THEGAYUK

Author: Food Writer

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | 108 Brasserie

    Entering 108 Brasserie you are welcomed with festive cheer in the form of smiles from the bar, and a wonderfully humungous autumnal wreath adorned in oh so trendy right now copper highlights and leaves.

    The aroma of the room is dominantly sweet, and I’m pretty certain the sugar and spice smell is emerging from the 108 Pantry adjacent to the restaurant, which deals in everything from sandwiches to scones, and gluten-free/low-sugar-healthy-feel-good options to sumptuous cake extravaganzas that just make you want to hit the f*** it button.

    The decor contemporary, and a bit ritzy cliche – cream walls, marble tables, red leather seating, with walls studded in black & white photography. Ceilings are high and so are expectations.

    To accompany our lovely, floral & fruity cocktail; The Marylebone (named after the hotel the restaurant is situated in)- which was made out of champagne, vodka, raspberry liquor, and elderflower, came a selection of homemade breads (from the 108 Pantry). I’ve never been a fan of bread before a meal, I find it far too filling. As my friend and began to discuss the bread, she told me a story she had heard of whenever Nicole Kidman is served bread at restaurants, she tips a glass of water over it, so she is not tempted by the captivating carb.
    The Rye bread was so dense and far too heavy – Though I’ve never really understood rye bread that has not been toasted. Eager to try the guinness brown bread, we tucked in and it was absolutely delicious but it was so cake-like and sweet it felt like it was at the wrong point of the meal, what’s more, because it was sweet, we wanted to keep going back for more of it. The soda bread and pumpkin seed loaf was much lighter, and solidly savoury- this was just right.
    Crispy Pig Cheeks with mustard creme fraiche, and an apple & raisin chutney (£8), caught my eye immediately on the starter menu (the menu in its entirety is full of tempting options, however those of you that are vegetarian/vegan may feel a little restricted with choices). Flakey and fleshy peppered pig cheeks in a light crispy batter were delicious and generous in portion, complimenting and working with watercress’ natural peppery pow. The only thing that let the dish down for me was the chutney, it just tasted like something mince pie, but the plate was still very enjoyable without eating the chutney.

    Also coming as a starter, the Balmoral Estate Venison Capaccio (£11) – very french in its style and presentation. The venison, like red velvet draped on the plate, pretty against the pale green frisee salad it’s freckled with. The venison pretty much melts on your tongue, all buttery and rich, which is fantastic combined with the pickled walnuts on the plate, bringing something sharp and sweet. A very well designed plate of food.

    Taking one for team vegetarian, I ordered the Spelt & Roasted Squash Risotto (£15). With it being the only main suitable for vegetarians (other than from the salad menu) it should have been a lot more than what it was. Texture wise the dish was on point, I love grains like spelt and pearl barley for their ridge down the middle that is just a treat on the tongue, as was the dishes creaminess. To look at the dish was underwhelming being basically beige. The dish could definitely handle more sage than just the one crispy leaf served, and way more black pepper.

    Served in their shells, the Seared Isle of Skye Scallops (£16), wonderful colours with the scallops sat atop an amber dahl-like spiced lentil dollop, flavoured with fresh coriander. This was an unusual dish in terms of its flavour pairings, although every other table in the restaurant was eating the scallops (the portion size is generous too). My friend loved this dish, but for me I thought where scallops are sometimes susceptible to being gritty, it was odd serving with lentils.
    For something light on the side we ordered a Superfood salad (£8), which I’m not really sure restaurants are allowed to put on the menu as “superfood”, unless it states specifically with scientific backup as to why it is superfood. It’s not just the name i would take off the menu, it would be the dish itself, as it just felt like a bunch of everything thats deemed “in” was put in a bowl and served; quinoa, pomegranate, edamame beans, raw broccoli. It had no flavour and too many textures.
    Blaming bread and generous portions we were struggling with the idea of dessert so opted for something light to share in the form of the Josper Grilled Pineapple (£7) – the josper is a grill and an oven in one, there is also a josper menu for mains featuring fish, tiger prawns and steaks. Unfortunately the dessert did the josper no justice. The pineapple tasted limp as did its chilli and lime sauce. Expecting fire and sweet and it was just overly sweet and syrupy. Topped with a scoop of coconut sorbet which lacked flavour altogether, which was a real shame.
    The end of the meal was sealed via a limoncello each, and some lovely small homemade chocolates (again from the 108 Pantry), large chocolate buttons topped with pistachio, cranberry and a bit of salt- they were delicious and had a great salty tang to them. The variations change daily.
    The service throughout was amazing, the staff that looked after us are certainly a credit to the establishment. I just got the feeling that they really enjoy working in 108, they knew the menu really well, were proud of the ingredients when talking us through them and where they came from etc. The 108 Brasserie has a lovely vibe, if it hadn’t have been for an appointment i had to get to, we could have easily just mooched around soaking up the atmosphere, and probably be tempted to explore the fantastic cocktail menu too.
    Reviewed by @Lohanjordan

