MEDICINAL GREEN CURRY

Image Leave a comment 11/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

This time of year (January) it is very cold, wet, windy and snowy, so your immune system can take a bit of a battering. We tend to reach for medications such a cold & flu capsules, ibuprofen etc, which can help, however, I am a great believer that you can repair your body and fight infections from within and eating right does play a big part on that.

This recipe contains the following, so it is the ultimate winter fighter food.

Chillies contain Capsaicin which helps clear mucus. Ginger contains natural antibodies & anti-inflammatory agents & the ability to clear congestion. Garlic has antiviral & antibacterial properties. Butternut squash & wholemeal rice is good for boosting Vitamin C for your immune system. Cashew nuts are good source of fibre & magnesium both good for bone health & energy boosting.

This is also a great dish for batch cooking. It really is a win win all round.

Serves 4

2 Large Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

2 Tbsp Thai Green Curry Paste (1 used the Blue Dragon Paste, but feel free to make your own)

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil for cooking

1 400g Tin Coconut Milk

1 Vegetable Stock Cube

1 Tsp Turmeric

300g Butternut Squash, cut into chunks

200g Cauliflower, cut into small pieces

150g Baby Spinach

1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

Salt & Pepper

Juice of 1 Lime

30g Chopped Cashews (to garnish)

Handful chopped Spring Onion (to garnish)

50g Wholemeal Rice per person, cooked as per pack instructions.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat, brown the chicken and remove with slotted spoon.
If needed, put a little more oil in. Stir fry the curry paste for about 2 minutes to heat through and release the flavours.
Crumble the vegetable stock cube into the coconut milk and stir, pour into the pan with the curry paste and mix through. Add 1 Tsp of Turmeric.
Add back to the pan the chicken, butternut squash and cauliflower, mix and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes, covered.
5 minutes before curry is ready, add in 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce, Juice of Lime and Spinach, mix through continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Serve with some wholemeal rice, spring onion and cashew nuts.

Chicken Curry with Almond Milk

Image Leave a comment 29/08/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Who doesn’t love a Curry? Especially when it’s a healthier version. This Curry came about when I was trying to use up leftover Almond Milk, nutritionally, store-bought almond milk (like Alpro or Almond Breeze) is a low-calorie product with about 56 calories per 100ml. It’s typically low in fat, with just 1.5g per 100g – all of which is largely unsaturated fat.

This Curry is a great family curry as its low in spice but with great flavour. It’s also great if you love batch cooking as you can make a hug pot and freeze into portions.

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & Pepper

1 tbsp Tomato Paste

300ml Almond Milk

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp Chilli powder

Handful of Cauliflower Florets (I used frozen)

Handful of Peas (I used frozen)

Curry Paste (see below)

Curry Paste:

1 Onion

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp gram masala

Sea salt

Mix all the Curry Paste ingredients into a blender and mix until you get a smooth paste.
Heat a little oil in a pan on medium to high heat, add chicken, season and brown.
Add the Curry paste to the pan and heat through for about 2 minutes.
Next add the tomato paste, almond milk, cinnamon and chilli powder and mix through.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer on low for about 1 hour. 15 minutes before serving add in the cauliflower & peas, mix through and cook for remaining time.
I served with some of my Chickpea Chaptai’s. https://cookingwithluce.wordpress.com/2020/08/29/chickpea-chapati/

Harissa Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Image Leave a comment 08/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

A bit of Meal prepping today while I have some time. I have been doing this for a few weeks now and have found it to be very beneficial to us. Sometimes I don’t get in till late from work and its always nice to have a healthy dinner ready for you. Also it means the 1/2 hour I save on making dinner means I can get some exercise in…..no excuses now.

Makes 4 Servings

1 tsp Ginger powder or 1″ piece fresh ginger minced

2 garlic gloves – minced

1 yellow onion – diced

2 tbsp Harissa Paste

Florets from 1 Caulifower

2 x 400g Chickpeas, drained

1 x 400g coconut milk

300ml vegetable stock

200g baby spinach

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat a little oil in a large pan, add the garlic, ginger and onions and fry until softened.
Add the Harissa Paste and coat the onions. Add in the Cauliflower and mix until coated.
Pour in chickpeas, vegetable stock & coconut milk with seasoning and mix through, bring to the boil then simmer and cook covered for about 25-30 minutes until cauliflower has softened.
Add the spinach and mix through, cook for a further minute or until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and either serve or allow to cool before freezing.
Serve with some Bulgur wheat or rice for a filling meal.

Cauliflower Pakora

Image Leave a comment 07/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! I still had some pakora batter left so decided to try these little bites….super good and tasty.

