XMAS MEZE

　

XMAS MEZE

MEZE

Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. Forget the nut roast and instead invite your friends to a meze. Meze, a selection of dips, pitta bread and olives, is originally from the Middle East, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Meze can also be a huge feast with up to 40 dishes served. So it is great for any kind of celebration. We will give you ideas for a small Meze, very good served with drinks if you have friends round. Also we will give you recipes for a feast.

　

SMALL MEZE

Houmus dip (chick pea dip)

Tahini (sesame seed dip))

Pitta Bread

Black and green olives

Raw vegetables such as sliced carrots in sticks, celery, cauliflower which can be dipped instead of bread.

Simply arrange each dip in individual bowls, also the olives in separate bowls, and provide plenty of hot Pitta Bread cut into slices.

Most dips are available at supermarkets so no need to make your own.

LARGE MEZE

A large Meze is for a party, or any gathering, in fact any celebration. It really is food for sharing.

Houmous Dip

Tahini Dip

Pitta Bread

Black and Green Olives

　

MOUSAKA - Recipe in Vegetarian Kitchen

SPINACH QUICHE - Recipe supplied

PILAF (rice dish) Recipe supplied

SALAD NICOISE Recipe supplied

GREEN SALAD

All these recipes are here in our Vegetarian Kitchen and you decide which to include. A meze should be set out on a table, buffet style, so guests can help themselves. If you are lucky enough to have a large table then it will look great. All dishes can be made in advance so all you have to do is assemble the food.

Provide wine, beer or cold drinks to accompany the food. Have a great celebration!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

　

 

　

 

 

ORIENTAL STIR FRY

Hello and welcome again to our Vegetarian Kitchen, and this week we have a delicious recipe from the Far East - "Oriental Stir-fry " - using Tofu and Noodles. Rain and showers are promised this week but we hope you will enjoy this colourful dish. We don't need to mention that this dish is nutritious, low fat and economical but it is. Invite your friends to supper and enjoy.

　

"ORIENTAL STIR-FRY"

Serves 4

　

INGREDIENTS
4oz /100g TOFU

400ml Can Coconut Milk

300g Dried Egg Noodles

3 fresh tomatoes

3 Spring onions

1 Green Chilli (or 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder)(or you could use one Green Pepper)

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

chopped coriander or parsley to garnish

Salt and Black Pepper

　


METHOD
Put noodles in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to stand. (3 mins) Drain.

Drain Tofu and cut into squares. Chop the tomatoes and slice the Spring onions. Chop Green Chilli

Heat oil in a Wok (if not use a large frying pan). Fry Spring onions and chilli, add chopped tomatoes. Stir-fry for 2 or 3 mins. Add Tofu, coconut milk, and noodles to pan and stir. Stir fry for about 4 mins. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Decorate with chopped coriander or parsley. SERVE.

Green Tea or Lemon Tea would go very well with this dish, or a dry white wine.

　

CHILLI NON CARNE

　

Hi, and welcome to our vegetarian kitchen. It is now Autumn with showers and unpredictable weather. Our recipe this week will cheer you up and certainly warm you up. We have named our dish "CHILLI NON CARNE" for obvious reasons but it would fool your most carnivorous friends. It is a dish you can make in advance and it freezes well.

　

CHILLI NON CARNE

serves 4

　

INGREDIENTS
350g QUORN MINCE or Linda McCartney Soya Mince

400g TIN KIDNEY BEANS (do not drain)

400g TIN CHOPPED TOMATOES

4 tablespoons oil

1 Onion chopped

2 cloves Garlic chopped

1 red or green chilli (or half teaspoon Chilli Powder)

500ml Vegetable Stock (Green OXO)

RICE. Long Grain 8oz

METHOD

Gently fry the chopped onion in oil for 2 minutes, add garlic and chilli and fry. Add quorn mince, and some of the stock and stir while frying. Do not brown. Add tin tomatoes, and stir thoroughly, add remainder of vegetable stock. Now add red kidney beans (do not drain). Bring the mixture to the boil. Now is the time to add Chilli Powder if you are using it. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it does not burn or stick. Serve with boiled rice.

RICE

serves 4

To cook rice, it is always twice the volume of water to rice. i.e. 1 cup rice, 2 cups of water. Measure the rice and water, put in pan and bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 15 mins by which time all water should have been absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork.

A lovely meal to share with friends. ENJOY!

　

　

 

 

PILAF

PILAF

　

Hi and welcome to our vegetarian kitchen. Autumn is here but this dish is from the "Med". This week our recipe is "PILAF" which is served in many countries on the "Med" but ours, of course, will be vegetarian. "PILAF" is rice, usually cooked in meat stock with the addition of meat and vegetables. We use Quorn "Chicken style pieces". It is a complete meal which only requires a side salad to accompany this.

