Chicken and Prawn Pad Thai

Once again it seems like forever since I have blogged.  Firstly with recent Victorian school holidays (the first 2 weeks of July) we had Mam down to help with the children and she was responsible for some evening meals.  Looking back I didn't cook a great deal during the school holidays.  Mam took the kids away for the weekend to visit my uncle and aunt so Noel and I took advantage of the freedom relaxing on the Friday with a pizza and then going out for dinner on the Saturday evening.

Then last week I travelled with work so needless to say no cooking there either.

So with things getting back to normal at home and me back from my travels it's good to get back into the kitchen.  Tonight we had Chicken and Prawn Pad Thai - a favourite of mine but I have never cooked it at home.  I adapted a simple yet tasty Weight Watchers recipe and it was exotic. 

All loved the flavours of the lime and spice while enjoying the textures of the soft noodles and crisply cooked vegetables.

Chicken and Prawn Pad Thai

(recipe adapted from Weight Watchers Australia)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 11

250 grams dry rice noodles

500 grams lean chicken breast, cut into 2 cm cubes

1/4 cup fish sauce

1 bunch broccolini, cut into 3cms pieces

2 medium carrots, peeled and finely sliced

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons soft brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

1 tablespoon peanut oil

250 grams raw king prawns, peeled and tails intact

1 clove fresh garlic, crushed

1 1/2 cups bean sprouts

1/2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts, choppped roughly

1/2 cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons crushed chilli flakes (optional)

Soak noodles in cold water for 1 hour.

Place chicken in a small bowl and cover with 1 tbsp of fish sauce. Set aside.

Steam broccolini and carrot for approximately 5 minutes, or until tender crisp. Immediately immerse in cold water. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in another small bowl, combine remaining 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 3 tablespoons lime juice, water, sugar and ginger. Mix well to combine then set aside.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from wok and set aside. To the same pan quickly cook prawns until pink and remove from heat.

Drain noodles thoroughly.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in wok over high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add noodles and fish sauce. Cook stirring for 3 minutes, or until sauce is mostly absorbed. Stir in chicken and half the peanuts and remove from heat. Add remaining lime juice, bean sprouts and half of the coriander and the mint. Toss through broccoli and carrot just before serving.

Place on serving platter and sprinkle with remaining coriander, mint, peanuts and crushed chilled flakes if desired.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Spicy Prawns and Vegetables

I wasn't sure what to cook but knew it had to be spicy and yummy definitely using prawns as the main ingredient.  My mam also loves prawns - I would put money on saying that her favourite dish is garlic prawns.

Another favourite family dish is Nice Chicken and having not cooked this either in a while I decided it would be great to have a little play around recreating a prawn dish based on the same flavourings.

This dish has a delightful spicy yet sweet sauce - spicy from the cayenne pepper, salty from the soy and sweetness from the hoisin sauce.  A beautiful combination with the tender prawns.

Spicy Prawns with Vegetables

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 11

1 egg

30 grams cornflour

500 grams peeled and deveined large raw prawns, rinsed

1/4 cup oil for deepfrying

200 grams mushrooms, sliced
1 red capsicum, thinly sliced

4 spring onions, sliced

1 x 225 gram can sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
1 cup hoisin sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

In a bowl mix egg and cornflour together into a smoot batter. Add prawn to the bowl and mix to combine.

Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan. Cook prawns in batches until almost golden but not fully cooked. Drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Discard oil

Spray wok or frying pan with cooking spray. Add mushrooms and capsicum to the wok and stirfry for 2 minutes. Add water chestnuts and spring onions, stir fry for another 1 - 2 minutes. Return prawns to pan and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce and cayenne pepper. Add combined sauce to wok and toss for another 2 minutes or until chicken is well coated with sauce.

Serve immediately.



(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Smoked Paprika Chicken

A bit of a spice theme happening here lately.. maybe it's what my tastebuds are fancying or maybe it's just by chance.. whichever I know that we are all enjoying the meals.

The house smells good that's for sure.  The aroma of a smokey tomato broth with the obvious hints of fresh garlic were delish.

