THEGAYUK

Tag: Vegetarian

If you’re looking to lay off meat for a while or you are cooking for some vegetarian guests, but aren’t sure what to prepare, here’s some food ideas to help you cut out meat and get creative in the kitchen with fruit and veg.

  • RECIPE | Baked Sweet Potato Burgers

    Makes 4 burgers |  Prep 10 mins  Cook 1 hour

    Smoky sweet potato burgers that are packed with antioxidant power. It may seem like a while to cook, but these delicate patties will pay you back in health benefits, as opposed to a normal beef burger. I make a simple garlic mayo for these using 1 garlic clove finely chopped, 3 tbsp light mayo and a handful of chopped parsley. These are also beautiful with my Fennel & Red Cabbage Slaw.

    You could follow the recipe up to step 5 and then keep the patties in the fridge to be cooked the next day.

    SWEET POTATO – One medium (200g) of sweet potato will provide the following DRI; 213% vitamin A, 52% vitamin C, 49% manganese (bone production & skin integrity), 35% copper (immune system), 35% B5 (good for acne / oily skin), 33% B6 (the “good mood” vitamin, brain function), 28% biotin (good for hair loss, nails, healthy skin, supports metabolism and could aid weight loss, lowers cholesterol, regulate blood sugar), 27% potassium (counteracts sodium, lowers blood pressure, healthy digestion), 26% fibre, 18% B3, 17% B1, 16% B2, 15% phosphorous. (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64 )

     

    RED ONION – The red onion contains a bioflavanoid called Quercetin. Quercetin has been found to contain anti : fungal / bacterial / inflammatory, and cancer fighting properties. One study suggests that half an onion a day could reduce the risk of stomach cancer by 50%. (SOURCE: http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/eating-red-onions.php )

     

    Ingredients.

    1 red onion, chopped

    ½ large sweet potato, peeled and in small cubes

    1 garlic

    ¼ tsp cumin

    ½ tsp herbes de Provence or Italian herbs

    1 tsp smoked paprika

    3 tbsp sweetcorn (frozen is fine)

    4 tbsp kidney beans, cooked

    6 tbsp breadcrumbs (I used a gluten-free seeded brown bread)

     

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 230 c / 210c (fan) / Gas Mark 8

     

    1. In a large saucepan heat two tablespoons of olive oil and fry the onion, garlic and sweet potato over a low heat for 15-20 mins or until soft.
    2. Transfer the onion, garlic and sweet potato into a large bowl where you will now mash together along with all the spices. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
    3. Stir in the sweetcorn, kidney beans, and breadcrumbs and mix well to combine.
    4. Wet your hands for the next bit. Mould the burger mix into 4 equally shaped patties.
    5. Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking sheet, and then put your patties on top.
    6. Put in the oven for 15 minutes.
    7. Remove from the oven and carefully flip with a spatula. Put back in the oven for a further 15-20 minutes.
    8. Serve on buns with salad, tomato, onion rings, or however you wish to dress it.

     

     

  • RECIPE: Crispy Tofu & Green Tea Noodles

    Crispy Tofu & Green Tea Noodles

    Serves 2

    Prep 10 mins

    Cook 20 mins

    Vegan / Quick & Easy / Inexpensive / Take-Out Alternative / Healthy Bones

    These organic green tea noodles are part of Waitrose / Ocado’s new Malaysian range which I recommend you take a look at. The noodles also come in pumpkin, charcoal, and sesame varieties to name a few.

    The mild, creaminess of the tofu is a perfect match for the strong nutty sesame soy flavour of the sauce. This recipe only keeps you in the kitchen for 30 minutes and is a great, inexpensive, and interesting alternative to a local Chinese takeaway.

     

    Soy sauce contains around 4.5% manganese DRI per tablespoon, which will work alongside the calcium, manganese, and phosphorous within the tofu to encourage healthy bones & teeth.

