Chicken tagine with onions & tomatoes

You will need
4 chicken quarters
3 tablespoons oil
3 onions, grated
1kg tomatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon saffron powder, optional
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional
lemon slices to serve

Method
Put all the ingredients, except the honey and sesame seeds, in a large pan and cook gently, covered, turning the chicken pieces over occasionally, until the flesh is so tender it can be pulled off the bone easily.
Remove the chicken and reduce the sauce to a thick sizzling cream.
Stir as it begins to caramelize and be careful that it does not stick or burn.
Stir in the honey, return the chicken pieces to the suace and heat through. Serve the chicken covered with the sauce and if you like, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds toasted and lemon slices.

BEEF TACOS

Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
500g beef mince
½tsp chilli powder
400g can chopped tomatoes
½ x 400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the guacamole
2 ripe avocados
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ red chilli juice of ½ lime
Handful of fresh coriander, chopped
To serve
8 taco shells
1 cos lettuce, finely shredded
200g cherry tomatoes, quartered
25g mild coloured cheese grated

Method
1 Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

2 Add mince to pan and cook until browned. Return the onion to pan add chilli powder, tomatoes, beans and 200ml boiling water.

3 Peel avocados and remove stones. Put the avocado in a food processor with the garlic, chilli, lime juice and half the coriander. Whizz until smooth, add the remaining coriander, season and mix.

4 Warm taco shells according to the packet instructions. Serve with bowls of chilli, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and grated cheese and let everyone make their own

Chicken maryland with fried banana

You will need
2 x 230g packs small prime chicken breast fillets
100g flour
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium size egg
90ml milk
50g fresh white breadcrumbs
200ml cooking oil

40g butter
4 under-ripe bananas, peeled and cut on a diagonal into 5cm pieces
1 medium egg, beaten
50g fresh white breadcrumbs
Mayonnaise to serve

Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C, 375°F, gas mark 5.
Roll the chicken breasts in the flour seasoned with pepper.
Next combine together the egg and milk. Dip the chicken breasts into this mixture followed by the breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil and butter in a pan then sauté the chicken on both sides until golden, drain on absorbent paper.
Place on a baking tray and finish in the oven for 10 minutes.
Preheat a deep fat fryer to 190°C, 375°F. In the meantime, dip the sliced banana into the beaten egg followed by the breadcrumbs.
Fry in the preheated oil for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper.
To serve: Serve the Maryland chicken with slices of fried banana and mayonnaise.

Beef stroganoff with paprika

you will need
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, crushed
250g steak, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon brandy
150g baby button mushrooms, rinsed and halved
150ml Alpro soya dairy free alternative to single cream
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon gluten free tamari soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon each chopped fresh thyme and parsley

Method
1.Sauté the onion in the oil until lightly browned. Add the paprika and crushed garlic and heat through.
2.Add the steak to the pan and brown on all sides. Add the brandy and simmer for 5 minutes, until liquid has reduced.
3.Add the mushrooms, soya alternative to cream, pepper, tamari and lemon juice to taste.
4.Simmer for 5 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the herbs.
5.Serve hot, with your choice of accompaniment.
For garnish, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the finished dish.

Turkey and mushroom creole

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 red pepper deseeded and chopped

2 sticks of celery, chopped

400 g canned tomatoes

1 tsp chilli powder

Large pinch cayenne pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp coriander

½ tsp dried thyme

125 g button mushrooms

450 g turkey, cut into strips

method

Heat the oil in a large pan then add the onion, garlic, red pepper and celery and cook gently for 10 minutes or until soft.
Stir in the tomatoes, herbs and spices. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to release the flavours.
Stir in the turkey strips and mushrooms, then cover the pan and cook gently stirring occasionally until the turkey is cooked and tender.

Hearty chicken and spinach curry

Ingredients
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp mustard seeds
2 green chillies, finely chopped
2.5 clove cm (1in) piece ginger, peeled and chopped
2 medium onions, peeled and roughly but finely chopped
300 g (10oz) potatoes, cubed
2 courgettes, cut into chunks
2 pointed peppers, cut into chunks
1 sweet potato, cut into chunks
100 g (3½oz) split red lentils
1 tsp chilli powder
5 large tomatoes, chopped
400 ml (14fl oz) can coconut milk
400 g (13oz) chicken breasts, cut into strips
150 g (50z) fresh spinach
1 tsp turmeric

Method
Heat oil in a large pan and add mustard seeds. When they pop, add chillies and ginger. Stir for a few minutes then add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring. Add potato, courgette, pepper, sweet potato and lentils. Cook for a further 3-4 minutes then add chilli powder and turmeric.
Add tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes then add coconut milk and 300ml (10fl oz) water. Stir in chicken. Cover pan and cook for 35 minutes, removing lid for final 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened.
Wash spinach, pat dry, and add to curry for just the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Butternut squash and chicken rogan josh

you will need

2tbsp sunflower oil
1 onion, sliced
1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
1tsp cumin seeds
1tsp paprika
2tbsp medium hot curry paste, such as Pataks Madras
500ml chicken stock
4 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
200g basmati rice
juice of 1 lemon
handful fresh coriander leaves, torn

method

Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion and butternut squash on a low heat for about 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cumin seeds, then cook for a further 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and pulpy.

Stir in the paprika, curry paste and stock and bring to the boil. Add the chicken and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, covering with a lid half way through, until the chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the packet instructions.

Season the curry and add lemon juice to taste. Spoon into serving bowls with the drained rice and scatter with coriander leaves.