One of the ingredients is saffron threads. I am very lucky as I was recently given a small plastic container of saffron threads from my in laws who recently travelled overseas.  To me it was a present worth millions I am sure others wouldn't agree.  But to know that I was thought of in a special way while they were overseas in the Spice Market makes me feel very treasured.

This dish was very easy to prepare and bring it all together in the one casserole dish.  The original recipe called for shop brought chargrilled capsicum (not in oil) but I grilled my own.

Smoked Paprika Chicken

(recipe adapted from WW Food You'll Love Cookbook)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 8

2 teaspoons olive oil

6 chicken chops, skin removed, fat trimmed

6 drum sticks, skin removed, fat trimmed

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

2 tablespoons hot water

1 red onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1/4 cup dry sherry

400 gram can diced tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock

100 grams green Sicilian olives

2 red capsicums

cooking spray

2 teaspoons cornflour

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon honey

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Heat half the oil in a large non stick frying pan over high heat.  Cook chicken, in batches, turning for 5 minutes or until browned.  Transfer chicken to a large ovenproof casserole dish.

Place saffron in a small bowl.  Add 2 tablespoons hot water and set aside to soak for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium heat.  Add onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened.  Add garlic and paprika and cook, stirring, for a further 1 minute.  Add saffron liquid and sherry and cook for 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, stock and olives and bring to the boil.

Pour onion mixture over chicken in the casserole dish,  Bake, covered, in the oven for 1 hour.

Meanwhile cut capsicum into thick strips and place on a foil lined oven tray.  Spray with cooking spray and place under a high grill for 5 minutes until black and blistered.  Remove and place into a sealable plastic bag to sweat for 10 minutes.  Remove outer layer of skin and slice into 2 cm strips.

Blend cornflour with water in a small bowl.  Stir cornflour mixture into casserole with the honey.  Add the capsicum strips.  Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.  Stir sauce around chicken.  Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Portuguese Chicken and Prawn Pizza

Home made pizza night always works well .  Everyone makes their own flavours - Alex had a Satay Chicken, Ollie a BBQ Meatlovers and Noel made a pizza with Chicken, Hot Salami and Chilli BBQ Sauce.  As you can see we all have a creative streak when it comes to making pizza!

Tonight inspired by a dish one of my previous bosses had at Kelly's hotel in Cranbourne when we went out for dinner Thursday, last night.  Joe ordered Piri Piri Chicken and Prawn Rissotto.  It looked nice although it was too spicy for Joe.  The dish itself looked like a paella so I used that style of cooking as a basis for my recipe.

Marinating the chicken and prawns in a portuguese marinade topped with spanish style vegetables and of course black olives sprinkled with a little cheese made for a different pizza, that's for sure.

Portuguese Chicken and Prawn Pizza

Serves 4

ProPoints per serve: 8

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons crushed garlic

1 tablespoon chopped chilli paste

2 teaspoons crushed ginger

2 teaspoons dried oregano flakes

200 grams chicken fillet, sliced

200 grams raw prawns

cooking spray

1 x large pita bread (100 grams)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 brown onion, sliced

1/2 red capsicum, sliced

1/2 green capsicum, sliced

60 grams grated light cheese

100 grams whole pitted black olives

Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chilli, ginger and oregano until well combined.   Place chicken and prawns in a medium bowl, add marinade and toss to coat.  Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer if time permits.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Spray a frying pan with cooking spray and heat over high heat.  Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the prawns and marinade and cook for 1 -2 minutes until sealed.  Remove from heat.

Place pita bread on a pizza tray sprayed with cooking spray.

Spread tomato paste over entire base.  Sprinkle with 40 grams of grated cheese.

Place chicken over pizza base and top with onions and capsicum.  Place prawns on top.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and top with olives.

Cook for 20 - 25 minutes or until cheese has melted and pizza cooked through.



(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Tex Mex Chilli Bowls

Anything Mexican inspired excites me - I think it is because I love the simplicity of the cuisine (even though at times it is a hard cuisine to cook).  The vibrant colours always inviting your taste buds to experience the combination of flavours.

