All posts filed under: Lunch

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 …

Thai Aubergine, Squash & Spinach Dal

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Monday 15th June is World Meat Free Day, so I thought it would be great to post this recipe today! The idea is to encourage people to give up meat for just one day to raise awareness of the benefits of eating less meat for a healthier, balanced diet thats better for the planet and food systems. Naming this dish was tricky! It’s kind of like a soup but more so! Its kind of like a Thai curry but not!! This is another of my go to quick suppers, a complete meal in a bowl! Everytime I make this dish, which I’ve been doing for quite a long time now, its different! I see what I have in the fridge and if I think it will work, in it goes. Finally I’ve got around to writing down the recipe of my favourite version.  That is not to say a few mushrooms or chunks of courgette may still creep in from time to time! I absolutely love Thai food, the flavours are so exciting and the smell intoxicating. …

Speedy Salmon Parcels

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These salmon parcels make a great family meal. Cooking in a parcel allows the fish and vegetables to gently steam, locking in all the delicious flavours and nutrients. The fish cooks to the point where it will just begin to fall away in lovely big flakes minimising the risk of overcooking. Seasoned with ginger, lemon and tamari, these were a hit with the family. Some went for the chilli, others decided not to eat it but I’d suggest cooking them in the parcel as it adds a little extra flavour. These would also make a perfect quick lunch. I’ve given enough ingredients to make 4 parcels but the recipe is very easy to adjust to make as many parcels as you like. about 200g carrots about 200g courgette Four 150g pieces salmon fillet, skinned sushi pickled ginger 1 red chilli 4tsp lemon juice 2tsp tamari salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 190ºC. Tear four large sheets of foil, each about 35cm square. Peel the carrots, cut the ends off the courgettes and spiralize into noodles. …

Asparagus with Parmesan, Chilli & Lemon Oil

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In my last ingredients post about chilli flakes, I made some suggestions on how to use them which got me thinking about asparagus!  So tonight I served steamed asparagus with shavings of Parmesan cheese, a sprinkling of chilli flakes, toasted pinenuts and a good drizzle of lemon infused olive oil, seasoned with black pepper and a little sea salt. Simple and delicious. Great to try whilst asparagus is still in season! This is great on its own but would also make a great accompaniment to grilled meats and fish or try topping with a poached egg for a more substantial lunch. You could also barbecue your asparagus instead of steaming, just brush with a little oil before cooking.

Mozzarella, Parma Ham & Mango Salad

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I’ve been making this salad for a while now and I’m so pleased its become a family favourite. Its the easiest salad to put together and is really packed full of delicious flavours. This is one of those recipes that look like you’ve spent ages in the kitchen but with a few great ingredients you can serve something amazing really quickly! I find a good plateful of the salad is enough for me but would usually serve it with a big bowl of pesto pasta to fill up the family!  It would also make a perfect summer lunch served with crusty bread or a good gluten free alternative such as a herby quinoa salad. I’ve chosen to use Parma ham but any other Prosciutto (Italian cured air-dried ham) would be great too. I’ve used one of my favourite ingredients, dried chilli flakes, in this recipe, I find the children enjoy a small amount but you could just sprinkle half the salad with chilli and let them tuck into the the chilli free half! You can vary the quantities depending …

Quinoa, Feta & Pomegranate Salad

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This has quickly become my go to salad!!  I love it.  Although I have to admit that I wasn’t too keen the first time I  cooked quinoa, but with some experimenting I discovered a great way to cook it and how to pack lots of flavour into it!  This recipe really ticks every box, it’s packed with protein, bursting with flavour and with the sparkly red pomegranate seeds, is gorgeous to look at!  A healthy substantial meal, perfect all year round. I’ve always loved roasting vegetables, it brings out the natural sweetness and intensifies their flavour.  The ingredients list may look long but this is one of those recipes where you can play around with the flavours a little and substitute the vegetables you like, whats in season or what you have available in the fridge or garden. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do! If you’re in a real hurry there are some ready cooked pouches of quinoa available in the supermarkets, but check the ingredients as they can have a lot …

Pea and Watercress Soup

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 As the Spring temperature took a sudden dip I found myself wanting a warming bowl of soup. Not a thick, stand your spoon up in it, winter vegetable soup but a lighter, fresher one.  This Pea & Watercress soup is like Spring in a bowl! Not only is the colour amazing but the flavours are intense too.  It may seem like an awful lot of peas, but as well as giving the soup a great flavour they also act as a thickener.  The watercress then adds a lovely light peppery flavour on top. This really is so quick and easy to make and the soup only contains three ingredients! A bowl of this will make a huge boost to your daily vegetable intake, the peas adding a great source of protein and the watercress is packed full of amazing vitamins and minerals.  A perfect lunch, starter or pour into a flask for a healthy packed lunch.  If you have time then do make the seed topping as it gives a great crunchy contrast.  Sprinkle them on …