     

    TOFU – Around 113g of firm tofu will provide you with the following DRI; 77% calcium, 67% manganese (bone production, collagen & skin integrity, blood sugar control and protection against free radical damage), 47% copper (immune system function), 35% selenium (benefits immune system, depression, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, and infertility in men), 35% protein, 30% phosphorous (bones), 27% omega-3 fats (reduce risk of heart disease & stroke, reduce symptoms of hypertension / depression / ADHD, and skin ailments), 16% iron, 16% magnesium, 16% zinc, 15% vitamin B1.

    (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=111 )

     

    Ingredients

    Sauce

    120ml water

    100ml light soy sauce

    45g sesame seeds, toasted lightly in a dry frying pan for 3-4 minutes

    4 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal

    1 tsp dark muscovado sugar (or brown sugar will do)

    1 tsp vegetable oil

    1 tsp toasted sesame oil

    ½ tsp garlic granules

    ½ lime, juice of

     

    1 block firm tofu, sliced into rectangles (349g)

    1 pack Cha Soba Organic Green Tea Japanese Noodles (available from Waitrose / Ocado)

    3 tablespoons sweetcorn (frozen is fine)

     

    Instructions

    1. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce together in a bowl and set aside.
    2. Get a large saucepan of boiling water on the go.
    3. Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and get the pan really hot.
    4. Add in the tofu rectangles and fry each side for 4-5 minutes.
    5. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
    6. In the same frying pan you used for the tofu, add the sauce and the sweetcorn, and increase the heat so you are boiling, reducing the sauce. Stir regularly.
    7. Add your noodles (these only take 4-5 minutes to cook)
    8. Drain the noodles and mix a glug of sesame oil through them. Plate up the noodles.
    9. Place the cooked tofu on top of the noodles, and dress with spooning the sauce over the top and around the plate. Serve.

     

     

     

     

     

  • RECIPE: Beet-Swede Gratin

    Beet-Swede Gratin

    Serves 4-6

    Prep 20 mins

    Cook 2 hours

    Something a little different from the usual potato gratin that’s loaded with carbs and cream. Rooty beet and swede go beautifully together nestled amongst a garlic-thyme, skimmed milk roux sauce with reduced fat cheeses.

    The sauce turns a beautiful pale pink under the molten mozzarella and tastes so damn good. If you want to make this ahead of time then follow up to step 6 and keep in the fridge until your ready.

    SWEDE – 170g of swede will provide 53% of your recommended intake of vitamin C! Good levels per serving of; zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, and calcium also make swede a healthy bone promoter. Healthy amounts of fibre encourage a good digestive tract. Swede is also a good alternative in a gratin to potatoes for sufferers of diabetes. It has also been linked to prevention of type-2 diabetes.

    BEETROOT– Like swede, are also high in magnesium and phosphorous- for the bones. Along with iron, vitamin A, B6, C, folic acid and anti-oxidants. Another vegetable that has a good fibre content to keep our digestive tract on track.

    Ingredients

    3 fresh raw beetroots, peeled (around 700g weight peeled)

    1 large swede. Peeled and sliced into thin semi circles (around 700g weight peeled)

    160g pack light leerdammer slices (8 slices)

    100g reduced fat mozzarella (sliced)

    1 onion, sliced very finely

    1 lemon, the zest of

    4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

    10 thyme stems, leaves removed and chopped

    roux;

    3tbsp butter

    3 tbsp plain flour

    480ml skimmed milk

     

    Instructions

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

     

    1. Peel the beetroot and drizzle in oil, wrapping in individual foil wraps and roasting in the oven for an hour or until tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Slice once cooled.
    2. Meanwhile, Par-boil the swede for ten minutes, drain & set aside.
    3. Make a roux by melting 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan, then adding the same of flour and stirring constantly to form a thick paste. Cook this out for a minute or so.
    4. Gradually add your milk with a medium to low heat on the stove. I throw in the garlic, lemon zest and a small portion of thyme leaves at this point to infuse. Stir constantly.
    5. Gradually add more milk as the sauce thickens. Once you’ve reached desired consistency (I prefer it not to be overly thick as will thicken further in the oven), remove from the heat.
    6. Now it’s time to put the dish together. In a large casserole dish or similar, begin to layer the ingredients. I layer mine; swede, onion, scatter of thyme, leerdammer, beetroot- repeat. Pour over the sauce, top with mozzarella and freshly cracked black pepper.
    7. Reduce oven heat to 180c / 160c (fan) and place in the oven for 1 hour. Serve.

