Chorizo chilli eggs

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Chorizo chilli eggs

Breakfast for dinner

Eggs have to be one of the best ingredients you can find in your kitchen. I don’t think they should be breakfast only food; they are an anytime food. I know it may seem strange, but I like having breakfast for dinner, I don’t care if it makes me odd, I like it.

A little bit spicy

While I like the versatility of eggs, they generally don’t have a lot going for them in the flavour department, that means you can get creative with the additions to your eggs. For this recipe, I went with some spicy to go with my eggs. The first subtle spicy comes from a lovely bit of chorizo sausage; the spring onions add a little bit of crunch to the dish and the chilli flakes add the final kick to the eggs. It is a simple dish that takes minutes to make but actually looks a bit fancy.

Chorizo chilli eggs

Chorizo chilli eggs ingredients

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 spring onion, finely sliced
  • 100g chorizo, cubed
  • 1 tsp. chilli flakes
Heat some oil or butter over a medium heat
Add the chorizo to the pan
Add the eggs to the pan
Add the spring onions
Serve hot

Chorizo chilli eggs

  • Servings: 2
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Eggs have to be one of the best ingredients you can find in your kitchen. This recipe is too good to only have for breakfast.


Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 spring onion, finely sliced
  • 100g chorizo, cubed
  • 1 tsp. chilli flakes

Directions

  1. In a frying pan over medium heat add some oil and the cubed chorizo.
  2. Fry the chorizo until it begins to colour then add the beaten eggs to the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat and gently cook the eggs.
  4. Add the spring onions and chilli flakes to the eggs while they are cooking, you are aiming for a scrambled egg consistency.
  5. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 425 calories; 32 g fat; 4 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein.

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Fork
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Scales

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.

Broccoli pesto frittata

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Something quick and easy, please

It is hot and sticky here in Auckland, the last thing I want to be doing in spending hours over a hot stove. This week’s recipe comes from the I don’t want to be in a hot kitchen collection but still want a home-cooked meal. This Broccoli Pesto Frittata is a quick and easy recipe that takes minutes to prepare and can be served hot or cold.

Broccoli pesto frittata

Leftovers are welcome

My fridge is a mish-mash of food at the minute, there are about four kinds of cheese, a range of cut meats, jars of sauces and cooked vegetables. Post-Christmas and New Year meals are generally an effort to empty the fridge as fast as possible. With three hungry mouths to feed I had a quick rummage around the fridge and cupboards. I had a stash of nut-free pesto and steamed broccoli in the fridge this week which was the inspiration for this recipe.

Broccoli pesto frittata recipe

Ingredients

Broccoli pesto frittata
  • 3 tbsp. nut free pesto
  • 2 tsp. butter 
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 4 cups broccoli, steamed and roughly chopped
  • 8 eggs
  • Salt and pepper

Broccoli pesto frittata

  • Servings: 8
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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This quick and easy frittata is a great way to use up late leftover pesto



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. nut free Pesto
  • 2 tsp. butter 
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 4 cups broccoli, steamed and roughly chopped
  • 8 eggs

Directions


1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C/375 degrees F. 
2. In an oven-safe pan or cast-iron skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the onion is soft.
4. Add the broccoli to the onions and mix.
5. Beat 4 of the eggs and add them to the pan. 
6. Spread the 3 tablespoons of pesto on top of the eggs.
7. Beat the remaining eggs and pour them over the pesto.
8. Put the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are browned on top.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the frittata cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
recipe-directions]

Nutrition

Per Serving: 128 calories; 9 g fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein

Equipment

  • Cast-iron
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spatula
  • Spoon 
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk 

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.

Mexican Eggs

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Something different for breakfast

When I came up with this recipe, I wanted something different for breakfast but didn’t have anything specific in mind or much in the fridge. I know that huevous rancheros has a spicy tomato sauce, but I don’t always want a breakfast that has a tomato base. Sometimes I want something without sauce.

Mexican eggs from the pan

Raid the fridge recipe

The first time I tried to make Mexican eggs for breakfast, l used some leftover taco mince, salsa, and a leftover pepper. Nothing fancy or too complicated, just doing something fun with our taco leftovers. After some experimentation, l landed on a recipe that delivered everything I wanted. The spicy beef mixed with onions and peppers makes this a quick, easy and tasty option for brunch with friends or an easy weeknight meal. I’ve portioned this recipe for two people; if you want to feed more people, just double the recipe.