Luxurious Fish Pie

Ingredients
900 g old potatoes,peeled
100 g butter
600 ml whole milk
400 g haddock fillets
260 g pack salmon fillets
275 g pack smoked haddock fillets
1 bay leaf
4 peppercorns
175 g pack cooked and peeled King prawns
100 g mature cheddar cheese,grated
1 tbsp olive oil
400 g spinach leaves
salt
Ground black pepper
4 tbsp plain flour

Method
1.Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/ Gas Mark 6. Cut the potatoes into large chunks, place in a large pan and cover with cold water. Add a good pinch of salt, then bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15mins or until tender. Drain in a colander then return to the pan. Add the 50g butter, then mash the potatoes until lump free, use a fork to whisk until lightly and fluffy.

2.Meanwhile, place the fish fillets skin side up in a large non-stick frying pan, cover with milk, add the bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid or baking tray and simmer for 6mins until the fish is just tender and flaking. Carefully lift the fish from the milk and place in a large ovenproof dish. Use a knife and fork to remove any skin and bones, then break the fish into large flakes. Stir in the prawns.

3.Heat the oil in a large pan, add the spinach leaves cramming them into the pan, cover and cook for 4 mins, stirring occasionally or until the leaves are wilted. Season well with salt and pepper. Drain in a sieve to remove any excess liquid
Strain the milk into a medium pan, add the remaining butter and flour. Slowly bring the milk to the boil, whisking with a balloon whisk until the sauce boils and thickens. Season to taste and stir in half the cheese.

4.Scatter the spinach on top of the fish. Pour over the sauce, then top with the mashed potatoes, loosely spooning them over so they form a crumbly layer. Scatter the cheese over. Place on a baking tray and bake for 25-30mins or untl the top is golden.

Lamb burgers simple but taste great

you will need
6 white rolls
500g lamb mince
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon mustard
4 baking potatoes
5 thin slices of chorizo
4 carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 punnet of salad cress
2 tomatoes,sliced

method
1.Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas 6. In a blender, whizz two of the bread rolls to make breadcrumbs.
2.In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 500g lamb mince, lemon zest, a teaspoon of mustard and season well.
3.Shape into four burger patties and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Bring a large saucepan of wtaer to the boil. Cut each potato into six wedges boil for 5 minutes. 4.Drain and toss together with five roughly chopped slices of chorizo and black pepper. Bake for 25 minutes.
5.When the potatoes are nearly cooked, griddle or fry the burgers for 4 minutes on each side, until cooked thoroughly and piping hot throughout.
6.Lightly toast the bread rolls.
Peel the carrots and coarsely grate into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. 7.Squeeze over the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle with washed cress.
8.Pop each burger into a toasted roll and top with a couple of slices of tomato. Serve the burgers on a large platter with the carrot salad and wedges.

Chicken Wrap with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto

Ingredients
300 g chicken fillets
2 red peppers
2 yellow peppers
2 courgettes
2 red onions
16 fresh basil leaves
4 Healthy Eating Wraps
4 tsp red pesto
1 tsp olive oil
Salt
fresh ground black pepper

Method
Pre heat the oven to 180’c / 350’f / gas 4.
Deseed the peppers and cut into quarters and half again, place on a baking sheet.
Slice the courgette length ways and cut the onions into small wedges place on the baking sheet.
Season and drizzle with the olive oil – roast for 25 to 30 mins or until tender.
Heat a griddle pan season and cook the chicken for 20 to 25mins or until cooked.
Lay out your four wraps spread a 1 tsp of red pesto over each wrap, place some of the roasted vegetables and chicken on each wrap and a few basil leaves, Roll the wrap up and cut in half.
Serve

Creamy chicken and bacon

you will need
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 chicken breast fillets, cut in 2cm cubes
4 rashers smoked back bacon, cut into strips
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
125g pack baby button mushrooms, wiped
295g can condensed cream of mushroom soup
200ml milk
French beans
Fresh parmesan shavings

method

1.Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the cubes of chicken and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes.
2.Add the bacon, onion, garlic and mushrooms and continue stir-frying for a further 5 minutes.
3.Stir in the soup and milk and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
4.Serve with French beans, rice or pasta and sprinkle with fresh parmesan shavings.

Steak, guinness and oyster pie

Ingredients
3-4 tbsp Olive oil
400g stewing steak, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tbsp Butter
5 whole Shallots
200g smoked lardons of Bacon
Thyme, for seasoning
2 Onions, finely chopped
900ml Guinness
2 clove Garlic, finely chopped
200ml Red wine
200ml Madeira
8 Oysters
375 g ready-to-roll Puff pastry
1 Egg, lightly beaten

Method
1. Heat the oil in large casserole dish and fry the beef over a medium heat until browned all over. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Melt the butter in the pan and add the shallots. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the bacon, thyme and onions and cook for 3-4 minutes more. Remove and set aside. Add the Guinness to the pan and stir in the cooked bacon and onion mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes and then add the meat.

4. Stir in the garlic, red wine and Madeira. Cover and cook slowly for 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the oysters.

5. Set the oven to 200°C/gas 6. Roll the pastry out to cover the top of the casserole dish and crimp the edges neatly. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is risen and golden. Serve immediately.

Chicken, aubergine and tomato stew

Ingredients
1.5kg chicken, jointed into 8 pieces
125ml Olive oil
350g Aubergines
225 g red Peppers
4 cloves Garlic
1 x 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
175ml White wine
1 tbsp Oregano, chopped
1 tbsp Mint, chopped
1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
black pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes or so, until golden. Season and remove from the pan.

3. Heat the rest of the oil and cook the aubergine until golden. Add the peppers and garlic and fry for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the tomatoes and wine.

5. Return the chicken to the pan and check the seasoning. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 1 hour. Remove the lid and cook for a further 15 minutes or so, until the liquor has thickened. 6. Stir in the herbs, cook for a further 5 minutes and serve

Meatball sub with shoestring fries

Ingredients
For the meatballs
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 mild chilli, finely chopped
800g minced beef
50g fresh Coriander, finely chopped
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning,

1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Egg
For the sauce
1 tbsp Olive oil
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
400g jar of tomato passata
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
7 tbsp tomato ketchup
7 tbsp smoked hickory sauce
For the shoestring fries
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into long, thin strips and soaked in cold water for 1 hour
vegetable oil, for deep frying
To serve
4 burger buns
large handful grated Mozzarella, or cheddar cheese

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4.

