Stuffed Sole

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Stuffed Sole

 

Sole fillets are a delicate fish and here they are cooked with a cream cheese, parsley and lemon stuffing, which adds to the flavour of the fish without overpowering it. Cooks in just 20 minutes for a delicious meal.

 

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Stuffed Sole
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes (oven)

  • Ingredients
  • 8 sole fillets, about 140g (5 oz each)
  • 55g (2 oz) cream cheese, softened (¼ cup)
  • ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (1 slice bread with crusts)
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1½ lemons
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • paprika

  • You will also need an ovenproof dish large enough to take 4 fillets in a single layer, lightly greased.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6)

  4. Zest half a lemon and set aside.

  5. Tip the breadcrumbs into a large frying pan/skillet and, over a medium heat, toast them until quite crispy, about 5 minutes. Shake the pan often to turn the crumbs.

  6. Now tip the breadcrumbs into a large bowl and add the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley, black pepper, and the juice of the whole lemon. Mix to combine.

  7. Place four of the fillets in the ovenproof dish in a single layer. Spread the filling over the four fillets then top with the four remaining fillets.

  8. Squeeze the juice of the half lemon over the fish and then sprinkle a little paprika and the lemon zest on top.

  9. Bake, uncovered, in the oven for 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

  10. Garnish with the remaining parsley.

  11. Serve with asparagus when in season. It is delicious with this dish as it complements the delicacy of the sole. Serve with whole green beans/haricot beans at other times.

  12. Note
  13. This dish can also be microwaved, covered, on high for 8 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Updated April 28, 2018

Leftover Chicken

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Leftover Chicken

 

This is a very tasty way to use up leftover chicken. The chicken is coated in tomato and basil sauce with sautéed courgettes/zucchini and linguini. Just serve with crusty bread for a quick supper.

 

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Leftover Chicken
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: about 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 340g (12 oz) cooked chicken (3 cups), sliced
  • 1 jar tomato and basil pasta sauce
  • 2 courgettes/zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 225g (8 oz) linguini
  • basil leaves to garnish

  • To serve
  • crusty, white bread


  2. Method
  3. Pour the pasta sauce into a large pan and add the cooked chicken. Gently simmer for 15 minutes to heat through.

  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta along with a little olive oil (this will avoid the pasta sticking together while cooking). Cook for the time as directed on the packet, then drain.

  5. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan and add the sliced courgettes/zucchinis. Toss to coat with the oil and sauté for about 5 minutes over a medium heat, tossing frequently, until they are cooked through and beginning to colour.

  6. Now add the drained pasta to the chicken and stir through. Then add the courgettes/zucchinis and stir to coat with the sauce.

  7. Serve with a chunk of crusty, white bread.

 

Chicken Parmigiana

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chicken parmigiana

 

Parmesan coated chicken breasts are baked in a tomato and basil sauce covered with mozzarella. They are served with tagliatelle tossed in chopped parsley and garlic butter and sautéed courgettes/zucchini.

 

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Chicken Parmigiana
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time 45 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • For the parmigiana
  • For the tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 400g tin chopped/diced Italian tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, shredded
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • For the chicken
  • 28g (1 oz) Parmesan, finely grated (¼ cup)
  • 28g (1 oz) flour (3 tbsp)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, skinned
  • 8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • fresh basil sprigs to garnish

  • For the tagliatelle
  • 8 tagliatelle nests
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf/Italian parsley, chopped


  • To serve
  • 2 courgettes/zucchini cut into 1.25cm (½ inch) slices
  • 1 tbsp olive oil


  • You will also need an ovenproof dish large enough to take the four chicken breasts in a single layer


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 200C/400°F/gas mark 6

  4. For the parmigiana
  5. Put the olive oil and garlic into a pan over a medium-low heat and, as soon as the oil starts to sizzle, stir in the tomatoes and tomato purée. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce a little. Remove from the heat and add the shredded basil leaves. Season.

  6. Meanwhile, measure the flour into a plastic bag and season. Then add half the grated Parmesan and shake to mix. Spread out onto a large plate.

  7. Tip the egg into a shallow dish.

  8. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg, shaking off any excess egg while lifting them from the dish. Then coat with the flour and cheese mixture.

  9. Melt the butter in a large frying pan/skillet and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook over a medium heat for 3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden in colour. Transfer to the ovenproof dish and pour the tomato sauce around the chicken.

  10. Lay two slices of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast then sprinkle over the remaining Parmesan.

  11. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for a further 10 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.


  13. For the tagliatelle
  14. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook for the length of time directed on the packet.