PILAF

(serves 4 to 6)

INGREDIENTS
Quorn chicken style pieces(350g)

8 oz Long Grain Rice (250g approx)

3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Half teaspoon Cumin Powder

500ml Vegetable Stock (GREEN OXO CUBE)

2 Courgettes (cut in rings)

1 Red or Green Pepper (chop into small pieces)

4 Fresh tomatoes (chopped)

1 Onion (finely chopped)

2 cloves Garlic (crushed or chopped)

Parsley or Coriander to garnish

Black Pepper

Salt to taste

METHOD

Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion,garlic, Quorn pieces,tomatoes and fry gently, add courgette slices and stir. Add chopped pepper and fry for about 4 mins. Add vegetable stock, stir, and bring to boil. Add rice and stir in Cumin Powder, pepper and salt. Reduce heat, put on lid and simmer for about 20 minutes. Put in one large bowl, sprinkle parsley or coriander on top and let everyone help themselves. Serve with a green side salad.

ENJOY Your taste of the "Med".

PILAF

 

PILAF Hi and welcome to our veggie kitchen. This week our recipe is "PILAF" which is served in many countries on the "Med" but ours, of course, will be vegetarian. "PILAF" is rice, usually cooked in meat stock with the addition of meat and vegetables. We use Quorn "Chicken style pieces". It is a complete meal which only requires a side salad to accompany this.

PILAF

(serves 4 to 6)

INGREDIENTS
Quorn chicken style pieces(350g)

8 oz Long Grain Rice (250g approx)

3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Half teaspoon Cumin Powder

500ml Vegetable Stock (GREEN OXO CUBE)

2 Courgettes (cut in rings)

1 Red or Green Pepper (chop into small pieces)

4 Fresh tomatoes (chopped)

1 Onion (finely chopped)

2 cloves Garlic (crushed or chopped)

Parsley or Coriander to garnish

Black Pepper

Salt to taste

METHOD

Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion, garlic, Quorn pieces, tomatoes and fry gently, add courgette slices and stir. Add chopped pepper and fry for about 4 mins. Add vegetable stock, stir, and bring to boil. Add rice and stir in Cumin Powder, pepper and salt. Reduce heat, put on lid and simmer for about 20 minutes. Put in one large bowl, sprinkle parsley or coriander on top and let everyone help themselves. Serve with a green side salad.

ENJOY Your taste of the "Med".

COURGETTES

COURGETTES

Hi, and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week our recipes are for all the gardeners out there who may have too many courgettes. We have some in our own garden so we know they are ready for eating. Here are three delicious recipes for courgettes, quick and easy to prepare. Courgettes can also be sliced thinly and used in a stir-fry.

1. COURGETTE FRITTERS

INGREDIENTS
6 Courgettes

3 oz Plain Flour

300ml (1/2 pint) water

Salt & pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Parsley for garnish


METHOD
Cut the courgettes into 2in sticks.

Make the batter, put the flour into a bowl, add water and beat to a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper. Dip the courgettes and coat with batter. Heat oil in frying pan until very hot. Fry courgettes for about 3-5 mins until crisp and brown. Arrange on serving plate and garnish with parsley.

　

2.COURGETTES SAUTE' WITH BASIL

INGREDIENTS

4 Courgettes

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic (crushed or chopped)

1 teaspoon dried Basil or 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil chopped

1 Green OXO veg. stock cube

1/2 pint water

salt & pepper to taste

　


METHOD
Wash courgettes, cut into thin rounds. Make up stock. Heat olive oil in a saucepan,

add garlic and fry gently, toss in all the courgettes, stir well and fry without browning,

then add basil, stir thoroughly. Add stock, stir again. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add salt & pepper.

　

3. COURGETTES A LA GRECQUE

INGREDIENTS

4 Courgettes

1 small onion (chopped)

2 Cloves Garlic (crushed or chopped)

1 tablespoon tomato puree

1 teaspoon oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 wineglass dry white wine (or 1 wineglass water)

fresh Coriander or Parsley to garnish

salt & pepper

METHOD

Cut the courgettes into rounds. Heat the oil in a saucepan (or frying pan with lid) saute the onion and garlic gently, add courgettes, stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add the glass of wine, tomato puree, oregano and salt &pepper. Mix well and bring to boil. Put on the lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or Coriander. Serve.

NOTE

These dishes can be served hot or cold, with rice or salad or as an additional vegetable.

ENJOY the fruits of your labour!