     

  • RECIPE: Beetrorzotto

    Beetrorzotto

    Serves 2-3 people

    Prep 10 mins

    Cook 30 mins

    I challenge those adverse to beetroot to actually give this a go. I am definitely converted from unsure, to a beetroot lover after eating this. This is proper creamy comfort food that uses fresh dill and feta to make a delicious and unusual combination. The dish can be adapted very simply to achieve vegetarian, vegan, or wheat-free status. See my swap suggestions beneath the recipe.

    BEETROOT- Beetroot are high in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, B6, C, folic acid and anti-oxidants. (SOURCE http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/beetroot-benefits ) The nitrates in beetroot help lower blood pressure and may help heart disease. Also, beets contain boron which is good for sexual stamina and all-round energy levels! This dish is definitely sexy with its deep red colour. (SOURCE http://www.undergroundhealth.com/12-healthiest-foods-on-earth/ )

     

    DILL – Dill has been used as a digestive aid in herbal medicine for years, but also is a brilliant immune system booster. Dill also contains anti-carcinogenic properties. (SOURCE https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/dill.html )

    CAROTINO OIL-If you haven’t heard of carotino oil before then you must go out and keep some stocked in the cupboard. It’s a great, cheap way of incorporating, even more, vitamins in your food. Carotino includes antioxidants, vitamins A & E, and Omegas 3 & 6. Due to it’s vibrant orange colour it does have a tendency to stain food- a fried egg didn’t look too appealing when I tried it. But it does however work fantastically with this vibrant dish.

    Ingredients

    1 tbsp carotino oil

    2 garlic clove (chopped finely)

    1 red onion (chopped)

    250g packed beetroot, including juices not in vinegar (chopped roughly)

    100g feta cheese (made into little squares)

    200g orzo (small, rice shaped pasta)

    700ml water made with 1 chicken stock melt/cube (or veg)

    Small bunch of dill, chopped finely (reserving some for a final sprinkling)

    Instructions

    1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan (or even a non-stick wok would do) and lightly fry the onion until cooked (10 mins).
    2. Add the garlic, beetroot, orzo, and stock and bring to the boil.
    3. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer for around 15 mins, check the orzo every now and then. Remember this is pasta not rice, so you want to retain a little bit of bite.
    4. Stir in the dill and then plate up, adding your feta cubes on top, along with the reserved dill.

     

    I served the beetrorzotto with my sweetheart coleslaw.  The crunchy textures against the velvety beetroot and orzo makes a lovely contrast. You could also serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread.

     

    Something you can’t eat in the ingredients list? Make the following swaps-

     

    DAIRY- Feta – You can actually source non-dairy feta if you do not eat dairy foods. Any other vegetarian cheese would go well here.

    WHEAT / GLUTEN – Orzo – Replace with a wheat/gluten free small shape pasta or you could alternatively use rice but make sure to extend the cooking time.

     

     

     

  • RECIPE: Fennel And Chestnut Mushroom Pate

    Fennel & Chestnut Mushroom Pate

    Prep 5 mins

    Cook 35 mins

    Makes 2 ramekins (enough for 4 as a light starter)

    Starter / Vegan / Minimal Ingredients

    It’s simple and tasty food like this that strokes my vegan veneration. Whether you immediately scoop this from the food processor, warm, onto a seeded piece of toast or save for later and have in a sandwich with some home made pickled cucumber. I simple slice skinned cucumber, put on a small plate and douse in white wine vinegar.