    ADDRESS: 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE, United Kingdom

    PHONE: +44 (0) 207 969 3900

    PRICE: ££££ (explained)

    STAR: *** (explained)

    TIPPING POLICY: http://108brasserie.com/location/

    MAKE A RESERVATION: http://108brasserie.com/book-now/

  • RECIPE | Artichoke And Pistachio Pesto

    Serves 4 | Prep 5 mins | No Cook

    Quick & Easy / Minimal Ingredients / Vegan / Anti-Oxidant Rich / Digestion Helper

    Creamy, garlicky, and nutty, bound together with olive oil and lemon, this pesto makes a lovely change from the usual basil pine nut combo. This pesto also doesn’t have any cheese in it so is suitable for Vegans. You can whip this up in 5 minutes, you could have it “raw” and spread on toast, or use as a stir through sauce for pasta. I use it to stuff cod fillet’s in the Posh Cod & Chips recipe.

    ARTICHOKES- A long standing digestive aid, first discovered by the Egyptians, used to also combat acid reflux, stomach discomfort, bloating, and mild diarrhoea. (SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/471274-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-artichoke-hearts/ ). Artichokes are also a good source of anti-oxidants; silymarin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid.

    PISTACHIOS – Rich in mono-unsaturated fats like oleic acid make the pistachio nut another good source of anti-oxidants. Pistachio nuts also contain carotenes, vitamin E, and polyphenolic anti-oxidant compounds which help remove free-radicals from the body. They are also rich in the essentials for boosting our immune system; copper, manganese, iron, zinc and selenium. (SOURCE: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pistachio.html ) Pistachios also contain potassium which can aid healthy digestion.

     

    Ingredients.

    1 400g can artichoke hearts, drained

    30g shelled pistachio nuts

    2 tbsp olive oil

    1 tbsp lemon juice

    1 garlic clove

    Small bunch fresh parsley leaves

     

    Method.

    1. Place all the ingredients in a small food processor and pulse until you have a paste.
    2. Serve or keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Ametsa with Arzak Instruction, at The Halkin Hotel.

    The restaurant is situated in Belgravia’s Halkin hotel. The Halkin is one of the hotels belonging to the prestigious COMO group (boasting utter gorgeousness globally).
    The “Arzak Instruction” was established by a team of five from Arzak restaurant (who hold three Michelin stars) to deliver the philosophies of a unique and unforgettable cooking style to the Ametsa (currently holding one Michelin star).Rooted in the traditions of ‘New Basque Cuisine’, pairing earthy flavours and techniques of Spain’s Basque region with modern, surprising twists. Fresh, locally-sourced and organic produce from land and sea are Ametsa’s building blocks.
    I really recommend you opt for the tasting menu to sample a little of everything that the creative and flavour geniuses have to offer. The tasting menu (£105 pp / £154pp with wine pairing) will have you and your table ooh-ing, ahh-ing with at every dish and with every mouthful inducing your eyes to roll in the back of your head. This is beyond food porn- harnessing invention, elements of nostalgia, exploration and of course, a bit of drama.
    To start, a little amuse bouche in the form of a tomato and strawberry chilled soup, served in a shot glass- as tempting as it is to down in one from something in a shot glass, please don’t, far too pretty and tasty to be over so quickly.
    The Onion Rock with Marinated Anchovie for me was one of the most visually enchanting dishes, and as an appetizer really does set the tone for the continuing flawless presentation and intricate skill applied to each dish. The “rock” element appearing bizarre in black and tasting like mellow yellow onions, with a coiled anchovie atop soft, silky- exquisite textures against one another.
    The Sunflower Seed Cracker with Duck was something like the finest version of a pate on toast, even the crackers appeared to have some form of architecture to them.
    A little fruity “pasta” parcel containing the Chistorra – a sweet chorizo-type sausage meat was light and mousse-like leaving you with a tangy tongue.
    Scallops at Home- for me this was one of the highlights of the highlights. Served with a seaweed cracker with tiny edible flowers filling its crevices, again the attention to detail is transcendent, and the dish also flashed a nod to the realm of “superfoods” coming with a sweet creamy goji berry sauce. I don’t think a dish has ever made me smile the way that this one did.
    The Langoustine on a Bed of Lichens- for me on paper does not conjour any feelings of excitement, especially as a lichen can also mean a skin ailment. However upon delivery of the dish, the langoustine with only its fleshiest of fleshy part (no ugly whole headed aliens on the plate), served with a perched cracker made with crab looking something like a Philip Treacy hat- sweet & stunning.
    When you book for the tasting menu, your table is likely to receive different plates / menus from one another when you get the fish and meat section. This was great as we really did get to try a bit of everything, and sharing is definitely caring here.