BEAN SALADS

　

BEAN SALADS

Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week, we have recipes for two delicious Bean Salads. In many countries beans have always been an important part of the diet- high in protein, cheap and cheerful and low fat. These delicious recipes can accompany other dishes. You will notice we use tinned produce in both recipes. This is because beans are potentially poisonous if not cooked properly

KIDNEY BEANS & SWEETCORN SALAD

INGREDIENTS

400g Tin Kidney Beans (240g drained)

200g Tin Sweetcorn (165g drained)

1 Chopped Spring Onion

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Coriander (or Parsley)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt & Black Pepper to taste


METHOD
Drain the Kidney Beans, put in bowl, drain sweetcorn, add. Stir well. Add chopped Spring Onion and Coriander and stir well. Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper.

CHICK PEA SALAD

INGREDIENTS

400g TIN CHICK PEAS (drained 240g)

1 Red Pepper (chopped into small bits)

1 Spring Onion (chopped finely)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh Coriander (or Parsley)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt & black pepper


METHOD
Drain the chick peas and put in a bowl. Add red pepper, spring onion, coriander and toss.

In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the chick pea salad and stir well.

SERVE these salads with a green salad or, alternatively, serve them with Quiche (see our recipe ) ENJOY!

 

 

 


 



　

 

　

 

 





　

COURGETTES

COURGETTES

Hi, and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week our recipes are for all the gardeners out there who may have too many courgettes. We have some in our own garden so we know they are ready for eating. Here are three delicious recipes for courgettes, quick and easy to prepare. Courgettes can also be sliced thinly and used in a stir-fry.

1. COURGETTE FRITTERS

INGREDIENTS
6 Courgettes

3 oz Plain Flour

300ml (1/2 pint) water

Salt & pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Parsley for garnish


METHOD
Cut the courgettes into 2in sticks.

Make the batter, put the flour into a bowl, add water and beat to a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper. Dip the courgettes and coat with batter. Heat oil in frying pan until very hot. Fry courgettes for about 3-5 mins until crisp and brown. Arrange on serving plate and garnish with parsley.

　

2.COURGETTES SAUTE' WITH BASIL

INGREDIENTS

4 Courgettes

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic (crushed or chopped)

1 teaspoon dried Basil or 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil chopped

1 Green OXO veg. stock cube

1/2 pint water

salt & pepper to taste

　


METHOD
Wash courgettes, cut into thin rounds. Make up stock. Heat olive oil in a saucepan,

add garlic and fry gently, toss in all the courgettes, stir well and fry without browning,

then add basil, stir thoroughly. Add stock, stir again. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add salt & pepper.

　

3. COURGETTES A LA GRECQUE

INGREDIENTS

4 Courgettes

1 small onion (chopped)

2 Cloves Garlic (crushed or chopped)

1 tablespoon tomato puree

1 teaspoon oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 wineglass dry white wine (or 1 wineglass water)

fresh Coriander or Parsley to garnish

salt & pepper

METHOD

Cut the courgettes into rounds. Heat the oil in a saucepan (or frying pan with lid) saute the onion and garlic gently, add courgettes, stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add the glass of wine, tomato puree, oregano and salt &pepper. Mix well and bring to boil. Put on the lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or Coriander. Serve.

NOTE

These dishes can be served hot or cold, with rice or salad or as an additional vegetable.

ENJOY the fruits of your labour!

　

 

 

VEGGIE MOUSSAKA

Hi, and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week we are cooking the famous Greek dish "MOUSSAKA" - our own special vegetarian recipe. No meat, but nevertheless an authentic taste. We have fooled several of our meat loving friends. It is not a simple recipe but as usual, it is very economical. You could make it the day before and bake it in the oven on the day you wish to serve it.

"MOUSSAKA" made with Quorn (serves 4 - 6)

(You won't believe it is not meat)

INGREDIENTS
200g QUORN MINCE

2 Large Baking Potatoes

1 Large Aubergine (the huge fat one) or 4 small Aubergines (they have more taste)

1 small onion

2 cloves Garlic

2 Teaspoons Tomato Puree

1 Teaspoon Dried Basil

300ml Water (just over half a pint)

1 OXO Vegetable Stock Cube

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil


CHEESE SAUCE FOR TOPPING

Ingredients
2 oz butter

2 oz plain flour

Half a Pint of Milk

3-4oz of MATURE CHEDDAR CHEESE GRATED

　


METHOD
First, peel and slice the potatoes lengthways into slices (about 1/2" thick). Boil gently in a pan until firm but cooked. (About 5 - 10 mins)

