Meal 88 - October 24th - Chorizo Carbonara, Catalan Market Salad
I've not had much luck when it's come to cooking these 15 minute meals in, well, 15 minutes. My unofficial record is probably somewhere just over 15 minutes, but my average is probably hovering around the 25 minute mark (with a couple of anomalies clocking in at an embarrassing 45-ish minutes - curse those sage dumplings). Today I would be stepping things up by attempting to cook this chorizo carbonara during the half time break of a football match I was watching. The stakes were high - I don't like missing the start of the second half. And it would be an important test of the much maligned pasta dishes - could I prove to Lolz finally that they can be cooked as quickly and easily as any other midweek pasta meal?
Showing posts with label 15 minute meals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 15 minute meals. Show all posts
17 Oct 2013
Chorizo & Squid, Greek Style Couscous Salad
Meal 86 - October 17th - Chorizo & Squid, Greek Style Couscous Salad
You could argue that squid deserves it's own chapter in 15 minute meals. Not just because it isn't a fish, but because it has three meals to it's name - not bad for a rather marginalised member of the seafood community. I had never actually cooked squid before starting this challenge - now I can say I have griddled it, made it into "squidballs" and today I would be completing the trilogy by frying it with chorizo and peppers. And this looked like it would be the best of the three...
You could argue that squid deserves it's own chapter in 15 minute meals. Not just because it isn't a fish, but because it has three meals to it's name - not bad for a rather marginalised member of the seafood community. I had never actually cooked squid before starting this challenge - now I can say I have griddled it, made it into "squidballs" and today I would be completing the trilogy by frying it with chorizo and peppers. And this looked like it would be the best of the three...
13 Oct 2013
Squash Soup, Sagey Chestnut Dumplings
Meal 85 - October 13th - Squash Soup, Sagey Chestnut Dumplings
It's been a while since I last did a soup/ sarnie 15 minute meal, and, lo and behold, my spreadsheet told me it was time to rectify that particular problem. It turns out I've done all the sandwiches, so, with the weather conveniently cold, grey and miserable I turned to the soups. We got some squash in our veg box, so decided to have a go at this one.
It's been a while since I last did a soup/ sarnie 15 minute meal, and, lo and behold, my spreadsheet told me it was time to rectify that particular problem. It turns out I've done all the sandwiches, so, with the weather conveniently cold, grey and miserable I turned to the soups. We got some squash in our veg box, so decided to have a go at this one.
10 Oct 2013
Crispy Duck, Hoi Sin Lettuce Parcels
Meal 84 - October 10th - Crispy Duck, Hoi Sin Lettuce Parcels
And you thought it was just chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, pasta, veggie, soups and sarnies? Nope, hiding at the back of the chicken section is this 15 minute version of the Chinese restaurant favourite, which I thought I would have a "quack" at tonight...
And you thought it was just chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, pasta, veggie, soups and sarnies? Nope, hiding at the back of the chicken section is this 15 minute version of the Chinese restaurant favourite, which I thought I would have a "quack" at tonight...
1 Oct 2013
Glazed Sizzling Chops, Sweet Tomato & Asparagus Lasagnetti
Meal 81 - October 1st - Glazed Sizzling Chops, Sweet Tomato & Asparagus Lasagnetti
Although many of my 15 minute meal choices are dictated by what is in the fridge or what mood we are in, I have been trying to rotate around the various chapters so that I don't run out of chicken dishes by mid-October or still have 8 fish to do in December. I actually rigged up a spreadsheet to tell me what percentage of each chapter I had left to cook (I love a good spreadsheet) and it told me that it was time for some lamb.
Although many of my 15 minute meal choices are dictated by what is in the fridge or what mood we are in, I have been trying to rotate around the various chapters so that I don't run out of chicken dishes by mid-October or still have 8 fish to do in December. I actually rigged up a spreadsheet to tell me what percentage of each chapter I had left to cook (I love a good spreadsheet) and it told me that it was time for some lamb.