These Tex Mex Chilli Bowls definitely caught my eye is a recent Weight Watchers Magazine.  A full meal served individually in it's own little edible bowl.

To be totally honest, eating this meal was so comforting and unlike any "diet" mexican dish I have ever eaten before.

Tex Mex Chilli Bowls

(recipe sourced from Weight Watchers Magazine June 2012)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 12

 

 

 cooking spray

1 medium brown onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

500 grams extra lean beef mince

1 teaspoon Mexican chilli powder blend

2 x 400 gram cans diced tomatoesf
salt
freshly ground black pepper

1 x 400 gram can red kidney beans, drained

4 x 48 gram reduced fat tortilla

3 large tomatoes, chopped

1/2 bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped

6 iceberg lettuce leaves shredded

1/2 medium avocado, coarsely mashed

60 grams grated extra light tasty cheese

1/3 cup reduced fat sour cream

Lightly spray a large non stick frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened.  Add mince and cook, stirring to break up lumps, for 5 minutes or unmtil browned.  Add chilli powder and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in canned tomatoes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and bring to the boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until liquid has almost evaporated.  Stir through the beans.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. 

To make tortilla bowls, line 4 bowls (with a base measurement of approximately 8cms and a top measurement of approimately 15cms) with tortillas.  Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.  Set aside to cool and then remove from bowls.

Combine fresh tomatoes and coriander in a medium bowl and season with salt and freshly black pepper.

Divide mince mixture amongst tortilla bowls.  Top with lettuce, avocado, grated cheese, sour cream and fresh tomato mixture.



(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Sweet Chilli and Rosemary Lamb

As you all know by now lamb is one of the favourite meats in the Murray household but it is just so damn expensive here at the moment.  Thankfully I managed to get some lamb sirloins on special, so I stocked up freezing for many more meals to come.

This recipe is one that I have often looked at but just couldn't imagine the sweetness of the chilli sauce with the lamb.  I decided to try it anyway and really glad I did.

To take away some of the sweetness I added fresh rosemary leaves and also added a little wine to thin the thickness of the marinade for the first part of the recipe, allowing it to cover all the lamb. 

The outcome - the flavour was brilliant and the cooked sauce, somewhat sticky, smothered over tender juicy lamb.

Sweet Chilli and Rosemary Lamb

(recipe adapted from WW Secrets of Our Success Cookbook 2008)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 13

cooking spray

8 baby chat potatoes

1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce

1 tablespoons soft brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped roughly

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 teaspoon ground smoked paprika

4 x 200 gram lamb sirloins

2 large carrots, peeled and cut into batons

1 bunch brocollini, trimmed

2 bunches baby bok choy, rinsed and cut into quarters

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Cut potatoes into quarters.  Place on foil lined baking tray, spray with cooking spray and roast for 45 minutes or until cooked through and golden.

Meanwhile combine chilli sauce, sugar, rosemary, rind, juice, wine, garlic and paprika in a shallow dish.  Add lamb, toss to coat in marinade.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat a non stick frying pan over high heat, spray with cooking spray.  Remove lamb from marinade and reserve marinade.  Cook lamb for 6 - 8 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Remove from pan allowing to rest.

Meanwhile steam vegetables until just cooked.

Bring reserved marinade to the boil in the frying pan.  Simmer for 1 - 2 minutes or until thickened.

Serve lamb topped with chilli marinade along with potatoes and steamed vegetables.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Potato, Onion and Bacon Bake

Once again travelling for work has seen me away from home and not cooking.  As always I love coming home and catching up of my favourite and enjoyable hobby!

I wanted to cook something different as a side dish.  I have always liked the look of Jannson's Temptation, a traditonal Swedish potato casserole, but not fussed on one ingredient - anchovies!!  I am not a fan but saying that I also have purposely not eaten one for years.  Maybe I will like then now as I know that my tastebuds have changed.  I now like oysters and mussels and am willing to give smoked salmon again.... who knows??

This potato bake was created with Jannson's Temptation in mind but we added onions and bacon to the potato.  It was very easy to make.  Overall it had a very "comfort food" feel about it and was enjoyed by all.