Next, slice the Aubergines into rings (about 1/2" thick) if you are using the small aubergines. If you use one large aubergine, this should be sliced, placed on a plate and covered with salt. The salt removes the bitter juices, and they will cook quicker and absorb less oil. Wash the aubergine slices thoroughly to remove all salt and juices. Fry in a pan until cooked thoroughly

Put 2-3 tablespoons oil in a larg frying pan, gently fry the chopped onion, add garlic, Quorn mince, stirring all the time. Fry for about 2 mins. Add tomato puree, vegetable stock and Basil and stir. Bring to the boil and season to taste. Simmer gently until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Next, you assemble the ingredients by placing in a large Pyrex or Oven-proof glass dish. Do not use a tin as it will burn. First place a layer of potatoe slices in the bottom of the dish, now spoon over half of the mince mixturer, next a layer of aubergines, the another layer of potatoes, the remainder of the mince, next a final layer of aubergines to cover the top of the dish. Leave to stand while you make the Cheese Sauce topping.

METHOD Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan. Add the flour and stir and cook for a minute or two. Gradually stir in the milk making sure the sauce remains smooth. Bring to the boil stirring for a minute or two. Remove from heat and stir in most of the cheese, leaving some to go on the top.

Next, pour cheese sauce over the assembled Moussaka. Add grated cheese on top. Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes until brown and bubbling. 400F/200C/Gas Mark 6.

Serve with a Green Salad of mixed leaves and Greek Pitta Bread. ENJOY.

Lovely with a glass of red or dry white wine.

CHEESE AND SPINACH QUICHE

Hi, and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. We should perhaps have mentioned that although this is a strictly vegetarian kitchen our recipes are not vegan. One or two, e.g. our special "Chilli Non Carne" and "Spicy Lentil Soup" are suitable for Vegans. The recipe this week is "SPINACH AND CHEESE QUICHE" and as it contains milk and eggs it is not for Vegans.

SPINACH & CHEESE QUICHE

Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb (225g) Spinach (cooked, drained and finely chopped)

Shortcrust Pastry Base (Buy ready to roll pastry 6oz to 8oz)

2 Large Eggs

4 oz Grated Cheese (Mature Cheddar)

200ml Single Cream

Salt & Pepper

　


METHOD
Line a 7" Flan Case or Tin with the pastry.

Beat together in a bowl the eggs & cream and add salt and pepper. Add 3oz of the grated cheese leaving 1oz for the topping. Mix well.

Spread the spinach over the uncooked pastry. Pour in the egg mixture. Sprinkle remainder of the cheese on top.

Bake in oven for 25 - 30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.

180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

Serve a Green Salad - Use a mixture of lettuce leaves, chicory, chopped chives, mint, watercress and even dandelion leaves if you have any. Dress with Vinaigrette (olive oil and lemon juice).

This dish is a lovely light lunch or supper.

EASTER QUICK PASTA

EASTER　

LUNCH/SUPPER under 15 minutes

FRESH PASTA

Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen and this week we have lunch/supper dishes in under 15 mins. We all have days when we are too busy to spend hours in the kitchen or maybe want a quick meal before we go out in the evening. Fresh pasta is ideal on these occasions with a cooking time of only 3 to 5 minutes. Most supermarkets will sell fresh pasta in their chilled foods compartments and once home store it in the fridge. It will last 2 or 3 weeks if unopened. Here are our suggestions for a quick meal.

　

INGREDIENTS

500g pack of fresh pasta (try penne or taglietelle) (serves 4 to 6 people)

Fresh Herbs

Grated Cheese (Parmesan or Mature Cheddar). Do not use Mozarella as it will become elastic.

Cherry Tomatoes or Pitted Black Olives

Jar Pesto

Fresh cooked Peas (1 cup)

Fresh cooked Broad Beans (1 mug)

Olive Oil to drizzle over

METHOD

Bring a large saucepan of boiling water to the boil, add pasta and cook for 3 to 5 mins. Drain in a colander. Return pasta to the saucepan. Add one or two of the above ingredients. eg Fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes: or a tablespoon of pesto with broad beans or peas. If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in double cream at this stage.

Drizzle olive oil over pasta then serve immediately and add grated cheese.

ENJOY!

MOTHERS' DAY 2019

MOTHERS' DAY 2019

Hi and welcome again to our vegetarian kitchen. At last Spring has arrived - the daffodils are out in the parks and gardens in the South and we have actually seen the sun this week. About time too! Mother's Day is on Sunday 31st March so we have recipes we hope mum will love so give her a day off from cooking with these easy recipes.

