How to steam vegetables

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Steaming vegetables is a quick and easy option for getting vegetables onto your plate. 

Steaming your vegetables is a great way of keeping some of the crunch in your vegetables, none of us likes soggy broccoli with dinner. 

Here are some things you may need to know about how you can get perfect steamed vegetables every time. 

One important factor in steaming vegetables is keeping your vegetables the same size, if vegetables are cut to the same size they will cook at the same rate, this means you will be getting consistent texture in the finished vegetables.

Do not overfill the steamer, too much in one batch will mean some vegetables will overcook and others will barely be heated through.

Steam the dense vegetables first; things like carrots take slightly longer to cook than things like broccoli, if you are steaming a mix of vegetables try adding the dense first and tender vegetables towards the end. 

If you do not want mushy vegetables set a timer, steaming is quick so try checking your veggies after 3 minutes; you should be able to tell how much longer they need to cook.

Take the vegetables out just before they are done, this means you will not overcook them and end up with a mushy mess but perfectly cooked vegetables.

Different vegetables take different lengths of time to steam; this is a rough idea of how long some commonly used vegetables take to steam 

  • Spinach and Rocket: 3 minutes 
  • Peas: 3 minutes 
  • Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower Florets, Green Beans: 5 to 7 minutes 
  • Carrots, Potatoes, Turnips, Squash: 8 to 20 minutes 
  • Kale and Collards: 10 minutes 

How to Steam Vegetables 

Ingredients 

  • Any vegetables you want to steam 

Equipment 

  • Chopping board 
  • Chef’s knife 
  • Small saucepan with lid 
  • Steamer basket or colander 

Instructions

Cut the vegetables into uniformly sized pieces. The smaller the pieces the faster they will cook. 

Add 2-3cm of water to the pan and place the steamer basket or colander on top of the pan, the basket or colander should not touch the water. 

Bring the water to a boil, when you can see steam rising from the pot it is ready to use. 

Add your vegetables to the steamer basket or colander and cover with a lid. 

Check on the vegetables after approximately 3 minutes, vegetables will be ready when they are just tender and often look vibrantly and brightly coloured when they are ready. 

Remove the vegetables when they have a little crunch left, they will continue to cook even when they come out of the steamer 

Freshly steamed vegetables are great served with a little olive oil or some butter. 

Instructions

  1. Cut the vegetables into uniformly sized pieces. The smaller the pieces the faster they will cook. 
  2. Add 2-3cm of water to the pan and place the steamer basket or colander on top of the pan, the basket or colander should not touch the water. 
  3. Bring the water to a boil, when you can see steam rising from the pot it is ready to use. 
  4. Add your vegetables to the steamer basket or colander and cover with a lid. 
  5. Check on the vegetables after approximately 3 minutes, vegetables will be ready when they are just tender and often look vibrantly and brightly coloured when they are ready. 
  6. Remove the vegetables when they have a little crunch left, they will continue to cook even when they come out of the steamer 
  7. Freshly steamed vegetables are great served with a little olive oil or some butter. 

Seared Ginger Prawns

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Updating as we go

Earlier in 2021, I made a move to relocate and update my website. I’ve been making changes and improving all of the things as I go. This recipe is one of the many things I’ve tried to make better. 

Protein in a small package

I like prawns; they are small, tasty and simple to make. I like to get a package of prawns to cook up and to have on hand as an easy protein portion that can be added to meals like salads or stir-frys. I like to cook the prawns all at once and portion them out; this means I can have protein in the fridge or the freezer. Prawns last about three days cooked in the fridge, which is excellent when you have an abundance of salad.

Competition for dinner

Prawns are a favourite of more than just me; my fur baby is a big fan of prawns and loves it when we have them around. Don’t believe me? Check out the face before I even open the bag. 

Seared ginger prawns recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g prawns
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 cm piece of ginger, thinly sliced
  • Pinch ground black pepper

Peel the prawns by first removing the head and legs. 

Peel off the shell, then squeeze the prawn’s tail to remove it from the body. 

Pull the vein through the opening at the head of the prawn and discard.

Place a frying pan on medium-high heat with olive oil and ginger.

When the ginger starts to colour, add the prawns to the pan.

Be careful not to burn the ginger.

Cook the prawns for 5-6 minutes or until the prawns are cooked.

Remove the prawns from the pan.

Season with black pepper to serve.