  15. While it is cooking mix the butter with the garlic and chopped parsley.

  16. Drain the tagliatelle, return to the pan with the parsley butter and toss together.


  18. For the courgettes/zucchini
  19. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan/skillet over a medium heat. Add the the courgettes /zucchini and toss in the oil. Sauté for 3–5 minutes turning frequently until cooked through and beginning to colour.


  21. To serve
  22. Lift the chicken breasts from the pan onto four serving plates and spoon the tomato sauce around. Garnish the chicken with the basil sprigs.

  23. Serve with the tagliatelle and courgettes/zucchini.

Updated: April 15, 2018

Spaghetti Bolognese with Cherry Tomatoes

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Spaghetti Bolognese with Cherry Tomatoes

 

This spaghetti bolognese uses cherry tomatoes instead of chopped or diced tomatoes. The Italian tomatoes add a burst of sweetness to the sauce which makes it just a little bit different.

 

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Spaghetti Bolognese with Cherry Tomatoes
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes (hob)

  • Ingredients
  • 1½ tbsp olive oil
  • 400g (14 oz) minced/ground beef
  • 115g (4 oz) streaky bacon/side bacon (about 4 rashers)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) red wine (½ cup)
  • 250ml (8 fl oz) hot beef stock (1 cup)
  • 2 x 400g tins/cans cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • a little grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp curly leaf parsley, chopped

  • To serve
  • grated Parmesan
  • spaghetti

  • You will also need a large sauté pan.


  2. Method
  3. Heat half a tablespoon of the oil in the pan and brown the beef, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set to one side.

  4. Cut the bacon rashers into cubes and add to the pan. Once the fat starts to run and they begin to brown, remove from the pan using the slotted spoon and set aside with the beef. This will take about 3–4 minutes.

  5. Now, reduce the heat and add the remaining oil to the pan with the onion, celery, and carrot. Gently cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes until they soften, stirring frequently.

  6. Stir through the garlic and tomato purée/paste and cook for a further minute.

  7. Then return the beef and bacon to the pan. Stir in the red wine and increase the heat to medium. Let the wine bubble away until it has reduced by half.

  8. Next, stir in the beef stock and add half the oregano, nutmeg, bay leaf, and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, cover and reduce the heat to very low. Simmer very gently for 45 minutes.

  9. Just before serving, stir in the remaining oregano and half the parsley.

  10. Serve the spaghetti sauce over the pasta and scatter the top with the remaining parsley and some grated Parmesan.

Updated: April 15, 2018

Beef Goulash

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Beef Goulash

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Beef Goulash
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 40 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour 55 minutes

  • Ingredient
  • 675g (1½ lb) stewing steak, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch cubes)
  • 3 tbsp seasoned flour
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
  • 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • nutmeg
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 55g (2 oz) flour (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 600ml (20 fl oz) beef stock (2½ cups)
  • 2 large tomatoes, skinned and quartered
  • bouquet garni*
  • 150ml (5 fl oz) beer (⅔ cup)

  • *In Canada these little bags of bouquet garni aren’t available so I make my own. A simple bouquet garni consists of a sprig each of parsley and thyme, a bay leaf, 2 cloves, and a few peppercorns, tied together in muslin to form a sack.

  • To serve
  • egg noodles

  • You will also need a deep sided large sauté pan. A stove-top to oven pan is ideal, otherwise you will also need a large casserole dish.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) (gas 3)

  4. Tip 3 tablespoons flour into a plastic storage bag and season. Shake bag to mix. Add the meat to the bag and shake again to coat the meat with the flour. Set aside.

  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan over a medium-low heat and gently cook the onions and pepper for 5 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

  6. Add the remaining oil to the pan and increase the heat to medium. Add the beef cubes and lightly brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.

  7. Reduce the heat to low and stir through the paprika. Cook for a further minute.

  8. Stir in the tomato purée/paste, seasoning, flour, and a little grated nutmeg. Cook for a further 2 minutes.

  9. Gradually add the stock, stirring until well blended. Increase the heat to medium and cook the sauce until it is smooth and thick.

  10. Remove from the heat. Return the onions and peppers to the pan. Then stir through the tomatoes and add the bouquet garni.

  11. Cover and cook the goulash in the oven for 1¾ hours.

  12. Stir in the beer and return the pan to the oven, covered, and cook for a further 10 minutes.

  13. Serve over egg noodles.

Updated: April 14, 2018

Fish Pie Florentine

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Fish Pie Florentine

 

A fish pie made with chunks of white fish and salmon in a zesty cream sauce, with baby spinach and egg, topped with mashed potato sprinkled with cheese.