28 Sept 2013
Blackened Chicken, San Fran Quinoa Salad
Meal 80 - September 28th - Blackened Chicken, San Fran Quinoa Salad
In a moment of potentially disastrous judgement, several months ago Lolz and I signed up to the Ealing Half Marathon, either forgetting or ignoring the fact that it would be happening just days after my sister's wedding. In a typical week prior to a half marathon, I would ensure I was well hydrated by drinking lots of water, I'd ease off the alcohol, go for a couple of short, easy runs, and do a bit of carb loading in the few days prior to the race. Unfortunately this tried an tested regime was abandoned in favour of lots of meat, booze, dancing and general unhealthiness. Lolz had conveniently sustained an injury forcing her to pull out of the race by this point but, I, being much more hard core, would be seeing it through. After getting home from the pub on Saturday afternoon, I decided it was time for a healthy pre-race meal. I opted for this salad, full of quinoa, spinach, lean chicken and other energy-boosting goodness.
In a moment of potentially disastrous judgement, several months ago Lolz and I signed up to the Ealing Half Marathon, either forgetting or ignoring the fact that it would be happening just days after my sister's wedding. In a typical week prior to a half marathon, I would ensure I was well hydrated by drinking lots of water, I'd ease off the alcohol, go for a couple of short, easy runs, and do a bit of carb loading in the few days prior to the race. Unfortunately this tried an tested regime was abandoned in favour of lots of meat, booze, dancing and general unhealthiness. Lolz had conveniently sustained an injury forcing her to pull out of the race by this point but, I, being much more hard core, would be seeing it through. After getting home from the pub on Saturday afternoon, I decided it was time for a healthy pre-race meal. I opted for this salad, full of quinoa, spinach, lean chicken and other energy-boosting goodness.
25 Sept 2013
Moroccan Bream, Couscous, Pomegranate and Harissa
Meal 79 - September 25th - Moroccan Bream, Couscous, Pomegranate and Harissa
A weekend away forced a brief hiatus on my 15 minute meal challenge but it was nonetheless a weekend with several noteworthy events of the culinary kind. We were headed down to Cornwall for my sister's wedding and being a journey of several hundred miles, we stopped en route several times. The first stop was at a service station in a town called Wincanton, for petrol. We popped into the adjoining Morrison's for a bit of liquid refreshment and I couldn't believe what I saw. Let me just explain first of all that Wincanton is a small town with a population of about four thousand. According to the Wikitravel website, it's third most popular attraction is the A303 bypass. Morrison's, meanwhile, is generally regarded a fairly downmarket chain of supermarket. And yet in this Morrison's in sleepy Wincanton I was greeted by an array of fresh fruit and veg to rival even the finest supermarket we came across in the Loire Valley a couple of months ago. It even had a little sprinkler system to keep the produce refreshed.
5 Sept 2013
Jerk Pork, Grilled Corn and Crunch Tortilla Salad
Meal 75 - September 5th - Jerk Pork, Grilled Corn and Crunch Tortilla Salad
Other than dousing my chips in reggae reggae sauce, I couldn't really say that my cooking up to now has ventured much into the realm of the Caribbean. It's not that I don't like it - Jamie's Jerk Chicken recipe was one of my favourites in the 30 minute meals book - it just doesn't really get a lot of coverage over here. So I was quite excited to try out this 15 minute meal version and see whether it would really cut the mustard - or cut the scotch bonnet if you like.
Other than dousing my chips in reggae reggae sauce, I couldn't really say that my cooking up to now has ventured much into the realm of the Caribbean. It's not that I don't like it - Jamie's Jerk Chicken recipe was one of my favourites in the 30 minute meals book - it just doesn't really get a lot of coverage over here. So I was quite excited to try out this 15 minute meal version and see whether it would really cut the mustard - or cut the scotch bonnet if you like.
2 Sept 2013
Simple Spaghetti, Tomato, Basil and Creamy Curd Salad
Meal 74 - September 2nd - Simple Spaghetti, Tomato, Basil and Creamy Curd Salad
I'm a big fan of simplicity, in both a culinary sense and as a life choice. Unfortunately though, as a result of technicalities such as having to earn a living, pay taxes, plan for the future etc etc the latter is rarely possible. In the kitchen though, it's a different matter - anyone, regardless of emotional, mental or psychological clutter, can achieve culinary simplicity by using good quality, fresh ingredients and cooking them in the least complex way possible. This seemed to be the thinking behind this latest pasta meal I would be cooking.
I'm a big fan of simplicity, in both a culinary sense and as a life choice. Unfortunately though, as a result of technicalities such as having to earn a living, pay taxes, plan for the future etc etc the latter is rarely possible. In the kitchen though, it's a different matter - anyone, regardless of emotional, mental or psychological clutter, can achieve culinary simplicity by using good quality, fresh ingredients and cooking them in the least complex way possible. This seemed to be the thinking behind this latest pasta meal I would be cooking.
