What's for dinner tonight? Chicken, beef, pasta or salad? There is so much variety and choice in front of us that deciding something as simple as 'What's for dinner' can be a highly stressful and unmotivated task!As a person who loves to cook & eAT I too feel at times the weight of my busy life when asked this simple question!
A common question in my line of work and one that is on every body's lips regardless of their love, passion and knowledge on food is 'whats for dinner?' It encompasses a whole range of people from the hungry hoards of children just home from a busy day at school, friends popping in for a last minute dinner, colleagues in the office looking for inspiration, and of course your partner who is racing home after another hectic day at the office. What to cook?
One of the things I love about food is how it brings people together forcing people unconsciously to form routine's; breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon teas, brunches and nibbles or the in vogue - tapas! We use food dates to catch up with friends, partners and family.
Chatting with my colleague today I decided to share some of my healthy, quick and cheap 'meals in minutes' I like to prepare mid-week for my friends, colleagues, family and partner!
My mantra is simple 'keep it simple'!
Last night we ate a simple Chicken & halloumi salad which couples as a 'light leftover lunch' your sugar will love!
Serves 2 plus leftovers for lunch!
the ingredients
100g pine nuts
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 large chicken breast fillets, skin removed
1 x 200g pkt halloumi cheese, sliced vertically into 1cm pieces
Salad
50g baby spinach, washed
1 Lebanese cucumber, chopped
2 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup mint or parsley leaves, chopped
100g kalamata olives
1/2 red onion, diced
zest and juice of a lemon
salt and pepper
extra virgin olive oil
lets have some fun
Heat a small non-stick fry pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts; cook, stirring for 3-5 minutes until slightly browned and fragrant. Pour into a small bowl, set aside.
Rub oil into chicken fillets, season with salt and pepper and place in a non-stick fry pan. Cook turning once for 10 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan, cover & set aside to rest.
Add halloumi to the heated fry pan, cook for 2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Set aside.
Combine remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Slice chicken into 1cm pieces, place in serving bowls, add halloumi, salad and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Season to taste.
This recipe is also great served with a dollop of hummus or natural yogurt!
Place your leftovers in a plastic container, cover, refrigerate.
TIP: Put a little note on your fridge door to remind you to take it out of your fridge in the morning.
What is halloumi? Halloumi is a Greek, Cypriot salty cheese used to make the classic snack Saganaki or fried cheese! It has a high-melting point so don't be scared when cooking as it won't melt or stick to your non-stick pans like other cheese! Delicious served alone or drizzled with lemon juice, fresh mint and a sprinkling of sea salt!
Another little gem and family favourite is the ultimate 'club sandwich' - a take out meal enjoyed at home that is so fuss-free, delicious & healthy to eat! T
he boys will be lining up to take over this job in the kitchen! Trust me! A healthy meal idea when your busy day makes you a last minute Lucy or a lazy Susan!
he boys will be lining up to take over this job in the kitchen! Trust me! A healthy meal idea when your busy day makes you a last minute Lucy or a lazy Susan!Shopping list - the ultimate club sandwich
2 x chicken breast fillets, skin removed, halved horizontally
2 rashers bacon, rind removed
1 avocado, peeled, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
100g tasty cheese, sliced
4 sliced good quality bread; sourdough or rye, lightly toasted
BBQ sauce, to serve
Watch this space for the 'club sandwich' and many more quick recipes to follow very soon....
If you enjoy reading my food blog and about food I would love to hear some thoughts on what you would like to read more of. Please send through your feedback and ideas as I would love to hear what you think.
love amie x