2. For the meatballs: tip all of the meatball ingredients into a large bowl and mix together with your hands.

3. Take a small handful of the mixture and roll into a golf ball-sized meatball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, arranging the meatballs on a baking tray as you go. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. For the sauce: while the meatballs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, add the onion and fry for 4-5 minutes until soft and golden then add the garlic and fry for 1 minute.

5. Stir in all of the remaining sauce ingredients and simmer over a medium heat for 15 minutes, or until reduced to a thick, rich tomato sauce.

6. For the shoestring fries: while the sauce is simmering, drain the potato strips and dry thoroughly with kitchen paper or a clean tea-towel.

7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fat fryer to 160C. Carefully add the potato strips to the oil and fry for 5 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

8. Increase the temperature of the oil to 185C then return the fries to the oil and fry for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt, to taste.

9. Preheat the grill to high.

10. To serve: split the buns almost in half, so they open like a butterfly, then place under the grill, turning once, until toasted on both sides.

11. Spread some of the sauce over the buns, arrange the meatballs down the centre of each bun and scatter over the grated cheese. Return them to the grill for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve with the shoestring fries

MY DEAR MUM

YOUR WHERE OUR ROCK

WHEN WE NEEDED SOMETHING

YOU WHERE ALLWAYS THERE

WHEN WE HAD A PROBLEM YOU WAS THERE

WHEN YOU HAD PROBLEMS WE WHERE THERE

WHEN YOU WHERE ILL WE WHERE THERE

NOW YOU HAVE GONE WE KNOW YOU WILL BE THERE

ALLWAYS IN OUR MINDS AND OUR HEARTS

FOR EVER AND EVER

AMEN

MRS GR CUSHMAN

SADLY PASSED AWAY

18/01/2010 AT 21.17pm

Beef and macaroni pie

Ingredients
For the meat sauce
4 tbsp Olive oil
1 Onion, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 sticks Celery, finely chopped
1kg lean minced beef
200ml Red wine
400g can chopped Tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
10 cm cinnamon sticks
¼ tsp ground Cloves
1 tbsp dried Oregano, Greek if possible
2 tbsp fresh chopped Oregano
3 fresh Bay leaves
For the pasta
500g tubular pasta, such as rigatoni, tubetti or tortiglioni
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
50g Greek kefalotiri cheese or Parmesan, finely grated
2 tbsp Butter, melted, for greasing
10g fresh white breadcrumbs
For the white sauce
115g Butter
115g plain flour
1.2 litres Milk, plus a little extra
¼ tsp freshly grated Nutmeg

Method

1. For the meat sauce: heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pan. Add the onion, garlic and celery and fry until just beginning to brown. Add the minced beef and fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps with the wooden spoon.

2. Add the red wine, tomatoes, tomato purée, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, dried and fresh oregano, bay leaves, 100ml water, 1½ teaspoons salt and some black pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened but is still nicely moist. Discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.

3. For the pasta: bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, taking care not to overcook as the pasta will cook a little further in the oven. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl and leave to cool slightly.

4. For the white sauce: melt the butter in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring, over a medium heat for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the milk, then bring to the boil, stirring. Lower the heat and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with the nutmeg and some salt and pepper to taste.

5. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Stir 250ml (about one-fifth) of the white sauce into the warm pasta with the beaten eggs and half the grated cheese. Keep the remaining sauce warm over a low heat, stirring now and then and adding more milk if it begins to get a little thick.

6. Use the melted butter to grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish that measures about 23cm x 33cm x 7cm. Spread one-third of the pasta over the base of the dish and cover with half the meat sauce. Add another third of the pasta, then the rest of the meat sauce, then a final layer of pasta.

7. Spoon over the remaining white sauce. Mix the last of the grated cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbling hot and golden brown

potatoe spicy wedges

you will need
Potatoes
Sesame seeds
Olive oil
Black pepper
Red chilli

method

do not peel just wash 1 kg potatoes and cutting each into 8 wedges. Place in a large bowl and toss in 3 tablespoons sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 220ºC, fan 200ºC, gas 7 for 30 minutes, then add 1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced. Cook for a further 15 minutes, occasionally shaking the pan, until the potatoes are tender inside and golden crisp on the outside. Serve as a spicy snack or an accompaniment to fish or burgers.

cushy's tip:
Try.... adding sautéed bacon and rosemary to your mashed potato and serving with sausages.
Try... placing sliced parboiled potatoes, torn ham, finely chopped leeks and some half-fat Crème fraîche in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake until tender for a deliciously esay potato gratin.

Beef stew with herb dumplings

you will need
2 pinches dried mixed herbs
440g, diced beef
1.25kg vegetable selection pack
400g tin chopped tomatoes
200g self-raising flour
1 tablespon olive oil
salt and pepper
1 beef or vegetable stock cube
100g butter, grated
1.4 litre water

Method

Peel and finely slice the onions in the basics vegetable selection pack. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for a few minutes until soft, then add the basics diced beef and continue to fry.

Add the rest of the vegetables from the basics vegetable selection pack, peeled and cut into small chunks. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs, then fry for approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the basics chopped tomatoes, 1 litre water and crumble in 1 beef or vegetable stock cube. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, place 200g self-raising flour in a bowl and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grate 100g chilled butter into the flour, add a couple of pinches of dried mixed herbs (or some freshly chopped rosemary leaves) and then rub together with your fingers so the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Gradually mix in small amounts of cold water until it forms a soft dough. Roll the dough into approximately 12 evenly-sized balls.

