Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Make the sweet and sour sauce by mixing together tomato ketchup, plum sauce, honey, sweet chilli sauce, rice vinegar and soy sauce.
2. In a large pan fry off the chicken, peppers and tomatoes
3. Add chopped, fresh plums to the pan then pour over the sweet and sour sauce.
4. Simmer then serve topped with chilli flakes and chopped spring onions.

Plums leftover? Try them in a delicious Plum and rhubarb crumble.

🍱 Other Asian recipes

• Homemade Sushi Rolls
• Thai Green Curry Recipe
• Dragon Chicken
• Thai Red Curry Recipe
• Sesame Seed Chicken
• Chinese Prawns Recipe

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

This post was first published in September 2019. Updated in October 2022 with an improved images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

📖 Recipe

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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

This easy recipe for sweet and sour chicken is made with a delicious sweet and sour plum sauce, healthy stir fried vegetables and slices of fresh, juicy plums. If you prefer your sweet and sour chicken without pineapple then this plum chicken recipe is definitely worth a try!!

Course Dinner, main meal

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 467kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large pan or wok

Ingredients

For the sweet and sour sauce

• 2 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
• 2 tablespoon Plum sauce
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoon Sweet chilli sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce

For the plum chicken:

• ½ tablespoon oil
• 1 Clove garlic finely chopped
• 2 Chicken breasts cubed 400g
• 1 Yellow bell pepper 150g
• 1 Red bell pepper 150g
• 2 Medium tomatoes roughly chopped 150g
• 100 g plums stones removed and quartered

For the toppings:

• 3 Spring onions sliced optional
• Sprinkle of chilli flakes optional

To serve:

• Rice optional

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

To make the sweet and sour sauce:

• In a small bowl mix together tomato ketchup, plum sauce, honey, sweet chilli sauce, rice vinegar and soy sauce. Stir together well then put to one side.
  2 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup, 2 tablespoon Plum sauce, 1 tablespoon Honey, 2 tablespoon Sweet chilli sauce, 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon Soy sauce

To make the sweet and sour chicken:

• Place a large pan or wok on a medium heat and add ½ tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot add the garlic and cubed raw chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned all over.
  ½ tablespoon oil, 1 Clove garlic finely chopped, 2 Chicken breasts cubed
• Keeping the pan on a medium heat add the red peppers, yellow peppers and tomatoes to the chicken. Stir fry for a couple of minutes until the vegetables start to go soft and the chicken is cooked through.
  1 Yellow bell pepper, 1 Red bell pepper, 2 Medium tomatoes roughly chopped
• Next add the freshly sliced plums and the sweet and sour sauce made earlier. Mix together well and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for a minute or so until heated through.
  100 g plums
• Serve up in bowls (with rice if desired) and top with sliced spring onions and chilli flakes.
  3 Spring onions sliced, Sprinkle of chilli flakes, Rice

Video

Notes

Chicken: Swap in for your preferred meat; try sweet and sour pork or hot and sour fish soup made with prawns and noodles.

Plums: For a more traditional version swap the plums for pineapple.

Vegetables: Add more vegetables or swap for different ones like carrots and onions. For a vegetarian sweet and sour recipe, leave out the meat and bulk up with extra veg; try with baby corn and chunks of courgette.

Fruit: To keep the fruit chunky in the finished dish make sure to add the plums (or other preferred fruit) just before the sauce. This will allow the fruit to be heated but still maintain its shape. Over cooking will cause the fruit to soften and even dissolve into the sauce.

Toppings: Spring onions and chilli flakes are optional,. You could also try topping with sesame seeds or chopped cashew nuts.    

Simmering: Simmer the dish gently and until just warmed through before serving. Over heating or boiling will ruin the sauce.

What is sweet and sour sauce made of? For a dish that is similar to that in Western Chinese restaurants, the sauce is usually made with vinegar, tomato ketchup and soy sauce. For this recipe I also included a couple of tablespoons of jarred plum sauce to add to the sweetness and enhance the flavour of the fresh plums.

How to make Hong Kong sweet and sour? For a sweet and sour chicken that is Hong Kong style you will just need to alter the way the chicken is cooked. In this recipe the chicken is stir fried in a little oil. Hong Kong sweet and sour chicken uses crispy chicken made by coating the raw chicken in a batter or in breadcrumbs and then deep frying until golden.

How to store? Store in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months on the freezer. Make sure the dish is fully cooled before storing in the fridge or freezer. When reheating make sure the sweet and sour chicken is thoroughly defrosted first and then heat through in a large pan or wok until piping hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 500g | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1155mg | Potassium: 1485mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 3620IU | Vitamin C: 256mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Sweet and Sour Chicken appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

Mango salsa is a great recipe for a healthy starter or refreshing side dish. Its easy to prepare and perfect for a make ahead appetiser. Best served cold; toss in lime juice to keep the salsa at its freshest and then chill in the fridge.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough mango salsa to serve 6 people:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Limes: Lime juice is essential in the recipe for keeping everything fresh and vibrant. The acidic lime prevents oxidation and browning of the chopped avocado. If you can't get hold of limes you can also use lemon juice.

Avocados and mangos: Use ripe avocados and mangos that feel soft but not squishy.

Chilli: Optional.

Coriander (cilantro): Also optional and could be replaced with freshly chopped parsley.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Finely dice the red onion and mix in a large bowl with the juice of one lime.
2. Add finely chopped chilli and diced mango and avocado to the red onion. Add the juice of a second lime and toss everything together well.
3. Season with salt and pepper (to taste).
4. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro).

💭 Expert tips

• At the start of the mango salsa recipe add juice of one lime to the chopped red onion and leave to soak for a minute or two. This will help to take the harsh bite out of the raw onion flavour.
• Add the rest of the lime juice to the chopped avocado and mango to help keep it fresh and to stop the browning process.
• Sprinkle the coriander over the top as a garnish or for a more even finish and taste stir well into the finished salsa dish.
• Mango and avocado salsa is a dish I like to make in advance as the mango and avocado chopping can be a bit messy. However, if you don't mind a bit salad prep just before dinner or even once your guests have arrived then this is quite an easy recipe to knock together from scratch. For more salad ideas why not try my Vietnamese style beef salad, Italian pasta salad, roasted cauliflower salad.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🥗 Other starter recipes

• Easy Recipes for Avocado
• Homemade Sushi Rolls
• Chilli Garlic Prawns Starter
• Tuscan Ribollita Soup
• Pea and Ham Soup
• Roast Pumpkin Soup with Chestnuts
• Easy Bread Rolls Recipe

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Mango Salsa Recipe

A refreshing mango salsa recipe, great served on its own or loaded on tortilla chips. Made with chunks of avocado, fiery red chilli and a good handful of fresh coriander. A perfect Caribbean starter or side dish and especially great with anything spicy. 

Course Appetizer, lunch, Salad, Side Dish, starter

Cuisine cuban, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 43kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• chopping board
• Large mixing bowl
• Large spoon
• Serving bowl and spoon

Ingredients

• 1 red onion finely chopped
• 2 limes juiced
• 1 chilli deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 mangoes peeled and chopped
• 1 avocado peeled and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) roughly chopped

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Finely dice the red onion and mix in a large bowl with the juice of one lime.
  1 red onion, 2 limes
• Add finely chopped chilli and diced mango and avocado to the red onion. Add the juice of a second lime and toss everything together well.
  2 mangoes, 1 avocado, 1 chilli, 2 limes
• Season with salt and pepper (to taste).
  Salt and pepper
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander.
  Handful of fresh coriander (cilantro)

Notes

Limes: Lime juice is essential in the recipe for keeping everything fresh and vibrant. The acidic lime prevents oxidation and browning of the chopped avocado. If you can't get hold of limes you can also use lemon juice.

Avocados and mangos: Use ripe avocados and mangos that feel soft but not squishy.

Chilli: Optional.

Coriander (cilantro): Also optional and could be replaced with freshly chopped parsley.

Can you make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this easy mango salsa recipe can be made up to one day ahead of time. Make sure to mix in plenty of lime juice to keep all the ingredients fresh, then store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Is this recipe healthy? This recipe is bursting at the seams with nutrients; from the monounsaturated fats in the avocado to all the fibre and vitamins in the mango, lime and chilli. - Its really not just a pretty dish.

Expert tips:

• At the start of the mango salsa recipe add juice of one lime to the chopped red onion and leave to soak for a minute or two. This will help to take the harsh bite out of the raw onion flavour.
• Add the rest of the lime juice to the chopped avocado and mango to help keep it fresh and to stop the browning process.
• Sprinkle the coriander over the top as a garnish or for a more even finish and taste stir well into the finished salsa dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 75g | Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.2mg

This post was first published in Nov 2016. Updated in Sept 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips. 

The post Mango Salsa Recipe appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

This warming sweet potato and chickpea curry is a great option for a delicious vegetarian dinner with plenty of healthy veg and aromatic spicy flavours. The sweet potatoes really bring this dish to life by melting their wonderfully sweet caramelised juices into the spicy coconut sauce and creating a gorgeous consistency. A warm and inviting curry with husky flavours of cumin and garam masala and a pungent taste of ginger all infused with the sweetness of the potatoes. It really is the ultimate healthy, comfort food.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough sweet potato curry to serve 4 people:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Sweet potatoes: If preferred you can use normal potatoes, and make potato and spinach curry.

Coconut milk: Use full fat coconut as reduced fat will make the curry watery.

Chickpeas: Optional or can be replaced with other pulses such as beans, split peas or lentils.

Yogurt (not pictured): Yogurt is an optional topping, but its creamy and cooling nature works really well with the heat from the spices. Choose plain yogurt.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Heat up the oil in a large frying pan, add the cumin seeds and fry for 30 seconds or until golden brown (be careful not to burn them). As soon as the seeds start to change colour add in the chopped onion, garlic and ginger and cook on a gentle heat until soft.
2. Stir in the curry powder, garam masala and cinnamon and cook for a further minute to allow the flavours to be released.
3. Next add the cubed sweet potato, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and coconut milk. Stir together well then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Place a lid on the pan and continue to simmer for around 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft (blade of a knife pushes in easily).
5. Meanwhile drain and rinse the can of chickpeas and wash the spinach leaves. Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the chickpeas and spinach to the curry. Stir in and continue to cook on the heat until the spinach has wilted. 
6. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice then serve with rice and naan. Add toppings if desired: yogurt, fresh coriander, chilli flakes, onion seeds and lime wedges.

💭 Expert tips

• Frying cumin seeds: Add a couple of cumin seeds to test the heat of the oil. If the seeds bubble then the oil is hot enough. Add the rest of the seeds but only cook briefly, until just golden brown, before adding the onions. Be aware that cumin seeds are quick to burn, which will create a bitter taste throughout the dish.
• Chickpeas: To avoid any chickpeas skins floating around in the curry, place the chickpeas in a sieve then agitate under a running tap to loosen any skins. Pick these out and discard.
• Make it your own: Use split peas, lentils or beans, or completely swap the chickpeas for one of these. Try with different types of lentils (green, yellow) or add other vegetables such as roasted squash, roast cauliflower, courgette or aubergine. And for an extra protein boost try with shredded chicken or poached fish.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍛 Other Curry recipes

• Thai Green Prawn Curry
• Red Lentil Dahl
• Fish Biryani
• Thai Red Curry Recipe
• Chicken Tikka Masala Curry
• Thai Panang Curry
• Thai Green Curry Recipe

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

Print

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Warm and comforting sweet potato and chickpea curry made with a lightly spiced coconut sauce. This wholesome and nutritious vegetarian curry is made in one big pan and can be ready in just one hour.

Course Dinner, evening meal, fake away, main meal

Cuisine Indian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 238kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large pan or wok

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 2 cm piece fresh ginger peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons medium curry powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into small chunks
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 tin coconut milk full fat
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves
• 1 small tin chickpeas
• Lime juice to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Extras to serve

• Rice
• Plain yogurt
• Chilli flakes
• Onion seeds
• Fresh coriander
• Naan bread

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Heat up the oil in a large frying pan, add the cumin seeds and fry for 30 seconds or until golden brown (be careful not to burn them). As soon as the seeds start to change colour add in the chopped onion, garlic and ginger and cook on a gentle heat until soft.
  1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 onion, 1 clove garlic, 2 cm piece fresh ginger
• Stir in the curry powder, garam masala and cinnamon and cook for a further minute to allow the flavours to be released.
  2 tablespoons medium curry powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Next add the cubed sweet potato, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and coconut milk. Stir together well then bring to a gentle simmer.
  2 large sweet potatoes, 2 tins of chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato puree, 1 tin coconut milk
• Place a lid on the pan and continue to simmer for around 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft (blade of a knife pushes in easily).
• Meanwhile drain and rinse the can of chickpeas and wash the spinach leaves. Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the chickpeas and spinach to the curry. Stir in and continue to cook on the heat until the spinach has wilted.
  1 small tin chickpeas, 2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves
• Season with salt, pepper and lime juice then serve with rice and naan. Add toppings if desired: yogurt, fresh coriander, chilli flakes, onion seeds and lime wedges.
  Lime juice to taste, Rice, Plain yogurt, Chilli flakes, Onion seeds, Fresh coriander, Naan bread

Notes

Note: Above nutritional info is for 1 portion of curry with toppings but without any sides such as rice or naan bread.

Sweet potatoes: If preferred you can use normal potatoes, and make potato and spinach curry.

Coconut milk: Use full fat coconut as reduced fat will make the curry watery.

Chickpeas: Optional or can be replaced with other pulses such as beans, split peas or lentils. To avoid any chickpeas skins floating around in the curry, place the chickpeas in a sieve then agitate under a running tap to loosen any skins. Pick these out and discard.

Yogurt: Yogurt is an optional topping, but its creamy and cooling nature works really well with the heat from the spices. Choose plain yogurt.

Frying cumin seeds: Add a couple of cumin seeds to test the heat of the oil. If the seeds bubble then the oil is hot enough. Add the rest of the seeds but only cook briefly, until just golden brown, before adding the onions. Be aware that cumin seeds are quick to burn, which will create a bitter taste throughout the dish.

Make it your own: Use split peas, lentils or beans, or completely swap the chickpeas for one of these. Try with different types of lentils (green, yellow) or add other vegetables such as roasted squash, roast cauliflower, courgette or aubergine. And for an extra protein boost try with shredded chicken or poached fish.

