Read more about the article Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese
Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese

Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese

The dish that we know of as Spaghetti Bolognese is as British as it is Italian, bearing little resemblance to the Ragu Alla Bolognese that is usually served with tagliatelle or used to prepare lasagna. But that by no means detracts from it's significance as culinary icon. Simple and quick to prepare, using cheap and readily available ingredients, it's a long time favourite here in the UK, whether at home or eating out. In this version a few simple adds and swaps turn it into a super healthy supper. Totalling just 450 calories a serving, it also provides nearly 60% of your daily protein requirements and a quarter of your fibre. Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese The classic British Italian dish, just cooked spaghetti…

Continue ReadingHealthy Spaghetti Bolognese

Italian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce

As winter starts to bite, it's all to easy to forget just how comforting and warming a bowl of fresh pasta can be. This American Italian classic is loved by children and adults alike and will really hit the spot on cold evenings. Quick and easy to prepare, it really is worth making your own meatballs, which can be done well in advance. Shop bought meatballs tend to be designed for more robust dishes, when what you're really after here are small delicate bites. Using a blend of pork and beef also gives an extra dimension of flavour, with the pork fat adding a delicious creaminess alongside the cheese. Italian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce Italian Pork and Beef…

Continue ReadingItalian Meatballs with Tagliatelle and Tomato and Basil Sauce

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

With the shorter days, and the run up to Christmas, we're all looking for a family dinner that's easy to prepare, and even easier on the pocket, and will have everyone lining up for seconds. Look no further than this super easy slow cooker recipe for Chilli Con Carne. It feels super luxurious if cooked with the diced meats, and the combination of beef and pork gives a real depth of flavour, but you can easily swap it around and use just the one meat. Plus, it works just as well with minced beef or pork, just reduce the cooking times by 10%. If you use minced pork, you should leave it to rest for 10 minutes once cooked, and skim any…

Continue ReadingSlow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Beef and Pumpkin Thai Curry

A super quick, super easy recipe for an Asian curry with beef and pumpkin, that's as fragrant as it is tasty. What better way to mark Halloween! Beef and Pumpkin Thai Curry Slices of chuck steak and chunks of pumpkin in rich and mild asian style curry 1 and 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil50 g Thai red curry paste350 ml Coconut milk500 g Chuck steak (thinly sliced)1 tbsp fish sauce (try worcestershire sauce if you don't have)1 tsp granulated sugar1/4 tsp smoked paprika1 small pumpkin (peeled, seeded and chopped into 2cm squares. Can also use butternut squash) In a bowl, mix together the oil, paste and 4 tbsps of the coconut milk. Stir fry over a medium heat until it releases it's fragrance.Add…

Continue ReadingBeef and Pumpkin Thai Curry
Read more about the article Steak and Kidney Pudding
Steamed steak & kidney pudding with suet pastry, peas, mash and gravy.

Steak and Kidney Pudding

There are few things so glorious on a cold day than a sumptuous, golden, suet pudding, filled with tender steak and kidney and oozing gravy. But there's a reason that its harder and harder to find these days... it takes a lot of effort and care to get it right, something in short supply these days. Well, worry not, the components to this dish are quick to make, and you can do so in advance, with the main cook being in a slow cooker! Steak and Kidney Pudding Tender steak and kidney, braised in it's own juices, encapsulated in a golden suet crust. 1 medium onion (finely chopped)2 tbsp olive oil1.5 kg steak and kidney mix1 bottle real ale500 ml beef stock…

Continue ReadingSteak and Kidney Pudding

Classic Beef Stew

An absolute belter of a dish when the cold starts to bite, this dish is so quick and easy to prepare, letting the oven do all the cooking so you can get on with other things. Just as easy to prepare in a slow cooker as well, either for 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low. A perennial family favourite. Classic Beef Stew A winter classic, braised beef with vegetables and gravy. 1 onion (chopped)2 celery sticks (chopped)2 tbsp olive oil3 carrots (chopped)300 g button mushrooms1 kg braising beef (diced)2 tbsp plain flour2 tbsp tomato puree2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp mushroom ketchup700 ml beef stock (stock pots work well)2 bay leaves3 sprigs thyme1 spring rosemary1 tbsp smoked paprika Fry the…

Continue ReadingClassic Beef Stew