Broccoli, Mushroom and Onion Medley

I love broccoli but not normally as a side dish. Why? I hate the fact it goes cold really quickly (so does cauliflower) on the plate when it's sitting there waiting to be eaten.

We had char-grilled steak for dinner and I wanted to incorporate this stunning vitamin packed vegetable into our meal.. And we did!

I will admit I enlisted the assistance of Google and of course my friends on Facebook and received lots of good suggestions. I especially loved my Uncle Poppy's suggestion of putting it in a plastic bag, microwave it and then eat it from the bag!! I guess it would go cold on the plate then LOL!

I settled on a medley, a quick stir fry, of broccoli, mushrooms and onions! So simple - quick, easy, and super tasty!!

And more importantly - it stayed warm!!!

Broccoli, Mushroom and Onion Medley

Serves: 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets

200 grams button mushrooms, quartered

1 red onion, sliced

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Add garlic, broccoli, mushrooms and onions.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender.

Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Caramel Chicken with Rice

I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting when I chose to cook Caramel Chicken with Rice for dinner last night. Knowing it was a Vietnamese dish the recipe was quite simple and was missing many basic ingredients for that cuisine such as lime or chilli.

However this easy dish was surprising a winner in the flavour stakes. The caramel wasn't overpowering but was slightly sweet and hinting towards the creaminess of caramel mixed with the usual hint of fish sauce as with all Vietnamese dishes. The fresh coriander complimented and rounded all the flavours together.

The changes I made were brown sugar instead of caster sugar and the quantity of fish sauce as we find it quite strong (origial recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 2 tablespoons of water). Next time this is on the menu planner I will also thicken the sauce using a little cornflour combined with water).

Served with steamed rice and a plate of stir fried mixed vegetables with sesame the meal was very filling and satisfying.

Overall, this dish was a huge success in the Murray residence last night and it was confirmed again this morning when both the kids got up reciting how much they enjoyed the chicken last night!

Caramel Chicken with Rice

(recipe adapted from Weight Watchers Magazine May 2011)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 7

1 cup basmatic or jasmine rice
1 tablespoon peanut oil
500 grams lean chicken breast fillets, fat trimmed and thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves

Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Add rice and cook according to the packet's instructions. Drain and keep warm.

Heat wok over high heat. Add half the oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add chicken, in batches, and stir fry for 2-3 mins or until browned.

Add remaining oil and onions, then stir fry for 2 mins or until softened. Transfer to a plate.

Add sugar to wok and cook over high heat, without stirring, for 2-3 mins or until begins to melt and turn golden. Add fish sauce and 2 tbs water and stir fry for 1 min or until combined.

Return chicken and onion to wok and stirfry until heated through.

Serve with rice, sprinkled with coriander.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Avocado and Tomato Salsa

This is a tasty side dish and goes well with nearly everything not just Mexican food.

One of the most easiest salsas to make - in fact it takes a matter of minutes making it not on easy but quick not to mention very full of flavour with the coriander and lime.

The trick I find though is to ensure your avocado is ripe but not over soft. If it is too soft it will mush making the salsa not look the best.

Avocado and Tomato Salsa

Serves: 4
ProPoints per serve: 2

2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 medium avocado, peeled and stone removed, diced
1 medium red onion, finely diced
juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
salt
freshly ground black pepper

In a medium bowl gently combine all ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Refrigerate until required.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)