Is sweet potato and chickpea curry healthy?
This curry is packed full of nutrients including protein, fibre, iron and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Chickpeas are low in fat and high in protein and along with the sweet potatoes will do a great. Job of filling you up due to both containing plenty of fibre. Spinach is also a great option for boosting your iron and folate levels.

How to make this curry extra spicy?
If you like your curry hot then there are a couple of extras you can add to turn up the heat. Try adding fresh green or red chopped chillies during cooking. The increase the heat further use smaller chillies and leave in the seeds. You could also add chilli flakes whiles cooking or add chilli sauce or Tabasco as toppings.

How to store?
What to do with any leftovers? Once fully cooled you can transfer any leftover curry to a sealable container. Seal and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight (if frozen) then transfer to a pan and heat until piping hot throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 988mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 25711IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 4mg

This post was first published in Sept 2016. Updated in Mar 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

 

The post Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry appeared first on ProperFoodie.

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Main course romantic dinner ideas

All of these dinner ideas are super easy and a great option when cooking for two. Of course steak is top of the list, but if that doesn't suit why not have a go at making your own fish and chips, pasta or how about a creamy smoked haddock risotto? My favourite option is this aromatic Thai green curry.

Chimichurri Steak Platter

Chimichurri steak platter recipe! Pan fried steak sliced into tender, juicy strips and served with fragrant chimichurri sauce. Make this steak platter and fabulous Argentinian dressing in just over 30 minutes. Perfect for a Saturday night in with a posh steak dinner.

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Steak and Chips

Make steak and chips at home in just 30 minutes with this fuss free recipe. Serve up tender, strips of rump steak, seasoned with salt and olive oil and cooked in garlic butter. Made extra special with crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, oven roasted chips.

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Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe

This healthy fish and chips recipe is a great way to enjoy a chip shop-style meal without the guilt. The fish is lightly coated in breadcrumbs and the chips are hand cut and tossed in a little oil. Both are baked in the oven until crisp and golden brown. Have these healthy fish and chips on the table in just 45 minutes, perfect for a mid week meal that is both easy and healthy.

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Classic Fish Pie Recipe

A warm and comforting classic fish pie recipe. Made with chunks of salmon, cod and smoked haddock in a creamy sauce with crisp mash topping. A really easy pie recipe that can be rustled up in just over an hour. Great for any night of the week.

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Steak and Ale Pie

Steak and ale pie is a classic, 'comfort-food' recipe that will go down well at any dinner table. It features on nearly every pub menu across Britain and it does a wonderful job of warming our hearts and bellies, especially during the winter months. Make this pie at home with fall-apart chunks of braising steak and either homemade or shop bought shortcrust pastry.

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Lamb Pie Recipe

Rich and tender, slow cooked lamb pie encased in crumbly pastry and topped with creamy, horseradish mash potato. The lamb and mint filling is easy to prepare and can be left to cook in the oven or slow cooker for a few hours. This delicious lamb pie recipe is made with a rich, full-flavoured, mint gravy and is a great twist on the classic shepherds pie.

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Thai Green Curry Recipe

A fragrant and creamy Thai green curry recipe with tender chunks of chicken and crunchy green vegetables. Make your own Thai green chicken curry at home with this simple recipe and this easy to make Thai green curry paste. Better than a takeaway any night of the week.

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Salmon and Prawn Linguine Recipe

Impress friends and family by serving up this full flavoured salmon and prawn linguine recipe for dinner. Made with a lemon and cream sauce and topped with fresh dill and chilli flakes, every mouthful of this creamy salmon pasta recipe is a slurp-ful delight! Its a fantastic way to fit in a portion of oily fish and to get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

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Aubergine Parmigiana

Aubergine parmigiana or melanzane parmigiana is one of the best recipes for getting the most out of your aubergines. The thinly sliced and pan fried aubergines are layered with a rich tomato sauce and freshly grated parmesan for a dish that is bursting with Italian flavour. Serve this simple aubergine parmigiana recipe as it is, or pad it out with an extra layer of cooked spaghetti added to the base of the baking dish. 

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Thai Green Prawn Curry

A fragrant and creamy Thai green prawn curry recipe with plump and juicy prawns and nutty edamame beans. Make your own Thai green prawn curry at home with this simple recipe and this easy to make Thai green curry paste. Better than a takeaway any night of the week.

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How To Make Pasta

How to make pasta at home with just flour and eggs. All the joy and fun of making perfect pasta at home without the stress of it going wrong. Make this pasta with or without a machine and get my handy tips on the best way to roll, cut and store your homemade fresh pasta.

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Smoked Haddock Risotto

Creamy smoked haddock risotto flavoured with fresh rosemary and gently simmered in a pan of white wine, whole milk and vegetable stock. The fish is delicately poached in the warm stock and milk beforehand and the whole recipe takes just over 30 minutes to make.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy mushroom pasta cooked in one pan with a white wine cream sauce, served with fresh parsley and grated parmesan.

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Thai Red Curry

A creamy and full flavoured Thai red curry with tender chunks of chicken and oven roasted veggies. Make this simple Thai red curry in just 30 minutes and for a boost of flavour try it with homemade Thai red curry paste.

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Starter recipe ideas

Kick off your romantic dinner with a special homemade starter, from easy pea and ham soup that takes just 15 minutes to make, to a full platter of homemade sushi rolls. My favourite starter recipe is honey glazed prawns.

Pea and Ham Soup

Quick and easy pea and ham soup, made with fresh or frozen peas and your favourite choice of ham. A filling and nutritious midweek meal or easy starter for your next dinner party, ready in just 15 minutes.

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Leek and potato soup

Leek and potato soup or vichyssoise soup is a classic dish that is really easy to make in just 30 minutes. This comforting soup is great for using up leftovers, has an amazing full on flavour and as a bonus its super healthy as its packed full of nutrients. Made with everyday ingredients, its affordable, tasty and a great recipe for batch cooking and stocking up the freezer.

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Tuscan Ribollita Soup

Italian Ribollita soup is a creamy, healthy, full flavoured vegetable soup. Made with store cupboard ingredients and all those leftovers from the week this budget friendly, autumnal soup is perfect for an easy meal when the nights are starting to draw in.

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Chilli Garlic Prawns Starter

Chilli garlic prawns starter served on cocktail sticks with pan fried strips of courgette. The king prawns are cooked in a spicy honey glaze and served with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Make ahead and serve cold straight from the fridge. Or cook up in 30 minutes and serve warm with side of chilli jam. Delicious either way.

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📋 Homemade Sushi Rolls

Make homemade sushi rolls with my easy to follow, step-by-step guide and recipe video. Get my top tips and tricks and watch the video for making sushi at home. Including how to make sushi rice, maki sushi, California rolls, dragon rolls and nigiri sushi. Plus find out about the fantastic sushi kit I used to make this wonderful sushi platter.

The below will be enough to make a full platter (serves 4) of different sushi rolls or if you prefer a platter of one kind of sushi. See notes below for links to making a variety of homemade sushi rolls.

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Side dish recipe ideas

If you want to turn your romantic dinner into a feast then bulk it out with some lovely side recipes. Cauliflower cheese is always a welcome extra on my table!

Foil pack potatoes

Foil pack potatoes grilled on the barbecue or roasted in the oven with a buttery, herb and garlic dressing. Crack open these mouthwatering potatoes at your next gathering and everyone will want the recipe!

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Green bean almondine

Crisp green bean almondine, a simple side dish, which is made extra special by the addition of buttery, pan fried almonds and a sprinkling of dill. If there was ever a reason to start eating your greens - this surly must be it!

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Cauliflower Cheese

This easy cauliflower cheese recipe is a full flavoured side dish with a creamy cheese sauce made from scratch and baked to perfection. The sauce takes just 5 minutes to whip together and is made in the traditional way with a roux mix (butter and flour). This is one of my favourite side dishes to serve up with any meal, and its particularly good with a Sunday roast.

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Salad recipes

For something thats on the healthy side but still looks impressive and tastes amazing. These salads will definitely fill the brief and won't leave you feeling hungry. Vietnamese style beef salad is always top of my list.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Roasted cauliflower salad with a lemon herb dressing. Nutty quinoa mixed with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Great for batch cooking and making in advance. This salad is packed full of nutrients and tasty ingredients, with everything you need to fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day.

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Italian Pasta Salad

A fresh and vibrant Italian pasta salad made with wholegrain pasta, juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. This nutritious and full flavoured pasta salad is perfect for dishing out at lunches or parties and is great as an on the go snack or working lunch. Make this Italian Pasta salad recipe in just 15 minutes and enjoy topped with fresh basil and a homemade Italian dressing.

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📋 Vietnamese Style Beef Salad

Vietnamese beef salad with healthy rice noodles and a lime, Asian salad dressing. This aromatic and zesty Beef salad recipe will surely bring out many a smile with its nutritious ingredients and satisfying Asian flavours.

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Dessert recipe ideas

Of course, no romantic dinner is complete without the perfect dessert. Keep it traditional with an easy apple crumble or why not offer a special hot coffee with this lovely Baileys Irish cream with coffee recipe. My favourites (I have two!) are Bakewell tart and lemon drizzle cake.

Bakewell tart

Bakewell tart with raspberry jam - with soft, almond frangipane encased in a delicate, crumbly pastry. Served best when warm out of the oven and whilst the smell of warm almonds and sticky, hot jam still lingers in the air.

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Apple Crumble

Apple crumble baked fresh at home with lashings of custard - this is what Sundays are made for! This easy apple crumble recipe is made with crisp Bramley apples tossed in cinnamon, then baked with a simple crumble and hazelnut topping. Ready in 30 minutes from peeling the apples to pulling a bubbling, golden apple crumble out of the oven.

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Raspberry and Lemon Muffins

Light and moist raspberry and lemon muffins. Made in the traditional way with fresh raspberries, lemon zest and lemon buttercream.

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Plum and Rhubarb Crumble

Plum and rhubarb crumble, also known as rhubarb crisp, is a classic and comforting British dessert. This easy rhubarb crumble is bursting with sticky caramelised fruit and finished with a traditional crispy crumble topping. Its made extra special with the addition of juicy plums, which adds an natural kick of sweetness to balance out the tart rhubarb.  

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Traditional Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu is a light and airy, no bake, Italian dessert made with layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee dipped ladyfingers. This traditional tiramisu recipe is made in the authentic Italian way with whipped, raw eggs and mascarpone cheese.

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American Pancakes

Easy to make, light and fluffy American Pancakes. Make your own deliciously soft American pancakes at home using basic store cupboard ingredients. It takes just 15 minute to mix together the pancake batter and 10 minutes to cook off a full batch in the frying pan. Perfect for breakfast in bed, pancake day or even for dessert.

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Scotch Pancakes Recipe (Drop Scones)

Fluffy and light scotch pancakes recipe made with self raising flour, sugar, milk and 1 egg. These soft and delightful scotch pancakes (or drop scones) are a perfect sweet treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. Make the batter for this easy recipe in just 5 minutes and enjoy hot, buttery scotch pancakes every day of the week.

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📋 Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake recipe made from scratch with fresh lemons and an easy to follow cake recipe. A lovely citrus cake thats crumbly, moist and perfect for an afternoon tea or as a celebration or birthday cake. Topped with lemon syrup, lemon icing, fresh mint and lemon zest, this really is the best lemon drizzle cake you'll ever make.

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Healthy Banana Bread

Easy to make healthy banana bread, baked fresh at home with wholegrain spelt flour, honey and olive oil. The mixture is easy to prepare and can be ready in just 10 minutes! This delicious banana bread bakes with a perfect rise, a moist crumbly finish, and has a scattering of nuts for that extra boost in healthy fats.

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Spiced Pumpkin Muffins

Spiced pumpkin muffins made with fresh or canned pumpkin puree, soaked dates and warming spices. They are fluffy and moist and full of autumnal flavour, perfect for an afternoon treat on a cold and blustery day.

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American Blueberry Pancakes

American blueberry pancakes recipe topped with melted butter and thick golden syrup.  Make your own deliciously light and fluffy Blueberry Pancakes with this easy step by step recipe. It takes just 15 minute to mix together the pancake batter and 10 minutes to cook off a full batch in the frying pan. Perfect for pancake day with an extra special blueberry twist.

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Baileys Irish cream with Coffee

Irish cream coffee! Baileys coffee is an easy recipe to serve up at home as afternoon treat or in place of dessert after a meal. Its especially great at Christmas with a bit of nutmeg sprinkled on top!

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📋 Soft Bake Cookies with Dairy Milk Chocolate Chunks

Easy and quick soft bake cookies, with a crumbly outer edge, gooey centre and dotted with melted chunks of Cadburys dairy milk chocolate

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Healthy Pancakes Recipe (with Banana and Oats)

Healthy pancakes recipe made with bananas and oats for a flourless and milk free pancake alternative. Make the pancake batter in just 5 minutes and enjoy warm and healthy banana pancakes straight from the pan.

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Thats all my top romantic dinner ideas for two. I do hope you've found something you like the look of. For more dinner idea inspiration have a look at my dinner recipes section.

The post Romantic Dinner Ideas for Two appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

This easy porcini mushroom risotto recipe is one of my most favourite ways to enjoy mushrooms. Even better with a bit of truffle grated on top! Here the dried mushrooms are left to soak in boiling water and the liquid from this is used to make the risotto. Resulting in that wonderfully earthy mushroom flavour being encapsulated in every plump grain of rice. Delicious!

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough dried porcini mushroom risotto to serve 2 people (or 4 starter-sized portions):

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Mushrooms: Dried porcini mushrooms are used here. However, you can replace with your preferred type of mushroom (fresh or dried).

Risotto rice: Risotto has short grains and high starch content. Look for as Arborio rice, Carnaroli rice or simply; risotto rice.

Butter: Use butter! Melted butter is used to 'awaken' the rice by coating and softening the uncooked grains so allowing liquids to be easily soaked in. 

Wine: I love the flavour of white wine in risotto and so I add it to all my risotto recipes. But if required it can be replaced with a little apple juice or just left out completely.

Dill: A perfect paring to the earthy mushrooms, but also optional. If preferred leave out or replace with parsley.

Stock: Use good quality stock, both vegetable or a meat based stock will work well.

