (or oven cook per packet instructions).
- Mix the salt, pepper and Chinese five spice in a bowl.
- Add the oil to a large frying pan or wok over a medium heat and fry the onions for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute or two.
- Add in the pepper and chilli flakes, mix everything well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked potato pops and the bowl of seasoning, stir really well and cook for 2 minutes, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Add the spring onions, mix well and serve!