 

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Fish Pie Florentine
Prepares: 6 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 50 minutes
  • Cooking time: 25 minutes

  • Instructions
  • 1kg (2 lb 4 oz) potatoes (about 7), cut into chunks
  • 85g (3 oz) butter (⅜ cup, or ¾ stick)
  • 55g (2 oz) flour (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 420ml (14 fl oz) milk (1¾ cups), plus extra for creaming the potatoes
  • 60ml (2 fl oz) white wine (¼ cup)
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • nutmeg
  • 450g (1 lb) white fish fillet (e.g. haddock), skinned
  • 450g (1 lb) salmon fillet, skinned
  • 55g (2 oz) baby-leaf spinach
  • 3 eggs
  • 115g (4 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated/shredded (1 cup)


  • To serve
  • petit pois

  • You will also need a large ovenproof dish.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6)

  4. Put the potatoes in a large pan of cold salted water, bring to the boil, and cook for 20 minutes, until tender.

  5. Add the eggs during the last 10 minutes (saves on another pan!). Once the eggs are ready, remove from the pan and run them under cold water. (This will prevent a dark rim forming round the yolk while they are cooling.)

  6. Drain and mash the potatoes with 28g (1 oz) (⅛ cup, or ¼ stick) of the butter and a little milk, until creamy. Set aside.

  7. Next, melt the rest of the butter in a pan and, once foaming, tip the pan and quickly add the flour. Stir to form a smooth paste and cook over a low heat for 2 minutes. Warm the milk (a microwave makes this quick) and gradually stir into the roux until smooth. Stir in the wine. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and gently cook for 5–10 minutes until the sauce is very thick, stirring constantly. (The sauce needs to be very thick because once the fish is added and cooks in the sauce, its juices will thin it.) Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper and a good grating of nutmeg.

  8. Now cut the fish into bite-sized chunks and mix into the sauce with the spinach. Spoon into the ovenproof dish.

  9. Peel the eggs, carefully cut into quarters and scatter them evenly over the top of the fish.

  10. Cover with the mashed potato and sprinkle with the cheese.

  11. Cover the dish with foil and cook in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil then cook for a further 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

  12. Serve with petit pois.

Updated: April 14, 2018

Lamb Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce

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Lamb Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce

 

These tasty nutmeg seasoned meatballs are cooked in a creamy, wholegrain mustard sauce and served with tagliatelle.

 

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Lamb Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 50 minutes
  • Refrigeration time: 1 hour
  • Cooking time: 1 hour (oven)

  • Ingredients
  • 2 slices white bread
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 450g (1 lb) lamb mince/ground lamb
  • 2 eggs, medium (U.K.)/large (N.A.), beaten
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 600ml (20 fl oz) chicken stock (2½ cups)
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) crème frâiche (1¼ cups)
  • 2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch

  • To serve
  • serve with tagliatelle and a green salad

  • You will also need a large frying pan/skillet and a deep sided casserole dish


  2. Method
  3. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) (gas 4)

  4. Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into rough pieces. Place in a bowl and moisten with the milk. Mix with a fork to break up into crumbs.

  5. In a large bowl, mix together the soaked breadcrumbs, onion, lamb, eggs, seasoning, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined.

  6. Shape into 32 meatballs, using wet fingers. Just keep a small bowl of water nearby. (Fingers dipped in flour will just become sticky.) Place them on a plate, cover, and chill for 1 hour to firm up.

  7. Heat half the butter in the pan/skillet over a medium heat. When the butter is foaming, add half the meatballs. Shake them in the pan to keep them moving and cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to the casserole dish using a slotted spoon. Repeat with the remaining meatballs, adding extra butter if needed.

  8. Pour the stock into the panskillet. Bring to the boil, scraping off any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then stir in the mustard. Pour over the meatballs. Cover the dish with foil and cook above the centre of the oven for 45 minutes.

  9. Mix the crème frâiche and cornflour/cornstarch together in a bowl, then stir into the casserole until well blended. Return to the oven for a further 15 minutes, uncovered, until bubbling. The sauce will become thick.

  10. Serve over tagliatelle, and a salad on the side.

Updated: April 14, 2018

Simmered Tuscan Chicken

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Simmered Tuscan Chicken

 

Chicken is cooked in one pan in a Tuscan sauce with diced potatoes, red peppers, and whole green beans. It is a very tasty dish is quick to prepare.

 

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Simmered Tuscan Chicken
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking time: 55 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1.25cm (1 inch) cubes
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 675g (1½ lb) potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 jar Tuscan-style olive and garlic pasta sauce (Classico)
  • 150ml (5 fl oz) good chicken stock (⅔ cup)
  • 340g (12 oz) fresh or frozen whole green beans/haricot beans, cut in half
  • 2 tsp fresh basil leaves

  • You will also need a deep-sided sauté pan with lid.