Potato, Onion and Bacon Bake

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 5

cooking spray

175 grams Weight Watchers Bacon, thickly sliced

6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into batons

1 brown onion, sliced

300 mls reduced fat thickened cream

1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Spray a frying pan with cooking spray and cook bacon for 2 - 3 minutes until slight crisp.  Remove from heat and drain on paper towel.
Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray.

Combine potatoes, onions and bacon in a large bowl.  Place mixture into casserole dish.

In a small jug combine cream, stock powder, parsley and pepper to taste.  Pour over potato mixture.
Cover casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for a further 20 - 30 minutes until potatoes are cooked through and golden on top.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Veal Cutlet Martini

It has been a wonderful day - work was productive and I have a proud announcement (below) to share so I thought we definitely needed a nice dinner and a nice glass of vino to cap off the day.

Veal is always a favourite in our house.... Alex still refers to the thick cutlets as "fluffly pillows of meat" due to their tenderness.

This is a meal I came across a long time ago and knew that we would enjoy the welcome flavours of tomatoes, mushrooms and oregano with the veal cutlets all laced with a delicate trace of wine.  The recipe I somewhat followed was also an adaptation from Chef Tony Tammero of Palm Restaurant, New York, NY.

I was really impressed with the outcome - this meal was delish and infact it was deavoured tonight by all.

Veal Cutlets Martini

(recipe adapted from Veal Recipes) 

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 9

3 cups chicken stock
1 cup white wine
cooking spray

250 grams button mushrooms, sliced,

3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed of oil
1/4 cup chopped spring onions

2 tablespoons plain flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 veal leg cutlets, 200 grams each
440 gram can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

2 tablespoons water

Add stock and wine to medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.

Spray cooking spray in large nonstick frying pan and heat over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and shallots to pan, cook and stir 5 minutes or until mushrooms have softened. Remove from pan.

Combine flour, salt and pepper in shallow dish. Lightly coat cutlets with seasoned flour.

Using the same frying pan, spray with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook veal cutlets in pan for 4 to 5 minutes or until veal is cooked through, turning once. Remove cutlets; keep warm.

Add reduced stock mixture to pan. Cook and stir 1 minute or until browned bits attached to pan are dissolved. Return mushroom mixture to pan. Stir in tomatoes and oreganoIs said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.. Combine arrowroot and water, mixing well. Stir into tomato mixture, return veal cutlets and cook until heated through and sauce thickens. Serve immediately.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe) 

My announcement... some of you have already heard, read and even seen but A Dash of Flavour, my nerdy hobby of keeping a food blog, made it into this month's Weight Watchers Magazine... what a thrill for us!!

Thank you to all of those that follow our blog, for the support, for the feedback and for sharing this blog with people you know - it is all definitely appreciated.  Also thanks to those that have tried some of the recipes featured and we honestly hope you have enjoyed them.

Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives

Wanting comfort food due to a stressful day at work I knew that dinner tonight had to be pasta of some description.  I wanted good ol' Spaghetti Bolognaise but on the other hand also wanted something different.

So with that in mind I was trying to combine my two wants to satisfy my need..... meat sauce but with a difference?  This is where my thoughts led...... Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives.  A very pleasing result.. full comfort food that's for sure.

The meat sauce full of beef and bacon was not only thick but very filling, the kalamata olives brought a pleasant saltiness complimenting the fresh rosemary perfectly.  The flavours worked so well together.

Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 14

cooking spray

1 brown onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

250 grams reduced fat bacon

750 grams premium beef mince

4 large sprigs fresh oregano, chopped to 2 inch lengths

1 cup port

2 teaspoons salt

1 teapsoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup tomato paste

440 gram can diced tomatoes

150 grams Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

250 grams pasta of your choice

60 grams fresh parmesan cheese

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over a medium heat.  Cook onion and garlic for 5 minutes or until onion has softened.  Add bacon and cook for a further 5 minutes.  Add beef and cook until beef has browned.

Add the rosemary and port.  Increase heat to medium hight and cook until liquid has almost absorbed.  Stir through salt and pepper.