    MUSHROOMS – Mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin D, which is a vitamin a lot of us are deficient in without even realising. Polysaccharides and beta glucans within mushrooms are beneficial to the immune system function.

    FENNEL – Fennel contains a healthy amount of flavanoids that give it strong anti-oxidant properties. When researchers tested the impact of fennel on animals, it has repeatedly shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent cancer. Fennel is a very good source of fibre too, as fibre helps flush out potential carinogenic toxins, fennel could be useful in treatment of colon cancer. High in potassium this vegetable is another winner for helping lower blood pressure. (SOURCE; http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=23 )

    Ingredients

    Olive oil

    225g closed cup chestnut mushrooms, peeled & chopped roughly

    1 fennel bulb, root removed & chopped roughly

    3 sprigs thyme

    1 garlic clove

    1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard

    1 tsp balsamic vinegar

    Salt and pepper

     

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

     

    Instructions

    1. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper
    2. Mix together the mustard with 1 tbsp olive oil
    3. Place all the ingredients on the lined baking sheet, and smother with the mustardy-oil to coat all over.
    4. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, the fennel should start to brown and the mushrooms shrivel slightly.
    5. Take out the oven and set aside for a few minutes.
    6. Tip the mix into a food processor along with the balsamic vinegar and pulse a few times.
    7. Add in a tablespoon of olive oil and pulse again a couple of times.
    8. Spoon into ramekins and serve.

     

     

     

     

     

  • RECIPE: Vegetable Soup With Parsley And Turmeric

    Vegetable soup with parsley & turmeric

    Serves 4 (or 2 people & 2 lunches worth)

    Prep 10 mins

    Cook 40 mins

    Vegetarian

    Can be frozen

    You are certainly on your way to 7-a day  if you incorporate this super healthy soup into your day.

    PARSLEY – I tend to put parsley on everything. It’s versatile, tastes great, it’s cheap and it’s health benefits are amazing. The vitamin C content is higher than oranges. It’s packed full of antioxidants and can help neutralise carcinogens. It’s also great at neutralising garlic breath!

    TURMERIC- The turmeric gives the soup great warmth so would be perfect for taking to work in a flask to keep you toasty! There has been much press coverage around turmeric and it’s benefits of late. Turmeric can rapidly increase the antioxidant capacity in your body, which will really work along side the sweet potato, carrots, and parsley in the dish.

    Turmeric contains curcumin which has been linked to prevention and possible treatment of cancer. For anyone that suffers with depression, curcumin was also found to be as effective as Prozac.

    RICE BRAN OIL – A great cooking oil alternative. Containing no cholesterol, including plant sterols, and antioxidant rich vitamin E.

     

    Ingredient

    3 cloves garlic

    3 carrots

    3 celery

    3 onion

    3 tbsp parsley

    1 ½ tbsp turmeric

    1 sweet potato

    1 leek

    1 bay leaf

    1 vegetable stock melt / cube (made up with 1ltr water)

    1 tbsp rice bran oil

    1 tsp herbes de provence

     

    Instructions

    1. Prepare your vegetables by chopping them finely. Keep your carrots, celery, and onions together as we will begin by frying these first in rice bran oil on a medium to low heat for 10 minutes.
    2. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the parsley. Increase the heat so the soup reaches boiling point, then reduce and simmer for 20 minutes.
    3. Take off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and leave to cool for 5 minutes.
    4. At this point I then use my hand blender, but you really could use a blender or food processor if you do not have a hand blender. I got mine for a fiver from my supermarket. Blend until smooth. Stir in the parsley, and serve.

     

    Time Saver – The base of this soup uses 3 stable ingredients that should always be stocked in your kitchen. Onion, celery and carrots form the base for many sauces, ragus, gravy and soups. To reduce your chopping time, most supermarkets offer a frozen bag combined of these 3 useful ingredients.