    A little minx of a dish, the seductive and smoky Tuna with Cinnamon arrives in all its pinky handsomeness with a glass dome atop the plate encompassing a cinnamon myst. The dome is lifted and savoury woody aromas surround you. The table is also presented with a smoking cinnamon stick- sensory explosion.

    For my friend dining, her highlight was the Red Emperor with Beans, with the fish (snapper) cooked ridiculously well and an earthy well seasoned white bean sauce. The plate was decorated with more edible flowers, this really was a regal winner.
    The Suckling Pig on Carob Crumbs was a hunky platform of pork with some cracking crackling. An amazing bit of meat, but I did find the dish as a whole far too rich for my palette at this point of the meal. Also I have always had an aversion to anything carob. But as we had been served different meat dishes, it gave us the opportunity to share.
    The Beef Fillet with Green Tomato, was another outstanding dish, the meat served as it should be medium-rare, with a light green tomato mousse encompassing the essence of everything fresh. Its flavour can only be described as clean and green. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it and would have quite happily been served the mousse on it’s own.
    Before we were served dessert, a little delight came along in the form of a shot glass containing flavour elements of sangria (peel, berry etc), with popping candy. Topped up at the table with Sangria you then delve in with a spoon. I really liked this idea, it brought another fun element and also a little nod to childhood via popping candy. My friend didn’t get on with the Sangria shot and within minutes an alternative had been sent out in the form of homemade gelato which was very well received. All your needs are catered for here.
    Clove Custard, Toasted Milk and Pineapple Ice Cream – utterly aromatic and warming flavours making the cooling, light ice cream an intriguing, clever, and undeniably moreish dish. The toasted milk shards (much like a thin wafer) were crisp and reminded me of the chocolate Caramac’s flavour, delicious against the piquant pineapple ice cream.
    The service, much like its food is absolute. A flawless stream of perfectly timed new dishes to the table and topping up / changing of the wines to pair each plate. The service does feel orchestrated, and I have seen others refer to it as robotic. However, the tasting menu is a show and I can only applaud these masters of precision and perfection.
    It’s worth mentioning Ametsa with Arzak Instruction also offer a set lunchtime menu for £27.50.
    Reviewed by @LohanJordanADDRESS: 5-6 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DJPHONE: 020 7333 1234

    PRICE: £££££ (explained)

    STAR RATING: ***** (explained)

    TIPPING POLICY: http://www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/dining/ametsa-arzak-instruction/reservations

  • RECIPE: Balsamic Shallots

    Balsamic Shallots

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  • RECIPE: Miel-Moutarde Pork Tenderloin

    Serves |  Prep 4 hours (minimum marinading, overnight is always good) | Cook 45 mins (+10 minutes resting)

    I love pork tenderloin. It’s a really lovely bit of meat that I think can often be avoided as some people just don’t know what to do with it. Here, tenderloin is paired with a honey, mustard and rosemary marinade, which is delicious, and the dish as a whole is inexpensive!