Mexican style eggs recipe

Mexican eggs ingredients

Ingredients 

  • 1 onion, chopped 
  • 1/2 green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped 
  • 150g minced beef
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 eggs
In a pan over a medium heat add the peppers.
In a pan over a medium heat add the peppers.
And the onions to the pan.
And the onions to the pan.
Sauté over a medium heat.
Sauté over a medium heat.
Add the mince and seasoning.
Add the mince and seasoning.
Mix well.
Mix well.
Add the salsa to the pan.
Add the salsa to the pan.
Create two wells in the mixture.
Create two wells in the mixture.
Crack in two eggs to the pan.
Crack in two eggs to the pan.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for a few minutes.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for a few minutes.
When the eggs are cooked to your liking they are ready to serve.
When the eggs are cooked to your liking they are ready to serve.
Tasty eggs ready to eat.
Tasty eggs ready to eat.
Serve with a little bit of salsa.
Serve with a little bit of salsa.

Mexican style eggs

  • Servings: 2
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped
  • 150g minced beef
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 eggs

Directions

  1. In a frying pan sauté the onion and peppers over a medium heat.
  2. Add the minced beef to the pan and season.
  3. Add the salsa to the beef when the meat is browned.
  4. Make two small wells in the meat, use the back of a spoon, this is where you can crack the eggs.
  5. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for a few minutes.
  6. When the eggs are cooked to your liking, it is ready to serve.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 202 calories; 8.1 g fat; 10.9 g carbohydrates; 21.3 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Scales
  • Measuring cup
  • Frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tablespoon 

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.

Scotch Eggs

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It may surprise you to learn that Scotch eggs aren’t Scottish at all; they are actually English. The traditional Scotch egg is made with sausage meat, coated in breadcrumb and deep-fried until they are crisp on the outside. While I don’t have anything against a deep-fried meal, I was never a fan of the sausage meat that was probably mostly sawdust and the eggs with that horrible sulphur ring; no, thank you.

A new take

I decided to try something a bit different and develop a clean eating take on the traditional recipe. As ever when coming up with clean eating, there are challenges to developing a recipe that tastes great and isn’t awful for you.

Challenges to overcome

The first challenge was getting the perfect boiled egg; the trick is cooking the eggs enough to cook the egg white without overcooking the yolk. For Scotch eggs, go for a slightly runny yolk; this will give you a perfect yolk when the egg is baked. The next challenge is getting the meat to pack a flavour punch. I love having access to good quality pork; thankfully, it isn’t hard to get free-range pork here in Auckland. I find that free-range pork has far more flavour than high intensity farmed meat; it is always best for taste. The right blend of garlic, sage and Worcestershire sauce gives the meat a real step up in flavour. Finally, getting a nice crispy coating that isn’t deep-fried, I find that coconut flour and egg coating is a great alternative to breadcrumbs, and you don’t have to deep-fry it to make it crispy. 

Instant pot

I recently purchased an Instant Pot duo crisp which is a slow cooker, pressure cooker and air fryer, plus more all in one. The last time I made up some Scotch eggs, I decided to bake them in the Instant Pot rather than putting them in the oven. I love the versatility of the Instant Pot, and it is quickly becoming my favourite kitchen appliance.

Scotch egg recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs hard boiled and peeled
  • 500g minced pork
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp. dried sage
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
In a bowl add the garlic powder and sage.
In a bowl add the garlic powder and sage.
Add the pork mince and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the pork mince and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix everything together well.
Mix everything together well.
Take a portion of meat and flatten it in between your hands to make a meat patty
Take a portion of meat and flatten it in between your hands to make a meat patty.
Place a boiled egg in the middle
Place a boiled egg in the middle.
Form the meat around the egg.
Form the meat around the egg.
Make sure the meat completely covers the egg.
Make sure the meat completely covers the egg.
Repeat with the remaining meat and eggs.
Repeat with the remaining meat and eggs.
In another bowl beat the two remaining eggs. Place the flour on a plate and season it with some salt and pepper then mix.
In another bowl beat the two remaining eggs. Place the flour on a plate and season it with some salt and pepper then mix.
If you are using an Instant Pot place the wire rack inside the pot and put the coated eggs on the rack.
If you are using an Instant Pot place the wire rack inside the pot and put the coated eggs on the rack.
Spread out the eggs in the pot,
Spread out the eggs in the pot,
Bake for 15 minutes
Bake for 15 minutes
Scotch eggs sliced and ready to eat.
Scotch eggs sliced and ready to eat.

