Tag: #foodporn

Coriander and Lemon Potato Curry
Alliyah Dawud
May 3, 2019


I’ll be frank with you. I love curries but I get bored of the same old same old situation.
When the (former) Boss and I decided to have Lunch at mine I created what I would consider a Vegetarian Banquet. I absolutely love vegetarian curries. I believe they showcase how awesome and easy vegetables are to work with. Plus with my healthy food kick I am always looking at healthier meals. It helps that I love daals/pulses!

One of the curries I created was this one. Its a simple, frugal curry I believe is perfect for Spring and Summer as it’s lighter than other curries. There’s no tomatoes in this curry and that’s why it wouldn’t look like a standard red curry.

I serve this curry with plain boiled rice. It also tastes equally awesome the next day. It cooks in less than 30 minutes and children love it too.

This recipe is actually VEGAN. So to my vegan readers I hope this is music to their ears.

To serve 4-6 people (depending on curry portion sizes)

400 grams (baby potatoes work, as do standard potatoes cut into rounds that are pound thickness).
2 RBSP rapeseed oil
1 large onion sliced thinly
5 cloves of garlic-crushed
4 TBSP fresh coriander (including stalks) chopped finely
2 lemons-juiced
1 TBSP coriander seed powder crushed
1 TBSP cumin powder
Salt-to taste
OPTIONAL: 1 TSP chili powder or 1 TSP chili flakes.
1500-2000 ml water (plain stuff from the tap)

To serve:
Lemon wedges (optional)
Yogurt (vegan to keep the recipe vegan)-optional
Plain boiled rice ( I use Basmati).

I assume you guys have prepared the ingredients as above…lets get cracking.

1) Heat the oil in a large pot on a medium heat. Add the sliced onion and fry until onions are soft NOT browned.
2) Add the potatoes and stir well. ‘Fry’ for 5 minutes stirring to ensure the potatoes don’t stick.
3) Now add the garlic and fry for one minute. You’ll be ‘hit’ with a shot of garlic scent. That tells us we are ready for the next step.
4) Now add the salt and dried spices. Stir well to coat the potatoes. If the spices start to ‘burn’ or the mixture starts to stick add 2 TBSP of water to the potatoes.
5) Add HALF the coriander. Stir well.
6) Now add 1500 ml (1.5 litres) to the potatoes. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and cover the pan. You need to cook the potatoes until tender. Now this will vary depending on which potatoes you are using. So after 8 minutes ‘test’ the spuds. I usually do this by carefully inserting a sharp knife tip into the potato. If it starts to fall apart its done. It its hard as nails you need to cook it more. I found my standard potatoes took 18 minutes too cook. Now you will be thinking why do you have water left over? Answer: if you want a more ‘runny’ curry you need to add all the liquid. If you prefer a drier curry stick to 1500 ml. Always remember that if water evaporates too quickly the potatoes won’t cook and you need to add more. It’s that simple.
7) Once the potatoes are cooked turn off the heat. Now add the remaining coriander and lemon juice. Stir through.
8) Serve!

I served with rice but you can serve the curry with Naans or maybe Parathas.

Store leftovers in the fridge and warm through thoroughly before serving.

Delicious.

Bean and Egg Burritos
Alliyah Dawud
April 26, 2019

Easy peasy spicy egg and black bean burritos (An awesome Breakfast)

Eggs are awesome. Not only do they cook fast but they are cheap, nutritious but are also versatile.

Black beans are magic. I bulk boil them and freeze them so I have a constant supply. I use them in tex mex dishes, Quesadillas, salads, rice bowls and these awesome Burritos.

If you use freshly boiled beans you can make some extra Burritos to freeze so you always have a hot Breakfast on hand in the freezer. Plus these bad boys are healthier than a lot of the ready made stuff you can pick up at certain fast food places.

This is a great recipe to use for bulk preparing Breakfasts.