Parmesan: Any hard Italian cheese will work well.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Soak the dried mushrooms in 500ml of hot water for at least 30 minutes until soft. After 30 minutes remove the mushrooms, reserving the liquid, and roughly chop. Then strain the liquid through a paper towel lined sieve into a clean bowl. 
2. Melt the butter in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and fry until soft.
3. Add the rice and mix in well allowing the melted butter to coat each grain of rice.
4. Next add the wine and simmer until the wine has nearly all reduced or been absorbed by the rice.
5. Then add two ladles of mushroom liquid, stirring attentively between each ladleful. Only add the second ladle when the first one has been fully absorbed.
6. At this point switch to the veg stock to ensure the mushroom flavour isn't too overpowering. Add ladlefuls of the veg stock one at a time, again only adding the next ladleful when the previous has absorbed. It will probably take around 15-20 minutes to gradually add the whole lot. By this point the rice should have softened and plumped.
7. Stir in the soaked mushrooms, soured cream, parmesan and lemon juice.
8. Serve the porcini mushroom risotto with fresh dill.

💭 Expert tips

• Soaking mushrooms: use a large bowl to soak the dried mushrooms and stir occasionally. The space and stirring will ensure all the mushrooms are fully soaked and plumped up.
• Mushroom grit: Dried mushrooms can be gritty. To avoid a gritty risotto the mushrooms can be rinsed after they have been soaked. The soaking liquid will also contain grit, so before adding to the risotto this should be strained through a paper towel lined sieve. After straining leave it to settle allowing any leftover grit to sink to the bottom. Do not disturb the bottom when adding the liquid to the risotto.
• Stock: This recipe uses 2 types of stock. The first is mushroom stock, made by soaking the mushrooms. The second is vegetable stock. The mushroom stock will be very strong as dried mushrooms have a very intense flavour, which can be overpowering. Therefore, I suggest only using 2 ladles of mushroom stock then switch to using vegetable stock. However, feel free to add more mushroom stock for a more intense flavour.
• Patience: Risotto does require a little patience. Take your time a don't rush the gradual addition of the stock, I promise its well worth it.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍝 Other Italian recipes

• Tuscan Ribollita Soup
• Smoked Haddock Risotto
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Basil Pesto Recipe
• Italian Chicken Cacciatore
• Italian Tigella
• Aubergine Parmigiana

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Porcini mushroom risotto with pearly grains of rice and nutty, plump mushrooms, topped with fresh dill and grated parmesan. Dried porcini mushrooms are used for a greater depth of flavour and the whole dish can be ready in just over 30 minutes.

Course Dinner, evening meal, Main Course, starter or main

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 634kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Sieve and paper towel
• Large wide based pan
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 50 g Dried porcini mushrooms
• 20 g Butter
• 1 Onion finely chopped
• 1 Garlic clove finely chopped
• 170 g Carnaroli rice uncooked
• 150 ml White wine
• 500 ml Vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons Soured cream optional
• 25 g Parmesan grated and extra to serve
• ½ Lemon juiced
• 20 g Fresh dill

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Soak the mushrooms in 500ml of hot water for at least 30 minutes until soft. After 30 minutes remove the mushrooms, reserving the liquid, and roughly chop. Then strain the liquid through a paper-towel lined sieve into a clean bowl.
  50 g Dried porcini mushrooms
• Melt the butter in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and fry until soft.
  20 g Butter, 1 Onion, 1 Garlic clove
• Add the rice and mix in well allowing the melted butter to coat each grain of rice.
  170 g Carnaroli rice
• Next add the wine and simmer until the wine has nearly all reduced or been absorbed by the rice.
  150 ml White wine
• Then add two ladles of the mushroom liquid, stirring attentively between each ladleful. Only add the second ladle when the first one has been fully absorbed.
• At this point switch to the veg stock to ensure the mushroom flavour isn't too overpowering. Add ladlefuls of the veg stock one at a time, again only adding the next ladleful when the previous has absorbed. It will probably take around 15-20 minutes to gradually add the whole lot. By this point the rice should have softened and plumped.
  500 ml Vegetable stock
• Stir in the soaked mushrooms, soured cream, parmesan and lemon juice.
  2 tablespoons Soured cream, 25 g Parmesan, ½ Lemon juiced
• Serve with fresh dill.
  20 g Fresh dill

Video

Notes

Mushrooms: Dried porcini mushrooms are used here. However, you can replace with your preferred type of mushroom (fresh or dried). Porcini mushrooms are known for their rich, nutty flavour and meaty texture. Fresh porcini mushrooms are hard to come by as whereas dried porcini are widely available year round. Use a large bowl to soak the dried mushrooms and stir occasionally. The space and stirring will ensure all the mushrooms are fully soaked and plumped up.

Mushroom grit: Dried mushrooms can be gritty. To avoid a gritty risotto the mushrooms can be rinsed after they have been soaked. The soaking liquid will also contain grit, so before adding to the risotto this should be strained through a paper-towel lined sieve. After straining leave it to settle allowing any leftover grit to sink to the bottom. Do not disturb the bottom when adding the liquid to the risotto.

Risotto rice: For risotto rice you are looking for short grains with a high starch content. Look for rice labelled as Arborio, Carnaroli or simply; risotto rice.

Butter: Use butter! Melted butter is used to 'awaken' the rice by coating and softening the uncooked grains so allowing liquids to be easily soaked in. 

Wine: I love the flavour of white wine in risotto and so I add it to all my risotto recipes. But if required it can be replaced with a little apple juice or just left out completely.

Dill: A perfect paring to the earthy mushrooms, but also optional. If preferred leave out or replace with parsley.

Stock: Use good quality stock, both vegetable or a meat based stock will work well. This recipe uses 2 types of stock. The first is mushroom stock, made by soaking the mushrooms. The second is vegetable stock. The mushroom stock will be very strong as dried mushrooms have a very intense flavour, which can be overpowering. Therefore, I suggest only using 2 ladles of the mushroom stock then switch to using vegetable stock. However, feel free to add more mushroom stock for a more intense flavour.

Parmesan: Any hard Italian cheese will work well.

Patience: Risotto does require a little patience. Take your time a don't rush the gradual addition of the stock, I promise its well worth it.

How to store? Risotto is best made fresh. The rice doesn't reheat well and more often than not, reheated risotto will overcook and become sloppy. So do bare this in mind when saving leftovers.

 Transfer any leftovers to sealable containers. Make sure the mushroom risotto has fully cooled before sealing and storing in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cooled risotto will set and become hard. 

Reheat by returning to the pan with a little hot water and stir until heated through and piping hot. (Please note that proper cooling and reheating is essential for rice dishes).

What is the best rice for risotto? Risotto rice has plump, short-medium grains with a high starch content. This gives risotto its well known creamy texture when cooked. Look for Arborio, Carnaroli, Vialone nano or just simply; risotto rice.

 Arborio rice is the most widely available type of risotto rice and produces a lovely thick and soft risotto, but can be susceptible to overcooking (becomes sloppy). 

Carnaroli isn't as easy to find but is known to be the best due to its higher starch content and resistance to overcooking, which pretty much guarantees a thick and creamy risotto every time. 

Vialone nano has smaller, round grains and is considered to be as good as Carnaroli but produces a soupier risotto.

Nutrition

Calories: 634kcal | Carbohydrates: 101g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1299mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1729IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 5mg

This post was first published in Nov 2015. Updated in Feb 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Porcini Mushroom Risotto appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

For a quick and easy, family friendly meal this recipe is up there with some of the best. Its quick, nutritious, and everyone gets a good helping of greens. Its also great for using up any leftover ham.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough pea and ham soup to serve 2 people (or 4 starter-sized portions):

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Peas: Use fresh or frozen peas in this recipe.

Ham: Choose wafer thin or thick cut ham, which ever you prefer. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover ham thats about to go out of date. Or why not try with gammon.

Crème fraîche: Crème fraîche is used here to add a slight creaminess to the soup without making it too rich, however it is completely optional. Alternatively use plain yogurt or soured cream.

Mint: Chopped mint is the perfect partner to this soup and adds a lovely freshness to the sweet peas, but again this is an optional extra.

Stock: Use good quality stock, both vegetable or a meat based stock will work well.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and fry until soft.
2. Next add the flour and stir in well.
3. Gradually add the stock whilst continuing to stir.
4. Add the frozen peas then simmer for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the soup to a blender. Blitz until smooth. (alternatively use a hand blender).
6. Return the soup to the pan, once warmed through taste and season. Then add the ham, crème fraîche and mint leaves and mix in well. Serve with extra ham, crème fraîche and mint leaves.

💭 Expert tips

• Frozen peas: To get this meal on the table within 15 minutes I always opt for frozen peas. Frozen peas are a great veg to have handy in the freezer. Just add directly to the soup and cook for a couple of minutes. So easy! 
• Vegetarian version: For a veggie version of this recipe just leave out the ham or alternatively try my Tuscan Ribollita Soup, Leek and Potato Soup or Cauliflower Soup.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍵 Other soup recipes

• Tuscan Ribollita Soup
• Leek and Potato Soup
• Hungarian Mushroom Soup
• Cauliflower soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Pea and Ham Soup

Quick and easy pea and ham soup, made with fresh or frozen peas and your favourite choice of ham. A filling and nutritious midweek meal or easy starter for your next dinner party, ready in just 15 minutes.

Course Dinner, lunch, supper

Cuisine British

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 474kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• large pan
• blender
• OR hand blender

Ingredients

• 20 g butter
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 20 g plain flour
• 500 ml veg stock
• 400 g frozen garden peas or if you have fresh - 500g un-podded peas - additional time need to pod your peas!
• Sea salt and pepper to season
• 125 g of your favourite choice of ham or gammon and extra to serve on top
• 1 tablespoon crème fraîche and extra to serve on top (optional)
• Handful fresh mint leaves finely chopped and extra to serve on top (optional)
• Bread for dunking optional

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a large pan on a medium heat. Add the onions, celery and garlic and fry until soft.
  20 g butter, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic
• Next add the flour and stir in well.
  20 g plain flour
• Gradually add the stock whilst continuing to stir.
  500 ml veg stock
• Add the frozen peas then simmer for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  400 g frozen garden peas
• Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the soup to a blender. Blitz until smooth (alternatively use a hand blender).
• Return the soup to the pan, once warmed through check consistency, taste and season. Then add the ham, crème fraîche and mint leaves and mix in well. Serve with extra ham, crème fraîche and mint leaves.
  Sea salt and pepper to season, 125 g of your favourite choice of ham or gammon, 1 tablespoon crème fraîche, Handful fresh mint leaves

Video

Notes

Ham: Choose wafer thin or thick cut ham, which ever you prefer. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover ham thats about to go out of date. Or why not try with gammon.

Crème fraîche: Crème fraîche is used here to add a slight creaminess to the soup without making it too rich, however it is completely optional. Alternatively use plain yogurt or soured cream.

Mint: Chopped mint is the perfect partner to this soup and adds a lovely freshness to the sweet peas, but again this is an optional extra.

Stock: Use good quality stock, both vegetable or a meat based stock will work well.

Frozen peas: To get this meal on the table within 15 minutes I always opt for frozen peas. Frozen peas are a great veg to have handy in the freezer. Just add directly to the soup and cook for a couple of minutes. So easy! 

Vegetarian version: For a veggie version of this recipe just leave out the ham or alternatively try my Tuscan Ribollita Soup, Leek and Potato Soup or Cauliflower Soup.

How to store? Once made this soup can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply wait for the soup to fully cool then transfer to a sealable container. Seal and store in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to one month. To reheat defrost in the fridge overnight (if frozen) then transfer to a pan and gently heat until piping hot throughout.

How do you thicken pea and ham soup? This recipe uses flour as a thickening agent, which is added at the start of the recipe. The stock is gradually stirred in, allowing the flour to cook out and create a thick sauce.

How do you make soup thinner? If you find the soup to be too thick once its been blended, it can be thinned down by adding a ladle of water. Stir in the water and keep adding small amounts of water until happy with the consistency. 

Nutrition

Serving: 192g | Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1837mg | Potassium: 783mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2332IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 4mg

This post was first published in Jul 2018. Updated in Feb 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Pea and Ham Soup appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

Really healthy and packed full of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, this red lentil dahl is one curry that can be thoroughly enjoyed guilt free. If you fancy a meat free night or are indeed vegetarian or vegan, then this spicy curry recipe is a great option. Its also simple to prepare and uses basic ingredients that won't break the bank.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough red lentil dahl to serve 4 people.

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Lentils: Use good quality, freshly bought lentils to ensure good taste and texture. Opt for any variety of lentil but always check packet instructions. If you prefer swap lentils for beans, chickpeas or split peas.

Yogurt: Yogurt is an optional topping, but its creamy and cooling nature works really well with the heat from the spices. Choose plain yogurt.

Vine tomatoes: Opt for vine ripened tomatoes for that earthy, sunshine flavour. If you can't get hold of vine ripened, use tinned chopped or plum tomatoes which also hold plenty of flavour.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Simmer lentils in water for 10-15 minutes or until soft, then drain and set to one side.
2. Heat up the oil in a large frying pan, add the cumin seeds and fry for 30 seconds or until golden brown (be careful not to burn them).
3. As soon as the seeds start to change colour add in the chopped onion and garlic and cook on a gentle heat until soft.
4. Next add the tomatoes, chillies, drained lentils, spices and tomato puree.
5. Mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes, then taste and season if required. If you want to make the Dahl more soup-like or creamy you can add stock or coconut milk at this point, stir in well and bring to a simmer.
6. Finally; remove from the heat, stir in the chopped coriander and serve with plain yogurt.

💭 Expert tips

Lentils: Choose good quality lentils and don't use old ones. Rinse well under running tap water before cooking to remove any dust or dirt. Don't overcook! Cook until just soft and check packet instructions for recommended cooking times.

Frying cumin seeds: Add a couple of cumin seeds to test the heat of the oil. If the seeds bubble then the oil is hot enough. Add the rest of the seeds but only cook briefly, until just golden brown, before adding the onions. Be aware that cumin seeds are quick to burn, which will create a bitter taste throughout the dish.

Soupier version: For a version thats creamier or more soup-like add a tin of coconut milk or 400ml of stock.

Make it your own: Add chickpeas or split peas, or completely swap the lentils for one of these. Try with different types of lentils (green, yellow) or add vegetables such as roasted squash, roast cauliflower, courgette or aubergine. And for an extra protein boost try with shredded chicken or poached fish.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍛 Other curry recipes

• Fish Biryani
• Chicken Tikka Masala Curry
• Thai Panang Curry
• Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
• Thai Green Prawn Curry
• Thai Red Curry Recipe

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Red Lentil Dahl

Red lentil dahl flavoured with Indian spices and simmered in vine ripened tomatoes. A nutritious, vegan curry that will warm you up, keep you going through winter and can be on the table in just 30 minutes.

