All posts tagged: Aubergine

Spiced Spinach Dal with Aubergine

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As the days get a little shorter and the weather a little cooler, I find it quite exciting to turn to more comforting, nourishing and warming meals.  This meal feels like its packed with goodness to give the body a generous boost of nutrients, helping to support the body’s defences to keep the winter bugs at bay!  The chilli, garlic and ginger are known to help the immune system, garlic has antiviral properties and ginger helps reduce inflammation. Food has the power to harm or heal the body and by making a few changes to our diet we can make a profound effect on the health of our body and well-being. The ingredients in this recipe are also amazing for supporting the health of the heart and circulatory system. Read on after the recipe to discover how these every day ingredients can support heart health. I love a quick and easy recipe that I can cook for the family when they all arrive home starving hungry! This fits the bill perfectly and leaves us all feeling so good. The flavours are …

Roasted Cod Tray Bake

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I’ve decided, as a family, we just don’t eat enough fish and I think we’re probably not alone there! It was easy growing up by the sea, to be able to enjoy an abundance of really fresh seafood, but sadly, fish doesn’t make such a regular feature anymore, yet I love it. I often make smoked mackerel pate and we have salmon quite frequently, occasional fish barbecues in the summer, but I know I could include more. Its finding a good reliable supply that makes all the difference. My plan is to try and include a greater variety of fish and seafood in our regular meals and shop around to find the freshest I can. Fish can be quite expensive, but by stretching it out with lots of other ingredients you can get all the delicious flavours and a substantial meal too. This Sunday I put our normal Sunday Roast to one side and served cod instead. There was a surprised, and I have to admit, slightly disappointed look on at least one of the faces …

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. …

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 …