The stew should be nice and saucy by now but, if it looks a little dry, stir in another 400ml water. Turn up the heat and bring it to the boil again. Add the dumplings, pushing them under the surface of the liquid. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through, then serve with an optional garnish of freshly chopped parsley.

Lime and cranberry bread and butter pudding

Ingredients
For the lime curd

8 limes, zest and juice

85g/3oz cold butter, cut into cubes

225g/8oz caster sugar

3 free-range eggs, lightly beaten

For the pudding

300ml/10½fl oz full-fat milk

300ml/10½fl oz double cream

pinch salt

3 free-range eggs

100g/3½oz soft light brown sugar

40g/1½oz unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing

275g/10oz white bread rolls, sliced

100g/3½oz fresh cranberries

50g/2oz dried cranberries

3-4 tbsp rum (optional)8 tbsp ready-made redcurrant jelly, for glazing

200ml/7fl oz double cream, whipped until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed, to serve

Method
1. For the lime curd, heat all the lime curd ingredients in a heavy-based saucepan over a low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Strain through a fine sieve and set aside to cool. Once cool, pour into sterilized jam jars.

2. For the pudding, heat the milk and cream in a separate saucepan until just boiling, then remove the pan from the heat. In a seperate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined, then pour the milk and cream mixture over the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until smooth and well combined.

3. Butter the bread slices and, using about 12 tablespoons of the lime curd, spread curd over each slice.

4. Cover the bottom of a greased ovenproof dish with a layer of the bread slices, overlapping the edges of the bread slightly. Sprinkle over some of the fresh and dried cranberries and one to two tablespoons of rum, if using. repeat the layering process until all of the bread, cranberries and rum have been used up.

5. Pour the cream and egg mixture over the bread and set aside to soak for one hour.

6. Preheat the oven to 180C/365F/Gas 4.

7. Place the pudding dish into a roasting tin filled to a depth of about 0.5cm/¼in with boiling water (this is called a bain marie). Transfer to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top of the pudding is pale golden-brown.

8. Remove from the oven and from the bain-marie and set aside to cool for 8-10 minutes.

9. Meanwhile, heat the redcurrant jelly in a saucepan with two tablespoons of water, until the jelly has melted and the mixture forms a smooth sauce. Brush the top of the pudding all over with this mixture, then set aside to cool for another 10 minutes.

10. Serve with the whipped cream.

Glazed ham with mango salsa

Ingredients
For the ham

3.2kg/7lb piece of boned and rolled ham, pre-boiled according to instructions

For the glaze

24 whole cloves

4 tbsp honey

1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp dry sherry or rum

1½tsp soy sauce

40g/1½oz soft brown sugar

For the mango salsa

1½ large or 2 smaller, ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into small dice

½ medium-sized red onion, finely diced

1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped

1½ tbsp lime juice

¾ tsp caster sugar

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Using a small, sharp knife, score the fat on the ham in a diamond pattern. Press a clove into the centre of each diamond. Place the ham joint onto a rack resting in the base of a roasting tin. Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottom of the roasting tin to prevent the glaze from burning as it drips into the bottom of the tin.

2. Put the ingredients for the glaze into a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Spoon a thick layer of the glaze all over the ham joint, place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, spooning over more glaze every now and then until it has all been used up. Then spoon the slowly caramelising glaze from the base of the tin back over the ham every now and then until the ham is richly golden and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a skewer in the thickest part.

3. For the salsa, place all ingredients in a bowl and stir gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.

4. If serving hot, leave the ham joint to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Otherwise leave for several hours to go cold. Serve thinly sliced with the mango salsa.

Compare The Meerkat Bloopers

Turkey curry

Ingredients

2tbsp ghee/clarified butter2tbsp vegetable oil
6 cloves2x 2.5cm /1inch

cassia bark or cinnamon sticks

4 cardamom pods lightly bruised

2tsp roasted cumin seeds

2onions finely chopped

½ tsp ground turmeric

3cm fresh ginger finely grated

2 cloves crushed/ finely chopped garlic

2 green chillies finely chopped

1tsp chilli powdersalt to taste

1tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp tomato puree dissolved in 2 tbsp water300ml

sieved tomato (passata/creamed tomatoes)

1tsp sugar50ml water

400g or more leftover turkey cut into bite size pieces

4tbsp lightly whisked yoghurt

1tsp garam masala

2tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Juice of ½ a lime or lemon

1tbsp toasted flaked almonds
method

1. Heat the ghee and oil in a wide saucepan until hot. Add the cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and the cumin seeds.
2. Fry for a few seconds until they start to sizzle then add the onions along with the turmeric. Fry the onions to a pale golden brown. Now add the ginger, garlic and the green chillies and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes. Add the chilli powder, salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for a minute. If the mixture sticks to the pan, add a splash of water to bring the mixture together.
3. Now add the tomato puree, the creamed tomatoes sugar and 50ml water. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the turkey pieces, stir and coat them well into the sauce. Fold in the yoghurt with the garam masala and the coriander. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Squeeze in the lemon or lime juice. Remove to a serving bowl and garnish with the toasted almonds.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS

AND

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM CUSHYFOODS

how to cook a turkey

Simple steps how to cook a turkey:
Allow about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound - about 45 minutes per kilo unstuffed. It will take a bit longer, about 20 minutes per pound or an hour per kilo, if the bird is cooked with stuffing.
1. Preheat oven to 325. Remove the wrapper to see how much the turkey weighs and determine approximate cooking time. Remove the giblet bag and the neck from the turkey cavity. Wash the turkey inside and out and pat skin dry with paper towels.
2. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of pan, if desired.
3. Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Roast the turkey until temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180°F. Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours.
4. Meanwhile, mix the stuffing or dressing. Place in a casserole and pop it into the oven during the last hour or so of roasting time.
5. Remove the foil tent after 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking time to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.
6. A whole turkey is done when the temperature reaches 180°F. The thigh juices should run clear (not pink) when pierced with a fork and the leg joint should move freely.
7. Allow the turkey to set 20 to 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to saturate the meat evenly. Note: Cooking times do vary. Why? There are many reasons - oven temperature may not be completely accurate, the turkey may be very cold or partially frozen, and/or the roasting pan may be too small which inhibits the flow of heat. The USDA highly recommends use of a meat thermometer to determine doneness of turkey. This is an important tool in learning how to cook a turkey.
Stuffed Turkey:
For uniform cooking results, the USDA recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird (see step 4 above) If you insist on stuffing the turkey, stuff loosely and follow the steps below.
1. See step one above
2. Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. It is safer to understuff than to overstuff the turkey. Stuffing expands during cooking. Refrigerate any leftover stuffing and bake in greased casserole during the last hour of turkey roasting time.
3. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a shallow (about 2 inches deep) roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thigh (see Turkey Safety: Using a Thermometer). Add up to 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan, if desired.
4. Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/2 hours to cook.
5. Remove the foil cover after about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of cooking to brown the skin. Brush with vegetable oil to enhance browning, if desired.
6. A whole turkey is done when the temperature in the thickest part of the inner thigh reaches 180°F and the stuffing is 165°F. The juices should run clear (not pink) when a long-tined fork is used to pierce the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing. Insert the thermometer through the cavity into the thickest part of the stuffing and leave it for 5 minutes. Or use an instant red thermometer which will register the temperature after 15 seconds. The stuffing temperature will rise a few degrees after the turkey is removed from the oven. If the center of the stuffing has not reached 165°F after stand time, return the turkey to the oven and continue cooking.

Curry chicken stir-fry

Ingredients
For the curry paste
1 tsp ground Turmeric
½ tsp Chilli powder
½ tsp mild or medium curry powder
½ tsp ground Coriander
1 tbsp Sichuanese chilli bean paste
1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry Sherry
For the chicken
560g chicken breast fillets, skin removed
2 Star anise
1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry Sherry
1 inch peeled and finely sliced fresh ginger
salt and ground freshly ground white pepper
1 tbsp groundnut oil
1 red Onion, sliced
2 Spring onions, sliced diagonally into 2cm/1in pieces
1 handful bean sprouts
100 g Chinese Cabbage, washed and shredded
1 tbsp light Soy sauce
Method

1. For the curry paste: place all of the curry paste ingredients into a food processor and blend to a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. For the chicken, bring a pan of water to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the star anise, rice wine or sherry, fresh ginger and chicken breast. Cook for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred into large pieces. Remove the scum from the stock and set aside.

3. Mix the chicken with the curry paste.

4. Heat a wok until smoking, then add the groundnut oil. Fry the red onions for 1-2 minutes, or until softened, then add the chicken, red peppers, spring onions, beansprouts and Chinese leaf. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, then season with the light soy sauce.

'Trini' prawn curry

Ingredients
For the spice paste
4 cm fresh ginger, grated
2 small Onions, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
6 small fresh pimentos, or 1 red pepper, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped Coriander, or shadow benny
3 sprigs Thyme, leaves only
2 tbsp chopped Parsley
1 stick Celery, chopped
25ml white wine vinegar
generous pinch ground Black peppercorns
For the curry paste
3 tbsp medium-strength curry powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
500 g shelled Prawns, uncooked
1 tsp chopped coriander leaves
1 Spring onion, or 1/2 small celery stick, finely chopped
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped

Method

1. Combine the ginger, onions, garlic, red pepper, coriander, thyme, parsley and celery. Tip everything into a food processor or liquidiser and add about 25ml vinegar and blend until smooth. You could also use a mortar and pestle. Mix about 2-3 rounded tablespoons of this ‘green seasoning’ mixture with the prawns.

2. Blend the curry powder with about 125ml water – or enough to make a slack paste.

3. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan set over a medium heat and fry the curry paste, stirring all the time, for 1 minute – until fragrant.

4. Tip the prawns into the pan and fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn a delicate shade of pink around the edges.

5. Pour over enough water to moisten the prawns and make a thickish curry sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until tender.

6. Stir in the chopped coriander, spring onion (or celery), and the chopped chilli. Serve with steamed rice, or Caribbean roti.

Beef, ale and turnip stew with bubble and squeak cakes

Ingredients
For the stew
900g lean, boneless beef shin, topside or braising steak, cut into 5cm cubes
4 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp English mustard powder
2 medium Onions, roughly chopped
225g baby Turnips, peeled and halved
225g button mushrooms, roughly chopped
300g baby or chantenay carrots, scraped and left whole
600ml stout, or ale
200g can chopped Tomatoes
2 tsp runny Honey
1 Bay leaves
For the bubble and squeak cakes
50g Butter
900g cooked mashed potato
175g cooked spring greens or savoy Cabbage, finely shredded
2 tbsp sunflower oil

Method

1. For the stew: preheat the oven to 170C/gas 3. In a large plastic bag combine the flour, mustard and a little salt and pepper. Add the beef and toss in the seasoned flour to coat.

2. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook the beef in batches for 6-8 minutes until brown, turning occasionally. Transfer to a large casserole dish.

3. Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and cook the onions and turnip for 3-4 minutes until brown. Add the mushrooms and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, then transfer to the casserole dish with the beef.

4. Add the carrots to the casserole, then the stout or ale, tomatoes, honey and bay leaf. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook in the oven (or on the hob) for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.

5. For the bubble and squeak cakes: about 15 minutes before the stew is done, heat the butter in a small pan. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft but not brown. Set aside to cool.

6. Place the potatoes and cooked spring greens or cabbage in a large bowl. Add the fried onion and season. Mix thoroughly and shape into six firm cakes.

7. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan and cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on kitchen paper and serve with the stew.