To make two of these bad boys you will need:

2 large tortilla wraps

  • 4 eggs (see note below)
  • Red Chili powder (to your tasting: I find a 1/4 of a tsp is enough as I also add chili sauce)
  • 2 TBSP milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • (whisk the eggs with the milk, salt and pepper)
  • 1 TBSP oil (or a small knob of butter)
  • 6 TBSP cooked black beans
  • TBSP salsa (I use a chunky one)
  • Optional: chili sauce
  • Coriander leaves

1) Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper together.
2) Heat a medium pan and add the butter (or oil) on a medium heat. Now add the egg mixture and stir well. It will start to form clumps of egg. That’s what you want. Cooking the eggs should take around 4-5 minutes.
3) Lightly warm the wrap.
4) Place on a large chopping board or plate and add half the mixture. Add half the beans. Push the mixture towards the centre (I would watch a Burrito rolling video to understand the technique).
5) Add the beans and salsa. Add the coriander (if using) Sprinkle on the cheese. Add chili sauce if required.
6) Now roll that bad boy up!
7) Serve!

To freeze:
Roll up the Burritos and wrap in Cling film. Then place in a ziploc bag, label and freeze.

To heat up: take out of the freezer. Remove from the bag and remove the cling film . Take a piece of kitchen paper and dampen it. Wrap it with the paper (loosely) and zap in the Microwave for 2.5-3 minutes. Remove the kitchen paper carefully to avoid it sticking to the Burrito. Remove from the Microwave and allow to stand for 2/3 minutes. Check the Burrito is defrosted and heated completely before eating.

Serve with a big dollop of Ketchup or my favourite Chili and Garlic Ketchup (sold at most Asian food stores).

My awesome Tacos
Alliyah Dawud
April 19, 2019

Green Lentil Tacos!

For those that know me will know I love green lentils. They are bloody awesome.

Here is my version of a ‘vegetarian taco meat’ which I believe is the bloody best!

It’s an awesome ‘Meat Free Monday’ recipe. It’s also great for a big crowd as everyone can build their own tacos to their own tastes. If you do serve this for a big group add some tortilla chips as a side.

Its cooked in the Slow Cooker however it’s started off on the stove. It’s awesome because you can freeze it. It’s also awesome because about 15 minutes work results in Tacos that are soooooo good you will be singing me praises.

For this recipe (which makes enough for 8 large tacos) you will need:

(Ingredients):

  • 2 medium onions-sliced
  • 8 cloves of garlic-crushed
  • 2 TBSP rapeseed oil
  • 1 TBSP oregano
  • 1 TBSP cumin
  • 1 TBSP coriander powder
  • 1 TSP smoked paprika
  • 1 TBSP salt (adjust to your own needs)
  • 1 TBSP onion powder
  • 250 grams green lentils (my go to super food).
  • 800 ml of water (or stock)

1) Wash and soak the lentils in boiling water for at least an hour. I cover the bowl with cling film and this works great. You can also place the lentils in a thermos.
2) Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions until soft. You don’t need them to be browned. Add the garlic and stir and fry for 30 seconds.
3) Drain and add the lentils and fry. Add a bit of stock (or water) if the lentils start to stick.
4) Add the herbs and spices. Mix well.
5) Bring to the boil. Transfer to the Slow Cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Check after 1.5 hours. Stir well. Check again at 2.5 hours. If you notice that the liquid (Stock) has evaporated add more water as you need the lentils to cook.
6) Once the lentils are tender turn off the Slow Cooker. If there’s stock left transfer to a pan on the stove and heat the mixture on a high heat without a lid.
7) Remove from the heat and mash the lentils lightly.
8) BOOM! Lentils are done.

To assemble: You will need:

  • Tortilla wraps (I used the mini ones I get in Aldi)
  • Salsa
  • Cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Jalepenos
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced red onion
  • Wedges of lime

To put together this awesome delight of a taco:
1) Warm your wrap.
2) Spread on the lentil mix.
3) Add the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa and a dollop of sour cream. Squeeze on the lime.
4) Sprinkle on some cheese and add some jalapeno’s.
5) Stuff face. Enjoy. Repeat.

Notes:

  • This recipe is also used in my Crunch wraps.
  • You can freeze the lentil mixture.
  • It’s also great for stuffing Burritos and filling Enciladas.

My take on Golden Milk
Alliyah Dawud
April 12, 2019

Warm milk at bedtime has long been something we associate with a good nights sleep. As a child I would heave at the idea of warm milk so thus never consumed it.

Now I know Golden Milk is a trend….and is of course linked to the Motherland/India.
But for the ones like me that have links to these region we’ve known for a while how good things like ‘haldi’ are for you.