Scotch eggs

  • Servings: 4
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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This grain free version of Scotch eggs is perfect for protein packed snacking or a trying something different for lunch.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs hard boiled and peeled
  • 500g minced pork
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp. dried sage
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Directions

  1. Make four perfect boiled eggs. 
  2. Peel the four eggs and set them to one side.
  3. In a bowl mix the pork mince, garlic powder, sage and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. In another bowl beat the two remaining eggs. 
  5. Place the flour on a plate and season it with some salt and pepper then mix.
  6. Take the meat and divide it into four portions.
  7. Take a portion of meat and flatten it in between your hands to make a meat patty.
  8. Place a boiled egg in the middle of the meat.
  9. Form the meat around the egg.
  10. Make sure the egg is completely covered.by the meat.
  11. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
  12. When the eggs are done start to dip and coat them.
  13. Dip the meat covered egg in the beaten eggs.
  14. Then roll the egg in the coconut flour, be sure the egg is completely coated.
  15. Repeat with the remaining meat and eggs.
  16. If you are going to oven bake your Scotch eggs I recommend frying them off first.
  17. Heat a frying pan and a little olive oil, over a medium heat.
  18. Fry off the meat until it is browned all over.
  19. Transfer the eggs to a baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  20. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees C/ 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
  21. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 371 calories; 14.6 g fat; 18 g carbohydrates; 38.9 g protein

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowl x2
  • Plate
  • Frying pan
  • Tongs
  • 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.

Tomato, Spinach & Goat Cheese Omelette

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Master the basics

Eating clean gets a lot easier once you have mastered a few essential recipes. This recipe uses the basic omelette recipe; not like basic unicorn basic, more like beard and flannel basic. Back to the point (which isn’t Unstable unicorns), having basic skills and recipes in your arsenal means you will never be left with only UberEats as your weeknight options. Once you master a basic recipe, the possibilities are endless; this is an example of a possibility.

Seasonal eating

We currently have a vegetable bed bursting with baby spinach; this recipe is an excellent and easy way to use the abundance of green in the garden while making a simple and tasty meal. A quick dash out to the garden is enough to make a filling and fresh breakfast. 

Tomato, spinach and goat cheese omelette recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 75g goat cheese
  • 1/2 tomato, diced
  • 1 handful of spinach

Instructions

Crack eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them well.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper

Over a low heat, melt the butter in a small frying pan.

When the butter has melted, and the pan is hot pour in the eggs, make sure they are evenly spread in the pan.

When the edges of the egg start to cook, use a spatula to push the egg into the centre of the pan.

Repeat this until most of the egg is set.

Add the goat cheese, tomato and spinach to one side of the omelette.

Fold the other side over the fillings.

When the bottom is golden brown on the underside, it’s ready to serve.

Tomato, spinach and goat cheese omelette

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“This



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 75g goat cheese
  • 1/2 tomato, diced
  • 1 handful of spinach

Directions

  1. Crack eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them well.
  2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper
  3. Over a low heat, melt the butter in a small frying pan.
  4. When the butter has melted, and the pan is hot pour in the eggs, make sure they are evenly spread in the pan.
  5. When the edges of the egg start to cook, use a spatula to push the egg into the centre of the pan.
  6. Repeat this until most of the egg is set.
  7. Add the goat cheese, tomato and spinach to one side of the omelette.
  8. Fold the other side over the fillings.
  9. When the bottom is golden brown on the underside, it’s ready to serve.

Nutrition

Per Serving:367 calories; 25.9 g fat; 8.4 g carbohydrates; 23.6 g protein

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Frying pan
  • 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 potatoes

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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 2015, 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 changes organically to meet their palates and preferences, I’ve updated this recipe because of that, but fear not, all I have done is make it a little bit better.

Fried potatoes and black coffee for breakfast
Fried potatoes and black coffee for breakfast

In a small town not so far away

One of my favourite things about living in New Zealand is the road trips we get to go on and the fantastic places we discover along the way. On our first road trip to the Coromandel, we made a pit stop in the tiny town of Thames for some breakfast. While driving up and down, we came across a great place called Café Melbourne. Tucked away down the main street, it is in this funky looking building that is old on the inside and industrial on the inside. They had great coffee, a fantastic menu and a beautiful little courtyard to sit and enjoy the sunshine. We were spoiled for choice with the menu; in the end, I ordered their Fried potatoes. I loved their fried potatoes so much I decided to I would make my own version when we got home.