    Experiment – If you have a surplus of veggies that you need to use up, go ahead and chuck them in this versatile soup. It may change the colour and consistency, but will enrich this already super healthy soup even further.

     

  • RECIPE | Spicy Chickpea Snack

    Serves 1 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 45 mins

    These crunchy little balls are roasted in cayenne and brown sugar for a sweet and spicy little pick me up. An interesting and wholesome alternative to the so many salty snacks that are readily available. After you’ve made this the first time you may want to add more cayenne as the recipe accommodates all palettes.

    CHICKPEAS – 165g of chickpeas will provide you with the following of your recommended daily intake; 84% manganese (bone production, collagen & skin integrity, blood sugar control and protection against free radical damage), 70% folate (protection from heart disease, can reduce depression, and helps maintain brain function), 64% copper (essential for immune system), 49% fibre ( fantastic digestive support in this dish), 39% phosphorous, and 22% zinc. (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=58 )

    Ingredients.

    1 can chickpeas, drained and thoroughly dried

    1/3 tsp cayenne pepper

    1/3 tsp dark muscovado sugar

    Smoked paprika for serving

     

    Method.

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

    1. Line a baking sheet with foil and put the dry chickpeas on top.
    2. Scatter over the sugar and cayenne, and roll the chickpeas around with your hands to coat.
    3. Roast in the oven for up to 45 minutes. You want a crispy, crunchy shell before taking them out.
    4. Pour chickpeas into a serving bowl and dust with smoked paprika.

  • RECIPE | Black Quinoa with Beetroot & Pistachios

    Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 15-20 mins

    Side Dish / Gluten Free / Iron Packed / Digestion Helper

    This is a recipe that manifested out of me suddenly realising I had forgotten an essential ingredient whilst at the shop for the original side dish I had planned! My forgetfulness and inability to stick to a list has often landed me in prime opportunities for a creative quickie in the kitchen. The crunchy quinoa and pistachios are tossed with silky earthy beetroot and fresh parsley. The natural flavours of this dish are essentially earthy & mellow, so this would be best suited with the main part of the meal having a sharp distinctive flavour. Why not try it with Lemon & Garlic Roasted Halloumi.

    BLACK QUINOA – Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein, especially for those that avoid eating meats. Quinoa is classed as a complete protein, meaning that it contains all 10 essential amino acids which you can normally only find within animal product. As well as providing a good supply of dietary fibre, (1 cup of) black quinoa will also supply 20% of your daily intake of folate (a B-vitamin essential for skin, liver, eyes, and hair), and 15% of Iron (red blood cells need this to carry oxygen around in the body). (SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/497045-benefits-of-black-quinoa/ )

    BEETROOT- Beetroot are high in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, B6, C, folic acid and anti-oxidants. (SOURCE http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/beetroot-benefits ) The nitrates in beetroot help lower blood pressure and may help heart disease. (SOURCE http://www.undergroundhealth.com/12-healthiest-foods-on-earth/ )

    PISTACHIOS – Rich in mono-unsaturated fats like oleic acid make the pistachio nut a good source of anti-oxidants. Pistachio nuts also contain carotenes, vitamin E, 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 will work alongside the fibre in the quinoa to aid healthy digestion.

    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 healthy digestive activity .

     

    Ingredients.

    150g black quinoa

    150g beetroot, cooked in natural juices, cubed

    30g pistachios, bashed

    Bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

    Olive oil

    Pinch of pepper

     

    Method.

     

    1. Cook the quinoa according to packet instructions in simmering water (15-20 mins).
    2. Drain the quinoa and rinse under the cold tap in a sieve.
    3. Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Serve.

  • RECIPE | Slow Beau Tomatoes

    There’s always a batch of these in my fridge every week- whether simply paired with a piece of toast, added to a salad, or even in a bolognese- these versatile tender tomatoes are sure to become a regular must in your kitchen.