Add tomato paste and stir to combine. 

Stir through diced tomatoes and reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile bring a large saucepan of water to boil and cook pasta according to packet directions.  Drain.

Stir through olives and cook for 5 minutes to ensure they are heated through. Quickly remove the rosemary stalks.  Serve pasta topped with sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chicken with Wine, Garlic and Herb Sauce

Sorry for the delay in posting Monday night's feast but Tuesday saw me off to Brisbane with work of course, only to return very late Thursday night.  Never mind I had a good time this trip during my absence but have been waiting to blog again on the new fresh version of A Dash Of Flavour.  I hope you are liking the few changes that we have made to our blog.

This dish, I have to say myself, was magnificent.  In fact I think we all wanted second helpings once we had cleared out plates.  The chicken moist and tender, the sauce creamy and powerful - a brilliant combination of garlic, fresh herbs and wine.  And another easy weeknight dinner that could easily be served for a special dinner.

I love the delicateness of a cream sauce and there was no resisting this while eating.

Chicken with Wine, Garlic and Herb Sauce

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 7

2 red onions, thinly sliced

4 x 200 gram chicken fillets, all visible fat removed

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves

1/2 cup fresh thyme leaves

salt

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup thick light cream

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Coat a small frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.  Add onions and cook until softened.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Place chicken fillets in a shallow oven proof dish.  Sprinkle with onions, galic, oregano and thyme.  Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.  Mix together wine and chicken stock, pour around chicken fillets.  Cover dish with lid or foil and cook in oven for 25 - 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

Remove chicken from casserole dish, covering with foil to keep warm.  Mix cream into wine mixture until well combined, return chicken to sauce to coat.

Serve chicken drizzled with sauce accompanied by point free vegetables.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Lamb with Minted Spring Vegetables

There is no lying when we say that lamb is always a huge hit at our house - you can actually feel the excitement in the air around our house when lamb is on the menu. The original recipe was for lamb racks which we have cooked before but this week I was lucky to get some really nice lamb sirloins so I thought I would give these a try.

This is definitely a great meal as it is so quick and easy to make.  The lamb itself is very simple to prepare as were the vegetables that were delicately laced with the taste and aroma of fresh mint.

The redcurrant infused light gravy balanced the whole meal.

Lamb with Minted Spring Vegetables

(recipe adapted from WW Eat & Enjoy Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 11

480 grams chat potatoes, halved
cooking spray
4 x 250 gram lean lamb sirloins (thick back straps)

1 bunch of asparagus, halved

3 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise

1 bunch baby carrots, peeled and halved

1 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons redcurrant jelly

2 tablespoons small fresh mint leaves

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Heat a large flameproof baking dish over medium-high heat.  lightly spray lamb with oil and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until browned.  Transfer lamb to the oven and bake for 15 minutes for medium-rare or until cooked to your liking.  Remove from oven and transfer to a plate, cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes before cutting cutlets from racks.  Reserve pan juices.

Meanwhile boil, steam or microwave all the vegetables, seperately, until tender.  Drain.

Heat baking dish with pan juices over medium heat.  Add stock and redcurrant jelly and cook, stirring, until jelly disolves.  Bring to the boil and cook for 4 - 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. 

Divide vegetables among plates and top with lamb.  Drizzle with reducrrant sauce and sprinkle with mint to serve.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Bangin' Good Prawns (Bangin' Good Shrimp)

I was trawling (pardon the pun) for a recipe for prawns... something out of the normal, something totally new to excite my taste buds.  I love visiting Gina's webite site, Skinnytaste.com, as it is an amazing site and she is such a good cook not to mention photographer.

Gina had recently posted a recipe for Bangin' Grilled Shrimp Skewers which made my mouth water but then I found this recipe!

Bangin' Good Prawns (Shrimp in the USA) are stir fried prawns mixed with a creamy sweet and spicy chilli sauce served on a bed of shredded salad topped with spring onions. OMG this recipe was amazing.... Gina has transformed it into a low fat version of another take of a dish called Bang Bang Shrimp served in an American restaurant called Bonefish Grill.  Looking at the menu I can see that they crumb and deep fry their prawns and serve with the sauce.