    There has been great debate as to whether you can serve pork pink. I am not a fan of this concept, thus cook my pork all the way through which is reflected in the recipe.

    Pork is always well suited with something sweet and sticky, so why not try with my Balsamic Shallots.

    PORK TENDERLOIN – Tenderloin is a good source of selenium and phosphorous. Selenium plays an important role in metabolism management, controlling thyroid hormones. 85g of pork tenderloin will contribute towards 48% of your daily recommended intake of Selenium. HIV has been associated with low selenium levels. Phosphorous will help healthy bones and teeth, digestion, energy levels, hormones, production of protein, and brain function. 85g tenderloin providing 30% DRI.

     

    Ingredients.

    Marinade

    ½ tbsp wholegrain mustard

    1 tbsp Dijon mustard

    1 tbsp soy sauce

    1 tbsp honey

    ½ lemon, juice of

    1 sprig rosemary

    1 pork tenderloin (350g)

     

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 210c / 190c (fan) / Gas Mark 6-7

     

    1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
    2. Using a large freezer bag, place in the tenderloin along with the marinade and give the bag a squeeze to distribute the marinade. Tie the bag, pop on a plate, and into the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours.
    3. Remove the pork from the fridge 20 minutes before you are going to cook it.
    4. Heat a large frying pan with a few glugs of olive oil over a medium to high heat.
    5. Shake off any excess marinade from the tenderloin and place in the pan to sear it across every part. Do so for 10 minutes.
    6. Remove from the frying pan and place on a baking tray, and now into the oven for 35 minutes.
    7. Remove from the oven and wrap in foil, set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
    8. Remove the foil, transferring to a chopping board where you can begin carving the tenderloin on the slant. Serve.

  • RECIPE | Chicken Tequila

    Chicken Tequila

    Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 1.5 hrs (small chicken)

    Tequila Twist on the Classic Roast

    The sauce / gravy that this dish makes is so delicious. Spoon it on top of the chicken once you’ve plated up. Fuse the almighty British roast dinner with some interesting international flavours; tequila, lime, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne. It’s a winning combination. Most of the roast chickens I do at home use this recipe or a  rebased around the same ingredients. Yes, tequila is one of my staple store-cupboard ingredients.

    To complete the meal, throw in some Jamaican inspiration and try my recipe for Black Rice and Beans. Served together you could call it something along the lines of “Ja-Mexican”. Although every time I say this, all I can hear is Nicole Scherzi screaming “amazing”. Try this recipe for yourself and you may even be screaming out AMAZING.

    CHICKEN

    About 115g of free-range chicken will provide the following of your recommended daily intake;

    97% vitamin B3 (significant protection from heart disease, lowers levels of bad cholesterol, elevates “good” cholesterol HDL).

    70% protein.

    56% selenium (selenium deficiency, which some people who are HIV positive may have, has implications on immune function, depression, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypothyroidism, infertility in males).

    40% vitamin B6 (can prevent anaemia, and also used to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, cramps, skin conditions, and boosting the immune system).

    36% phosphorous.

    22% choline (liver protector).

    21% vitamin B5 (great for acne and reducing oil production in the skin)

    16% vitamin B12.

    (SOURCE)

    CORIANDER  A great source of vitamin K (great for bones and teeth). It’s also high in antioxidant vitamins A & C, which are useful for healthy immune system function. Coriander is also beneficial for people suffering with skin disorders (eczema and dryness). Coriander is good for stimulating our digestion system and can also help to treat diarrhoea. There is a compound within this herb that can help protect us from stomach upset, even that which could be caused by Salmonella- more so than the antibiotic that would normally be used to treat it! (SOURCE : https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-coriander.html )

    Ingredients.

    1 small chicken

    100ml tequila

    100ml olive oil

    100ml chicken stock

    1 lime, juice of

    1 lemon, cut in half

    4 garlic cloves, chopped

    30g coriander leaves, chopped roughly

    1 tsp smoked paprika

    1 tsp cayenne pepper

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 200c / 180c (Fan) / Gas Mark 6

    1. Place your chicken in a casserole dish and smother all over with the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
    2. Combine the tequila, olive oil, chicken stock, juice of 1 lime, chopped garlic and chopped coriander in a bowl and mix well.
    3. Pour this on top of the chicken and ensure that there is a good covering of the coriander and garlic on the top of the bird and its legs.
    4. Place the fruit of the lime inside the carcas, along with a lemon that’s been cut in half.
    5. Cover the top of the chicken with a piece of foil and cook in the oven for 45 minutes.
    6. Remove the chicken from the oven, discard the foil, and start to spoon over the juices from the pan and replace in the oven for a further 45 minutes, spooning over the juices a twice more within the 45 minutes.
    7. Check that the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest part and ensuring juices run clear. If in doubt, give it ten minutes more and check again.