Pakora Batter

150g gram flour

200ml water

1/2 tsp chilli

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp gram masala

1/2 tsp Turmeric

2 cloves garlic or 2 tsp ground garlic

small handful coriander (chopped finely)

Pinch salt

1. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together, make a well in the middle and gently add water little at a time while stirring, continue to add water until you get a smooth batter, it shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. Set aside.

1 x Cauliflower, cut into small florets.

I steamed my cauliflower using my steam pot for about 6 minutes, but if you don’t have this, you can cook in a pan of salted water on a gentle heat for about 20 minutes then drain.

Dip into the pakora batter and fry gently at 180 deg in rapseed oil for a few minutes until golden. Remove and place onto some kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.

Serve. Yummy!

I served with my Pakora Sauce:-

Pakora sauce

50g tomato ketchup

2g Mint leaves (finely chopped)

100g Natural Yoghurt

Pinch salt and chilli

50ml milk

Mix together until smooth.

Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower

Image 1 Comment 09/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I got this recipe from one of my colleagues at an event, this is so delicious I just had to try myself at home. It is really easy to make and healthy. I used a steam assisted method to cook so this was lovely and moist.

Served with some Houmous and toasted almonds it was the perfect little dish, either as a snack, tapas style dish or an accompaniment dish.

Serves 3-4

1 whole cauliflower – outer leaves removed

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

1 clove garlic minced

1 lemon juice & (Zest for serving)

200g Houmous

30-40g Toasted Almond Flakes

1 tbsp fresh chopped mint to serve.

Mix oil, salt, pepper, spices, garlic and lemon juice in a bowl. Rub this mixture into the cauliflower.
Pre heat your oven on fan to 200 deg. Place a deep tray with water on level 2 and place a wire rack over the top, don’t allow the rack to touch the water. (the water is to create steam for more moisture)
Place cauliflower onto the rack and cook for about 45 minutes.
Place the houmous onto a plate, top with toasted almonds, the slice the cauliflower on top and sprinkle with lemon zest and mint. Serve.

Salmon & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Image Leave a comment 19/06/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Yum. Looking in my cupboards tonight I needed to use up an opened carton of tomatoes, packet of broccoli and cauliflower so this is what I came up with. Already planning on having salmon just didn’t know what with, so this was one of those delicious last minute meals. And under 500 calories it was healthier too.

Makes 2 portions

100g Wholemeal Fusilli Pasta (or penne if you prefer)

Handful or Broccoli florets and Cauliflower

1 tbsp low fat butter

1 tbsp plain flour

100ml skimmed milk

10g grated blue cheese (or cheddar if you prefer)

2 Scottish salmon fillets – cut into strips. (bite size pieces)

100g chopped tinned tomatoes

1 tbsp dried parsley

1 tbsp dried dill

Pepper to taste

1 tsp melted butter

2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

Pre heat oven to 180 deg
Boil the pasta as per instructions and add the broccoli and cauliflower 4 minutes before ready.
Meanwhile, to make the béchamel sauce melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan and add the flour, mix, slowly add in the milk, little at a time constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Remove from heat when it starts to thicken up. Then stir in the grated cheese.
Mix the sauce into the pasta and empty into an oven proof dish, add the salmon and tomatoes and mix through. Season. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over.
Bake in the oven for approx 30 minutes. Serve.

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower and Rice Soup

Image Leave a comment 10/01/2017 the wee caledonian cook

After coming down with the cold over the holidays, I was on a mission not only to eat healthier but to use food as a natural healer, so that means more antioxidants and vegetables. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

Serves 2

1 Cauliflower

2 garlic cloves

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp crushed red pepper

1 onion – chopped

salt & pepper to season

1 pint of vegetable broth

1/2 can of coconut milk

2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander

Pre-heat you oven to 230 deg C.
Chop up the cauliflower into small florets/cubes, add in the chopped garlic and oil into a bowl and mix through until all combined.
Place the cauliflower onto a baking tray and bake for about 25 mins.
Heat a tbsp oil in a pan and gently fry the onion, add the veg stock and bring to the boil, add in the cauliflower then cover and simmer for about 15 mins.
Add in the coconut milk and stir through, using a hand blender, blend until smooth.
Cook your rice separately then once ready add to the soup and mix through.
Serve in a bowl and garnish with coriander.

This was really tasty and so healthy and filling.

Cauliflower Rice with Tuna, Tomato and Sweetcorn.

Image Leave a comment 02/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Always wondered what the cauliflower rice would be like and as I’m trying to eat healthier, I said why not give it a go. I have to say it is quite bland on its own, so I jazzed it up a bit.