Course Dinner, main meal

Cuisine Indian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 359kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Saucepan to cook the lentils
• Wide pan to cook the dahl

Ingredients

• 300 g dried red lentils rinsed well
• Boiled water double the volume of lentils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 onions finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 350 g of vine tomatoes roughly chopped
• 2 green chillies deseeded and finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 3 tablespoon tomato puree
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Handful fresh coriander chopped
• Plain yogurt to serve
• Tin of coconut milk or 400ml of stock optional, for a more soup-like version

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Simmer lentils in water for 10-15 minutes or until soft, then drain and set to one side.
  300 g dried red lentils, Boiled water
• Heat up the oil in a large frying pan, add the cumin seeds and fry for 30 seconds or until golden brown (be careful not to burn them).
  1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• As soon as the seeds start to change colour add in the chopped onion and garlic and cook on a gentle heat until soft.
  2 onions, 2 cloves garlic
• Next add the tomatoes, chillies, drained lentils, spices and tomato puree.
  350 g of vine tomatoes, 2 green chillies, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 3 tablespoon tomato puree
• Mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes, then taste and season if required. If you want to make the Dahl more soup-like or creamy you can add stock or coconut milk at this point, stir in well and bring to a simmer.
  Salt and pepper to taste, Tin of coconut milk or 400ml of stock
• Finally; remove from the heat, stir in the chopped coriander and serve with plain yogurt.
  Handful fresh coriander chopped, Plain yogurt

Video

Notes

Lentils: Use good quality, freshly bought lentils to ensure good taste and texture. Opt for any variety of lentil but always check packet instructions. If you prefer swap lentils for beans, chickpeas or split peas. Rinse well under running tap water before cooking to remove any dust or dirt. Don't overcook! Cook until just soft and check packet instructions for recommended cooking times.

Yogurt: Yogurt is an optional topping, but its creamy and cooling nature works really well with the heat from the spices. Choose plain yogurt.

Vine tomatoes: Opt for vine ripened tomatoes for that earthy, sunshine flavour. If you can't get hold of vine ripened, use tinned chopped or plum tomatoes which also hold plenty of flavour.

Frying cumin seeds: Add a couple of cumin seeds to test the heat of the oil. If the seeds bubble then the oil is hot enough. Add the rest of the seeds but only cook briefly, until just golden brown, before adding the onions. Be aware that cumin seeds are quick to burn, which will create a bitter taste throughout the dish.

Soupier version: For a version thats creamier or more soup-like add a tin of coconut milk or 400ml of stock.

Make it your own: Add chickpeas or split peas, or completely swap the lentils for one of these. Try with different types of lentils (green, yellow) or add vegetables such as roasted squash, roast cauliflower, courgette or aubergine. And for an extra protein boost try with shredded chicken or poached fish.

Should lentils be soaked before cooking?
No its not necessary to soak lentils before cooking. It is however, good practise to rinse and drain thoroughly before cooking. Lentils are very small and so its not uncommon for dirt and dust to get mixed in during packaging.

Is red lentil dahl healthy?
Dahl is packed full of nutrients and provides a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Lentils are also high in protein and low in fat so they are great substitute for meat.

Storage?
Leftovers? Once fully cooled you can transfer any leftover lentil dahl to a sealable container. Seal and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight (if frozen) then transfer to a pan and heat until piping hot throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 1100mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 837IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 7mg

This post was first published in Nov 2016. Updated in Jan 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

 

The post Red Lentil Dahl appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

This recipe shows how easy it is to make pasta from scratch. The pasta itself requires little more than finely milled flour, large eggs and a bit of elbow grease. Below I'll walk you through the simplest way to make a pasta dough. Theres also handy tips on how to knead the pasta dough and how to roll it out. All by hand with no machine required.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough pasta to serve 3 people (or 4 starter-sized portions):

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Flour: 00 flour (finely ground Italian flour) is the best for making pasta. This is the finest of the Italian flours and so produces a lovely, soft pasta dough. 00 flour is also the best flour for making pizza dough. If you can't get hold of any 00 flour you can replace with a strong white bread flour for similar results.

Eggs: Make sure the eggs are large and fresh.

Durum wheat semolina: Durum wheat semolina isn't strictly necessary, although it adds a nice flavour and crunch. Its main use is to sprinkle onto the rolled out dough before rolling into a tube and slicing. The semolina stops the pasta dough from sticking together. However, 00 flour can also help with this.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Place the flour on a clean work surface and make a large well in the middle. Next, crack 3 large eggs into the well.
2. Use a fork to gradually mix the flour into the eggs. Start from the middle and work outwards.
3. Once most of the flour has been combined, use your hands to bring together into a dough. Knead for at least 15 minutes until smooth before shaping into a ball (see expert tips below for full instructions on kneading). Split the ball in half, wrap each half in cling film and place both in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes.
4. After resting roll each half separately. Flour the work surface and use a large, heavy rolling pin to evenly roll out the dough. For best results roll as thin as possible. See expert tips below for evenly rolling into a rectangle.
5. Sprinkle the thinly rolled out dough generously with the semolina to stop it sticking to itself when making pasta strips. Then roll the full rectangle of dough into a tube shape, trim off the untidy ends then cut into: half cm strips for tagliatelle; 1mm thin strips for spaghetti; or one and a half cm strips for pappardelle.
6. Take the ends of the sliced strips and pull upwards allowing the weight of the dough to unravel the strips.
7. Alternatively, leave the dough flat and cut out squares with a square pasta cutter and pinch into farfalle (butterfly) pasta shapes. Or why not have a go at making your own ravioli.
8. If you aren't ready to cook your pasta right away, its important that you don't let it dry out. Roll up your raw strips of pasta into nests and place onto a semolina-dusted tray along with any pasta shapes. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to cook.
9. For best results cook right away: Place a pan of water on a medium heat and add a good helping of sea salt to season the water. Bring to a rolling boil and then carefully add your pasta. Immediately stir with a wooden spoon to check nothing has stuck together or to the bottom. Boil at a tremble for 3 minutes, then drain and serve. (If you are serving with a sauce - ladle out some of the pasta water into your sauce to add to the consistency).

💭 Expert tips

How to knead pasta dough

1. Once most of the egg has been combined with the flour, use your hands to bring together into a dough. It may appear quite dry at first but the more you combine the flour the sticker it becomes. 
2. Use the heal of your hand to begin working and kneading the dough
3. As it becomes less sticky start to stretch and fold back on itself in between kneading.
4. Continue to knead and stretch for at least 15 minutes until the dough becomes soft and smooth. 

How to roll pasta dough

1. After kneading and resting, the dough can be rolled out using a rolling pin or a pasta machine if you have one to hand. Flour the work surface then take one of the dough balls and start to roll out. The dough ball will of course roll into an oval shape.
2. A rectangular shape is better for cutting pasta as there will be less waste. To form a rectangle fold the edges of the oval into the centre of the dough then fold the full thing in half. Roll over this to flatten down and lengthen.
3. Then repeat the folding in of the edges and folding in half. This will create a small square.
4. From here evenly roll the dough square into a large rectangle. Roll as thin as possible, turning and flipping the dough and re-flouring as needed. Plenty of elbow grease will be required to get the pasta dough nice and thin.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍝 Homemade pasta serving suggestions

• Creamy Mushroom Pasta
• Salmon and Prawn Linguine
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Salmon Pasta Recipe
• Basil Pesto Recipe
• Italian Style Slow Cooker Ragu

📖 How to get your free pasta making guide:

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

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How To Make Pasta

How to make pasta at home with just flour and eggs. All the joy and fun of making perfect pasta at home without the stress of it going wrong. Make this pasta with or without a machine and get my handy tips on the best way to roll, cut and store your homemade fresh pasta.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Rest Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 3 people

Calories 435kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large rolling pin
• Sharp knife and/or
• Pasta shape cutters

Ingredients

• 300 g 00 Flour
• 3 large eggs
• Durum Wheat Semolina for dusting

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

To make the pasta dough:

• Place the flour on a clean work surface and make a large well in the middle. Crack 3 large eggs into the well.
  300 g 00 Flour, 3 large eggs
• Use a fork to gradually mix the flour into the eggs. Start from the middle and work outwards.
• Once most of the flour has been combined, use your hands to bring together into a dough. It may appear quite dry at first but the more you combine the flour the sticker it becomes.

Kneading the pasta dough:

• Use the heal of your hand to begin working and kneading the dough. As it becomes less sticky start to stretch and fold back on itself in between kneading.
• Continue to knead and stretch for at least 15 minutes until the dough becomes soft and smooth and then shape into a ball. You know its been kneaded for long enough if the dough bounces back when pressed with your finger.
• Split the ball in half, wrap each half in cling film and place both in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes.

Rolling the pasta dough:

• After kneading and resting, the dough can be rolled out using a large heavy rolling pin or a pasta machine if you have one to hand. Flour the work surface and evenly roll out one of the dough balls. The dough ball will of course roll into an oval shape.
• A rectangular shape is better for cutting pasta as there will be less waste. To form a rectangle fold the edges of the oval into the centre of the dough then fold the full thing in half. Roll over this with the rolling pin to flatten down and lengthen.
• Then repeat the folding in of the edges and folding in half. This will create a small square.
• From here evenly roll the dough square into a large rectangle. Roll as thin as possible, turning and flipping the dough and re-flouring as needed. Plenty of elbow grease will be required to get the pasta dough nice and thin.

Shaping the pasta dough:

• Sprinkle the thinly rolled out dough generously with the semolina to stop it sticking to itself when making pasta strips. Then roll the full rectangle of dough into a tube shape, trim off the untidy ends then cut into: half cm strips for tagliatelle; 1mm thin strips for spaghetti; or one and a half cm strips for pappardelle.
  Durum Wheat Semolina
• Take the ends of the sliced strips and pull upwards allowing the weight of the dough to unravel the strips.
• Alternatively, leave the dough flat and cut out squares with a square pasta cutter and pinch into farfalle (butterfly) pasta shapes. Or why not have a go at making your own ravioli.

Cooking homemade fresh pasta:

• If you aren't ready to cook your pasta right away, its important that you don't let it dry out. Roll up your raw strips of pasta into nests and place onto a semolina-dusted tray along with any pasta shapes. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to cook.
  Durum Wheat Semolina
• For best results cook right away: Place a pan of water on a medium heat and add a good helping of sea salt to season the water. Bring to a rolling boil and then carefully add your pasta. Immediately stir with a wooden spoon to check nothing has stuck to the bottom. Boil at a tremble for 3 minutes, then drain and serve. (If you are serving with a sauce - ladle out some of the pasta water into your sauce to add to the consistency).

Video

Notes

Recommendations for equipment and ingredients:

 Rolling Pin   Pasta Cutters        00 Flour         Semolina

        

Flour: The best flour for pasta is 00 flour (Finely ground Italian pasta). This is the finest of the Italian flours and so produces a lovely, soft pasta dough. 00 flour is also the best flour for making pizza dough. If you can't get hold of any 00 flour you can replace with a strong white bread flour for similar results.

Eggs: Make sure the eggs are large and fresh.

Durum wheat semolina: This isn't strictly necessary, although it adds a nice flavour and crunch. Its main use is to sprinkle onto the rolled out dough before rolling into a tube and slicing. The semolina stops the pasta dough from sticking together. However, 00 flour could also be used to the same effect.

Should the pasta dough be rested before rolling out? Yes, for best results when rolling the dough, rest in the fridge for 30 minutes first by wrapping in cling film and placing in the fridge.

How thin should I roll the pasta dough? As thin as possible. Ideally you should be able to put a piece of printed paper behind it and just about see the text through the dough.

Making ahead and how to store? Fresh pasta is always best cooked fresh as soon as it is made. However, it is possible to make ahead and store if you prefer. A kneaded pasta dough ball can be wrapped in cling film and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, then rolled and shaped as required. Rolled and cut out pasta dough can be covered with a damp cloth in the short term (an hour or so) or frozen in the long term. Make sure pasta strips are wrapped into nests in both cases. To freeze place the pasta nests or cut out shapes onto a floured tray and place in the freezer. Once frozen transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

This post was first published in Nov 2017. Updated in Jan 2022 with new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post How To Make Pasta appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click the link and then go on to purchase, I will receive a percentage of the cost. See my privacy policy and disclosure statement for further details.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

If you've never made risotto before, this is the perfect recipe for first timers and risotto experts alike. With minimal fuss and ingredients, this smoked haddock risotto is easy to nurture into a pillowy pot of rice, with plenty of bite still left in each grain.

This is a warming, wholesome dish that is made by, simply and gradually, adding milky stock to starchy rice. A great option for the whole family, any night of the week.

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe makes enough smoked haddock risotto to serve 2 people (or 4 starter-sized portions):

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and also use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Risotto rice: For risotto rice you are looking for short grains with a high starch content. Look for rice labelled as Arborio, Carnaroli or simply; risotto rice.

Smoked Haddock: Smoked haddock gives risotto the most incredible flavour and in my opinion its the best fish to serve with this dish.

However, if you prefer you can opt for unsmoked haddock or smoked haddock that isn't dyed or try with another white, chunky fish such as cod instead.

Milk: This recipe uses whole milk, which adds to the creaminess of the risotto. If you prefer, use skimmed or semi skimmed or replace the milk completely with stock. Any of these options will result in a less creamy risotto.

Parmesan: Any hard Italian cheese will work well.

Wine: I love the flavour of white wine in risotto and so in my book, its always a must. But if required it can be replaced with a little apple juice or just left out completely.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Poach the smoked haddock in milk and stock. Then remove skin and flake the fish. save the poaching liquid (fish stock).
2. Cook onion and garlic in butter in a wide pan. Then add risotto rice and stir to coat each grain in butter.
3. Next, add the wine and cook until it has nearly all reduced.
4. Add rosemary and gradually start to add fish stock.
5. Gradually add all the stock until the rice is soft and plump.
6. Stir in grated parmesan and lemon juice. 
7. Hot water can also be added to loosen the risotto if you prefer a slightly soupier consistency. Once you're happy with the risotto, stir in the flaked smoked haddock.
8. Top with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan and serve.