1 Sept 2013
Sticky Squid Balls, Grilled Prawns and Noodle Broth
Meal 73 - September 1st - Sticky Squid Balls, Grilled Prawns and Noodle Broth
September for me has always been a bit of a watershed month. It signifies the end of the summer holidays. The weather gets cooler, the days shorter. The countdown to Christmas begins. It's normally around this time I start to think (cue the miniature violins) of all my unfulfilled new years resolutions and what I still want to do before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Today, I am particularly thinking of the 47 15 minute meals I still need to cook, at the rate of almost 12 per month. Given that I have never cooked more than 10 in a month, things are not looking promising. I was actually hoping to squeeze one more 15 minute meal into August in order to beat this record but unfortunately, my plan was scuppered by a night of semi-impromptu drinking, which ended with a trip to the chippie and a chicken shish kebab.
September for me has always been a bit of a watershed month. It signifies the end of the summer holidays. The weather gets cooler, the days shorter. The countdown to Christmas begins. It's normally around this time I start to think (cue the miniature violins) of all my unfulfilled new years resolutions and what I still want to do before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Today, I am particularly thinking of the 47 15 minute meals I still need to cook, at the rate of almost 12 per month. Given that I have never cooked more than 10 in a month, things are not looking promising. I was actually hoping to squeeze one more 15 minute meal into August in order to beat this record but unfortunately, my plan was scuppered by a night of semi-impromptu drinking, which ended with a trip to the chippie and a chicken shish kebab.
25 Aug 2013
Falafel Wraps, Grilled Veg and Salsa
Meal 71 - August 25th - Falafel Wraps, Grilled Veg and Salsa
Is it me or do some 15 minute meals bear a rather striking resemblance to each other? We decided to cook this one because we had a few of the ingredients already in our cupboards, but it turns out that the reason for this is that they are almost identical to the fajitas we cooked the other day: grilled veg? Check. Salsa? Check. Wholewheat tortillas? Check. The only real difference was the falafels, which were not drastically different to the veggie burgers I made recently. This was not a good sign - those veggie burgers were mediocre at best.
Is it me or do some 15 minute meals bear a rather striking resemblance to each other? We decided to cook this one because we had a few of the ingredients already in our cupboards, but it turns out that the reason for this is that they are almost identical to the fajitas we cooked the other day: grilled veg? Check. Salsa? Check. Wholewheat tortillas? Check. The only real difference was the falafels, which were not drastically different to the veggie burgers I made recently. This was not a good sign - those veggie burgers were mediocre at best.
23 Aug 2013
Sizzling Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Peppers, Salsa, Rice and Beans
Meal 70 - August 23rd - Sizzling Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Peppers, Salsa, Rice and Beans
It's Friday again, bank holiday weekend again and another opportunity to tick a few more 15 minute meals off my list. For some reason I haven't done any chicken meals for over two months so I decided to fix that anomaly by attempting these sizzling fajitas. Fajitas are something which I used to cook on a semi regular basis, particularly as a quick, risk free option to cook for friends, but to be honest I always used pre-made fajita spice mix - I've never really considered the DIY option. According to Jamie, that DIY option consists merely of a heaped teaspoon of sweet smoked paprika. Have I been wasting my money on this pre-made stuff all this time, or is this Jamie equivalent overly simplified in order to save time, money and calories?
It's Friday again, bank holiday weekend again and another opportunity to tick a few more 15 minute meals off my list. For some reason I haven't done any chicken meals for over two months so I decided to fix that anomaly by attempting these sizzling fajitas. Fajitas are something which I used to cook on a semi regular basis, particularly as a quick, risk free option to cook for friends, but to be honest I always used pre-made fajita spice mix - I've never really considered the DIY option. According to Jamie, that DIY option consists merely of a heaped teaspoon of sweet smoked paprika. Have I been wasting my money on this pre-made stuff all this time, or is this Jamie equivalent overly simplified in order to save time, money and calories?
20 Aug 2013
Seared Asian Beef, Best Noodle Salad and Ginger Dressing
Meal 69 - August 20th - Seared Asian Beef, Best Noodle Salad and Ginger Dressing
I love a good surprise. Like when you find a fiver in your pocket that you didn't know was there. Or when someone brings cake into the office. Today I was not expecting great things from this seared Asian beef meal. The picture made it look like someone had been on a bit of a rampage around a greengrocers and chucked together whatever they could find, along with some noodles and rump steak. There was nothing about it which made me think it would have any wow factor.