Beef with ginger and pineapple

Ingredients

450g lean beef steaks
225g fresh pineapples
2 red peppers
2 Spring onions
1 tbsp sunflower oil
2 tbsp shredded fresh ginger
1 tbsp water, or stock
2 tsp Chinese rice wine, or dry sherry
2 tbsp low salt Soy sauce
1/2 tsp Sesame oil
For the marinade
2 tbsp Chinese rice wine, or dry sherry
½ tsp Sesame oil
1½ tsp cornflour

Method

1. Cut the beef into thick ¼ inch x 2 inch (0.5 x 5 cm) slices and put them in a bowl.Add the marinade ingredients, mix well and set aside.

2. Peel the pineapple and cut into small slices, discarding the tough core. De-seed the peppers and cut them into wedges. Cut the spring onions into 3-inch (7.5cm) lengths.

3. Heat the wok, then pour in the oil. Add the beef and stir-fry for 1 minute to brown.Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the ginger, peppers and spring onions to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the water, the rice wine, the soy sauce and cook for about a minute. Drain the juices from the beef into the wok and also add the pineapple.

5. Return the beef to the wok and cook until it and the pineapple are heated through. Add the sesame oil and give the mixture one or two final stirs. Serve at once.

Mozzarella meatballs and spaghetti

Ingredients
For the meatballs
500g minced beef
50g fresh breadcrumbs
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp dried Oregano
75g Mozzarella
3 tbsp Rapeseed oil
For the sauce
1 small Onion, diced
2 roasted red peppers, (from a jar)
2 tbsp tomato purée
juice of 1 Oranges
200ml beef stock
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
50g stoned green olives, sliced
spaghetti, to serve

Method

1. For the meatballs

2. Mix the minced beef with the breadcrumbs, garlic, seasoning, parsley and oregano.

3. Mix well with damp hands and make 10-12 balls.

4. Cut the mozzarella into 10-12 chunks.

5. Flatten each meatball and press a piece of mozarella into the centre. Gather the meat around it and pinch to make sure it is sealed.

6. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry for around 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

7. For the sauce Fry the onion in the pan juices until softened.

8. Add the tomato puree, orange juice, stock and vinegar.

9. Bring to the boil, then using a hand blender, puree the sauce a little.

10. Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer for 25 minutes until cooked through.

11. Just before serving add the olives.

12. Serve with spaghetti.

Chicken som tum

Ingredients
60g Peanuts
1 Carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks
40g bean sprouts
100g Cucumber, cut into matchsticks
4 large vine-ripened Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
50g fine beans, cut into 2cm batons
75g button Mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped Coriander
1 tsp chopped mint leaves
2 Spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 tsp Fish Sauce
2 limes
3 tbsp peanut oil
1-2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
250g Chicken breast
3 birds eye Chillies, thinly sliced
3 tsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp Sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4.

2. Scatter the peanuts over a roasting tray and roast in the oven for 5-6 minutes, or until golden-brown. Allow to cool, then roughly chop.

3. Place the carrot, bean sprouts, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fine beans and mushrooms into a bowl and mix well to combine. Add the coriander, mint leaves and spring onions and mix well.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, the juice of one lime, one tablespoon of the peanut oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce, to taste. Set aside.

5. Place the chicken breast in between two sheets of cling film and flatten using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Thinly slice the chicken into strips.

6. Heat the remaining peanut oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken and chillies for 3-4 minutes, then add the tamarind paste and sesame seeds, turning frequently, or until golden-brown all over.

7. To serve, drizzle the fish sauce dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Pile the salad onto a plate. Arrange the chicken over the top, then drizzle over any pan juices. Scatter over the roasted peanuts and serve with wedges of lime.

Spanish chicken stew

Ingredients
For the Spanish chicken stew
1 chicken, (weighing about 1.5kg), jointed
6 tbsp Olive oil
2 slices serrano ham, or other dry cured Spanish ham, diced
1 large Onion, sliced
4 cloves Garlic, sliced
3 red peppers, seeds removed and thinly sliced
400g tin Tomatoes
2 Bay leaves
2 Cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
3 dried Chillies, chopped
For the saffron rice
300g long grain rice
500ml water
1 tsp Olive oil
pinch Saffron, threads

Method

1. For the Spanish chicken stew: pat the chicken pieces with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture. Heat the olive oil in large heavy-based casserole over a medium heat, add the chicken pieces and fry for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.

2. Remove the chicken and set aside on a warm plate. Add the serrano ham, onion, garlic and peppers to the same pan used to cook the chicken and fry gently, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and golden.

3. Tip in the tomatoes, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, chillies and the fried chicken pieces and stir together.

4. Bring the stew to the boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer gently for about an hour, or until the chicken is completely cooked and the sauce is rich and thick. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. For the saffron rice: while the chicken is cooking, tip the rice into a medium saucepan and cover with the water. Add the oil, saffron and a pinch of salt and bring to the boil.

6. As soon as the rice starts to boil give it a quick stir, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pan and leave it to cook very gently for 15-20 minutes, without stirring, or until cooked.

7. Serve the chicken stew with the saffron rice.

Lamb and red pepper stew

Ingredients
5 tbsp Olive oil
2 Onions, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
700 g boneless Lamb, trimmed of fat, cut in 7cm chunks
3 tbsp Flour
300ml Red wine
300ml chicken stock
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 3cm squares
1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into 3cm squares
black pepper

Method

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large high-sided frying pan over medium heat. Add about three quarters of the onion and all of the garlic. Gently fry for about 5 minutes until soft.

2. Meanwhile, lightly dust the lamb with flour. Heat a little more olive oil in another pan over high heat. Add the lamb chunks in batches and cook, turning, until evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

3. Using the pan in which youve just cooked the lamb, turn up the heat, add one third of the wine, stirring and scraping the meat residue from the bottom of the pan. Allow to reduce for a minute or two.