💭 Expert tips

Butter: Use butter! A good helping of butter is always the best starting point for any risotto dish. Melted butter is used to 'awaken' the rice by coating and softening the uncooked grains so allowing liquids to be easily soaked in. 

Patience: Risotto does require a little patience. Take your time a don't rush the gradual addition of the stock, I promise its well worth it.

Poaching haddock: This is a delicate approach to cooking the fish, which keeps it moist and flaky. The fish juices will also flavours the milky stock, which is then added to the risotto.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍝 Other Italian recipes

• How To Make Pasta
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Traditional Tiramisu Recipe
• Tuscan Ribollita Soup
• Amarone Risotto
• Basil Pesto Recipe
• Italian Style Slow Cooker Ragu

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Smoked Haddock Risotto

Creamy smoked haddock risotto flavoured with fresh rosemary and gently simmered in a pan of white wine, whole milk and vegetable stock. The fish is delicately poached in the warm stock and milk beforehand and the whole recipe takes just over 30 minutes to make.

Course Dinner, Main Course, starter or main

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Calories 833kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Wide poaching pan
• Wide (30cm) pan to cook the risotto
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 2 fillets 280g of smoked haddock
• 450 ml vegetable stock
• 450 ml whole milk
• 20 g butter
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove finely chopped
• 170 g risotto rice
• 150 ml white wine
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 lemon juiced
• 25 g grated parmesan or other hard Italian cheese
• 15 g fresh chopped parsley
• Extra parmesan to serve

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

To poach the fish:

• Pour the cold stock and milk into a wide pan. Stir together then place in the haddock fillets and bring the pan to a simmer. Gently poach for 3 minutes making sure the pan doesn’t boil. Then remove the fish with a slotted spoon and break into chunky flakes, discarding any skin. Keep the milky stock warm in the pan ready for making the risotto.

To make the risotto:

• Melt the butter in a wide (30cm) pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft. Then add the risotto rice and stir into the onion allowing the melted butter to coat and gently warm each grain.
• Next, add the wine and cook until it has nearly all reduced.
• Add the sprig off rosemary and then start to add the milky stock one ladle at a time. Stir attentively between each addition, only adding another ladleful when the previous one has been fully absorbed.
• Make sure all the milky stock goes into the risotto. It will probably take around 15-20 minutes to gradually add the whole lot. By this point the rice should have softened and plumped.
• Add the grated parmesan and lemon juice. Stir in well and keep cooking for a further minute to allow the lemon juice to absorb. Taste the risotto, it should be soft and creamy. The grains should be firm but not chalky. If the rice still has a chalky bite, stir in a ladle of hot water and cook for a couple more minutes.
• Hot water can also be added to loosen the risotto if you prefer a slightly soupier consistency. Once you're happy with the risotto, stir in the flaked smoked haddock.
• Top with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan and serve.

Video

Notes

Risotto rice: For risotto rice you are looking for short grains with a high starch content. Look for rice labelled as Arborio, Carnaroli, Vialone nano or simply; risotto rice.

Smoked Haddock: Smoked haddock gives risotto the most incredible flavour and in my opinion its the best fish to serve with this dish. However, if you prefer you can opt for unsmoked haddock or smoked haddock that isn't dyed or try with another white, chunky fish such as cod instead.

Milk: This recipe uses whole milk, which adds to the creaminess of the risotto. If you prefer, use skimmed or semi skimmed or replace the milk completely with stock. Any of these options will result in a less creamy risotto.

Parmesan: Any hard Italian cheese will work well.

Wine: I love the flavour of white wine in risotto and so in my book, its always a must. But if required it can be replaced with a little apple juice or just left out completely.

Butter: Use butter! A good helping of butter is always the best starting point for any risotto dish. Melted butter is used to 'awaken' the rice by coating and softening the uncooked grains so allowing liquids to be easily soaked in. 

Patience: Risotto does require a little patience. Take your time a don't rush the gradual addition of the stock, I promise its well worth it.

Poaching haddock: This is a delicate approach to cooking the fish, which keeps it moist and flaky. The fish juices will also flavours the milky stock, which is then added to the risotto.

What is the best rice for risotto? Risotto rice is usually plump, short-medium grains with a high starch content. This gives risotto its well known creamy texture when cooked. In the shops look for rice labelled as Arborio, Carnaroli, Vialone nano or just simply; risotto rice. 



Arborio rice is the most widely available type of risotto rice and produces a lovely thick and soft risotto, but can be susceptible to overcooking (becomes sloppy). Carnaroli isn't as easy to find in the shops but is known to be the best due to its higher starch content and resistance to overcooking, which pretty much guarantees a thick and creamy risotto every time. Vialone nano has smaller, round grains and is considered to be as good as Carnaroli but produces a soupier risotto.

How to store? Risotto is best made fresh. The rice doesn't reheat well and more often than not, reheated risotto will overcook and become sloppy. So do bare this in mind when saving leftovers. 



Transfer any leftovers to sealable containers. Make sure the risotto has fully cooled before sealing and storing in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cooled risotto will set and become hard. Reheat by returning to the pan with a little hot water and stir until heated through and piping hot. (Please note that proper cooling and reheating is essential for rice dishes).

What is the best pan for cooking risotto? The key to cooking risotto is a large surface area and allowing the rice to cook thoroughly and evenly in the stock. So any type of pan will do as long as it has a wide base. I recommend using a 30cm wide pan. A non-stick pan isn't essential so long as you pay close attention to the rice and maintain a good stir.

Nutrition

Calories: 833kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 2339mg | Potassium: 1158mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1949IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 501mg | Iron: 7mg

This post was first published in May 2016. Updated in Jan 2022 with an improved recipe, new images, step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Smoked Haddock Risotto appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

This easy pasta dish is made with a creamy and spicy tomato sauce smothered over shells of perfectly cooked pasta and chunks of pan fried Cajun chicken. This is one of those one pot recipes, where everything is prepared, cooked and served from one pan. It really is win-win all round as not only is it low on the washing up but this Cajun chicken pasta recipe is also a super healthy version. Unlike many recipes that opt for a creamy, Alfredo sauce with cajun chicken, the creamy pasta sauce in this recipe uses nothing but spices, tinned tomatoes and Greek style yogurt.

📖 Recipe

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun chicken pasta mixed into a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of spice. A wholesome pasta dish full of rustic, earthy favours and made in less than 30 minutes. Its a simple family favourite that will easily fit into the busy working week.

Course Dinner, lunch, main meal, tea

Cuisine American, Cajun, French-Canadian, New Orleans

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 501kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Small mixing bowl
• large pan

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon Paprika
• ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 500 g chicken breast cut into chunks 3 large breasts
• ½ tablespoon oil
• 5 Spring onions sliced 50g (save green tops for garnish - optional)
• 1 yellow bell pepper 125g (roughly chopped)
• 2 400 g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 300 g uncooked pasta
• 4 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 20 g freshly chopped parsley

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Place cubed chicken breast into a large bowl and add paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well to fully coat the chicken with the spices.
  ½ tablespoon Paprika, ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper, 500 g chicken breast cut into chunks, 1 teaspoon Oregano
• Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large pan, when hot add the chicken to the pan then stir fry until golden brown. Then transfer the chicken to a bowl and set to one side.
  ½ tablespoon oil
• In the same pan add a bit more oil then stir fry spring onion and yellow bell pepper for a couple of minutes or until slightly soft.
  5 Spring onions sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper
• Next add the stir fried chicken back to the pan and mix in, whilst continuing to cook.
• Add the tinned tomatoes and mix in.
  2 400 g tins of chopped tomatoes
• Add cooked pasta and mix well to fully coat in the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  300 g uncooked pasta
• Next remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool slightly before stirring in the yogurt.
  4 tablespoon plain yogurt
• To finish, top with parsley and serve.
  20 g freshly chopped parsley

Video

Notes

Chicken: replace with your preferred veggies for a vegetarian option.

Pasta: small pastas like fusilli work well in this recipe

Yogurt: Use full fat yogurt for a creamy result. This can also be substituted with full fat crème fraîche or if you want an extra creamy pasta sauce replace with double cream.

How to store? Cajun chicken pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure its cooled properly before transferring to a sealed container and then place in the freezer. Defrost thoroughly before reheating. Heat until piping hot throughout. This dish will also store well in the fridge overnight and is great served up cold the following day as a pasta salad.

Expert tips:

• For an extra special treat try making this dish with your own homemade fresh pasta.
• Small pastas such as shells and fusilli work best with this recipe.
• Don't add the yogurt whilst the pan is still on the heat as this will cause the yogurt to curdle.

Nutrition

Serving: 480g | Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 452mg | Potassium: 1199mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1231IU | Vitamin C: 87mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 4mg

This post was first published in May 2019. Updated in Oct 2021 with new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Cajun Chicken Pasta appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

Massaman is a mild Thai curry recipe made with a yellow Massaman curry paste, coconut milk and potatoes. Massaman curry recipes tends to be milder and sweeter than other Thai curries due to the addition of spices like cinnamon, star anise and cardamom. So its a great option if you're not a fan of spicy foods and whats more this lovely curry can be made and on the table within 45 minutes.

Massaman is the mildest of the Thai curries, so opt for the more spicy Thai red curry or Thai green curry if you're after something with a bit more heat.

🥘 Ingredients

To make massaman curry for 4 people you will need:

• ½ tablespoon Oil
• 1 Garlic clove finely chopped 
• 1 Onion sliced
• 2 Chicken Breasts cubed (360g)
• 25g potatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoon Massaman Curry paste (homemade or shop bought)
• 400ml tin of Coconut milk (full fat)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 Star anise
• 100g sugar snap peas (roughly chopped)
• ½ teaspoon Fish sauce
• ½ a lime juiced
• Toppings: Fresh coriander, sliced red chillies and chopped cashew nuts

Ingredient notes

Recipe: For the full recipe and amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Chicken: This recipe uses raw chicken. However, cooked shredded chicken can also be used. This means you could buy a rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken from a previous meal.

Potatoes: Choose a waxy variety that will hold together well such as Charlotte, Anya, baby or new potatoes. Leave the skins on for a more rustic finish and to add more fibre to your meal.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk is the base of most Thai curries. However, if you need a different option the best replacement in terms of consistency and flavour is cream. This can be a little heavy so you could also use yogurt (full fat).

Fish sauce: Fish sauce is the main seasoning ingredient in Thai cooking and completely transforms the dish. I highly recommend using fish sauce in this recipe for the best flavour. If you can't get hold of any or if you are making a vegetarian curry, you can substitute with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or seaweed paste.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Place a large pan on a medium heat and the oil, garlic and sliced onions and gently fry until starting to soften. Next add the chicken and stir fry to seal off the edges of the meat.
2. Add the sliced potatoes to the chicken and onions and continue to stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes so allowing the potatoes to start cooking. Then transfer the contents of the pan to a large bowl and set to one side.
3. Return the pan to the heat and add 2 large tablespoon of Massaman curry paste (homemade or shop bought). Cook for a minute or so and allow the paste to release its flavours. Turn the pan to a low heat and stir in the coconut milk, sugar and star anise.
4. When the sauce has heated through add the partially cooked chicken, potatoes and onions and mix in until well coated in the sauce. Bring the pan to a very gentle simmer then place on a lid and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are soft.
5. Next add the chopped sugar snap peas to the curry and simmer for a further 2 minutes.
6. Find and remove the star anise. Then taste the curry and season to your liking with lime juice and fish sauce.
7. Serve and top with freshly sliced red chillies, fresh coriander leaves and chopped cashews nuts.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍛 Other easy homemade curry recipes

• Thai Red Curry Recipe
• Fish Biryani
• Thai Green Curry Recipe
• Chicken Tikka Masala Curry
• Thai Green Prawn Curry
• Quick Chicken and Almond Curry
• Thai Panang Curry
• Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Massaman Curry

Massaman curry recipe made with an aromatic curry paste, chunks of juicy chicken, sliced new potatoes and a Thai coconut cream sauce. Great served up with cashew nuts, sliced red chillies and fragrant fresh coriander.

Course Dinner, Main Course, main meal

Cuisine Thai, Thailand

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 440kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• large pan
• Bowl

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon Oil
• 1 Garlic clove finely chopped
• 1 Onion sliced
• 3 Chicken Breasts cubed 500g
• 250 g potatoes chopped into bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoon Massaman Curry paste homemade or shop bought
• 400 ml tin of Coconut milk full fat
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 Star anise
• 100 g sugar snap peas roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon Fish sauce
• ½ a lime juiced
• Toppings: Fresh coriander sliced red chillies and chopped cashew nuts

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Place a large pan on a medium heat and the oil, garlic and sliced onions and gently fry until starting to soften. Next add the chicken and stir fry to seal off the edges of the meat.
  ½ tablespoon Oil, 1 Garlic clove finely chopped, 1 Onion sliced, 3 Chicken Breasts cubed
• Add the sliced potatoes to the chicken and onions and continue to stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes so allowing the potatoes to start cooking. Then transfer the contents of the pan to a large bowl and set to one side.
  250 g potatoes
• Return the pan to the heat and add 2 large tablespoon of Massaman curry paste (homemade or shop bought). Cook for a minute or so and allow the paste to release its flavours. Turn the pan to a low heat and stir in the coconut milk, sugar and star anise.
  2 tablespoon Massaman Curry paste, 400 ml tin of Coconut milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 Star anise
• When the sauce has heated through add the partially cooked chicken, potatoes and onions and mix in until well coated in the sauce. Bring the pan to a very gentle simmer then place on a lid and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are soft.
• Next add the chopped sugar snap peas to the curry and simmer for a further 2 minutes.
  100 g sugar snap peas
• Find and remove the star anise. Then taste the curry and season to your liking with lime juice and fish sauce.
  ½ a lime juiced, ½ teaspoon Fish sauce
• Serve and top with freshly sliced red chillies, fresh coriander leaves and chopped cashews nuts.
  Toppings: Fresh coriander

Video

Notes

Chicken: This recipe uses raw chicken. However, cooked shredded chicken can also be used. This means you could buy a rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken from a previous meal.

Potatoes: Choose a waxy variety that will hold together well such as Charlotte, Anya, baby or new potatoes. Leave the skins on for a more rustic finish and to add more fibre to your meal.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk is the base of most Thai curries. However, if you need a different option the best replacement in terms of consistency and flavour is cream. This can be a little heavy so you could also use yogurt (full fat).