Makes 2 servings

1 packet of Cauliflower Rice

1/2 tin of tomatoes

1 tin of tuna in spring water (or any you like)

1/2 cup of sweetcorn

1 tbsp soya sauce

1 tsp turmeric powder (classed as a superfood)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chilli powder

chopped parsley to serve

Heat some spray oil in a large wok. Add in the cauli rice then flavour with the turmeric, cumin, chilli and soya sauce, stir to combine.
Then add in the tuna, sweetcorn and tin tomatoes, stir to combine through and gently heat for about 4 mins.
Serve with some fresh parsley. Yummy! and Healthy!

My discovery today was – Cauliflower Rice! AMAZING!

Image Leave a comment 22/01/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I just had to share this exciting new food product, CAULI RICE, yes of course it is Cauliflower rice, Gluten Free, low in calories, low in fat but full of flavour! They offer 4 different flavours and in a handy microwave pouch.

At only roughly 50 calories per 100g, it’s a great way to eat healthier and still enjoy the texture of rice and flavours. Made purely from Cauliflower grains.

I have already ordered. Check this weblink for more details.

https://www.caulirice.com/en/home/

EAT RIGHT, FEEL AMAZING!

After my post, I decided to pick some up in my supermarket.

I have just tried the Mediterranean one and it is lovely and at only 46 Kcal and 1.1g fat it is actually quite filling too.

GO GREEN! Green Veg and rice dish.

Image Leave a comment 30/05/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I was inspired to give this a try by a fellow Blogger http://www.myfussyeater.com/, I have to say it was delicious, a very light, healthy and filling lunch. I made enough for 4 servings and chilled 3 for later.

Approx 270 calories per serving.

1 medium Cauliflower

3 Handfuls of Spinach

drizzle olive oil

75g Long grain and Wild rice (or you can use what you prefer)

1 Avocado

1/2 lime juice

1/2 tsp garlic

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Blitz the cauliflower in a processor until rice like consistency

2. Add in the Spinach and blitz to blend through adding a little olive oil if needed.

3. Meanwhile cook rice as per packet instructions until soft.

4. Also boil 2 medium eggs until slightly hard boiled (about 7 mins)

5. Empty Cauliflower and Spinach into a microwave container and cover with cling film, pierce film with a few holes and cook in a microwave for 3 mins on high power (900W)

6. Mash together the avocado, lime juice and garlic

7. Empty rice and cauliflower mixture into a large bowl then add in the avocado mix and stir well until mixed together. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

8. Put rice mixture onto plate and slice the boiled egg on top. You can drizzle a tbsp of low fat mayo for extra taste. YUMMY!

Serve with a Green Tea for maximum health benefits………………GO GREEN!!!

I might try putting some Chilli through it next time to give an extra kick.

Savoury Muffins

Image Leave a comment 31/01/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Experimenting in the Kitchen again today. These were tasty and healthy, what’s not to like? Result!

A. Carrot and Sesame Cups – (95 calories, 5g fat, 0.6g sat fat, 7g carbs, 4g protein)

Makes 12

250g Cauliflower

500g carrots

50g oat bran

3 eggs

1 tsp sea salt

50g sesame seeds

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp of chilli flakes for extra spice (this is optional, but tastes great!)

1. Roughly chop cauliflower and carrot and blitz in a food processor until fine pieces, tip into a large bowl.

2. Add the oat bran, eggs, salt and sesame seeds and mix through.

3. Lightly oil a muffin tin and spoon the mixture into the cups and pat down flat, spoon a little on top a mould to make a rounded top.

4. Preheat oven on Multilevel or fan to 180 deg and cook for 20-25 mins, leave to cool slightly (a few mins) and serve with some fresh salad for lunch or some rice for dinner.

B. Bacon and Leek Frittata Cups – (cal 115, fat 8g, sat fat 2.3g, carbs 3g, protein 6.4g)

Serves 12

150g new potatoes (or you can use sweet potato)

1 tbsp olive oil

2 leeks

8 rashers bacon

6 eggs

bunch parsley fresh or dried

salt and pepper

1. Wash potatoes, slice or dice finely and boil for 10 mins

2. Finely slice leeks, chop the bacon ans saute them on the olive oil until soft and browned.

3. If sliced potato, arrange on bottom of mould, if diced, mash roughly and press into bottom of mould, spoon in the leek and bacon mixture.

4. Whisk the eggs with the salt & pepper and pour evenly into each cup to fill. Sprinkle a little parsley in top.

5. Preheat oven on Multilevel to Fan to 180 deg and cook for 25 mins. Leave to cool slightly (a few mins), then serve with some fresh salad or rice.

YUM…YUM..

Both of these can be frozen and reheated in an oven for 10 mins.

THE WEE CALEDONIAN COOK

DISCOVERING MY INNER CHEF

cauliflower