This dish, very much similar to a prawn salad, yet served warm was exactly the kind of dish I was looking for.  I will be making this again and would make a great entree or lunch - it is definitely a light dinner meal though.

Bangin' Good Prawns

(recipe sourced from Skinnytaste.com)

Serves: 4 

ProPoints: 6

5 tablespoons light mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Sweet Chilli Sauce

1 teaspoon Sriracha (or to taste)

3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

1 carrot,  grated

2 spring onions, chopped

500 grams large prawns, shelled and deveined (weight after peeled)

2 teaspoons cornflour

1 teaspoon canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce and Sriracha. Set aside.


Combine lettuce, carrot and half on the spring onions. Place on serving plate.  Set aside.


Coat shrimp with cornflour, mixing well with your hands.

Heat a large skillet or wok on high heat, when hot add oil. When oil is hot add the prawns to hot pan and cook tossing a few times until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan and combine with the sauce, coating well.

Place prawns on lettuce and top with remaining spring onions.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

NOTE: You will find Sriracha in asian grocery stores or a well stocked supermarket.  Otherwise use a hot chilli sauce in this recipe.

Middle Eastern Beef Meatballs

I love Middle Eastern food and really don't eat that much of it.  I love the simplicity, the use of different spices and its, at times, unusuallness of their dishes.  Not to mention the smells that waffled from the kitchen when cooking.... cinnamon, cumin, harissa all combined filling the air with comfort.

These meatballs, small in size, were all of the above.... plus not mention easy to make.  Cooked in a sauce packed with vegetables with a hint of spice they really pleased the Murray household.

Middle Eastern Beef Meatballs

(recipe sourced from WW The Complete Meal Cookbook)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 11

cooking spray

2 brown onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

500 grams lean beef mince

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons harissa powder (or 1 1/2 tablespoons harissa paste)

400 gram can chopped tomatoes

1 cup beef stock

2 carrots, grated

2 zucchini, grated

1/2 cup tabouli

2 cups baby rocket leaves

1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup low fat Greek style natural yoghurt

2 x 80 gram rounds wholemeal Lebanese bread, torn

Lightly spray a medium non-stick frying pan with oil and heat over medium high heat.  Add half the onion and half the garlic and cook, stirring, for 3 - 4 minutes or until onion has softened.  Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Place mince, onion mixture, cumin, cinnamon, allspice and parsley in a bowl.  Mix to combine.  Roll tablespoons of mixture into meatballs.  Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion has softened.  Stir in harissa, tomatoes and stock and bring to the boil.  Boil for 2 minutes.

Add carrot, zucchini and meatballs.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 - 20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened.

Place tabouli and rocket in a large bowl and toss to combine.  Divide meatball mixture among plates and top with pine nuts and yoghurt.  Serve with tabouli salad and bread.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Slow-cooked Sticky Pork

This dish was very easy to make and was more than flavoursome.  In fact the pork was so tender almost melting in your mouth and the Oriental overtones tantalised the taste buds.

The overall spiciness from the sweet chilli sauce and ginger was evident but it was not too spicy, mind you saying this Alexandria thought it was too spicy for her.

Served with steamed bok choy and rice this mean was delicious and very filling.

Slow-cooked Sticky Pork

(recipe sourced from WW The Complete Meal)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per Serve: 8

2 tsp sesame oil

500 grams pork scotch fillet or neck, fat trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces

2 medium red onions, thinly sliced

3 medium carrots, thickly sliced

1 medium red capsicum, (cut into 3cm pieces)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 cloves fresh garlic, sliced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

1 cup water

Heat oil in a large non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add carrot, capsicum, soy, garlic, ginger, stock, chilli sauce, hoisin sauce and water. Stir to combine. Bring to the boil.

 Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, uncovering for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until pork is tender and sauce has thickened. Serve.