I love a good surprise. Like when you find a fiver in your pocket that you didn't know was there. Or when someone brings cake into the office. Today I was not expecting great things from this seared Asian beef meal. The picture made it look like someone had been on a bit of a rampage around a greengrocers and chucked together whatever they could find, along with some noodles and rump steak. There was nothing about it which made me think it would have any wow factor.
17 Aug 2013
Crab Bolognese and Crunch Fennel Salad
Meal 68 - August 17th - Crab Bolognese and Crunch Fennel Salad
This weekend marks the return of Premier League and I'm writing this post just as THFC kick off their opening match against Crystal Palace. I'm a little nervous - Palace are newly promoted and are most people's favourites for relegation but Tottenham have a knack of cocking things up. Anyway, speaking of cocking things up, I decided to attempt another crab dish, just a couple of weeks after my last one, which, I'm sure you'll remember was a disaster.
This weekend marks the return of Premier League and I'm writing this post just as THFC kick off their opening match against Crystal Palace. I'm a little nervous - Palace are newly promoted and are most people's favourites for relegation but Tottenham have a knack of cocking things up. Anyway, speaking of cocking things up, I decided to attempt another crab dish, just a couple of weeks after my last one, which, I'm sure you'll remember was a disaster.
10 Aug 2013
Mexican Salad, Charred Avo and Popcorn Beans
Meal 65 - August 10th - Mexican Salad, Charred Avo and Popcorn Beans
There is obviously quite a variety of meals in the 15 minute meals book. Some have been real 15 minute wonders. Some however have not taken 15 minutes. And some are just not meals. Case in point: this Mexican salad.
There is obviously quite a variety of meals in the 15 minute meals book. Some have been real 15 minute wonders. Some however have not taken 15 minutes. And some are just not meals. Case in point: this Mexican salad.
20 Jul 2013
Smoked Salmon, Potato and Asparagus Salad
Meal 59 - July 20th - Smoked Salmon, Potato and Asparagus Salad
Jamie seems to be quite big on fish. A few years ago I remember he did a TV show called "Jamie's Fish Supper", where basically he was bigging up a variety of underused fish, like coley, pouting and dab. Here in 15 minute meals, not only is the fish section by far the biggest in the book, but it features some 17 different species. I've been ticking off the dishes as I go but it just feels like this fish section is never ending.
Jamie seems to be quite big on fish. A few years ago I remember he did a TV show called "Jamie's Fish Supper", where basically he was bigging up a variety of underused fish, like coley, pouting and dab. Here in 15 minute meals, not only is the fish section by far the biggest in the book, but it features some 17 different species. I've been ticking off the dishes as I go but it just feels like this fish section is never ending.
12 Jul 2013
Griddled Tuna Kinda Nicoise Salad
Meal 56 - July 12th - Griddled Tuna Kinda Nicoise Salad
I don't want to really be turning this into a travel blog (maybe that'll be next years project) but I couldn't write this post without saying anything about our recent trip to the Loire Valley. Despite the rustic, laid back (not to mention foodie-friendly) surroundings it was a surprisingly active holiday as I successfully persuaded Lolz to explore the area on bike, canoe and foot. There was certainly no calorie deficit however - the excellent breakfast provided by our B&B set the tone for the day. This would be followed by lots of bread and cheese, and the occasional crepe, galette or ice cream and a two or three course meal in the evening. That's not to mention the wine - local producers seem desperate to get you in their doors and are only too happy to let you quaff away at all their different varieties to help you choose what to buy.
I don't want to really be turning this into a travel blog (maybe that'll be next years project) but I couldn't write this post without saying anything about our recent trip to the Loire Valley. Despite the rustic, laid back (not to mention foodie-friendly) surroundings it was a surprisingly active holiday as I successfully persuaded Lolz to explore the area on bike, canoe and foot. There was certainly no calorie deficit however - the excellent breakfast provided by our B&B set the tone for the day. This would be followed by lots of bread and cheese, and the occasional crepe, galette or ice cream and a two or three course meal in the evening. That's not to mention the wine - local producers seem desperate to get you in their doors and are only too happy to let you quaff away at all their different varieties to help you choose what to buy.
