All posts tagged: courgettes

Mini Smoked Salmon & Courgette Frittata

This is the first of the recipes I developed as part of my Diploma in Culinary Medicine. I’ve just completed the first module relating to Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome and this is the breakfast recipe that formed part of a days menu. At the end of the recipe I’ve included the write up I had to submit with the recipe, so if you’re interested you can see why I’ve used certain ingredients and the benefit they offer! This has been read by Dale Pinnock, The Medicinal Chef, who has written the course and assesses our work! You can serve one or two of these tasty little frittata for a perfect breakfast or wrap in greaseproof paper and take with you! They are so quick to put together, you could pop them in the oven whilst you get ready in the morning! They also make a perfect lunch with salad at home or on the go, or make really small ones and serve as canapés! Makes 6 coconut oil or olive oil 1 courgette about 200g …

Mediterranean Chicken

I had to put this recipe on my blog. It’s a family favourite and has been one of the most popular recipes from a book I wrote over twenty years ago but has still stood the test of time. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser for a casual supper and the quantities can easily be increased to serve more. I’ve served this for 12 people with plenty of green salad and crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices. Obviously you can serve gluten free bread here instead. The real key to this dish is the delicious garlic and herb cheese which is cooked underneath the chicken skin. It keeps the chicken beautifully moist and adds amazing flavour. Loosen the skin with your fingers or try using the back of a metal spoon. A lot of chicken breasts are now sold boneless but I prefer using chicken breasts on the bone here as it adds extra flavour and prevents the chicken over cooking. Its harder to find but defintiely worth it. 4 chicken breast portions, about …

Chargrilled Vegetables with Tahini Dressing, Pomegranate & Coriander

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 …

Speedy Salmon Parcels

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. …

Quinoa, Feta & Pomegranate Salad

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 …

Spiralized Vegetable Noodles

This seems to be one of the latest buzz foods so I had to have a go to see what all the fuss was about!  Not being able to eat regular pasta and not a big fan of the high sugar gluten free alternatives I’m often slightly stumped over what to have for that quick midweek supper so I wanted to see if spiralized vegetable noodles would be a suitable option. Well I’m now converted!  I was given a handheld spiralizer, a bit like an oversized pencil sharpener and set about making some courgette noodles.  Its amazing how long a length of noodle you can make!  I stir fried my first batch in a little coconut oil and had them with a homemade pesto.  Not the most photogenic result but it tasted good.  The second batch I steamed for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally with a spaghetti spoon.  These noodles kept their gorgeous green colour and still retained a little bit of crunch.  I served them with sautéed prawns and my Thai Pesto, well suddenly my super quick mid …