    The slow three-hour roast enables the tomatoes and oil (remaining oil makes an epic dressing spooned over salads) to take on all the flavour of the herbs and is perfect for wholesome Sunday tinkering in the kitchen, when you may well be feeling a little slow yourself!

    TOMATOES – The beautiful red colour of tomatoes denotes that they 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.

    1kg plum tomatoes, halved lengthways with seeds scooped out

    2 tsp dried oregano

    2 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped

    1 tsp basil

    1 tsp sugar

    small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

    240ml extra virgin olive oil

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 120c / 100c (Fan) / Gas Mark ½

     

    1. In a small bowl combine the oregano, basil, sugar and a couple of scrunches of salt.
    2. In a large baking dish pour in half of the olive oil.
    3. Place the tomatoes in the oily dish with the cut side facing up and sprinkle over your combined herbs/sugar mix.
    4. Drizzle over the remaining oil and place into the oven for 1 hour.
    5. Remove from the oven and turn the tomatoes over carefully, and back in the oven for another hour.
    6. Remove from the oven and turn tomatoes for the last time, and back in to roast for the next & final hour.
    7. Transfer half of the tomatoes to a bowl or serving dish. Pour over the majority of the oil, and scatter half the parsley and garlic.
    8. Place the rest of the tomatoes on top to form a layer, and drizzle with remaining oil, parsley and garlic.
    9. Set aside for an hour or so before covering and chilling in the fridge. These will keep for up to 5 days. Remove from the fridge half an hour before serving if eating cold.

  • RECIPE | Pizzucchinis

    Serves 1 | Prep 5 minutes | Cook 30 minutes

    Half a large courgette counts as 1 of your 5-a-day. These speedy snacks use collagen encouraging courgette as a nutritious base for classic pizza flavours from tomato, mozzarella, oregano, and basil. Play around with different ingredients and herbs for toppings; olives, anchovies, fresh chilli, whatever you have or fancy really!

    COURGETTES – Appearances from our anti-oxidant friends, vitamins C & A. The dietary fibre in courgettes can also help lowering our cholesterol levels. The same fibre matched with the courgette’s water content will also make you feel full, and with a low calorie content could be used for weight management.

    Courgette’s are also great for our skin; hydration, anti-ageing, collagen formation, and puffy eyes.

    Ingredients.

    1 courgette, halved lengthways

    Mozzarella, I use pearls (darling) and slice in half

    Cherry tomatoes, quartered

    Dried oregano

    Dried basil

    Garlic granules

    Olive oil

    Chilli flakes (optional)

     

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 210c / 190c (fan) / Gas Mark 6 ½

     

    1. To make sure your courgette halves sit flat on your baking tray, use a knife to level the bottoms out by taking a small slice off, if necessary.
    2. Brush lightly with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic granules on each courgette half.
    3. Top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella (sit them close together so as the cheese melts it secures the tomatoes in place).
    4. Scatter with basil, oregano, and chilli flakes to your desired level of herb! Top with some freshly cracked black pepper and place in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is going golden and courgettes are just cooked through and still have a bit of bite!

     

  • RECIPE | Thyme Roasted Baby Leeks

    Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 15 mins

    LEEKS- The lovely leek can be a great tool to use for detox. Leeks fibre content cleanses the digestive tract, as well as being a potent diuretic. Leeks are also good sources of calcium, vitamin C, potassium, B6, and iron! SOURCE: http://www.diethealthclub.com/health-food/leeks.html )

    Ingredients.

    Olive oil, glug

    White wine vinegar, glug

    1 pack baby leeks (usually 5-6)

    1 garlic clove, sliced finely

    Few thyme sprigs, leaves removed

     

    Method.

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

     

    1. Top and tail the leeks and remove the first outer skin.
    2. Blanch in boiling hot water for 3 minutes.
    3. Drain thoroughly, place in a baking tray and pop in the glugs of olive oil and vinegar, along with the thyme leaves and garlic.
    4. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until they start to turn golden on top.