Springtime Lamb Casserole

I cannot take credit for being the first in my family to cook this as it's actually a recipe that my mam used to make when I was younger. I do however take credit for borrowing the cookbook containing the recipe and for some reason never giving it back!! As a child that has had a long battle with my weight my mam was very supportive when it came to helping me to lose weight. She purchased the Australia Women's Weekly Best Ever Slimmers Recipes Cookbook, along with others, in a bid to help me on my journey and I must say it's one of those cookbooks that we have actually cooked many meals from.

This casserole is very simple to make but has a full bodied flavour. It makes a wonderful mid week dinner no matter what season it is.

Springtime Lamb Casserole

(Recipe adapted from Australia Women's Weekly Best Ever Slimmers Recipes Cookbook)

Serves: 6

Points per serve: 6

900 grams lean lamb, cut into large dice

1 1/2 tablespoons paprika

900 grams potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 large carrots, peeled and thickly sliced

1 large red capsicum, large dice

1 large green capsicum, large dice

1 x 35g packet Spring Vegetable Soup (I used Continental)
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups water
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

pinch salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons cornflour

1/4 cup water, extra

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Place diced lamb and paprika in a bag, seal and shake until all meat is coated in the paprika.

In a large casserole dish place lamb, potatoes, carrots and capsicum.

Combine dry soup with wine, water, garlic and parsley. Pour over lamb and vegetables.

Cover and cook for about 1 hour or until lamb and vegetables are tender.

Blend cornflour with extra water, add to lamb mixture ensuring well mixed through. Return to the oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Beef Stroganoff with Fettucine

Something quick and easy on the menu tonight as we went visiting Vicky and the boys while Sean is away and to be honest it's the first chance that we have had to go with us being so busy. Plus I wanted something that we would all enjoy on what has been a wet and cold day.

Beef Stroganoff or Beef Stroganov is a dish of beef peices served in a paprika flavoured sauce with sour cream. The dish itself originates from Russia but over time and due to it's popularity there is now many variations to the recipe. The first known recipe, dated 1861, used beef cubes, mustard and stock topped with sour cream but there is not mention of onions or mushrooms. Since then onions and mushrooms have been added, along with the use of tomato paste and paprika.

Some versions have a creamy white sauce whereas others, more commonly known, are that of a thick reddish sauce. The sour cream can be served on the side or mixed into the sauce to give it a creamier appearance. I prefer to stir the sour cream through my sauce prior to dishing up. But as this dish is a low fat version I decided to use evaporated skim milk instead mixed with a little cornflour and the result.... super delish!!

Of course tonight was the only night I didn't have fettucine in the house so I used spirals. LOL But served with warm pasta its a perfect week night meal but is also nice with mashed potatoes.

Beef Stroganoff with Fettucine

Serves: 4

Points per serve: 7

250 grams fettuccine or pasta of your choice
500 grams rump steak, cut into strips
2 teaspoons ground paprika
cooking spray
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
400 grams mushroom, sliced
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup extra light sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet instructions of until tender. Drain and keep warm.

Combine beef with paprika in a medium bowl.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Add half the beef and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining beef.

Add onion and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Return beef to pan along with stock, tomato paste and sauce. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

Stir sour cream through beef mixture. Place pasta into serving bowls. Spoon over beef and sprinkle with parsley.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Homemade Wedges

Homemade Wedges

Serves: 6

Points per serve: 2

1 kg potatoes, cleaned but not peeled

cooking spray

2 tbs oregano

1 tbs sweet paprika

Preheat oven to 200 deg C, 400 deg F.

Cut potatoes into wedges (normally 8 wedges per potato).

Parboil in a saucepan of water for 10 minutes or microwave for approx 5 minutes in a small amount of water. The potatoes should be soft but not cooked through. Drain well.

Line a baking tray with foil and generously coat with cooking spray. Place potatoes on baking tray, coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with the oregano and the paprika, tossing to coat and then lay in a single layer on the tray.

Cook for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden. Turn once during cooking.

Hint - you can actually use any herbs and spices that you wish depending on the flavour... taco seasoning is also a good sprinkle.