27 Jun 2013
Beef Chimichurri, New Potatoes and Crunch Salad
Meal 55 - June 27th - Beef Chimichurri, New Potatoes and Crunch Salad
With Lolz off on what she insists will not be a drunken weekend tomorrow, this will be my last 15 minute meal of the month, and therefore my last one before we hit the second half of the year. With 55 down and still 64 to go I'm a little behind schedule but nothing a few indulgent, 15 minute meal heavy weekends won't solve. In the six months I've been going so far, I've cooked 7 chicken dishes, 8 beef, 4 pork, 3 lamb, 9 fish, 6 pasta, 3 soups and sarnies, 5 veggie and 9 breakfasts. There have been hits (Asian Sea Bass) and misses (Prawn Linguine). I've experienced cooking with new ingredients, learned new cooking techniques and discovered whole new places to shop. Who knows what surprises the second half of the year will have in store?
With Lolz off on what she insists will not be a drunken weekend tomorrow, this will be my last 15 minute meal of the month, and therefore my last one before we hit the second half of the year. With 55 down and still 64 to go I'm a little behind schedule but nothing a few indulgent, 15 minute meal heavy weekends won't solve. In the six months I've been going so far, I've cooked 7 chicken dishes, 8 beef, 4 pork, 3 lamb, 9 fish, 6 pasta, 3 soups and sarnies, 5 veggie and 9 breakfasts. There have been hits (Asian Sea Bass) and misses (Prawn Linguine). I've experienced cooking with new ingredients, learned new cooking techniques and discovered whole new places to shop. Who knows what surprises the second half of the year will have in store?
21 Jun 2013
Black Bean Beef Burgers, Noodles and Pickle Salad
Meal 52 - June 21st - Black Bean Beef Burgers, Noodles and Pickle Salad
Well I'm pleased to report that we did successfully make it to Brighton last weekend. Fuelled by the Incredibly Delicious Chicken Salad and Lolz's pear tart, not to mention an army of Jelly Babies, we negotiated rain, shine, hills, bike jams and even some brake issues before we caught sight of Brighton beach at around 6:30. It wasn't quite 15 minute meals standard but I think I'd thoroughly earned the greasy chicken and chips from the beachfront caff which I ate before heading home (in the car, obviously, although Lolz did make me drive). A busy week meant this was my first post bike ride opportunity to return to my 15 minute meal challenge and with various other trips away over the next few weeks I knew I'd have to make this weekend count - I will be aiming to add three meals to my tally before returning to work on Monday.
Well I'm pleased to report that we did successfully make it to Brighton last weekend. Fuelled by the Incredibly Delicious Chicken Salad and Lolz's pear tart, not to mention an army of Jelly Babies, we negotiated rain, shine, hills, bike jams and even some brake issues before we caught sight of Brighton beach at around 6:30. It wasn't quite 15 minute meals standard but I think I'd thoroughly earned the greasy chicken and chips from the beachfront caff which I ate before heading home (in the car, obviously, although Lolz did make me drive). A busy week meant this was my first post bike ride opportunity to return to my 15 minute meal challenge and with various other trips away over the next few weeks I knew I'd have to make this weekend count - I will be aiming to add three meals to my tally before returning to work on Monday.
20 May 2013
Sweet and Sour Veggies, Szechuan Eggy Rice & Crunch Salad
Meal 45 - Sweet and Sour Veggies, Szechuan Eggy Rice & Crunch Salad
In a rather comedic moment on Friday night Lolz was rummaging through the freezer when something made her turn around rather quickly, bang her head on the door and collect a rather nasty gash on her forehead. Cue a trip to A&E, stitches and Lolz declaring that she was unfit to cook dinner for me as promised. But although it was me who had to step up and save the day, driving her to the hospital and cooking dinner while she rested her poor little head, apparently it was all my fault because she was only looking in the freezer in order to satisfy my request to add prawns to the stir fry she was going to cook.
In a rather comedic moment on Friday night Lolz was rummaging through the freezer when something made her turn around rather quickly, bang her head on the door and collect a rather nasty gash on her forehead. Cue a trip to A&E, stitches and Lolz declaring that she was unfit to cook dinner for me as promised. But although it was me who had to step up and save the day, driving her to the hospital and cooking dinner while she rested her poor little head, apparently it was all my fault because she was only looking in the freezer in order to satisfy my request to add prawns to the stir fry she was going to cook.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)