All posts filed under: Accompaniments

Autumn Slaw

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I just love the colour of this salad but what I love even more, is that one of my children will eat bowls full of it and that makes me, and him feel really good!!  It’s good advice to try and eat the rainbow, as diverse a colour range of fresh fruit and vegetables as you possibly can, to feed our bodies the abundance of vitamins, minerals, phytochemical and antioxidants they contain. This will help reduce inflammation and give the immune system an all important boost, especially beneficial at this time of year. So, anything that gets the family diving into veggies, gets my vote! It could be the lovely fresh, tangy flavour as well as the colour that appeals but whatever it is, for now I will be making a lot of it! An incredibly simple dish to make with very few ingredients.  I’ve used white balsamic vinegar as part of the dressing which gives an amazing flavour, slightly more subtle than dark balsamic and with the advantage of not colouring everything brown! The one I use is actually labelled, White Condimento of …

Mango Salsa

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Keep the feeling and flavours of summer going a little longer with this delicious Mango Salsa!! I was planning to marinate and barbecue some pork fillet for dinner and wanted to serve something with it! Looking around my kitchen, I spotted four ripe mangoes sitting in the fruit bowl, (sounds like the start to a joke!!) having bought a box of eight, I was keen to use up the rest before they became over ripe!  My plan was to make mango salsa to go with the pork. Searching through the fridge, I luckily found what I wanted and quickly put it together! It was so good we had the same again the next day!! And now there’s only 2 very ripe mangoes sitting in my fruit bowl!! Hopefully tomorrow there’ll be another flash of inspiration as to what to do with those!! Its really so very easy to make and can turn any grilled meat, fish or deliciously juicy grilled prawns into a very impressive meal!  For a vegetarian option, try serving alongside some chargrilled aubergine, courgette, pepper and halloumi cheese. …

Lemony Beetroot Dip

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Ok, so if you’ve got over the colour of this and are reading this post then I’m impressed!! I’ve been trying to introduce more beetroot into my diet whether roasted and tossed into salads or in this delicious vibrant recipe! A great alternative to humous, this nutritious dip blends cooked beetroot with borlotti beans which have a deliciously nutty flavour and are amazingly creamy. Make sure you season well with plenty of salt pepper and lemon juice to help bring out the flavours. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make, everything goes in a food processor and is whizzed until smooth! This dip would add a splash of colour to any drinks party over Christmas and is perfect to serve with the traditional Boxing Day cold cuts. When the weather gets warmer and the sun begins to shine again, it makes a great accompaniment to a summer barbecue!  Have a look below for a few more serving suggestions.   1 lemon 250g cooked beetroot, not pickled (see below) 400g tin borlotti beans, rinsed and drained 2tbsp tahini 1 large …

Baked Cherry Tomatoes

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Here’s another quick post to use up the end of another summer favourite before we reap the autumn harvest of earthy squash, root vegetables and orchard fruits. If like me you’re lucky enough to occasionally be handed delicious fresh homegrown produce from family and friends gardens then this recipe could be for you! My parents gave me a bag full of tomatoes last weekend as they’ve had a bumper crop this year. They were cherry tomatoes, so I decided to roast them for supper to serve with a quinoa salad and some chargrilled vegetables. The flavour is so amazing as the roasting really enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the delicious garlicky juices soaked into the quinoa and was eagerly mopped up with some warm crusty bread. Sadly the home grow tomato season is very nearly over so I’ll be making these with bought tomatoes when my supply has run out!  The recipe is so simple and quick. Wash and dry the tomatoes and pile them into an ovenproof dish. Drizzle over a little …

Broad Bean & Radish Salad

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This summery salad is so deliciously fresh, using broad beans and radishes which are in plentiful supply at this time of year. I love broad beans, although I do remember a time when the little shrivelled grey offerings on my school dinner plate quickly got pushed to the side!  When I discovered the transformation a broad bean takes on when popped out of its outer rubbery shell, it took on a whole new life. Firstly the colour is so amazing, a vibrant lime green, the texture, smooth and tender, and the taste is so good. I generally use them in salads rather than as a vegetable accompaniment. I love the process of popping them out of the pods, opening each one to discover the beans nestled inside the fur linings, but then I am a bit of a softy! Removing the outer skin once cooked is also a great family job, especially when they ping across the work surface! The only disappointment with broad beans is the yield. A 500g bag full of broad bean …

Chargrilled Vegetables with Tahini Dressing, Pomegranate & Coriander

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This has been one of my favourite things to cook on the barbecue so far this year. I love simple chargrilled vegetables, the flavours are amazing. The smokiness of the vegetables with the fresh tahini dressing and pomegranate seeds are a great combination. You can enjoy this as a salad on its own or as part of a bigger feast! I’ve served it with chunks of seared beef or lamb accompanied by a green leafy salad and a big bowl of herby quinoa. I seem to be really drawn to pomegranate at the moment, I’m loving the little bursts of colour and flavour they give a meal, as well as the health benefits of being a good source of fibre, vitamins, iron and rich in antioxidants. This recipe is so easy , if you prepare a large bowl of quinoa, roast plenty of vegetables and make the dressing you can store all these in the fridge and assemble an easy lunch or supper in minutes…perfect! Don’t worry if you’re not into barbecuing or want to eat this when …

Skinny Witch and Parmesan Crisps

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Whether you’re celebrating the fact it’s a Bank Holiday weekend, school half term, that we’re half way through GCSE exams or just that its Friday I think it’s time for a treat!  I’ve been enjoying this drink for a long time, its so refreshing but with a great kick!!  I only found out the other day that its called a Skinny Witch, probably because it doesn’t have any added sugar in it! Another one of my big weaknesses is savoury snacks, and these parmesan crisps are great with a drink and so quick and easy to make. They’re also quite rich so you don’t need to eat too many! Have a great weekend! Skinny Witch I’m not going to give quantities as everyone probably likes a their drink a different strength drink so I’ll just talk you through how I make mine. Squeeze the juice from a lime and add to a long glass with 3 or 4 ice cubes, add a good measure of vodka and top with sparkling mineral water. I then add another chunk of …