    Once the chicken has been demolished, don’t just throw the carcass away- use it the next day to make a lovely soup. I will be making a collection of Bone Broths soon and highlighting their fantastic medicinal properties.

  • RECIPE: Black Rice And Beans

    Black Rice and Beans

    Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 35 mins

    Traditionally rice and peas would be served on a Sunday. So why not do the same and have as an unusual side dish to your Sunday Roast. Try this with my Chicken Tequila.

    There is loads of fibre, protein and phosphorous in this dish to help the digestive tract. Iron, copper, and antioxidants will certainly be stimulating the immune system in the right direction and all the folate will work with the antioxidants to help keep you feeling pretty working on your skin, eyes, hair, and liver!

    BLACK RICE

    A spoonful of black rice contains more antioxidants than that of blueberries. The anthocyanin antioxidants within the rice are linked with memory improvement, protection against heart disease and even cancer. Black rice is a fantastic source of Iron and also vitamin E.

    KIDNEY BEANS

    177g of kidney beans will provide you with the following of your daily requirements; 57% folate, 45% fibre, 42% copper (great for the immune system), 38% manganese (good for bone production & skin integrity), 34% phosphorous (another one for bones but also digestion), 30% protein, 23% B1, 21% iron.The kidney bean is a good source of cholesterol-lowering fibre, along with many other beans. When beans are combined with whole grain rice, the kidney beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. Kidney beans can also increase your energy by replenishing iron stores. (SOURCE)

    BLACK BEANS

    172g of black beans count for the following daily recommended intake; 64% folate (skin, liver, eyes, hair), 59% fibre, 40% copper, 38% manganese, 35% vitamin B1, 34% phosphorous, 30% protein, 30% magnesium, 20% iron. (source)

    Ingredients.

    1 garlic clove, finely chopped

    1 onion, finely chopped

    1 carrot, finely chopped

    1 celery stick, finely chopped

    1 carton cooked black beans, drained (230g drained weight)

    1 carton cooked kidney beans, drained (230g drained weight)

    1 chicken stock cube (swap with veg stock if you’re vegetarian/vegan, or omit entirely)

    Zest of ½ lemon grated finely

    2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

    Method.

    1. Get a big pan of boiling water on the go and begin to cook your black rice (the rice should take 30 minutes to cook). Add the stock cube to the water along with the rice.
    2. In a large saucepan, fry together over a medium-low heat the carrot, celery, and onion for 15 minutes or until soft. Take off the heat and keep to one side.
    3. Once the rice is cooked, drain and add to the saucepan with your softened vegetables, add in all the beans and the lemon zest and put back on the heat for 5 minutes mixing well.
    4. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and serve.

  • RECIPE | Sausage and Greens with Polenta

    Sausage and Greens with Polenta

    Serves 2 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 25 min

    Take a break from mash and serve polenta instead. Some people naturally have an aversion to polenta because of it’s texture. Some people prefer the hard wedged grilled style, and for others it is this creamy mash-like version. Fresh spring greens flash fried in a cider vinegar make a good match for the creamy polenta and Italian herby, sweet sausage. I couldn’t possibly have anything less than two vegetables on my dinner plate, so I serve this meal with an Italian staple vegetable, the zucchini / courgettes, and carrots that have been steamed.

    POLENTA Traditionally, a peasant food from Northern Italy. Nowadays is served over the globe at breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to its versatility. Carotenoids from milled corn produce is easier to digest than those which lie in carrots and spinach. Carotenoids are fat soluble, and therefore easier to digest when eaten with some fats. (SOURCE) . The beta-carotene within polenta could be a useful aid with heart disease and cancer prevention.