Fish sauce: Fish sauce is the main seasoning ingredient in Thai cooking and completely transforms the dish. I highly recommend using fish sauce in this recipe for the best flavour. If you can't get hold of any or if you are making a vegetarian curry, you can substitute with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or seaweed paste.

Chicken massaman curry: The chicken can be replace with your preferred meat or fish (lamb or cod are good options). Or swap in for veggies (courgette, aubergine, sweet potato) if you want to make a vegetarian tikka masala.

Coconut milk: This will have separated in the can so give it a shake and a stir before adding to the pan.

Spicy massaman curry: For an extra kick add in sliced chilli pepper or a few drops of Tabasco or a teaspoon of hot chilli powder.

How to store? Once made, allow the massaman curry to completely cool then transfer to a sealable container and keep in the fridge for 2 days or or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.

What to serve with massaman curry? Serve up with a helping of jasmine rice or plain rice, plus extra cashew nuts, fresh chilli and fresh coriander.

Nutrition

Serving: 279g | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 1047mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1494IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 5mg

This post was first published in Jan 2020. Updated in Oct 2021 with new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Massaman Curry appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

A delicious, homemade chicken tikka masala curry that you will find yourself making again and again. After marinating the meat, this lovely curry can be made and on the table within 30 minutes. If you're really short on time you can skip the marinating time. Just mix the chicken into the marinade and add to the curry. However, the flavour of the chicken will be greatly enhanced by marinating for just 20 minutes and then cooking on griddle pan until lightly browned.

🥘 Ingredients

To make chicken tikka curry for 4 people you will need:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Passata: Passata is the best option for a making a smooth tomato based curry sauce. Alternatively use a tin of chopped tomatoes but whiz up in the blender.

Chicken: This recipe uses raw chicken. However, cooked shredded chicken can also be used. This means you could buy a rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken from a previous meal.

Tikka masala paste: This recipe uses a homemade tikka masala paste, but if you are short on time you can buy a jar of paste.

Ground almonds: This adds a sweetness to the curry without having to add sugar. However, if you prefer, the almonds can be replaced with 2 teaspoon of sugar.

Plain yogurt: Use full fat yogurt to help keep the sauce nice and thick. This adds a creaminess to the sauce. If you want extra creamy sauce then replace with 2 tablespoon of double cream.

Fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the best flavour for this tikka curry, but a teaspoon of paste or jarred garlic/ginger could be used instead.

Tikka masala spices: Paprika, cinnamon, garam masala are used in this recipe which helps boost the flavour already provided by the tikka paste. I recommend using at least these spices and for a little extra flavour try adding a teaspoon of cumin and turmeric.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. First add 2 tablespoon of tikka masala paste and 120ml plain yogurt to a large bowl and mix together well to create a tikka marinade.
2. Slice the chicken breast into chunks and add to the tikka marinade. Alternatively slice or shred leftover or rotisserie chicken and add to the marinade. Stir well to completely coat the chicken. Cover and leave to marinade in the fridge for around 20 minutes. You can marinade for longer (max 2 hours) but don't over marinade as the chicken may start to become a bit mushy.
3. Next heat up a tablespoon of oil in a large pan and add finely chopped onion, garlic and ginger. Gently fry until the onions start to caramelise. 
4. Once the onions are caramelised add the juice of half a lemon, chopped coriander stems, 1 tablespoon of tikka masala paste and the ground spices. Mix together and continue to gently fry on a medium heat allowing the paste and spices to release their flavours.
5. Stir in the passata and ground almonds and bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat to slightly cool.
6. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. At this point the chicken can either be added as it is directly to the curry sauce or can be griddle in a pan to brown the marinade. To griddle add the marinated chicken to a sizzlingly hot pan (no oil required). Fry until browned on both sides then remove from the pan into a bowl.
7. Add 2 tablespoon yogurt to the slightly cooled curry sauce and stir in well.
8. Next add the marinated chicken and fresh coriander leaves to the sauce. The marinated chicken can be browned off in the griddle pan first (step 6) or just added straight from the marinating bowl with all the marinade. Stir together well.
9. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer to ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving. If you have added raw marinated chicken directly to the curry simmer for 10 minutes or so until the chicken is cooked.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🍛 Other easy homemade curry recipes

• Thai Red Curry Recipe
• Fish Biryani
• Thai Green Curry Recipe
• Massaman Curry
• Thai Green Prawn Curry
• Quick Chicken and Almond Curry
• Thai Panang Curry
• Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Chicken Tikka Masala Curry

A mild and fragrant chicken tikka masala curry made with homemade tikka paste, ground spices and fresh herbs. This easy to make tikka masala curry is perfect for a stay at home curry night and a great dish to whip up for a dinner party. Also a fantastic recipe for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Course Dinner, evening meal, main meal

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 328kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl (to marinade chicken)
• large pan
• Griddle pan (optional)

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

• 500 g raw chicken breast or leftover/rotisserie chicken
• 2 tablespoons curry paste homemade or shop bought
• 120 ml plain yogurt

For the curry

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
• 2 cm piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped
• ½ lemon juiced
• Handful fresh coriander stems chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry paste homemade or shop bought
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 400 g passata
• 40 g ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• Handful fresh coriander leaves

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• First add 2 tablespoon of tikka masala paste and 120ml plain yogurt to a large bowl and mix together well to create a tikka marinade.
  2 tablespoons curry paste, 120 ml plain yogurt
• Slice the chicken breast into chunks and add to the tikka marinade. Alternatively slice or shred leftover or rotisserie chicken and add to the marinade. Stir well to completely coat the chicken. Cover and leave to marinade in the fridge for around 20 minutes. You can marinade for longer (max 2 hours) but don't over marinade as the chicken may start to become a bit mushy.
  500 g raw chicken breast or leftover/rotisserie chicken
• Next heat up a tablespoon of oil in a large pan and add finely chopped onion, garlic and ginger. Gently fry until the onions start to caramelise.
  1 Onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 cm piece of fresh ginger
• Once the onions are caramelised add the juice of half a lemon, chopped coriander stems, 1 tablespoon of tikka masala paste and the ground spices. Mix together and continue to gently fry on a medium heat allowing the paste and spices to release their flavours.
  ½ lemon juiced, 1 tablespoon curry paste, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Stir in the passata and ground almonds and bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat to slightly cool.
  400 g passata, 40 g ground almonds
• Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. At this point the chicken can either be added as it is directly to the curry sauce or can be griddle in a pan to brown the marinade. To griddle add the marinated chicken to a sizzlingly hot pan (no oil required). Fry until browned on both sides then remove from the pan into a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoon yogurt to the slightly cooled curry sauce and stir in well.
  2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• Next add the marinated chicken and fresh coriander leaves to the sauce. The marinated chicken can be browned off in the griddle pan first (step 6) or just added straight from the marinating bowl with all the marinade. Stir together well.
  Handful fresh coriander leaves
• Bring the curry to a gentle simmer to ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving. If you have added raw marinated chicken directly to the curry simmer for 10 minutes or so until the chicken is cooked.

Notes

Passata: Passata is the best option for a making a smooth tomato based curry sauce. Alternatively use a tin of chopped tomatoes but whiz up in the blender.

Chicken: This recipe uses raw chicken. However, cooked shredded chicken can also be used. This means you could buy a rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken from a previous meal.

Tikka masala paste: This recipe uses a homemade tikka masala paste, but if you are short on time you can buy a jar of paste.

Ground almonds: This adds a sweetness to the curry without having to add sugar. However, if you prefer, the almonds can be replaced with 2 teaspoon of sugar.

Plain yogurt: Use full fat yogurt to help keep the sauce nice and thick. This adds a creaminess to the sauce. If you want extra creamy sauce then replace with 2 tablespoon of double cream.

Fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the best flavour for this tikka curry, but a teaspoon of paste or jarred garlic/ginger could be used instead.

Tikka masala spices: Paprika, cinnamon, garam masala are used in this recipe which helps boost the flavour already provided by the tikka paste. I recommend using at least these spices and for a little extra flavour try adding a teaspoon of cumin and turmeric.

Chicken tikka curry: The chicken can be replace with your preferred meat or fish (lamb or cod are good options). Or swap in for veggies (courgette, aubergine, sweet potato) if you want to make a vegetarian tikka masala.

Spicy tikka curry: For an extra kick add in sliced chilli pepper or a few drops of Tabasco or a teaspoon of hot chilli powder.

How to store?
Once made, allow the tikka masala curry to completely cool then transfer to a sealable container and keep in the fridge for 2 days or or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.

What to serve with chicken tikka masala?
Serve up with a helping of rice, naan bread, extra coriander leaves and wedges of lemon.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 1047mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2653IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 3mg

This post was first published in Aug 2016. Updated in Sept 2021 with an improved recipe, new photos, and new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Chicken Tikka Masala Curry appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

Italian Pasta salad is one of those recipes that literally has everything going for it. Its easy to make, easy to store, great for meal prep and really useful for using up any leftovers.

The best thing about pasta salad is the variety of ingredients that can be used; from different types of pasta to numerous different fruits, vegetable and cheeses. Also, as its a cold dish, its easy to store in the fridge keeping everything lovely and fresh and crisp.

🥘 Ingredients

To make a large bowl of Italian pasta salad at home you will need:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Pasta: This recipe uses wholegrain fusilli, but any type of small pasta will work well.

Tomatoes: Use fresh, vine ripened tomatoes. For an extra vibrant salad look for different colours of tomatoes (heritage/heirloom).

Mozzarella: A soft Italian cheese is essential for making this Italian pasta salad. Use small pearls of mozzarella or alternatively tear up a larger ball. Burrata is also a great option. Look for vegetarian alternatives if you are making a vegetarian salad.

Pecorino cheese: This is optional and can also be substituted with parmesan. Look for vegetarian alternatives if you are making a vegetarian salad.

Fresh basil and parsley: Fresh herbs are just the best taste in salads and I highly recommend using fresh basil at the very least. Especially in this Italian salad as it pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and mozzarella

Cannellini Beans: Beans are an optional extra and are used here to bulk out the salad and boost the protein content without adding meat.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🥗 Other delicious salad recipes

• Vietnamese Style Beef salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad
• Mango Avocado Salad
• Chicken Satay and Quinoa Salad
• Chicken Fajita Salad

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

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Italian Pasta Salad

A fresh and vibrant Italian pasta salad made with wholegrain pasta, juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. This nutritious and full flavoured pasta salad is perfect for dishing out at lunches or parties and is great as an on the go snack or working lunch. Make this Italian Pasta salad recipe in just 15 minutes and enjoy topped with fresh basil and a homemade Italian dressing.

Course Dinner, lunch, party food

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 450kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Large pan to cook pasta
• Large mixing bowl for the pasta salad
• Small bowl to make the dressing

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 250 g Wholewheat fusilli pasta dried uncooked
• 500 g heritage and/or baby tomatoes roughly chopped
• 100 g cucumber chopped into small cubes
• 80 g Red bell pepper chopped into small cubes
• 60 g Black olives halved
• 100 g Mozzarella pearls or large ball torn up
• Handful of basil leaves roughly torn
• Handful of fresh parsley finely chopped
• Half tin of cannellini beans optional

For the Italian Dressing

• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or any alternative cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Wholegrain mustard
• ½ a lemon
 juiced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Toppings

• 25 g Freshly grated pecorino cheese or alternative hard cheese
• Extra basil leaves

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente (or according to packet instructions). Place the cooked pasta and pasta salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss together well.
  250 g Wholewheat fusilli pasta dried, 500 g heritage and/or baby tomatoes roughly chopped, 100 g cucumber chopped into small cubes, 80 g Red bell pepper chopped into small cubes, 60 g Black olives halved, 100 g Mozzarella pearls or large ball torn up, Handful of basil leaves roughly torn, Handful of fresh parsley finely chopped, Half tin of cannellini beans
• In a small bowl mix together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, wholegrain mustard, lemon juice and Italian seasoning.
  2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Honey, 1 teaspoon Wholegrain mustard, ½ a lemon
 juiced, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix in.
• Top with freshly grated pecorino and basil leaves.
  25 g Freshly grated pecorino cheese, Extra basil leaves

Video

Notes

How to store? Pasta salad will last 3 to 4 days if covered with a sealable lid or cling film and kept in the fridge. This recipe a great option for meal prep and will easily provide meals for 3 or 4 days.

How to you stop cooked pasta from sticking together? To ensure the pasta doesn't stick together make sure the cooking water is boiling and stir the pasta well as soon as its placed into the water. After cooking rinse under cold water. If you aren't using the pasta right away it may eventually start to stick together. All you need to do is rinse the pasta under cold water again and toss until the pieces separate.

Can this recipe be made in advance? Yes pasta salad can be made up to 3 days in advance then covered and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Pasta: This recipe uses wholegrain fusilli, but any type of small pasta will work well.

Tomatoes: Use fresh, vine ripened tomatoes.

Mozzarella: A soft Italian cheese is essential for making this Italian pasta salad. Use small pearls of mozzarella or alternatively tear up a larger ball. Burrata is also a great option. Look for vegetarian alternatives if you are making a vegetarian salad.

Pecorino cheese: This is optional and can also be substituted with parmesan. Look for vegetarian alternatives if you are making a vegetarian salad.

Fresh basil and parsley: Fresh herbs are just the best taste in salads and I highly recommend using fresh basil at the very least. Especially in this Italian salad as it pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and mozzarella.

Cannellini Beans: Beans are an optional extra and are used here to bulk out the salad and boost the protein content without adding meat.

Tips:

• For extra colour use green, red, orange and yellow tomatoes. Heritage or heirloom tomatoes are usually the best option.
• Make sure the cooked pasta is fully cooled before adding to the salad. To do this, drain into a sieve then rinse in cold water until the pasta is cold to the touch. There are 2 reasons for doing this. Firstly, to stop the cooking process and ensure the pasta doesn't go soggy. Secondly, to make sure that the rest of the ingredients stay crisp and fresh.
• If you are cooking pasta for a warm dish, then it is not necessary to rinse the pasta. Instead add straight to the sauce like in this salmon pasta recipe or this salmon and prawn linguine.

Nutrition

Serving: 296g | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 553mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2061IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 5mg

This post was first published in Aug 2019. Updated in Sept 2021 with an improved photos, and new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Italian Pasta Salad appeared first on ProperFoodie.