“Seared

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“Fast



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 500g prawns
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 8 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. Peel the prawns by first removing the head and legs. 
  2. Peel off the shell, then squeeze the prawn’s tail to remove it from the body. 
  3. Pull the vein through the opening at the head of the prawn and discard.
  4. Place a frying pan on medium-high heat with olive oil and ginger.
  5. When the ginger starts to colour, add the prawns to the pan.
  6. Be careful not to burn the ginger.
  7. Cook the prawns for 5-6 minutes or until the prawns are cooked.
  8. Remove the prawns from the pan.
  9. Season with black pepper to serve.

Nutrition

Per Serving:272 calories; 14 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 29 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring cups
  • Scales
  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Tongs  

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Beef and snow pea stir-fry

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Last of the Snow peas

During the summer months, my mother in law has a little veg patch in her garden that keeps the family in spinach, silverbeet, cucumbers, beans, snow peas and spaghetti squash. Some years the haul from the garden is better than others, this year has been very dry, so we have had far less to eat from the garden. The snow peas have been small and kind of dry until recently, which is a shame because I do love them. last week we got a reasonable haul of snow peas to come home with, not wanting to waste the sweet crisp freshness of the snow peas I decided a tasty beef stir-fry would make the best use of the little green treats.

Beef and snow pea stir-fry recipe

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 300g snow peas
  • 4 tbsp. sunflower oil
  • 300g mushrooms sliced thinly
  • 500g beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked cauliflower rice 

Whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, garlic cloves, ginger, and vinegar in a bowl, then set aside.

Heat a wok or large frying pan, add two tablespoons of sunflower oil. 

When you add the oil, it should be smoking hot.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the wok and cook them on high heat, occasionally stirring. 

When they start to brown, remove them from the pan and set them to one side.

Return the wok to the heat, add the remaining sunflower oil.

Add half of the beef to the pan.  

Stir the meat and cook it until it is browned. 

Remove the cooked meat from the pan and set it to one side.  

Repeat with the remainder of the meat.

Add all of the meat, mushrooms, and snow peas to the pan with the sauce.  

Stir everything together over a high heat for about two minutes.

Serve over the cooked cauliflower rice.

Beef and snow pea stir-fry 

  • Servings: “6
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“A



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 300g snow peas
  • 4 tbsp. sunflower oil
  • 300g mushrooms sliced thinly
  • 500g beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked cauliflower rice

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, garlic cloves, ginger, and vinegar then set aside.
  2. Heat a wok or large frying pan, add two tablespoons of sunflower oil when you add the oil it should be smoking hot.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the wok and cook them on a high heat, occasionally stirring, when they start to brown remove them from the pan and set them to one side.
  4. Return the wok to the heat, add the remaining sunflower oil.
  5. Add half of the beef to the pan.  
  6. Stir the meat and cook it until it is browned, remove the cooked meat from the pan and set to one side.  
  7. Repeat with the remainder of the meat.
  8. Add all of the meat, mushrooms, and snow peas to the pan with the sauce.  
  9. Stir everything together over a high heat for about two minutes.
  10. Serve over the cooked cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 256 calories; 14 g fat; 17 g carbohydrates; 14 g protein

Equipment

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Scales
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spatula

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Fried chicken

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Revisiting family favourites

I’ve been revisiting recipes that have been some of my old school recipes and family favourites that were our staples when we got started as clean eaters. I first posted this recipe in 2016; at that time, the kids were fussy, vegetables had to be hidden and disguised, and there was no potential for intense flavours or spice. 

Times (thankfully) have changed, the kids have grown (like man-sized grown), and they now enjoy a wide range of foods. Things like vegetables are enjoyed, spice and chilli are consumed without complaint, and new ingredients are tried without tantrums.

As the kids have grown, my recipes have changed organically to meet their palates and preferences. I’ve updated this recipe because of that, but fear not, the original suitable be kids, and less developed palates is at the bottom of the post.

Not KFC

We all love a naughty takeaway, but we can all live without the extra calories and the expanding waistlines. You don’t need to live without your takeaway; swap it out for a delicious and healthier fakeaway. Thankfully, KFC was never on my junk food list, so I have never felt the need to reproduce it. The idea of fried chicken as a replacement for chicken nuggets for little people did appeal when the kids were young. I had a play around with a grain-free coating for some fried chicken that would keep the kids happy back in the day. I managed to come up with a simple coating that was light and crunchy, the coconut gives a great texture, and the flavour is a nice change from your standard heavy batter.