MOTHER'S DAY RECIPES

Starter: WALDORF SALAD

Main course: STUFFED RED PEPPERS

Pudding, afters or dessert: CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

　

WALDORF SALAD

serves 4

　

INGREDIENTS
2 Red Apples (diced)

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice

2 oz Walnuts (chopped)

1 Stick Celery (chopped)

300g Carton Natural Yoghurt

4 Lettuce leaves


METHOD
Spoon lemon juice over apples to prevent them going brown. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Arrange on individual plates. Place lettuce leaves on each plate, pile the Waldorf Salad mixture on the lettuce. Serve.

　

ROAST RED PEPPERS

serves 4

2 Large Red Peppers

3 tablespoons oil

8oz (200g) Rice

1 Onion chopped finely

2 Fresh Tomatoes chopped

2 cloves Garlic (chopped or crushed)

Vegetable Stock (Oxo Green) made up to half pint

1 tablespoon parsley (dried) salt & pepper to taste.


METHOD
First.cook the rice. Always twice the volume of water to rice. Bring to boil, put on lid and simmer gently for 15 mins after which time all water should have been absorbed.

Next, cut peppers in half longways. Remove seeds and cores. Wash. Brush with oil outside and inside.

When rice is cooked, heat oil in pan, fry onions, tomatoes and garlic until soft. Remove from heat then add cooked rice and stir. Add a little vegetable stock to make a sticky mixture. Place the pepper halves in an ovenproof dish. Pile in rice mixture. Pour vegetable stock around the peppers. Cover with foil and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. (Gas Mark 4 or 180C/350F)

Serve with a green salad or mixed leaves.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

serves 4

INGREDIENTS
4oz Plain Dark Chocolate

4 Eggs separated

METHOD

First, separate the eggs. Put yolks in a small bowl and beat. Whites in a separate bowl.

Break chocolate into pieces and put in a small bowl with 5 teaspoons water. Place over hot water and stir until chocolate is smooth.

Next remove chocolate from heat, add egg yolks and stir .Leave to cool.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff enough to stand in peaks then fold them into the chocolate mixture until smooth. Put the mousse into 4 individual serving dishes and leave to set in the fridge.

You could 'lace' the mousse with rum or brandy, or alternatively decorate with cream. It depends how indulgent you are.

EN JOY! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MUMS on 31st March.

PILAF (mediterranean rice)

PILAF

　

Hi and welcome to our vegetarian kitchen. This week our recipe is "PILAF" which is served in many countries on the "Med" but ours, of course, will be vegetarian. "PILAF" is rice, usually cooked in meat stock with the addition of meat and vegetables. We use Quorn "Chicken style pieces". It is a complete meal which only requires a side salad to accompany this.

PILAF

(serves 4 to 6)

INGREDIENTS
Quorn chicken style pieces(350g)

8 oz Long Grain Rice (250g approx)

3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Half teaspoon Cumin Powder

500ml Vegetable Stock (GREEN OXO CUBE)

2 Courgettes (cut in rings)

1 Red or Green Pepper (chop into small pieces)

4 Fresh tomatoes (chopped)

1 Onion (finely chopped)

2 cloves Garlic (crushed or chopped)

Parsley or Coriander to garnish

Black Pepper

Salt to taste

METHOD

Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion,garlic, Quorn pieces,tomatoes and fry gently, add courgette slices and stir. Add chopped pepper and fry for about 4 mins. Add vegetable stock, stir, and bring to boil. Add rice and stir in Cumin Powder, pepper and salt. Reduce heat, put on lid and simmer for about 20 minutes. Put in one large bowl, sprinkle parsley or coriander on top and let everyone help themselves. Serve with a green side salad.

ENJOY Your taste of the "Med".

VEGGIE BOLOGNESE SAUCE

　

VEGETARIAN BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. This week we have our own recipe for vegetarian Bolognese Sauce. This sauce is the most well known of Italian sauces - most people have had Spaghetti Bolognese but is also used with other pasta dishes e.g. Lasagne. Use this recipe later when we give our recipe for Lasagne.

　

INGREDIENTS

450g Quorn vegetarian mince

400g Tinned Chopped Tomatoes

3 cloves Garlic

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 small onion chopped

Half Pint vegetarian stock (Oxo Green)

1 teaspoon dried Basil or chopped fresh Basil

Salt & Black Pepper

　

METHOD

In a large saucepan heat the oil, fry the onion gently for 1 minute, add the garlic, fry for 1 minute. Add the mince and fry gently. Add chopped tomatoes and stir. Add Vegetarian Stock and bring to boil. Add Basil and salt and pepper. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

　

SERVE with any pasta e.g spaghetti, penne or use for lasagne.