4. Stir the lamb and the reduced wine into the onions. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

5. Add the remaining wine to the lamb pan and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Then add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

6. Cover the pan and gently braise the lamb over very low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes or so.

7. When the lamb has been cooking for about an hour, heat a little more oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the peppers and the remaining onion. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until soft.

8. Check the lamb seasoning before serving.

9. Place the peppers on individual serving plates and spoon the lamb on top. Finish with the cooking sauce and a touch of olive oil.

Cornish pasty wraps

Ingredients
4 tortillas, wraps
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Onion, chopped
225g minced beef
2 tbsp sun-dried tomato purée
2 medium Potatoes, peeled and finely diced
2 medium Carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 tbsp fresh Thyme, leaves
100ml passata
85g frozen Peas
1 Egg, beaten

Method

1. Heat the oil in a pan and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Turn up the heat, stir in beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.

2. Stir in the tomato puree, potato, carrot, thyme, passata and 100ml water. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for a further 2 minutes. Season to taste.

3. Pre-heat oven to 200C/Gas 6. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

4. Take the wraps and place 2 on each tray. Divide the beef mixture between each, spooning on to each half, leaving a 1/2 cm border around edges.

5. Brush the edges well with beaten egg, fold over the wrap and press down firmly to seal the edges. Brush outside edges with more beaten egg and press down well. Brush all over with more beaten egg.

6. Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Serve with tomato chutney or ketchup on the side.

Baked potatoes perfect for bonfire night

Ingredients
2 large Potatoes, in their skins, scrubbed clean
For the serrano ham and manchego cheese topping
2 slices Serrano ham
4 slices Manchego cheese, or parmesan cheese, thinly sliced
For the walnut dressing
1 tbsp Walnut oil
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1/4 tsp Dijon Mustard
For the gruyere cheese and crispy bacon topping
15g Butter
2 tbsp lardons of Bacon, cooked in a hot pan until crisp
4 tbsp Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
For the smoked salmon topping
8g Butter, or 1/2 tbsp olive oil
50g Smoked salmon, cut into small dice
15g capers, drained on kitchen paper
squeeze lemon juice
2 tbsp Crème fraîche
snipped Chives, to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 230C/gas 8.

2. Pierce a few holes in the potatoes with a skewer or a fork and put on a tray or rack into the oven and cook for about 40-55 minutes, until the potatoes feel soft under the crisp skin. You can cook the potatoes with a metal skewer stuck through them; this will speed up the cooking process. Serve with your choice of topping.

3. For the serrano ham and manchego cheese topping: remove the potato from the oven and cut a cross in it to open it out slightly.

4. Place a slice of serrano ham and a couple of slices of cheese over the top.

5. To make the dressing: put all the ingredients for the dressing in a jar and seal tightly. Shake well to combine. Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons over the cheese.

6. For the gruyere cheese and crispy bacon topping: cut a cross in the top of the baked potato and dot with butter.

7. Sprinkle with the crisp bacon and the grated gruyere, and a little freshly ground pepper and pop back into the hot oven for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. For the smoked salmon topping: heat the butter or oil in a small pan and toss the salmon with the capers in the hot pan.

9. Add freshly ground pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

10. Split the cooked potato open and add a good tablespoon of crème fraiche.

11. Sprinkle the salmon and capers over the crème fraiche and decorate with snipped chives.

Beer battered mackerel with pickled vegetables

Ingredients
For the beer batter
1 tsp Coriander seeds
1 tsp Fennel seeds
1 Star anise
100g self-raising flour
285ml Beer
For the pickled vegetables
1/2 tsp Coriander seeds
1/2 tsp Fennel seeds
1 Star anise
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Carrot, very finely sliced
1 banana Shallots, very thinly sliced
1 Fennel, tops only, very thinly sliced
1 clove Garlic, very thinly sliced
pinch Saffron, threads
splash white wine vinegar
sprig tarragon
For the mackerel
vegetable oil, for deep fat frying
2 mackerel fillets
plain flour, for dusting
Fennel, fronds

Method

1. For the beer batter: grind the fennel seeds, coriander seeds and star anise in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder then mix in with the flour.

2. Slowly pour in the beer, mixing with a fork, until you have a thick batter the consistency of double cream (you may not need to use all the beer). Don’t worry if the batter has some lumps at this stage.

3. For the pickled vegetables: grind the coriander seeds, fennel seeds and star anise in the pestle and mortar or spice grinder.

4. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, tip in the carrots, shallots, fennel tops and garlic and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle over the saffron threads and ground spices and fry for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add a splash of vinegar and the tarragon and cook for 1-2 minutes then set aside and keep warm.

6. For the mackerel: heat the oil in a deep fat fryer. Dust the mackerel fillets in the flour, shake off any excess then dip into the batter. Hold them above the batter for a few seconds, allowing any excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden.

7. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

8. Serve the pickled vegetables with the fish on top and garnish with fennel fronds

Chicken and cauliflower curry with cumin rice

Ingredients
For the chicken and cauliflower curry
2 cm piece root Ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
4 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
4 green Chillies, or according to taste, roughly chopped
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Coriander seeds
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 Onions, chopped
1 x 400g can chopped Tomatoes
1 tsp madras curry powder
salt and black pepper
4 chicken breast fillets, cut into pieces
1 Cauliflower, cut into florets
1 small bunch Coriander, chopped
1 tsp Garam masala
For the cumin rice
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 Onions, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp Cumin seeds
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed with the back of a spoon
1 small (5cm) cinnamon stick
250g Basmati rice
chapattis, to serve

Method

1. Cut the chicken into 4cm pieces and leave on one side.

2. Heat a small sturdy frying pan or griddle over a low heat and dry roast the cumin and coriander seeds for about a minute, stirring all the time, until you catch a fragrant aroma. Grind the spices to a powder using a mortar and pestle.