Fried potatoes recipe

Fried potato ingredients
Fried potato ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 chorizo sausage diced
  • 250g sweet potatoes diced
  • 150g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 eggs, poached
  • 250g rocket
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut oil
  • Chipotle salsa

Fried potatoes

  • Servings: 2
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Spicy sweet potatoes with perfectly poached eggs to make a perfect brunch.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 chorizo sausage diced
  • 250g sweet potatoes diced
  • 150g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 eggs, poached
  • 250g rocket
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut oil
  • Chipotle salsa

Directions

  1. Over a medium heat melt the coconut oil in a large frying pan, add the sweet potatoes to the pan and fry them off until they soften.
  2. When the sweet potatoes start to brown on the edges add the chorizo to the pan, cook it for about 10 minutes.
  3. While the sausage is cooking off, bring a pan of water to the boil for the poached eggs, when the water is at a rolling boil turn off the heat and crack in the eggs.
  4. When the sausage and potato are cooked serve, them with the fresh Rocket leaves, tomatoes and chipotle salsa on the side, top the potato and sausage mix with the poached eggs.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 456 calories; 25 g fat; 32 g carbohydrates; 23 g protein

Equipment

  • Frying pan x2
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slotted spoon
  • Scales
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Chopping board

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.

Soufflé

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Master the basics

Eating clean gets a lot easier once you have mastered a few essential recipes. This recipe is basic, not like basic unicorn basic, more like beard and flannel basic. Back to the point (which isn’t Unstable unicorns), having basic skills and recipes in your arsenal means you will never be left with only UberEats as your weeknight options. Once you master this recipe, the possibilities are endless.

Time for a secret

I’m going to tell you something, and it may be hard to believe, but I promise you it’s true. 

A Soufflé is easy to make.

Honestly, it is. I was like many people and thought a Soufflé would be impossible to get right. It’s not, truth be told, it is so easy it’s ridiculous. This soufflé is so simple to make I am more than happy to crack them out for breakfast on the weekend. They look impressive and taste amazing; the bonus is that you can customise them, and it doesn’t impact the basic recipe.

If you want to make something to impressive for breakfast, this is a winner.

Souffle recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 egg whites
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 cups cheese, grated

Instructions

Separate the eggs into two large bowls. 

Make sure to use a large bowl for the egg whites and good sized one for the yolks.

Beat the egg whites until they are stiff peaks; I would recommend using an electric whisk if you have one.

Beat the egg yolks and mix in the cheese. 

If you are adding any vegetables, this would be the time to put them in.

Take one third of the egg whites, mix and beat it into the egg yolks. 

You don’t have to be gentle at this point; you want to mix in the egg whites, so you have a nice smooth egg mix.

Now is the time to be gentle when folding in the rest of the egg whites.

Add in small amounts, and work in whites in gently you want to keep as much air as possible in the mix.

Grease 4 ramekins and spoon the mixture into them. 

Take care not to get any of the mix up the sides, as this will burn when you cook it.

Bake at 180 degrees C/ 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. 

Don’t open the oven if you can help it. 

The time they take to cook can vary depending on what other ingredients you have included.

Serve them straight from the oven.

Souffle

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“If



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 6 egg whites
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 cups cheese, grated

Directions

  1. Separate the eggs into two large bowls. 
  2. Make sure to use a large bowl for the egg whites and good sized one for the yolks.
  3. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff peaks; I would recommend using an electric whisk if you have one.
  4. Beat the egg yolks and mix in the cheese. 
  5. If you are adding any vegetables, this would be the time to put them in.
  6. Take one third of the egg whites, mix and beat it into the egg yolks. 
  7. You don’t have to be gentle at this point; you want to mix in the egg whites, so you have a nice smooth egg mix.
  8. Now is the time to be gentle when folding in the rest of the egg whites.
  9. Add in small amounts, and work in whites in gently you want to keep as much air as possible in the mix.
  10. Grease 4 ramekins and spoon the mixture into them. 
  11. Take care not to get any of the mix up the sides, as this will burn when you cook it.
  12. Bake at 180 degrees C/ 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. 
  13. Don’t open the oven if you can help it. 
  14. The time they take to cook can vary depending on what other ingredients you have included.
  15. Serve them straight from the oven.

Nutrition

Per Serving:272 calories; 21 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 18 g protein

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl x2
  • Electric whisk
  • Spatula
  • Ramekin x4

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.