Better Than Expected Bulgur

Sometimes some of the best things you create in the kitchen are the dishes you least expect to become something; hence the name ‘Better Than Expected’. This is basically what happened with this recipe; I basically got all experimental and whacked a few ingredients together and here we are…a really fast-paced recipe for you to enjoy. I’ve kept it real simple and with a few try-outs you can mix up your spice quantities, adding a little more cayenne if you fancy a stronger chilli kick. Something a little lighter that works fantastically with both fish and meat but holds its own by itself too. It’s a go to recipe when I want to take lunch to work that’s not too heavy and is just so tasty.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 125g fine bulgur wheat
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 handful flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 heaped tsp tomato puree
• 1/2 vegetable stock cube
• 2 tbsp frying oil
• Ground allspice
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

1. Start by frying the onion in a pan with the oil on medium-high heat.
2. When the onion starts to become translucent, add the tomato puree; mix and fry for a minute.
3. Pour in 4 tablespoons of water and mix thoroughly.
4. Add the stock, salt, pepper and a sprinkling of the allspice and cayenne pepper before dropping the temperature to low.
5. Add parsley and the bulgur and give it another good mix.
6. Turn off the heat, cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. After, fluff with a fork and serve.

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Simple Sautéed Prawns

British Summer Time kicks off from tomorrow getting us straight into those summer vibes, please believe…. I cannot wait for the longer summer days and hot weather. Like last week, here is another really simple, light and delicious recipe to get you into those more lighter meals. Additionally, as we are slowly getting out of lockdown and approaching freedom, many of us shall be returning to offices and places of work and so getting back to our cooking routines when we may have had more time at home makes this recipe even more special. A tasty meal in less than 15 minutes, what more could you ask for?

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 185g raw king prawns
• 5-6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 tbsp olive spread
• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• Basil, a couple of leaves roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp white wine
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

1. On medium heat, start by frying the garlic in the olive spread until lightly softened.
2. Pour in the wine and the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook until the wine has reduced.
3. Add the prawns and cook for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through and piping hot.
4. Sprinkle over the chopped basil and mix.

Serve immediately with some bread or a portion of rice.

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Tomato and Pea Stew

Happy New Year Friends!! A new year has begun and we can start afresh.

Starting off with Veganuary, a simple and quick tomato and pea stew, full of flavour and simple to make.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• 1 can peeled plum tomatoes
• 1 cup peas
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method:

1. On medium heat, fry the shallot and garlic together in the olive oil until soft and lightly browned.
2. Add the tomatoes and use the back of a tablespoon to gently break up the tomatoes and release its juices.
3. When it starts to boil, add the stock and the seasonings; continuously stir until the stock has fully dissolved.
4. As the mixture boils add the peas and stir thoroughly. Leave to cook for 5-10 minutes.

Best served hot and with a portion of rice.

Lemon and Herb Chicken

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 lemon
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 3 sage leaves
• 2 cloves of chopped garlic
• 1tsp garlic granules
• 1tsp dried oregano
• Salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 100ml white wine
• 1tbsp plain flour
• 2tbsp olive oil
• 1tsp butter

Method

1. In a bowl put the chicken, grate the zest of the lemon, oregano, garlic granules, pepper, a sprinkling of salt and mix. Then add a heaped tablespoon of plain flour and mix again. Cover with cling film and leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Pour the olive oil into a frying pan and fry the chicken on medium heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until the meat has browned.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan.
4. Add the fresh garlic, sage, thyme, butter, wine and the juice of half a lemon and leave to cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.
5. Put the chicken back in the pan and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Flip the chicken every now and then and add a splash of water if the sauce looks too dry.

Best served hot and with some roast potatoes and salad.