🥘 Ingredients

To make Mexican chilli con carne at home you will need:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Cannellini beans: cannellini beans have a soft texture and a light colour. But these can be replaced with the usual kidney bean if you prefer.

Bell pepper and celery: The bell pepper and celery are used in this recipe to add extra flavour and a more chunky texture, but again if you prefer you can leave these out.

Cocoa powder and Worcestershire sauce: To make this dish extra special I use Cocoa powder and Worcestershire sauce as my 'secret chilli ingredients'. Both add a rich flavour to the sauce which cuts through the sweet tomatoes and smokey spices. However, both of these are optional and if you prefer you can just leave them out.

📖 Recipe

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Mexican Chilli Con Carne Recipe (with cannellini beans)

This Mexican Chilli con carne recipe uses smoked paprika, ground cumin, chilli powder and tomatoes for the base of the sauce. These ingredients are combined and left to simmer gently for few hours reducing down and infusing to create a wonderfully rich and smokey sauce.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 492kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 Onion finely chopped (200g)
• 2 Garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
• 2 celery sticks roughly chopped (120g)
• 500 g mince meat ground meat
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Hot chilli powder
• 1 red chilli pepper deseeded and finely chopped (20g)
• 2 tins chopped tomatoes
• 200 g baby tomatoes halved
• 2 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1 beef stock cube
• 1 red bell pepper deseeded and diced (130g)
• 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder optional
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Lea and Perins (optional)
• 1 tin of cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• Handful of fresh coriander
• Soured cream and extra sliced chillies to serve

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 160°C/320°F. Place a large wok or frying pan on medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, minced garlic cloves and 2 roughly chopped celery sticks. Stir fry until the onions and celery are soft.
  ½ tablespoon Olive oil, 1 Onion, 2 Garlic cloves, 2 celery sticks
• Next add the mince meat to the pan and roughly break up with a wooden spoon.
  500 g mince meat
• As the meat starts to cook add smoked paprika, ground cumin, hot chilli powder and 1 finely chopped red chilli pepper.
  1 teaspoon Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon Hot chilli powder, 1 red chilli pepper
• Stir the spices into the meat and continue to cook until brown all over.
• Next add the tinned tomatoes, baby tomatoes, tomato puree and 1 beef stock cube dissolved in a small amount of boiling water.
  2 tins chopped tomatoes, 200 g baby tomatoes, 2 tablespoon tomato puree, 1 beef stock cube
• Stir well to combine all the ingredients then bring to a simmer and allow to cook gently for 5 minutes.
• Then add the chopped red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
  1 red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Next add 1 tin of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed. Mix together well and then cover with a lid or tin foil.
  1 tin of cannellini beans
• Place in the centre of a preheated oven and cook at 160°C/320°F for 2 hours. Check and stir half way through. Alternatively transfer to a slow cooker and cook on medium for 6-7 hours.
• Once cooked remove from the oven. Stir through some freshly chopped coriander and serve in bowls with rice, fresh chillies and soured cream.
  Handful of fresh coriander, Soured cream and extra sliced chillies to serve

Video

Notes

Serving suggestions: Rice, fresh chillies, tobacco sauce, tortilla chips, avocado, guacamole, soured cream, grated cheese and fresh coriander.

Can you freeze this recipe? Once cooked allow to fully cool then transfer to sealable containers and freeze for up 3 months. To defrost leave on the side overnight or in the fridge for 24 hours.

Can you reheat cooked chilli? If the chilli has been cooled and then stored correctly (freezer for up to 3 months or fridge for up to 3 days) then it can be reheated. Reheat in the microwave or in a large pan on the stove until piping hot.

What can I use instead of kidney beans? Usually kidney beans are added to chilli - however, any bean will do. In this recipe I’ve used cannellini beans as I prefer the texture and colour.

Expert tips:

• Use 2 chilli peppers or 2 teaspoon of hot chilli powder if you like your chilli super spicy
• Instead of dissolving the stock cube in boiling water, try crumbling directly into the chilli so as not to water down the dish.
• If you are short on time you can simmer the chilli on the stove for an hour or so instead of in the oven or slow cooker. However, for best results always cook in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 584g | Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 114g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 90g | Vitamin A: 1914IU | Vitamin C: 66mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg

This post was first published in Jun 2017. Updated in Aug 2021 with an improved recipe and photos, and new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Mexican Chilli Con Carne (with cannellini beans) appeared first on ProperFoodie.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

With autumn comes the changing of the weather and leaves and the need for more comforting and warming dishes comes about. So its out with the basil and in with the celery leaf, out with the pine nuts and in with the walnut to create this delicious autumnal pesto. Celery and walnut pesto is less aromatic than a basil pesto recipe, with more of an earthy flavour. Its perfectly balanced to go with autumnal dishes such as roasted root veggies, baked sweet potatoes, warming and creamy lasagnas and even plump, little ravioli parcels.....there's plenty of ideas to go at.

The celery leaf is also great to use up in soup recipes: celery, apple and blue cheese garden soup post 

The autumnal vibe of this recipe was inspired by our latest trip to Italy. Did we eat a lot whilst we were there?.... Yes, of course, we ate a tonne. Did we care that we were meant to be there to plan our wedding and not eat all of Italy's pasta in one sitting? No, not one bit.

🥘 Ingredients

To make this walnut pesto recipe you will need:

• Celery leaves roughly chopped
• Walnut oil
• Garlic cloves roughly chopped
• Walnuts
• Green apples cored and diced
• Mint leaves
• Edamame beans
• Parmesan grated
• Salt
• Cider vinegar

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Celery leaves: can be replaced with celery stems but make sure to peel the outer edge to remove any stringy bits first.

Edamame beans: are optional but will add extra protein and give the pesto a more robust texture.

Walnuts: are the best option for this recipe but if you can't get hold of any a good substitute would be pecans.

Parmesan: For a vegetarian version replace parmesan with vegetarian cheese.

⛪ Our wedding

But yes......our wedding!! Thats right - this massive thing that seems to be gobbling up my time at the moment, but something that I've failed to talk about on here. So next year, Ben and I will be married in the beautiful surroundings of the Italian countryside, following on from our engagement last year whilst we were in Pienza!

Of course the plans so far for the wedding are lots of pasta, risotto, wine and a good bunch of laughter and happy times. Excited doesn't even begin to describe where I am at with this right now. There's still lots of planning to be sorted, and I'm sure a great deal of stress to cope with but I can't wait to get back to Italy next year and become Mrs Jones :-O

🍹Autumn holiday

But back to the trip we've just had: A holiday abroad in autumn is just simply magical. All the trees are changing and brandishing fiery reds or warming oranges, the mornings have a slight chill which brings a mysterious mist and subtle sunrises. The birds are also aware of the changes and migrate above the skies or dance in pretty patterns through the trees.

Grapevines are usually harvested for their annual fruits at this time of year, but some vineyards have vines that flower a little later so are still flush with huge bunches of juicy grapes. A glorious site and I really do hope that next year we can get wedding pictures amongst grapevines with cascading bunches of grapes 🙂

The autumnal produce of Italy from peaches and beetroot to truffles and cabbage, meant that we had some stunning plates of food. Of course there was the usual mountain of cheese and cold cuts, but there was also plenty of inspiration for me with dishes like: sea bream baked with paprika and radicchio; suckling pig with apples, raisins and cabbage; shredded beetroot chutney; fresh pappardelle pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce and fresh truffle; the glorious and ubiquitous apricot breakfast tart; sea bream and lime tortelloni with burrata cheese; and of course walnut pesto. I just had to have a go at making my own version of this incredible pesto! 

📖 Recipe

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Celery, Apple and Walnut Pesto

Sweet and earthy walnut pesto recipe made with juicy apples, crunchy walnuts and fresh celery leaves. This recipe is great for using up the leaves on top of your celery and can be whizzed up in just 5 minutes.

Course Appetizer, condiment, dip, party food, side, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 10 portions

Calories 211kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Small blender or food processor
• Grater

Ingredients

• 100 g Celery leaves roughly chopped
• 150 ml Walnut oil
• 100 ml water
• 2 Garlic cloves roughly chopped
• 50 g Walnuts
• 85 g Green apples cored and diced
• 10 g Mint leaves
• 50 g Edamame beans
• 75 g Parmesan grated
• Pinch of Salt
• Teaspoon Cider vinegar

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Place the celery leaves, garlic cloves, walnuts, chopped apples, mint leaves, beans, salt and cider vinegar into a blender or food processor. Add half of the water and half of the walnut oil.
  100 g Celery leaves, 150 ml Walnut oil, 100 ml water, 2 Garlic cloves, 50 g Walnuts, 85 g Green apples, 10 g Mint leaves, 50 g Edamame beans, Pinch of Salt, Teaspoon Cider vinegar
• Pulse into a paste adding more water or oil if needed.
• Grate the parmesan and stir in a bit at a time until you are happy with the taste and texture.
  75 g Parmesan
• Taste and add more salt, parmesan or oil depending on the taste and consistency you are after.

Notes

How to store? Transfer the pesto to a sealable jar or container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost leave on the side overnight. If freezing I recommend freezing small amounts in small containers so you can defrost as much or as little as you need.

What to serve with walnut pesto? This pesto is great stirred through pasta, rice, couscous, quinoa or any other kind of grain. I also love to use it as a topping on roasted sweet potato, chargrilled veggies and pan fried chicken or fish.

Celery leaves: can be replaced with celery stems but make sure to peel the outer edge to remove any stringy bits first.

Edamame beans: are optional but will add extra protein and give the pesto a more robust texture.

Walnuts: are the best option for this recipe but if you can't get hold of any a good substitute would be pecans.

Parmesan: For a vegetarian version replace parmesan with vegetarian cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 10portions | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Celery, Apple and Walnut Pesto appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Homemade pesto recipe made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts and grated parmesan. Freshly made in just 5 minutes and bursting with aromatic flavours and an intense green colour. This is pesto at its best!

Find out how to make and store this vibrant pesto recipe so you always have a jar ready to go in the fridge.

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🥘 Ingredients

To make basil pesto at home you will need:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Pine nuts: Pine nuts are the best option for this recipe but if you can't get hold of any a good substitute would be cashew nuts or pecans. Walnut pesto is also an option.

Parmesan: For a vegetarian version replace parmesan with vegetarian cheese.

📖 Recipe

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Basil Pesto Recipe

Homemade pesto recipe made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts and grated parmesan. Freshly made in just 5 minutes and bursting with aromatic flavours and an intense green colour. This is pesto at its best!

Course Appetizer, condiment, dip, party food, paste, sauce, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 217kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Small blender or food processor
• Grater

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove peeled and roughly chopped
• 75 g fresh basil leaves
• 30 g pine nuts
• Pinch sea salt
• 100 ml olive oil
• 50 g parmesan grated

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Place the basil leaves, garlic clove, pine nuts and salt into a blender or food processor. Add just half of the oil.
  1 garlic clove, 75 g fresh basil leaves, 30 g pine nuts, Pinch sea salt, 100 ml olive oil
• Pulse into a paste adding more oil if needed.
• Grate the parmesan and stir in a bit at a time until you are happy with the taste and texture.
  50 g parmesan
• Taste and add more salt, parmesan or oil depending on the taste and consistency you are after.

Notes

How to store? Transfer the pesto to a sealable jar or container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost leave on the side overnight. If freezing I recommend freezing small amounts in small containers so you can defrost as much or as little as you need.

What to serve with basil pesto? This pesto is great stirred through pasta, rice, couscous, quinoa or any other kind of grain. I also love to use it as a topping on ravioli, roasted sweet potato, chargrilled veggies and pan fried chicken or fish. 

For something a little different try basil pesto on a pizza base, over tomato and mozzarella salad or layer into a vegetable lasagna or aubergine parmigiana.

Pine nuts: Pine nuts are the best option for this recipe but if you can't get hold of any a good substitute would be cashew nuts or pecans. Walnut pesto is also an option.

Parmesan: For a vegetarian version replace parmesan with vegetarian cheese. Tips: Only add half of the oil to begin with. Blend and then check the consistency before adding more oil if needed. Grate the parmesan separately then stir in to the blended pesto. This improves the texture and gives more control over the taste and amount of parmesan

Tips:

• Only add half of the oil to begin with. Blend and then check the consistency before adding more oil if needed.
• Grate the parmesan separately then stir in to the blended pesto. This improves the texture and gives more control over the taste and amount of parmesan

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 1mg

This post was first published in Oct 2015. Updated in Aug 2021 with an improved recipe and photos, and new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Basil Pesto Recipe appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Raspberry and lemon muffins made in the traditional way for a perfectly light, crumbly and moist finish.

Find out how to make the perfect muffin mix without splitting the mixture and get these delicious raspberry muffins made and baked in just 1 hour!

Plus get the recipe for a zesty, lemon buttercream topping.

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🥘 Ingredients

To make raspberry and lemon muffins with lemon buttercream you will need:

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Flour: This recipe uses UK self raising flour, which is different to the USA version. If you don't have this type of flour, it can be substituted for: 250g (2 cups) of all purpose flour + 1 level teaspoon of baking powder. For more info see this article on how to make self raising flour.

Caster Sugar: The caster sugar (or bakers sugar) is added to the recipe to make the muffins sweet. Caster sugar is the best option as it dissolves quickly and produces a nice even flavour throughout the raspberry muffins. Either white or brown caster sugar can be used.

Icing sugar and unsalted butter: These are required to make the butter cream. A squeeze of lemon juice is added to make lemon flavoured buttercream. However, the buttercream is completely optional and these muffins are just as good served on their own.

Raspberries: The fresh raspberries could be swapped for your preferred soft fruit/berry. Why not try with blueberries for delicious blueberry and lemon muffins.

Lemons: Optional, leave out if you would prefer to just make raspberry muffins without lemon. The zest of the lemons is added to the muffin mixture and is also sprinkled on the top once baked. For no lemon-raspberry muffins, just omit these steps from the recipe.

📖 Recipe

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Raspberry and Lemon Muffins

Light and moist raspberry and lemon muffins. Made in the traditional way with fresh raspberries, lemon zest and lemon buttercream.