Serving suggestion: Serve with 0 ProPoints value steamed Asian greens such as gai lan (Chinese broccoli), choy sum or bok choy, plus steamed jasmine rice. Add 3 ProPoints values per serve for ½ cup rice.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Bacon and Corn Polenta Muffins

Something quick to make and oh so very very tasty.  These will fit the bill for a lunchbox treat if you can manage to stop others from eating them when they come straight out of the oven.

The combination of the bacon and corn, always a wonderful combination on their own, partnered with cheese and polenta makes a satisfying flavour hit that are delicious whether they are served hot or cold.

Only 2ppts each but very morish - I could eat quite a few.  Freezable so you can control how many you have for lunch :)

Bacon and Corn Polenta Muffins

(recipe adapted from WW The Complete Meal)

Serves: 24

ProPoints per Serve: 2

cooking spray

1/2 cup (80 grams) yellow polenta

2/3 cups (160 mls) skim milk

80 grams Weight Watchers Bacon, finely chopped

4 green shallots, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups (220 grams) self raising flour

2 x 125 gram cans corn kernels, rinsed, drained

2 x 125 gram cans creamed corn

1/2 cup (60 grams) extra light grated tasty cheese

100 grams Weight Watchers Canola Spread, melted

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Line two 12 hole mini muffin tins with paper cases.  Spray with cooking spray if needed.

Combine polenta and milk in a bowl.  Set aside for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile lightly spray a small non stick frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.  Cook bacon, stirring, for 2 minutes.  Add shallots and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until bacon is crisp.  Remove pan from heat.  Cool for 5 minutes.

Sift flour into a large bowl. Add corn kernels, creamed corn, cheese and bacon mixture and stir until combined.  Add spread, egg and polenta mixture and mix until combined.

Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter into each paper case.   Bake for 15 - 18 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.  Cool muffins in tins for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.  Serve warm or cold.

Note: for a mini muffin this mixture can make 48 muffins by using small paper cases and 1 tablespoon of mixture per case - the ProPoints value per muffin would then be 1 ppts each.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Ham, Cheese, Tomato and Avocado Toastie

I rarely blog a breakfast or a lunch but I do realise that this blog cannot just be about mains, it does need to cover other meals that we cook and eat.

Coming home from work early due to Alex being sick all night (long story) I wanted to ensure that I made myself something for lunch that fit into the ProPoints plan and was quick.  I decided on a "toastie".. or as many know the dish - a toasted sandwich.

I love a good toastie.. and any filling normally hits the spot.  Today I went for something basic... a combination of ham, cheese, tomato and tomato and I really enjoyed it.

Ham Cheese Tomato and Avocado Toastie

Serves: 1

ProPoints per serve: 8

2 slices wholegrain bread

1/8 medium avocado, sliced thinly

1 small tomato sliced

30 grams sliced ham

1 slice reduced fat cheese slice

cooking spray

Preheat a sandwich press or similar.

Assemble sandwich on work area having a slice of bread, avocado slices, tomato slices, ham and cheese.  Top with second slice of bread.

Spray hot plates of sandwich press with cooking spray, add sandwich and close lid.

Cook until golden and cooked through.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Spicy Beef, Vegetable and Rigatoni Bake

Needing another quick mid week meal and the kids wanting lasagne I decided that I would make a pasta bake.  One I didn't have to stand there layering the dish and two it was full of vegetables.

As with all pasta bakes, once all the ingredients are prepared it's just a matter of popping it in the oven and waiting for it to finish cooking itself.

This is quite spicy with the chilli flakes - should you wish to reduce the heat either reduce the amount of chilli flakes or omit completely.

Spicy Beef, Vegetable and Rigatoni Bake

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 10

500 grams rigatoni or pasta of your choice

cooking spray

1 brown onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic,  crushed

2 teaspoons red chilli flakes

1 red capsicum, sliced

1 green capsicum, sliced

2 zucchini, chopped

125 gram corn kernels, drained

500 grams extra lean beef mince

2 cans 400g diced tomatoes

salt

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

150 grams reduced fat grated tasty cheese

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Bring a large pan of salted water to boil, add pasta and cook as per instructions on packet until almost tender.  Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, spray a large frying pan with cooking spray.  Heat on medium high heat.  Add onions, garlic and chilli, cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onions are tender.  Add capsicum and cook, stirring, for a further 5 minutes.  Add zucchini and corn, cooking for a further 2 - 3 minutes or until zucchini softens.  

