BBQ Pit Beans

Who doesn't loved a good baked bean? And whilst here in the UK we might have a soft spot for a certain tinned variety, there's nothing so wonderful as a BBQ side than a good dish of homemade pit beans. Full of smokey spices and seasonings, whilst this is at it's sublime best cooked low and slow in a smoker BBQ, it's well worth making even if you cook it in the oven. And other than the long cook time, it's simplicity itself. A quick sweat of the onions, then throw everything in the pan and let it cook (albeit with the occasionally stir). If you're smoking large joints at the same time, then don't forget that pit beans make a great…

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Beef, Chickpea and Chorizo Pasta

This is such a good family meal. Full of flavour and packed with goodness, it's something the whole family will enjoy yet can be cooked up in next to no time. The chorizo adds a subtle kick that helps to bring out the best in everything else, bringing all those robust flavours together. Serve with generous helpings of garlic bread and plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese if you're feeling indulgent. Beef, Bean and Chorizo Pasta Hearty pasta dish that's perfect for midweek when time is short. Absolutely delicious High Sided Saute Panlarge saucepan with lid 300 g Penne Pasta1 tbsp Olive Oil100 g Chorizo (thinly sliced)1 large Onion (peeled and finely chopped)1 clove Garlic (peeled and finely chopped)500 g Rump Steak…

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Honey and Mustard Chicken Thighs

This is one of those fantastic dishes that seems to work for all occasions. An easy midweek supper, something special for guests? The chicken thighs bring a real depth of flavour that works so well with the honey, mustard and thyme, making it feel far more indulgent that it really is. And it's another one of those great recipes that almost cooks itself. In fact, it even creates it's own sauce, almost like a mini roast dinner. Honey and Mustard Chicken Thighs A superb one pot dish that makes for a fantastic mini roast. Just through everything together and let the oven take care of the rest. Large Roasting Pan 8 piece chicken thighs (whole, with skin and bone)2 tbsp runny honey2…

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Pulled Pork Tacos

Everyone loves pulled pork don't they? Especially when you can use the slow cooker to do all the work. And who doesn't love a taco? So bring them together and you get a family meal that everyone is going to love sharing. You can also make the pulled pork in advance and freeze it, meaning even less effort on the day. Pulled Pork Tacos A quick and easy take on pulled pork, with everything thrown in the slow cooker, that's great with tacos and sauces 1.5 kg pork shoulder (boned with rind removed)3 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced)2 tbsp tomato puree2 tbsp chipotle chilli powder2 tsp sweet smoked paprika1 tsp ground coriander1 tsp ground cumin2 tsp dried oregano.5 tsp fresh grated nutmeg30…

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Read more about the article Healthy Beef Stroganoff
Healthy Beef Stroganoff with Rice

Healthy Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish of sauteed beef in a cream sauce with mustard. Here in the UK this tends to be a very rich cream sauce, although traditionally the dish was always prepared with sour cream. This version stays true to that, but swaps in half fat creme fraiche as a great way to keep the fat and calories down. Served with brown rice it's high in protein and high in fibre, as well as tasting absolutely delicious. I'm certain you're going to love it. Healthy Beef Stroganoff Classic steak and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, but with a healthy twist 1 tbsp olive oil1 large onion (peeled and sliced)1 large clove garlic (crushed, peeled and finely chopped)10 g…

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Pork Casserole with Dill Dumplings

As winter well and truly hits, what better way to keep the chills at bay than a warming pork casserole. Add in some fluffy dumplings, and you're talking next level comfort food. This recipe is designed for the oven, but you can easily adjust for the slow cooker. The main cook will take 6 hours on high, or 8 hours on low, with perhaps another 30-45 minutes to finish the dumplings. Pork Casserole with Dill Dumplings A great dish for a midweek family meal. Tasty pork shoulder and vegetables, flavoured with mustard, herbs and cider vinegar to create the ultimate winter warmer Large casserole dish 2 tbsp olive oil900 g pork shoulder (but into large chunks)1 large onion (peeled and chopped)1 medium…

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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…

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Read more about the article Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto
Super Tasty Pork Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto

Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto

Risotto is a fantastic midweek dish. Quick and easy to make, minimal preparation, and it's a great chance to use up on the left over veggies rolling around in the drawer. This version uses seasonal pumpkin, but adds a bit of a twist with the pork butchers sausages. But don't let that put you off, this one's an absolute winner. Sausage and Pumpkin Risotto Unctuous and smooth, a super tasty risotto that will taste like you've pulled out all the stops, rather than being the super cheap meal it is. large, heavy bottomed pansmall frying pan 8 butchers sausage2 tbsp olive oil2 small onions (finely chopped)400 g pumpkin (or butternut squash, chopped into 1cm cubes)2 small carrots (peeled, in half length wise,…

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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…

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