Course afternoon tea, Dessert, party food, pudding, Snack, sweet, treat

Cuisine British

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 457kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Equipment

• Muffin cases and muffin tray
• Stand mixer or electric hand-held whisk
• Piping bag and star-shaped metal nozzle for swirling on the buttercream

Ingredients

For the raspberry muffins

• 150 g soft unsalted butter
• 150 g light brown caster sugar
• 3 medium eggs
• 150 g sifted self raising flour
• 2 lemons zested
• 200 g fresh raspberries
• Extra lemon zest for topping

For the lemon buttercream

• 200 g soft unsalted butter
• 400 g white icing sugar
• Squeeze of lemon juice

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C, Fan. Cube 150g of soft butter and add to the stand mixer bowl (or a mixing bowl if using an electric whisk). Next add the caster sugar and use the beater blade attachment, or electric whisk, to cream together the sugar and butter. Mix for a few minutes on the highest setting until the mixture is light and creamy.
• Next whisk the three eggs together and whilst the mixer is still on high gradually add the eggs into the mix. Add a spoonful of flour from time to time if it looks like the mixture might split.
• Once all the egg is incorporated, removed the bowl from the stand mixer and add the sifted, self raising flour and lemon zest. Use a spatula to fold in gently.
• Place muffin cases in the muffin tray and spoon the mixture into each case. Leave plenty of space for the muffins to rise by filling each case halfway.
• Next wash and halve the raspberries and carefully push 4 or 5 raspberry halves into the mixture of each muffin.
• Place the muffins into the centre of the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tops have turned golden brown all over. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool.
• Whilst the muffins are cooling, prepared the buttercream. Clean out your mixer bowl and set back on the stand (alternatively use a bowl and electric whisk). Cube 200g of soft butter and add to the mixer or bowl along with the icing sugar.
• Use the beater attachment again (or electric whisk) and start the mixer on a low setting. This gives the icing sugar chance to mix in without covering you in icing dust. Once the icing and butter have started to combine, turn the mixer to high and leave for a few minutes until light and creamy. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and mix again for 2 more minutes. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired.
• Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag with star nozzle. Check the muffins are fully cooled then swirl on the buttercream. Serve with any leftover raspberries and with extra lemon zest sprinkled on top.

Notes

How to tell if the muffins are baked though? The muffins will be done if they are gold brown on top and appear firm but springy on top. Or an inserted toothpick will come out clean. How to store? Once completely cooled the raspberry muffins (with or without buttercream) can be stored in an air tight container for 3-4 days.

What to serve with muffins? If you aren't a fan of buttercream why not try these raspberry muffins with cream, ice cream, mascarpone, yogurt, honey or chocolate sauce.

What other ingredients could I add to these muffins? To really boost the flavour of these muffins try adding to or substituting the raspberries or lemon zest with different ingredients. For example: chocolate chips, chocolate spread, poppy seeds, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, chopped nuts or other fruits such as banana, chopped mango, blueberries, dried apricot or glazed cherries.

Top tips:

• For both the muffins and the buttercream bring your butter to room temperature and make sure it is nice and soft before you begin.
• Adding the eggs can cause the muffin mixture to split. Make sure to add the eggs as slowly as you can particularly towards the end. If the mix looks like its split, add a spoonful of the flour to help bring it back together.
• Mixing the flour too quickly into the muffin mix will remove the air and reduce the rise during baking. So use a spatula, fold the flour in gently and take your time.
• Adding the raspberries to the mixture once its spooned into the cases helps to keep them intact and keeps them juicy and full of flavour. Mixing them in would cause the raspberries to break and the juice to run into the cake mix, so diluting their taste.
• Check your muffins are fully cooled before adding the buttercream. If they are still warm the buttercream will melt and run. 



Nutrition

Serving: 82g | Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 794IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

This post was first published in Mar 2017. Updated in July 2021 with an improved recipe and photos, and new step by step instructions and expert tips.

The post Raspberry and Lemon Muffins appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Did ever you buy avocados and then, after having half of one on a salad, wondered what on earth you were going to do with the rest? Get some inspiration for your avocados with this simple avocado guide. Including lots of easy recipes for avocado.

Plus, find out all you need to know about the avocado! Where it comes from, why its so good for you, how to cut it, how to store it, how to stop it going that horrible brown colour and of course how to eat it.

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Sliced avocado

One of the easiest recipes for avocado is to simply slice or cube it and serve up with your meal. I love to slice avocado over salad, alongside homemade chilli con carne, inside burritos or wraps or even on a sandwich or burger.

Mango Salsa Recipe

A refreshing mango salsa recipe, great served on its own or loaded on tortilla chips. Made with chunks of avocado, fiery red chilli and a good handful of fresh coriander. A perfect Caribbean starter or side dish and especially great with anything spicy. 

Make this recipe

Chicken Tinga burritos with homemade chipotle sauce

Spicy chicken burritos stuffed with rice and avocado, served with a homemade fiery Chipotle sauce, Greek yogurt and green chilli.

Make this recipe

Fajita Spiced Chicken Platter

Spicy fajita chicken salad served with rice.

Make this recipe

Mexican Chilli Con Carne Recipe (with cannellini beans)

This Mexican Chilli con carne recipe uses smoked paprika, ground cumin, chilli powder and tomatoes for the base of the sauce. These ingredients are combined and left to simmer gently for few hours reducing down and infusing to create a wonderfully rich and smokey sauce.

Make this recipe

Smashed avocado

Smashed avocado is as it sounds, mashed up avocado. This is really simple and really quick avocado recipe. First, half the avocado and use the knife to remove the stone (see below for further details on how to cut an avocado). Then with the flesh still in the skin use a fork to mash up the flesh and then turn out into a bowl or over/alongside your meal. This is also the basis for making guacamole.

Simple Guacamole Recipe

A simple and authentic guacamole recipe with creamy avocado, perfect for spreading on your tacos or for dunking in tortillas. Easy to put together in just 5 minutes and a squeeze of lime helps keeps this lovely Mexican dip nice and fresh

Make this recipe

Healthy Chicken Wraps

Healthy chicken wraps with paprika chicken and Mexican style side dishes. In this recipe find out how to make these easy and healthy chicken wraps and the best way to season the chicken. Also get the recipes for easy homemade guacamole and three bean salad, which can be added to the wraps or served as side dishes.

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Avocado breakfast

I love to start the day with avocado. Avocado on toast is of course one of the most popular recipes for avocado and its so easy to make. Just smash or slice the avocado and place on top of your toast. Avocado and egg is also a great combination. Why not finish off your avocado toast with a couple of poached eggs or top some scrambled eggs with cubed avocado.

Prepare some avocado in advance for a great breakfast on the go:

Breakfast on the go

These three meal prep breakfasts are great for breakfast on the go. I'm always looking for breakfast ideas for eating at work and breakfasts pots like these are a great solution. They all come in at under 300 calories, take minutes to put together, keep well in the fridge overnight, and are full of healthy nutrients and high in protein.

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Avocado sushi

Sushi rolls are another great partner to avocado. Use as a sushi roll filling or as a topping on California rolls or dragon roll sushi. If you want to have a go at making sushi have a look at this guide for homemade sushi rolls.

📋 Homemade Sushi Rolls

Make homemade sushi rolls with my easy to follow, step-by-step guide and recipe video. Get my top tips and tricks and watch the video for making sushi at home. Including how to make sushi rice, maki sushi, California rolls, dragon rolls and nigiri sushi. Plus find out about the fantastic sushi kit I used to make this wonderful sushi platter.

The below will be enough to make a full platter (serves 4) of different sushi rolls or if you prefer a platter of one kind of sushi. See notes below for links to making a variety of homemade sushi rolls.

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📋 California rolls

California rolls with salmon, avocado and cucumber. This simple step by step guide will show you how to make your own California sushi rolls at home. Usually served without raw fish, this sushi roll is a great option for sushi-newbies, kids, and anyone who really can't stand uncooked fish.

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📋 Dragon Roll Sushi

Dragon roll sushi is a California roll with thin slices of avocado and salmon lay on the top and following the curve of the roll. In this sushi guide I'll show you how easy it is to perfect the dragon roll at home.

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When to eat avocados

Avocados are imported into the UK (mainly from Spain) and so are available year round. If you want an extra special reason to eat avocados then make a note of its celebratory days:

• 31st July 2021: National Avocado Day
• 16th Sept 2021: National Guacamole Day

The post Easy Recipes For Avocado appeared first on ProperFoodie.

Roasted cauliflower salad with a lemon herb dressing. Nutty quinoa mixed with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Great for batch cooking and making in advance. This cauliflower salad is packed full of nutrients and tasty ingredients, with everything you need to fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day.

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

This roasted cauliflower salad is all about making a few healthy ingredients taste good together. The charred cauliflower and lemon infused quinoa mix together to create the base for a nutritious and full flavoured salad. Its easy to prepare and once made it can be stored in the fridge and used over several days.

🥘 Ingredients

To make this cauliflower salad recipe you will need:

Ingredient notes

See recipe card at the bottom for full recipe and ingredients quantities.

Quinoa: Can be with your preferred grain. For a similar favour and nutrient content replace with brown rice. Or try with white rice, wild rice, couscous, barley buckwheat or bulgur wheat.

Chickpeas: Optional. Can be substituted for another pulse or bean.

Apple: Apple adds a sweet flavour to this citruses salad, which pairs perfectly with the crunchy hazelnuts and earthy quinoa. Can be substituted for your preferred fruit, try with dried cranberries, chopped mango or halved grapes.

Parsley: Optional but helps to brighten up the flavour and appearance of the salad

Hazelnuts: optional, leave out if your prefer or replace with another type of nut such as cashews, walnuts, almonds or peanuts.

Lemon, oil, dijon and creme fraishe: all of these are needed to make the salad dressing. If you prefer, swap for a salad dressing of your choosing.

🔪 Step by step instructions

1. Pre heat oven to 200 degrees C. Chop the florets off the main stem of the cauliflower then chop into smaller bitesized pieces.
2. Place chopped cauliflower florets in a bowl along with the drained chickpeas, oil, salt and pepper and lemon juice.
3. Toss together well with your hands then transfer to a baking tray and bake in the preheated  oven for 30 minutes, shuffling the mixture half way through.
4. Whilst the cauliflower is cooking place the quinoa in small saucepan with a wedge of lemon and covered with double the amount water. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
5. With the cauliflower in the oven and the quinoa cooking in the pan, the dressing can be prepared. In a small bowl or container mix together the oil, mustard, creme fraiche, parsley, salt and lemon juice. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
6. After the quinoa has been simmering for 15 minutes, take off the heat but do not remove the lid. Set to one side and leave with the lid on for 10 minutes.
7. When the cauliflower is cooked remove from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Remove the lid from the quinoa and discard the wedge of lemon. Fluff up the quinoa with a fork and then add to the bowl alongside the cauliflower. Next add the chopped apple, hazelnuts, fresh parsley and half of the dressing.
8. Mix together well then serve with the remaining dressing.

💭 Expert tips

• Cut cauliflower up on the tray that you intend to roast it on so that the bits of cauliflower are caught on the tray (makes it quicker and easier when cleaning up).
• Roughly chop the cauliflower into bit size chunks. Try not to chop into tiny pieces as these can become mushy upon cooking.
• Chop the apple up just before mixing into the salad to keep it fresh and prevent any browning.
• The dressing for this recipe takes seconds to put together and really does transform the salad. The more you make - the better!! Place all the dressing ingredients into a small dish and mix together with a spoon...... Super easy and very tasty. I like to mix half of the dressing directly into the salad and leave the other half to drizzle on top.

❓ Frequently asked questions

📖 Recipe

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Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Roasted cauliflower salad with a lemon herb dressing. Nutty quinoa mixed with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Great for batch cooking and making in advance. This salad is packed full of nutrients and tasty ingredients, with everything you need to fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day.

Course lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine British

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 286kcal

Author By: Debbie Jones

Ingredients

For the roasted Cauliflower:

• 1 large cauliflower 700g
• 1 Small tin of chickpeas 210g tin, 130g drained
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ½ a lemon juiced

For the Quinoa:

• 160 g dried Quinoa
• ¼ of a lemon

For the Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoon Creme Fraiche
• 15 g Freshly chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt
• ½ a lemon juiced

For the salad:

• 1 red apple chopped into cm cubes
• 50 g chopped hazelnuts
• 15 g freshly chopped parsley
• Extra lemon wedges to serve

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 200 degrees C. Remove the outer green leaves from the cauliflower and use a large knife to chop the florets off the main stem and then chop into smaller bitesized pieces.
• Place chopped cauliflower florets in a bowl along with the drained chickpeas, oil, salt and pepper and lemon juice.
• Toss together well with your hands then transfer to a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, shuffling the mixture half way through.
• Whilst the cauliflower is cooking place the quinoa in small saucepan with a wedge of lemon and covered with double the amount water. Place the pan on a medium heat and bring to the boil, then place on a lid and simmer for 15 minutes.
• With the cauliflower in the oven and the quinoa cooking in the pan, the dressing can be prepared. In a small bowl or container mix together the oil, mustard, creme fraiche, parsley, salt and lemon juice. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
• After the quinoa has been simmering for 15 minutes, take off the heat but do not remove the lid. Set to one side and leave with the lid on for 10 minutes.
• When the cauliflower is cooked remove from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Once the quinoa has been sitting for 10 minutes, remove the lid and discard the wedge of lemon. Fluff up the quinoa with a fork and then add to the bowl alongside the cauliflower. Next add the chopped apple, hazelnuts, fresh parsley and half of the dressing.
• Mix together well then serve with the remaining dressing.

Video

Notes

Why should I roast the cauliflower? This recipe makes the most of the roasted flavour of cauliflower. Boiling cauliflower will cook it, but it won't have the same flavour as roasted cauliflower. Roasting cauliflower not only locks in flavour but also lock in its nutrients.

How to store? This salad is excellent for a bit of meal prep. Once made, place in one large bowl and cover or divide up into sealable containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Great for making up on a Sunday and having ready for weekday lunches or as a side for your evening meals.

TIPS:

• Cut cauliflower up on the tray that you intend to roast it on so that the bits of cauliflower are caught on the tray (makes it quicker and easier when cleaning up).
• Roughly chop the cauliflower into bit size chunks. Try not to chop into tiny pieces as these can become mushy upon cooking.
• Chop the apple up just before mixing into the salad to keep it fresh and prevent any browning.
• The dressing for this recipe takes seconds to put together and really does transform the salad. The more you make - the better!! Place all the dressing ingredients into a small dish and mix together with a spoon...... Super easy and very tasty. I like to mix half of the dressing directly into the salad and leave the other half to drizzle on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 300g | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 451IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg