I had a special guest with me last week which was great, not only for the company and a chuckle. We talked about all sorts of things from cuts of meat, ages of cows and sheep, grains used in bread, and of course, good coffee. Some of the questions I was asked however, made me realise how much I take for granted being surrounded by food all day, may not seem as obvious to everyone else.
One thing we kept coming back to was time. In winter we focus a lot on slow-cooked foods that are warm and comforting however these take some advanced preparation and/or organisation. Fast food, the kind of food you want to get on the table once you've walked in the door (from work, walking the dog, picking the kids up, whatever it may be) is another matter.
To kick off the week, we're thinking about quick and simple meals, appropriate for winter and delicious enough to fool the lesser-informed that you are a Stepford Wife (regardless of your gender). This can still be done with fresh, natural produce - convenience without the "con".
Classic Penne Carbonara ($12 per couple)
Italian restaurants around the country have buggered up this dish for years. It's now time to take control with what is a simple, quick and delicious meal. Granted it's not the ideal meal for the healthy diet with eggs, cream and parmesan, but using good quality product means that you need small amounts of each - just over 1 egg yolk, under 1 shot of cream and 30g parmesan per person. It takes about 12 minutes to make, and served with mixed leaves (or even toss baby spinach through whilst cooking) you'll also get a healthy dose of vegetables.
Sirloin, baby bok choi, soy and ginger (from $18 per couple)
One of my favourite weeknight dinners. Grill steak is served on steamed baby bok choy (or other greens) and dressed with a soy ginger dressing. To reduce the washing up, steam the bok choy in foil next to the steak on the grill! Consider serving with some grilled mushrooms (flat or oyster) and adding bean sprouts to the bok choy for a healthy 3-5 vegetable serves per person.
Chicken, fennel and tomato bake (from $15 per couple)
Blanch the fennel and cherry tomatoes, pop in a baking dish and season. Top with chicken scallopine, and bung in the oven for 30 minutes. Leftovers (assuming there are any) can be tossed with pasta and ricotta for another dinner. Mmmmm-mmmmmm, at least 3 vegetable serves per person.
Seared salmon, horseradish and beets. (from $18 per couple)
Boiled baby beetroot are sliced, and marinated in marjoram. Salmon is grilled and served with the beet salad and dressed with creme fraiche seasoned with horseradish. Getting generous with some leafy greens, this dish will provide at least 3 vegetable serves per person.
The only problem is, once you start eating like this, eating out might lose some of its shine.
Happy eating!
Show your friends how much you care - forward this message on so they get the inside scoop too!
One thing we kept coming back to was time. In winter we focus a lot on slow-cooked foods that are warm and comforting however these take some advanced preparation and/or organisation. Fast food, the kind of food you want to get on the table once you've walked in the door (from work, walking the dog, picking the kids up, whatever it may be) is another matter.
To kick off the week, we're thinking about quick and simple meals, appropriate for winter and delicious enough to fool the lesser-informed that you are a Stepford Wife (regardless of your gender). This can still be done with fresh, natural produce - convenience without the "con".
Classic Penne Carbonara ($12 per couple)
Italian restaurants around the country have buggered up this dish for years. It's now time to take control with what is a simple, quick and delicious meal. Granted it's not the ideal meal for the healthy diet with eggs, cream and parmesan, but using good quality product means that you need small amounts of each - just over 1 egg yolk, under 1 shot of cream and 30g parmesan per person. It takes about 12 minutes to make, and served with mixed leaves (or even toss baby spinach through whilst cooking) you'll also get a healthy dose of vegetables.
Sirloin, baby bok choi, soy and ginger (from $18 per couple)
One of my favourite weeknight dinners. Grill steak is served on steamed baby bok choy (or other greens) and dressed with a soy ginger dressing. To reduce the washing up, steam the bok choy in foil next to the steak on the grill! Consider serving with some grilled mushrooms (flat or oyster) and adding bean sprouts to the bok choy for a healthy 3-5 vegetable serves per person.
Chicken, fennel and tomato bake (from $15 per couple)
Blanch the fennel and cherry tomatoes, pop in a baking dish and season. Top with chicken scallopine, and bung in the oven for 30 minutes. Leftovers (assuming there are any) can be tossed with pasta and ricotta for another dinner. Mmmmm-mmmmmm, at least 3 vegetable serves per person.
Seared salmon, horseradish and beets. (from $18 per couple)
Boiled baby beetroot are sliced, and marinated in marjoram. Salmon is grilled and served with the beet salad and dressed with creme fraiche seasoned with horseradish. Getting generous with some leafy greens, this dish will provide at least 3 vegetable serves per person.
The only problem is, once you start eating like this, eating out might lose some of its shine.
Happy eating!
Show your friends how much you care - forward this message on so they get the inside scoop too!
Posts
1 comment:
I have been advised by my friend over at Australian Gourmet Traveller, "Ain’t no cream in a classic carbonara - just oil, guanciale, eggs, black pepper and pecorino or parmesan. It’s usually served with a long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, too."
My response? "The website refers to a Jamie Oliver recipe - I don't give a sod if it's classic or not."
Why? Because, as I say, it's the best take on carbonara I've ever had!
Enjoy.
Post a Comment