3. Tip the garlic, ginger and green chillies (leave the seeds in if you prefer a fiery flavour) into the same mortar and continue pounding with a pestle until paste-like. You could also use a small food processor for this. Set aside.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan and gently soften the onions for 3-5 minutes. Add the spice paste from the mortar and cook on a gentle heat until the onions turn golden.

5. Stir in the tomatoes, Madras curry powder and turmeric. Fry for a further 10 minutes until the tomatoes have cooked-down and darkened.

6. Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 10 minutes in a covered pan

7. Tip in the cauliflower florets, and continue cooking, in a covered pan, until tender – about 10 minutes.

8. Stir in the garam masala and finish with chopped coriander.

9. While the curry is cooking, make the rice. Heat a sturdy frying pan or griddle over a low heat and dry-roast the cumin seeds for about one minute, stirring all the time. They should take on a warm and nutty aroma. Transfer to a plate.

10. Heat the oil in a large pan and soften the onion, garlic, roasted cumin seeds, cardamom and cinnamon, for about 5 minutes.

11. Add the rice to the pan, stir well and pour over about 400ml hot water – or enough to cover the rice and leave an extra 2cm depth of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer until the grains are tender and the water has evaporated – about 5-7 minutes. Fluff the grains up with a fork before serving.

Mild lamb curry with coriander rice

Ingredients
2 tsp Coriander seeds
2 tsp Cumin seeds
1/4 tsp cardamom pods
4 Cloves
3 tbsp sunflower oil
4 Onions, sliced
1kg Lamb shoulder, cut into 2cm dice and fat removed
2 tsp ground Turmeric
4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp finely chopped root Ginger
1 red chilli, seeds removed and finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
450ml double or single Cream
150ml beef or chicken stock
lime or 1/2 Lemons
coriander leaves, to garnish
For the rice
500g basmati rice
25g Butter
8 tbsp roughly chopped Coriander

Method

1. Toast the seeds and cloves then crush using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder

2. Pour 2 tablespoons of the sunflower oil into a large lidded casserole dish or heavy-based saucepan on a high heat, add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and nicely golden. Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining oil. Place the lamb in the pan and sear until well browned all over, preferably working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan and stew the meat.

3. Return the onions and all the seared meat to the pan and add the crushed spices along with the turmeric, garlic, ginger and chilli. Season with salt and pepper, toss everything together to combine and stir in the cream and stock, scraping any sediment from the bottom of the pan.

4. Bring slowly to the boil, then immediately reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Leave to gently simmer for about 1 hour, removing the lid for the last 15 minutes. Alternatively, make in an ovenproof dish or pan and cook in the oven, preheated to 150C/gas 2, for an hour, leaving the lid on for the whole cooking time. Check that the lamb is tender, cooking for a little longer if necessary. Add the lime or lemon juice and check the seasoning.

5. For the rice Place the rice in double its volume of salted water, bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 10–12 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the moisture has been absorbed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to stand for a few minutes with the lid on, stir in the butter and coriander, using a fork in order not to mash the rice.

Caribbean-style roast lamb

Ingredients
For the lamb
3kg lamb's leg
8 tbsp grenadine
10 tbsp runny Honey
3 limes, juice only, plus zest of 2
8 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
8 sprigs Thyme, leaves only
2 tsp ground Cinnamon
2 tsp ground Ginger
salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the hot sweet potato wedges
1.4kg Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
5 tbsp sunflower or groundnut oil
3 tbsp soft light brown sugar
2 limes, juice only
For the jerk butter
50g Butter, softened
1/2 tbsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground Ginger
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon
2 sprigs Thyme, leaves only
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
generous pinch freshly grated Nutmeg
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 lime, juice only
For the salad
1 small red onion, very finely sliced
2 pomegranate, seeds only
large handful fresh mint leaf
2 tbsp lime juice
6 tbsp extra virgin Olive oil

Method

1. For the lamb: use a small, sharp knife to make incisions about 2cm deep all over the meat.

2. Mix all the other lamb ingredients together in a bowl and spread the mixture all the over the lamb, rubbing it into the incisions.

3. Cover with cling film and transfer to the fridge to marinate overnight, turning the lamb once or twice during marinating.

4. Remove the lamb from the fridge about half an hour before cooking and preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 7.

5. To cook the lamb, lay a large sheet of aluminum foil in a roasting tin. Remove the lamb from the marinade (reserving any marinade for basting during cooking) and place the lamb on top of the foil. Season all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper then wrap the foil around the lamb, leaving a small gap at the top for steam to escape.

6. Cook the lamb in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180C/Gas 4 and cook for 1 hour, basting with the cooking juices and leftover marinade from time to time.

7. After 1 hour, open up the foil, baste the lamb and cook for another hour, uncovered. If the honey glaze starts to burn during this time then pull the foil back over the lamb.

8. When the lamb is cooked through, remove from the oven and wrap in the foil. Cover with clean tea towels to keep in the heat and set aside to rest for 20 minutes.

9. For the hot sweet potato wedges: while the lamb is cooking, mix all the sweet potato ingredients together in a large bowl and season generously with freshly ground black pepper.

10. Tip the wedges into a large roasting tin, arranging the slices in a single layer. Put into the oven and roast for 20-30 minutes until tender, turning halfway through cooking.

11. For the jerk butter: mash all the jerk butter ingredients together. Spoon the jerk butter into a sausage shape on a piece of greaseproof paper and roll up tightly, twisting the ends to form a Christmas cracker shape. Chill in the fridge until firm. (Alternatively you can melt the butter and serve it as a dip with the wedges.)

12. For the salad: toss all of the salad ingredients together.

13. To serve, carve the lamb into slices and drizzle over the cooking juices. Top the sweet potato wedges with slices of jerk butter and serve with the lamb and the salad alongside.