Fried chicken recipe

Ingredients

  • 400ml milk 
  • 800g chicken thigh fillets
  • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp. paprika 
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large bowl or tub.

In a bowl, whisk together the milk, paprika and garlic powder.

Pour the milk over the chicken thighs.

Cover the bowl or tub and put it in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours but ideally overnight.

When you are ready to use the chicken, remove the bowl or tub from the fridge.

On a plate with tall sides or a bowl, mix together the coconut flour, buckwheat flour, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt and pepper.

Take a piece of the chicken from the milk mixture and place it into the flour mix.

Spoon the flour over the chicken, making sure to coat the chicken thoroughly.

Lightly shake the excess flour off the chicken and place the chicken on a baking sheet to rest. 

Repeat with all of the chicken.

Take a large frying pan and heat a little oil over a medium heat.

Shallow fry the chicken. 

The coating should be a golden brown all over.

Make sure that the chicken is cooked through.

Set the cooked chicken on some kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.

Serve with a helping of slaw.

“Fried

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

– 400ml milk  – 800g chicken thigh fillets – 1 tsp. Garlic powder – 1 tsp. paprika – 1/2 cup coconut flour – 1/2 cup buckwheat flour – 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated – 1 tsp. paprika  – Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large bowl or tub.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, paprika and garlic powder.
  3. Pour the milk over the chicken thighs.
  4. Cover the bowl or tub and put it in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours but ideally overnight.
  5. When you are ready to use the chicken, remove the bowl or tub from the fridge.
  6. On a plate with tall sides or a bowl, mix together the coconut flour, buckwheat flour, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt and pepper.
  7. Take a piece of the chicken from the milk mixture and place it into the flour mix.
  8. Spoon the flour over the chicken, making sure to coat the chicken thoroughly.
  9. Lightly shake the excess flour off the chicken and place the chicken on a baking sheet to rest. 
  10. Repeat with all of the chicken.
  11. Take a large frying pan and heat a little oil over a medium heat.
  12. Shallow fry the chicken. 
  13. The coating should be a golden brown all over.
  14. Make sure that the chicken is cooked through.
  15. Set the cooked chicken on some kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.
  16. Serve with a helping of slaw.

Nutrition

Per Serving:387 calories;6 g fat;16 g carbohydrates;53 g protein

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Food tub
  • Plate x1
  • Cooling rack/baking tray
  • Frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Kitchen paper

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Fried chicken recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 600g chicken breast, large dices

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, mix together shredded coconut and flour; put the flour mix onto a plate. 
  2. In a bowl, beat the egg.
  3. Take the chicken pieces, dip each of them in the egg and then roll them in the flour mix.
  4. Put the coated chicken on a cooling rack.
  5. Once all of the chicken has been coated, it is ready to fry.
  6. In a frying pan over medium heat with some coconut oil, shallow fry the chicken.
  7. The coating should be a golden brown all over.
  8. Set the cooked chicken on some kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.
  9. Sprinkle the cooked chicken with a little paprika before serving.

Corned beef

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I never had any interest in corned beef when I was younger. I thought of corned beef as something nasty that came in a can and smiled a bit gross. While I still think that the corned beef in a can is gross, I do like a nice chunk of corned beef cooked just right. As with all things learning how to do something right is a key to success, cooking the meat right is no exception.

A good crust

The first few times I made corned beef I plonked the meat in the pan with some water and boiled it. Boring, I know. I decided to see what would happen if I seared the meat before boiling it. The difference in flavour was amazing. I could not believe how much better the corned beef was. I know I shouldn’t be so surprised that the simple step of searing meat would creak such a difference. The simple step adds a depth of flavour to any dish and brings out the best in your meal.

Corned beef

Ingredients 

  • 2kg Corned beef
  • 2 bag leaves
  • 12 peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos

Corned beef

  • Servings: 12
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“Easy



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

  • 2kg Corned beef
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 12 peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos

Directions

  1. Preheat a heavy bottom or cast won frying pan.
  2. Sear all sides of the beef to create a golden crust.
  3. If using an Instant pot place all of the ingredients in the pot with water up to the no higher than the minimum water line.
  4. Set the Instant pot to cook on the pressure cooking setting, on high for 90 minutes.
  5. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  6. Alternatively
  7. Place the peppercorns, bay leaves, coconut aminos and seared meat in a large stockpot.
  8. Cover the meat with boiling water.
  9. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to allow the meat to gently simmer, cover the pan.
  11. Simmer the meat for 40 mins per 500g of meat.
  12. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan.
  13. Let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding.

