The three greatest inventions of the 20th century? The TV, the Internet, and Nando’s. Not necessarily in that order. The Portuguese themed restaurant has become a phenomenon in recent years - at last count there were 233 of the things in the UK alone.

We love it as much as anyone, but at almost £10 for a half chicken and two sides (our preferred choice is chips and spicy rice) it’ll have you eating into your overdraft in no time - pun intended.

Even so, it’s near impossible to walk past one without nipping in for some peri-peri goodness. So to help you resist the temptation - and save some pennies - we bring you our cheaper, DIY Nando’s alternative.

The original: Half chicken (Medium) with chips and spicy rice.

studentbeans.com alternative: The same, we hope.

The chicken

While chicken breasts will cost around £4 for two, more often than not turn out dry, and taste of relatively little, chicken on the bone is cheap as chips. Lately Sainsbury’s have been selling a pack of 3 legs and 3 thighs all for £1.50! This will comfortably feed two people.

Marinade the chicken in some olive oil, finely chopped chili, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice and (if you have any knocking around the cupboard) some dried herbs - thyme works well.

To cook the chicken place it in a preheated over at about 200C for 40 minutes. For the first 30 minutes cover it in foil - removing the foil for the final 10 to let the skin crisp up. (If using larger bits of chicken cook for longer, but you know that)

The spicy rice

Take a cup of rice (for two people) and dry fry it in some oil for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. When the rice starts to slightly brown add some water, chili power (quantity depends on how hot you like it) and a chicken stock cube. Again, only if you have any in, add a little turmeric - that’s where it gets its yellowish colour. Simmer gently until rice is fully cooked.

In a separate pan fry some mixed peppers and peas (frozen is fine) in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, Tobasco, another chicken stock cube and some cumin and/or paprika if available.Add the rice to the pan and mix through thoroughly.

The chips

Yes, you can just cook some of the frozen chips that permanently live in your freezer, but while you’re saving money why not do it from scratch. Parboil two potatoes, chop into chippish shapes, put in the oven (also at 200C, luckily) for around half an hour in a tiny bit of vegetable oil and salt and pepper. Easy.

Total cost of the original (for two people): £19.30

Total cost of our alternative (for two people): Around £8

It might be hard to live up to their standards, but even so the alternative is a great dish in its own right - and as we all know, everything tastes better when you cooked it yourself!

[Image: evil_mel]

Tags: Student food , Make things , Make cool stuff , Student recipes , Student Food Festival