  2. Method
  3. First, add the potatoes to a pan of cold, salted water and bring to the boil. Parboil for 7 minutes then drain and leave until they are cool enough to handle. Dice into 1.25cm (1 inch) cubes and leave in a large bowl.

  4. Now heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the sauté pan over a medium heat and add the chicken. Lightly brown on all sides, 4–5 minutes. Then remove from the pan and keep warm.

  5. While the chicken is browning, add the diced pepper to the bowl of potato cubes and toss together with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

  6. Once the chicken has been removed from the pan, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

  7. Now tip the potatoes and pepper into the pan, and sauté for a further 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  8. Next, return the chicken to the pan and add the pasta sauce, chicken stock, and green beans. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Updated: April 14, 2018

Chicken Kiev

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Chicken Kiev

 

A traditional chicken kiev where chicken breasts are stuffed with a garlic butter and parsley and coated in fresh breadcrumbs, then baked until golden. Mmmm!

 

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Chicken Kiev
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 55g (2 oz) butter, softened (¼ cup, or ½ stick)
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, skinned
  • 40g (1½ oz) flour (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 225g (8 oz) fine, fresh white breadcrumbs (3½ cups)

  • To serve
  • a green salad

  • You will also need a greased baking tray.


  2. Method
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6).

  4. Beat together the butter, garlic, parsley, and seasoning. Set aside.

  5. Cut a slit along the thickest part of each chicken breast, 4cm (1½) inches long and 2cm (¾ inch) deep. Push one-quarter of the butter mixture into each pocket and secure with a cocktail stick.

  6. Put the beaten egg in a shallow bowl and spread the flour and breadcrumbs over separate plates. Coat each breast in flour, tapping off any excess, then dip into the egg and coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing them down onto the chicken.

  7. Lay the chicken pieces on the baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden.

  8. Remove the cocktail sticks and serve with a green salad.

Updated: April 8, 2018

Greek Pasta Bake

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Greek Pasta Bake

 

A tasty baked dish of lamb, pasta and tomatoes covered in a white sauce and topped with grated cheese.

 

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Greek Pasta Bake
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: About 40 minutes
  • Cooking time: 40 minutes hob, 30 minutes oven

  • Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 450g (1 lb) lamb mince/ground lamb
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée/paste
  • 2 × 400g tins or 1 × 28 fl oz can chopped/diced tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 150ml (5 fl oz) good beef stock (⅔ cup)
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 28g (1 oz) plain/all purpose flour (3 tbsp)
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) milk (⅔ cup)
  • 170g (6 oz) macaroni (1½ cups)
  • 55g (2 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated/shredded (½ cup)

  • You will also need a 2 litre (3 pint) (8 cup) ovenproof dish.

  • To serve
  • Accompany with a green salad


  2. Method
  3. Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion and garlic over a medium-low heat for 3 minutes, until softened.

  4. Increase the heat, add the lamb, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned all over, breaking up any lumps as it is cooking.

  5. Reduce the heat and stir through the tomato purée/paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaves, and stock, and season. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes.

  6. minutes before the meat sauce has finished cooking preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) (gas 4).

  7. Now for the white sauce. Melt the butter in a small pan, then tip in the flour and stir to make a smooth paste. Cook over a low heat for 1–2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously, until smooth. Then cook for 4–5 minutes on a low heat, stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.

  8. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water as directed on the packet. Drain well.

  9. Spread half the macaroni over the base of the dish. Spoon the meat sauce on top. Then cover with the remaining macaroni. Pour the white sauce evenly over the top and scatter with cheese.

  10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

  11. Tip
  12. A foolproof way to make a smooth white sauce:

  13. Once the butter has melted, tilt the pan so all the melted butter rests in one corner. Tip the flour onto the pool of butter. It will then be easier to stir to a smooth paste. Also preheat the milk in a microwave, on high, for 1 minute, then gradually whisk it into the roux. Adding warm milk gradually will make a smooth sauce without any lumps.

Updated: April 8, 2018

Mediterranean Roasted Chicken

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Mediterranean Roasted Chicken

 

A really tasty dish of chicken and herbs, roasted with red peppers, courgettes, plum tomatoes and baby potatoes, all in one pan.