Nutrition

Per Serving:196 calories;5 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 35 g protein

Equipment 

  • Cast iron frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Stockpot with a lid

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Cross bun cookies

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Easter treats  

Yep, it really is Easter already; I know that the supermarket had the Easter eggs out at the end of January, but it is actually Easter now. I feel like Easter is not complete without hot cross buns, you can keep your chocolate eggs and your cream eggs, I miss the smell and taste of toasted hot cross buns smothered with butter. I have tried (and failed) many times to come up with a grain-free, sugar-free alternative for the hot cross bun. I’m convinced that it can’t be done, they just aren’t the same. That realisation set me free to try making hot cross other things like cookies!  

Same but different  

These cross bun cookies have all of the fruity, spicy flavours of the traditional hot cross bun, but in a gluten and sugar-free compact form. 

Cross bun cookies recipe 

Ingredients  

  • 1 1/4 cup rolled oats  
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder  
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda  
  • 2 tbsp. coconut sugar  
  • 1 tbsp. mixed spice  
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon  
  • 1/4 tsp. cloves  
  • 1/2 cup sun butter  
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup  
  • 3 tbsp. coconut milk  
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla bean powder  
  • 1/4 tsp. salt  
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips  
  • 1/4 cup raisins 

Preheat your oven to 180°c /360°f.  

Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.  

Blend your oats into flour or use a coffee grinder.  

In a bowl add the oat flour and mix in the baking soda, baking powder, coconut sugar, mixed spice, ground cinnamon and cloves.  

In a separate bowl, mix your sun butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla bean powder and salt.  

Add your wet and dry ingredients together and mix until combined and you have a sticky but not too sticky cookie dough.  

Fold in your sultanas or choc chips.

Divide the dough into cookies and place evenly on your lined trays.  

Press lightly on each to flatten and bake for 15 minutes.  

Cool and top with crosses.  

“Lemon

  • Servings: 15
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“These



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp. mixed spice
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. cloves
  • 1/2 cup sun butter
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp. coconut milk
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla bean powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup raisins

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°c /360°f.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. Blend your oats into flour or use a coffee grinder.
  4. In a bowl add the oat flour and mix in the baking soda, baking powder, coconut sugar, mixed spice, ground cinnamon and cloves.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix your sun butter, maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla bean powder and salt.
  6. Add your wet and dry ingredients together and mix until combined and you have a sticky but not too sticky cookie dough.
  7. Fold in your sultanas or choc chips, roll into cookies and place evenly on your lined trays.
  8. Press lightly on each to flatten and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Cool and top with crosses.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 86 calories; 2g fat; 15g carbohydrates; 2g protein

Equipment   

  • Baking tray   
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons   
  • Mixing bowl   
  • Spice mill   
  • Spatula   
  • Ice cream scoop   

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

One tray sausage and pepper rolls

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It’s time!!

This is one of our favourite Sunday afternoon meals because it is perfect for watching the UFC. Getting to sit down and watch the fights is often the only time we get to sit down and relax. I don’t mind making a spread when we have company over to watch fights, but not so much when it is just two of us. My ideal UFC meal takes minimum effort to prepare, no supervision to cook, and you don’t need to look at it while you eat it. There is nothing worse than taking your eyes off the screen to take a bite and missing a knockout.

Ready for UFC 271

With the Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 fights this weekend, these sausage and pepper roles are most definitely on the menu.

The buns make it perfect

Living in the land of the sausage sizzle, I’ve got used to the idea of sausages in a bread slice; while it isn’t my favourite, I appreciate the simplicity. For this recipe, I decided to upgrade the bread to some gluten-free rolls. The secret to this recipe is baking the rolls and the generous coating of butter. Buttering the inside and outside of the rolls for baking that gives the rolls a fantastic crunch on the outside. 

One tray sausage and pepper rolls recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 sausages
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow pepper, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 4 gluten-free rolls
  • 2 tbsp. butter, melted

Instructions 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F.

Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.