    SPRING GREENS“Underrated & not eaten enough. Spring greens are delicious. I flash fry them usually in a little sesame oil and finish with a dash of soy . Simple. 1 cup (about 190g) of spring greens can provide 70% of your vitamin A and 20% vitamin C intake. Also a great source of iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin E. Being full of fibre and low in calories, spring greens also make a wonderful detox aid. (SOURCE)

    Ingredients.

    400g Italian Sausage (or a Sicilian style from your supermarket), removed from casings and each sausage made into 3 balls.

    2 heads spring greens, thoroughly washed, drained, root removed and shredded roughly.

    2 salad onions, sliced

    1 tsp cider vinegar

    100g polenta

    75g emmental (OPTIONAL)

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 180c / 160c (fan) / Gas Mark 4

    1. Begin to fry your sausage balls in a frying pan until they have browned, 8-10 mins. Remove with a slotted spoon into a baking dish (you will use the oil left in the pan to fry the greens later), transferring the sausage into the oven to keep warm.
    2. Add 400ml boiling water to a non-stick saucepan and gradually add the polenta. Keep the saucepan over a medium heat. The polenta will begin to thicken. Once it reaches boiling point, reduce to a slow simmer. If it starts to get to thick add some more hot water to thin it out. I serve mine with a consistency of a thin mash.
    3. Put the heat back on the pan with the sausage cooking oil.
    4. Add the cider vinegar and spring onions to the frying pan for a couple of minutes.
    5. Add the spring greens and fry for 3-5 minutes.
    6. Check the polenta’s consistency (stir in emmental if using), add seasoning to your taste and serve.
    7. Plate up the greens along side the polenta and scatter your sausage balls on top.

  • RECIPE | Beef Stifado

    Beef Stifado

    Serves 3 (or 2 without a carb) | Prep Minimum 3 ½ hours marinading, or overnight | Cook 2 ½ hours |

    If you are looking for a seriously tasty portion of comfort in a bowl, then this beef stifado is definitely for you! Through slow cooking it develops a rich, red wine, almost smokey flavoured sauce. It’s ingredients are essentially very basic, so I like to have garlicky mashed sweet potatoes with a green vegetable next to this hunky beefy dish, to help me get closer to my 7-a-day. This deserves good ingredients, so try going for organic produce if you don’t already. Try and marinade the beef as long as possible, over night if you can.

    BEEF

    Around 85g of beef provides you with the following of your daily requirements; 50% protein, 39% zinc, 37% B12, 24% selenium, 20% phosphorous, 18% niacin, 16% B6, 14% iron, 12% riboflavin. (SOURCE; http://www.beef.org/udocs/Beef%20Bytes%20Health.pdf

    TOMATOES

    are full of beta carotenes which is really beneficial to our skin. Tomatoes contain high vitamin C, and also vitamins A & K. They are helpful when needing to boost your immune system and also have anti cancer properties.

    Ingredients.

    For the marinade:

    125ml red wine

    2 garlic cloves, crushed

    2 cloves

    2 sprigs fresh rosemary

    2 bay leaves, fresh or dried

    1 cinnamon stick, broken in two

    1 tsp oregano

    400g organic beef, diced

    400g can organic chopped tomatoes

    250g organic shallots, peeled

    2 tbsp organic tomato puree

    1 beef stock cube (low-salt)

    Method.

    Preheat oven to 180c / 160c (fan) / Gas Mark 4

    1. In a deep bowl mix together all the marinade ingredients along with the beef, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 3 ½ hours.
    2. Reserving the marinade liquid, drain the beef. At this point I pick out the cinnamon stick pieces, rosemary etc. and keep them with the reserved marinade liquid.
    3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan and brown the beef. Once browned, place in an oven proof casserole dish that has a lid.
    4. Fry your whole peeled shallots in the same pan as you did the beef, until they turn golden on the outside. Remove and place with the beef in the casserole dish.
    5. Increase the heat on the frying pan and add your marinade liquid, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, stock cube, and 100ml of water.
    6. Let the sauce reach boiling point and then take off the heat, transferring to the casserole dish. Mix all together, cover and cook in the oven for 2 ½ hours. I normally take a look and stir every hour whilst it’s cooking.
    7. Serve with a healthy carb and vegetables of your choice.