Fast forward to my 30’s and 1 Heart Attack later with a million lifestyle changes and I now understand the enormous blessings a cup of this milk can bring into my life when drank on a regular basis.

I haven’t added coconut oil. I know for many this is a travesty however this is my take on it.

My recipe creates an earthy, golden spicy milk that is like an internal and external therapeutic hug in a mug.

To break down what I have in my milk I’ve written the summary below:

Turmeric-of course it gives it the golden colour but the truth is ‘haldi’ is awesome for Cardiac health and also for those that suffer arthritis.

Ginger- helps regulate sugar levels, helps aid digestion and also boosts your bone health (and offers joint pain relief).

Cinnamon-helps regulate sugar levels, some research shows it can help boost new hair growth, also good at assisting with weight management.

Now let me be real with you. ONE CUP OF GOLDEN MILK won’t cure your problems even if they are listed above. You need to be realistic and combine something like this with a healthy lifestyle. If you are eating 5 doughnuts and 8 bags of chips a day and are expecting a simple cup of golden milk to regulate your sugar levels and help you lose weight you need to get back on your unicorn and leave the planet before reality hits you and you understand some things are self inflicted.

Okay rant over. Lets get down to business. To make a mug of this awesome deliciousness you will need:

350 ml skimmed milk
1 TSP turmeric (I use an organic variety that I also use in my face masks)
1 x 2 cm piece of fresh ginger
1 small stick of cinnamon
Sweetener of your choice

1.Heat the milk in a pan with the spices.

  1. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 3 minutes.
    3) Strain into a mug. If you have a milk frothier you can froth up the milk at this stage.
    4) Add sweetener of choice.
    5) Enjoy.

My Desi Keema Pie (a twist on Shepherds Pie)
Alliyah Dawud
April 5, 2019

I love old Skool family meals and for me Shepherds Pie screams not just comfort food but good family grub. Although pies are linked to Autumn and colder days I feel pies are great even in Spring…when the weather is warming up.

Since I can remember I have added tweaks to classics; however I brand them or let folk know that this is a variation of the classic. Perhaps the purest in me couldn’t face classics being destroyed.

Anyhow I love spice. Show me how spicy you like it baby and I’m likely to match it or go large on you.

This is my ‘desi’ aka spicy take on Shepherds Pie. I find a bit of spice helps warm me up super quick in colder months. Of course you could omit the spices and make an awesome classic as it would have been make back in the day pre-Alliyahism.

To serve 4/6

Ingredients:
500 grams mutton mince (Or beef/lamb/sheep whatever you use)
2 medium onions finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic-crushed
1 piece of ginger-whole (you will fish this out before baking)
2 medium carrots peeled and sliced (not too thick as you want them to cook through. You could also finely chop them if you wish)
80 grams peas (I use Petite Pois)
1/2 tin chopped tomatoes
150 ml water
1 tablespoon Rapeseed oil
1 level tablespoon salt
1 level tablespoon cumin
1 level tablespoon coriander seed powder
1 piece of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

For the mash:
750 grams potatoes peeled and cubed
Low carb alternative (this is a bit more grainy in texture):
300 grams cauliflower, 200 grams parsnips 250 grams potatoes
4-5 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter (or a little bit more)
Salt-to taste

1) Boil the potatoes as you usually would. If you making the low carb version you need to peel and chop up the parsnips and potatoes and boil til tender. Boil or steam the cauliflower separately. Once cooked mashed with the milk, butter and salt.
2) Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and fry until soft. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 2 minutes (watch that the garlic doesn’t burn).
2) Add the spices and stir well. Add the mince once you can smell the spices. Fry for 5 minutes. If you find that the mince is catching onto the bottom of the pan add two tablespoons of water.
3) Add the carrots, water and the tinned tomatoes. Bring the mince up to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes with the lid on. Stir occasionally. If you find that the pie mix is too dry (I find this can happen depending on the quality of the mince) add some extra water. If you end up with too much you can crank up the heat, remove the lid and let the liquid evaporate.
4) Turn the heat off and remove the ginger. Add the peas. Stir well.
5) Place the mince in an ovenproof dish and add the mashed potato. Place in the oven at 160 for 35 minutes.
6) Serve. I serve ours with baked beans and chili sauce.

Leftovers can be frozen. Due to the spices this pie tastes awesome the next day…for the record.

If you freeze leftovers always wrap them well.