 

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Mediterranean Roasted Chicken
Prepares: 4 servings
 
  • Preparation time: About 30 minutes
  • Marinating time: At least 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 40 minutes

  • Ingredients
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 12g fresh basil
  • 12g fresh mint
  • 4 lemon thyme sprigs
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 chicken joints*
  • 2 small red peppers, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 courgettes/zucchini, sliced
  • 600g (1 lb 4 oz) baby potatoes (about 12)
  • 200g (7 oz) plum tomatoes, halved (4)
  • 1 lemon, juice only

  • * chicken breasts (boneless or boned) or legs

  • You will also need a large roasting tin/pan


  2. Method
  3. Finely chop two thirds of the basil and mint and 2 lemon thyme sprigs, reserve the remaining third. Using a pestle and mortar, pound together the herbs, crushed garlic, and two tablespoons of the olive oil until a paste is formed. Or use a food processor. Put the chicken in a shallow dish and spread the herb mixture over the top of the chicken. Cover, refrigerate and leave for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

  4. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6).

  5. Put the peppers, courgettes/zucchini, and potatoes in a bowl. Season and pour over the remaining olive oil. Toss together until the vegetables are well coated. Then add the tomatoes.

  6. Lay the chicken pieces in the centre of the roasting tin/pan in a singe layer and then spread the vegetables around the outside.

  7. Roast for 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

  8. To serve, squeeze over the lemon juice and scatter over the reserved herbs.

  9. Note
  10. Tinned/canned plum tomatoes can be substituted for the fresh plum tomatoes, just add them to the pan during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Updated: April 7, 2018

 

 

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

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Individual Chicken Pot Pies

 

An individual chicken pie for each member of the family. Succulent chicken pieces cooked in creamy sauce with sweetcorn and peas, and a light pastry topping, is guaranteed to fill the hungriest tummies. And you can personalize them!

 

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Individual Chicken Pot Pies
Prepares: 4 individual pies
 
  • Preparation time: 35 minutes, plus 10 minutes to prepare the pastry
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes hob, 30 minutes oven

  • Ingredients
  • For the pastry
  • 340g (12 oz) plain/cake and pastry flour (2⅓ cups)
  • 85g (3 oz) cold butter (⅜ cup, or ¾ stick), cut into small cubes
  • 85g (3 oz) lard (⅜ cup), cut into small cubes
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 tbsp cold water
  • 1 egg, beaten


  • For the filling
  • 450g (1 lb) boneless chicken breasts (about 3), skin removed, OR
  • 600g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken joints, skin removed
  • 1 carrot, cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 bay leaf
  • a few parsley stalks
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 28g (1 oz) butter (2 tbsp, or ¼ stick)
  • 28g (1 oz) flour (1½ tbsp)
  • 2 tbsp double/whipping or heavy cream
  • 100g (3⅓ oz) frozen peas (¾ cup)
  • 115g/4 oz) frozen sweetcorn (⅔ cup)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • You will also need four 300ml (10 fl oz) ovenproof basins


  2. Method
  3. Put the chicken in a pan with the carrot, onion, bay leaf, parsley stalks, and peppercorns. Cover with cold water and bring to just under the boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, skimming the surface regularly.

  4. Meanwhile, sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter and lard until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the water over the flour and use a palette knife to bring the flour and water together. When it starts to bind, remove from the bowl and then lightly knead by hand. Wrap in cling film/wrap and place in the fridge to rest for 20 minutes.

  5. When the chicken has cooked, remove from the pan with a slotted spoon. Strain off and reserve 400ml (14 fl oz) (1¾ cups) of the poaching stock, discarding the rest along with the herbs and vegetables.

  6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (gas 6).

  7. Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the flour and mix to form a smooth paste. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the reserved stock until it is thoroughly blended and smooth. Then return to a medium heat and stir until it starts to thicken. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Now pour in the cream and simmer for a further 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until there is a smooth, thick sauce.

  8. Strip the chicken meat off the bones, if joints were used. Cut the chicken meat into small chunks and stir into the sauce along with the peas, sweetcorn and parsley. Season well.

  9. Now, roll out the pastry thinly. Using the top of one of the ovenproof basins as a guide, cut out four circles of pastry 2cm (¾ inch) larger than the diameter of the basin.

  10. Divide the chicken mixture between the four dishes. Dampen the pastry edges with water and cover the tops of the basins, pressing the edges of the pastry against the rim of the basins. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

  11. Any trimmings can be used to decorate the pies. A personal touch would be to put names on the top. Making the letters does take time but makes it special. Place any decorations on the pastry top and brush these with remaining beaten egg.

  12. Place the four basins on a baking sheet and then pop in the oven for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden.

  13. Serve with seasonal vegetables.

Updated: April 7, 2018