  • RECIPE | Lamb And Lentils

    Lamb & Lentils

    Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 25 mins

    Earthy & spicy. I enjoy serving this crispy lamb dish with a Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Mainly because it goes wonderfully with the cauliflower’s leftover yoghurt marinade. If you didn’t want to serve the cauliflower with it then a normal low fat natural yoghurt would go nicely. Lentils and yoghurt are renowned for their beneficial digestion properties. This meal would also go really well served with warmed pita breads.

     

    GREEN LENTILS- Lentils are a slow-burning energy giver from it’s complex carbohydrate composition. The high levels of soluble fibre mean that lentils can help lower cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease (as they also contain folate & magnesium) , and have great digestive health properties; prevent constipation, slow down digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. (SOURCE; http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5488/7-Health-Benefits-of-Lentils.html )

     

    Ingredients

    250g lamb mince

    1 tbsp olive oil

    1 can cooked green lentils, with its liquid reserved

    1 garlic clove, finely chopped

    1 tsp cumin

    Bunch of Coriander, finely chopped

    Small Chipotle chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (I buy these from my supermarket dried and rehydrate them in hot water. Alternatively you could use a teaspoon of chilli powder, or omit if you’re not a fan of a kick)

     

    Method.

    1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and begin to brown the lamb mince.
    2. Once browned add the cumin, garlic, and chilli to the pan and continue frying for a minute longer.
    3. Add the lentils to the pan and mix together with the lamb. You want to cook this all together for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to crisp the lentils during this process. Don’t worry about any sticking to the pan as we will add a little liquid.

    If the lentils are burning then reduce the heat.

    1. Add about half of the reserved liquid from the can to the pan and cook for a few minutes. You want a consistency that is leaning more towards a dry sauce.
    2. Serve with scattered coriander.

     

  • RECIPE | Lemony Spaghetti

    This may be one of the most simplest recipes I do, in that it’s ingredients and effort are both minimal.

    It is perfect for mid-week, no energy, no brainpower cooking. However this simplistic dish at the table is very well received, as it bursts with freshness from the lemon and parsley, with a touch of garlic. With ingredients and method being so easy, once you’ve cooked this once you should be able to recall it from memory for the next time.

    I avoid wheat and use a “free-from” spaghetti, but you, of course, can substitute for normal spaghetti.

    CHICKEN

    • About 115g of free-range chicken will provide the following of your recommended daily intake;
    • 97% vitamin B3 (significant protection from heart disease, lowers levels of bad cholesterol, elevates “good” cholesterol HDL).
    • 70% protein.
    • 56% selenium (selenium deficiency, which some people who are HIV positive may have, has implications on immune function, depression, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypothyroidism, infertility in males).
    • 40% vitamin B6 (can prevent anaemia, and also used to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, cramps, skin conditions, and boosting the immune system).
    • 36% phosphorous.
    • 22% choline (liver protector).
    • 21% vitamin B5 (great for acne and reducing oil production in the skin)
    • 16% vitamin B12.

    PARSLEY

    • The vitamin C content is higher than oranges (53% of your recommended daily intake in 30g of fresh parsley). Within the same 30g you will get 553% of your daily intake for vitamin K (healthy bones). It’s packed full of antioxidants, vitamin A, folate, iron. and can help neutralize carcinogens. It’s also great at neutralizing garlic breath! (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=100 )
    • Containing a high amount of enzymes, parsley benefits digestive activity .

    LEMONS

    Ingredients

    3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

    3 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal

    1 garlic clove, sliced

    1 pack fresh flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)

    1 tbsp butter (optional)

    250g mini chicken fillets, sliced into bite-size pieces

    75-100g spaghetti, per person

    Method

    1. Get a large saucepan of boiling water on the go.
    2. In a wok heat a tablespoon of oil and a tablespoon of butter (if using), and fry the spring onions for 5 minutes, adding the garlic for the last minute.
    3. Add your spaghetti to the pan with boiling water.
    4. Add in the chicken along with lemon juice to your wok and cook out for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
    5. Drain your spaghetti and add to the wok, along with all of the parsley. Mix well to combine, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a scattering of black pepper.
    6. Remove from the frying pan with tongs into bowls and serve. For extra nutritional value serve with a simple side salad of romaine lettuce and vine tomatoes.