Add beef, breaking up with wooden spoon, and cook until browned.  Add tomatoes and season to taste with salt and freshly ground.

Add meat sauce and basil to pasta, stir to combine.  

Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.  Spread pasta mixture over dish.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. 

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Hainanese Chicken

After a huge day at work, mentally more than physically, I really wanted to cook something with minimal effort but wanted something with maximum flavours.

This easy version of a Singapore specialty, similar to a soup, was magnificent. Tender poached chicken served with vegetables and rice in a fragrant broth was really what I wanted tonight.

Hainanese Chicken

(recipe sourced from WW Cook It Quick)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 8

2 cups chicken stock

1 whole star anise

1 cinnamon stick

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon shaoxing wine

1 cup boiling water

600 grams lean chicken breast fillets, fat trimmed

1 tablespoon peanut oil

3 green shallots, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

2 long fresh red chillies, deseeded, thinly sliced

3 baby bok choy, trimmed and separated

2 cups steamed rice

Combine stock, star anise, cinnamon, soy sauce, wine and 1 cup boiling water in a large saucepan.  Bring to the boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add chicken and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.  Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.  Remove chicken and thinly slice. Reserve stock.

Meanwhile, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat.  Add half the oil and heat for 30 seconds.  Add shallots, bean sprouts and chilli.  Stir fry for 1 minute.  Transfer to a bowl.  Reheat wok over high heat.  Add remaining oil and heat for 30 seconds.  Add bok choy and stir fry for 2 minutes or until stems are tender and leaves have just wilted.

Divide rice among serving dishes.  Top with bok choy, chicken and bean sprout mixture.  Ladle over some stock.  Serve.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Gambas ~ Garlic and Chorizo Prawns

Tapas is becoming very popular here in Melbourne especially in restaurants.  Tapas is a wide variety of smaller dishes, similar to appetizers, in Spanish cuisine.  Either hot or cold combinations of flavours plated up to make a full meal.

Called Gambas in Spanish, prawns team up with spicy sausage for this tapas-style dish was not only very tasty but  absolutely moreish.

After a busy day at the junior football this was an easy dinner dish, quick enough to prepare and sit down and enjoy while getting ready for the working week ahead.

Gambas ~ Garlic and Chorizo Prawns

(recipe adapted from Taste.com)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 7

• 1 chorizo sausage (125 grams), thinly sliced
• cooking spray
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 500 grams raw tiger prawns, peeled
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
• 2 teaspoons dry sherry
• lemon wedges, to serve
• 
  
• Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate lined with paper towel.  Wipe oil out of pan with paper towel.
• 
  
• Reduce heat to low. Spray the pan with cooking spray, add garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the prawns and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the prawns curl and change colour. Add the chorizo, coriander and sherry to the pan and stir to combine.
• 
  
• Place on serving platter and serve with lemon wedges.

(C lick here for a printable version of this recipe)

"Quickie" Nachos

Back from a week away in Tasmania for work - entirely eating out for the whole time.  Saturday after shopping and football I thought I would make an early afternoon snack for the crew prior to cooking dinner. I called on a favourite of ours, "Quickie" Nachos!

These, while not traditional, are very easy to make and always a crowd pleaser - here is my quick version that never fails.

No sooner are the nachos out from under the grill they are gone - serve these with guacamole or sour cream but be quick especially in our house!!

"Quickie" Nachos

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 4

cooking spray

175 grams Natural Corn Chips, Salted

375 grams tomato salsa

100 grams low fat grated tasty cheese

Preheat grill on high heat.

Spray a quiche dish or microwavable shallow dish with cooking spray.  Cover with half the corn chips.  Top with half the salsa.  Repeat layers finishing by sprinkling cheese over top of final layer of salsa.

Microwave on high heat for 2 - 3 minutes or until cheese starts to melt.

Place under grill for 2 - 3 minutes or until cheese is bubbling.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)