Place the sausages, onions and peppers on the baking tray.

Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the tray.

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top before tossing to coat everything.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Slice each of the rolls down the centre, then brush the rolls with the melted butter.

After baking for 25 minutes, move the sausages, peppers and onions down the tray and place the rolls on the tray.

Bake for another 10 minutes.

Serve each roll with one sausage and a portion of the vegetables.

“One

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 4 sausages
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow pepper, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 4 gluten-free rolls
  • 2 tbsp. butter, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. Place the sausages, onions and peppers on the baking tray.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the tray.
  5. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top before tossing to coat everything.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Slice each of the rolls down the centre, then brush the rolls with the melted butter.
  8. After baking for 25 minutes, move the sausages, peppers and onions down the tray and place the rolls on the tray.
  9. Bake for another 10 minutes.
  10. Serve each roll with one sausage and a portion of the vegetables.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 397 calories; 23 g fat; 48 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or silicone liner
  • Tongs
  • Pastry brush

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Cold brew coffee

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Easy cold brew coffee

I’m a bit lover of coffee. That is actually an understatement; coffee keeps me going, I may have more coffee than water in my body. It upsets me to say this, but there are times when it is too hot to drink a hot coffee; fear not as the solution is to have cold brew coffee. 

So what is cold brew coffee? 

I can tell you that cold brew coffee is not an espresso poured over ice or left to go cold. That is bad coffee. It will be bitter and acidic; trust me, you do not want this kind of coffee. What you want is coffee that is made cold and stays that way. 

Cold brew coffee is made using cold water and good quality coffee grounds, it takes a long time to brew, but the flavour profile is fantastic. 

Interested? Keep reading to find out what you need

Equipment 

  • Large jar (2-litre capacity)
  • 2 large coffee filters or two cloths
  • 2 rubber bands
  • 200g Coffee beans/grounds

Instructions 

Take your jar and fill it to 3/4 full with cold water, set it to one side. 

Take the coffee beans and grind them coarsely; get the plunger ground coffee if you are using pre-ground beans. 

Lay out the coffee filters or cloth.

Divide the ground coffee between the two filters or cloths.

Fold the edges of the filter up over the coffee grounds and secure the top with a rubber band. 

You should have two coffee bombs. 

Place the coffee bombs into the jar with the cold water and top up the jar with more cold water. 

Let the coffee brew for at least 14 hours, but if you want a strong brew to leave it for 24 hours. 

When your coffee is at a strength right for you, remove the coffee bombs from the jar. 

Store your coffee in the fridge for up to one week; if you don’t drink it all at once. 

Serve over ice when you need a cold coffee boost. 

  1. Take your jar and fill it to 3/4 full with cold water, set it to one side. 
  2. Take the coffee beans and grind them coarsely; get the plunger ground coffee if you are using pre-ground beans. 
  3. Lay out the coffee filters or cloth.
  4. Divide the ground coffee between the two filters or cloths.
  5. Fold the edges of the filter up over the coffee grounds and secure the top with a rubber band. 
  6. You should have two coffee bombs. 
  7. Place the coffee bombs into the jar with the cold water and top up the jar with more cold water. 
  8. Let the coffee brew for at least 14 hours, but if you want a strong brew to leave it for 24 hours. 
  9. When your coffee is at a strength right for you, remove the coffee bombs from the jar. 
  10. Store your coffee in the fridge for up to one week; if you don’t drink it all at once. 
  11. Serve over ice when you need a cold coffee boost. 

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Crunch salad

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Fresh and crunchy

Can you believe it is 2022? I have no idea where the time is going. It has been great having time off work over the last few weeks, nothing better than getting out of Auckland after five months in lockdown. We had a little break up north and returned to a sweltering Auckland. While I am happy baking in the sunshine, I didn’t fancy baking in the kitchen.

Fridge raid

Inspirational seems to strike me when I can’t be bothered to do a supermarket but have a collection of random foods in the fridge. This is another of those kinds of recipes. A quick raid of the fridge and pantry presented the ingredients for a new type of crunchy salad to go with the chicken skewers cooking happily on the bbq. 

Crunch salad recipe

Ingredients 

  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted 
  • 1 head green cabbage, shredded 
  • 4 celery stalks, sliced 
  • 2 handfuls rocket 
  • 1/2 cup spring onions, sliced 
  • 1/4 cup easy mayo 

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. 

“Crunch

  • Servings: “10
  • Rating: ★★★★
  • Print

“This



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 1 head green cabbage, shredded
  • 4 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 handfuls rocket
  • 1/2 cup spring onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Mayo

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 123 calories; 9 g fat; 10 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.

Jalapeno burgers

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Who doesn’t want to have simple and tasty meals?

Maintaining a clean eating lifestyle is all about keeping things simple; if it is complicated, you make it harder for yourself. My focus recently has been on creating recipes that can be prepared and cooked quickly on a busy weeknight.

We all struggle to make healthy and tasty meals while keeping on top of everything else in life. This recipe is healthy, delicious and easy to make. You can cook on a single tray in the oven, and it is cooked in under 30 minutes. The preparation takes no more than 20 minutes, all of the slicing, dicing and mixing.  Each meal is portioned to feed four adults. 

Jalapeno burgers

Takeaway alternative

We all love a naughty takeaway, but we can all live without the extra calories and the expanding waistlines. You don’t need to live without your takeaway; swap it out for a delicious and healthier fakeaway. These burgers have quickly become a family favourite and one of my favourite burgers to make. During our most recent COVID lockdown here in Auckland, these burgers were our go-to cheat meal. The open top of the burger pattie means you get a light cheese crust with a beautifully creamy and spicy filling.

Jalapeno burger recipe

Jalapeno burger ingredients

Ingredients 

  • 1 jalapeno pepper 
  • 1 tbsp. yoghurt 
  • 4 tbsp. mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 30g Goat cheese
  • 180g minced beef
  • 1 garlic clove, minced 
  • 1/2 tbsp. Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chilli flakes 
  • Sea salt 
  • Ground pepper 

Slice jalapeño in half, remove the seeds and finely chop them.

Chopped jalapeno

In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, mozzarella, goat cheese, and jalapeño. 

Cheese

Take a small muffin tray and divide the cheese mix between 6 cups of the muffin tray.

Place the muffin tray in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / 360 degrees F

Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner

Baking tray and silicone liner

While the cheese is chilling, start on the burger mix.

Take a large mixing bowl and add the meat, garlic, cumin, sea salt, and ground pepper. 

Beef mince
Beef mince

Mix the meat well and divide it into six portions.

Burger mix divided

Remove the muffin tray from the freezer and remove the cheese mix from the tray.

Take one portion of meat and flatten it out into a pattie.

Add a cheese portion to the centre of the pattie and bring the meat up around the cheese gently.

You should have enough meat to cover most of the cheese; leave a small opening at the top of the burger.

Bake at 180 degrees C / 360 degrees F for 20 minutes.

The outside of the burger should be brown, and the cheese is bubbling out the top.

Jalapeno burgers fresh from the oven

Serve on a bed of lettuce or between two quick rounds.

Jalapeno burger

  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

“An



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

  • 1 Jalapeno pepper 
  • 1 tbsp. yoghurt 
  • 4 tbsp. mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 30g Goat cheese
  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 garlic clove, minced 
  • 1/2 tbsp. Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chilli flakes 
  • Sea salt 
  • Ground pepper
    • 


Directions

  1. Slice jalapeño in half, remove the seeds and finely chop them.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, mozzarella, goat cheese, and jalapeño. 
  3. Take a small muffin tray and divide the cheese mix between 6 cups of the muffin tray.
  4. Place the muffin tray in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / 360 degrees F
  6. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner
  7. While the cheese is chilling, start on the burger mix.
  8. Take a large mixing bowl and add the meat, garlic, cumin, sea salt, and ground pepper. 
  9. Mix the meat well and divide it into six portions.
  10. Remove the muffin tray from the freezer and remove the cheese mix from the tray.
  11. Take one portion of meat and flatten it out into a pattie.
  12. Add a cheese portion to the centre of the pattie and bring the meat up around the cheese gently.
  13. You should have enough meat to cover most of the cheese; leave a small opening at the top of the burger.
  14. Bake at 180 degrees C / 360 degrees F for 20 minutes.
  15. The outside of the burger should be brown, and the cheese is bubbling out the top.
  16. Serve on a bed of lettuce or between two quick rounds.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 158 calories; 8 g fat; 1 g carbohydrates; 19 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Fork
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen scale
  • Silicone muffin pan
  • Spoon
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or silicone liner

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.