Bushra Riaz

12/19/2024

Red pepper linguine
Method
Step 1
Blitz the roasted red pepper with the olive oil, walnuts and garlic in a food processor, season well and set aside.
Step 2
Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, add the pasta and cook for 1 min less than the pack instructions and drain, reserving a ladleful of cooking water. Tip the pasta back into the pan, along with the reserved cooking water and red pepper sauce, and return to the heat to warm through. Tip the pasta into a bowl and top with the parmesan and some chopped toasted walnuts. Season and serve.

Dig out a red pepper, linguine, walnuts, garlic and parmesan to make this quick and easy supper. It takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate

12/14/2024

Caramelised banana & chocolate galette
Method
Step 1
Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Blitz 50g of the hazelnuts in a small food processor until they resemble fine breadcrumbs, then tip into a bowl with the chocolate.
Step 2
Roll the pastry out to a round roughly 30cm in diameter on a sheet of baking parchment. Scatter the chocolate and hazelnut mixture over the pastry circle, leaving a 5cm border. Top with the bananas and most of the remaining hazelnuts, then fold the edges of the pastry over. Transfer the galette to a baking sheet along with the baking parchment, then chill in the fridge for at least 10 mins.
Step 3
Remove from the fridge and sprinkle the sugar over the galette, then bake for 25-30 mins, or until golden and puffed up. Scatter over the remaining hazelnuts and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you like.

Impress friends and family with this simple, 5-ingredient galette with caramelised banana and chocolate. This easy dessert goes wonderfully with ice cream

12/05/2024

Cola ham with maple & mustard glaze
Method
Step 1
Put 2kg unsmoked boneless gammon joint in a large pan and cover with 2l cola. Add 1 chopped carrot, 1 quartered onion, 1 chopped celery stick, 1 cinnamon stick, ½ tbsp peppercorns and 1 bay leaf.
Step 2
Bring to the boil, then turn down to simmer for around 2 ½ hrs, topping up with boiling water if necessary to keep the gammon fully covered.
Step 3
Carefully pour the liquid away, then let the ham cool a little while you heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
Step 4
Lift the ham into a roasting tin, then cut away the skin leaving behind an even layer of fat. Score the fat all over in a criss-cross pattern.
Step 5
Mix 150ml maple syrup, 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar and a pinch of ground cloves or five-spice in a jug.
Step 6
Pour half over the fat, roast for 15 mins, then pour over the rest and return to the oven for another 30 mins, baste half way through.
Step 7
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 mins, then spoon more glaze over the top. Can be roasted on the day or up to 2 days ahead and served cold.

11/20/2024

Vegetarian cottage pie
Method
Step 1
To make the sauce, heat 50g butter in a pan, then gently fry 2 chopped onions, 4 diced carrots, 1 chopped head of celery and 4 finely chopped garlic cloves for 15 mins until soft and golden.
Step 2
Turn up the heat, add 200g sliced chestnut mushrooms, then cook for 4 mins more.
Step 3
Stir in 2 bay leaves and 1 tbsp dried thyme, then add 500g green lentils. Pour over 100ml red wine and 1.7l vegetable stock – it’s important that you do not season with salt at this stage.
Step 4
Simmer for 40-50 mins until the lentils are very soft.
Step 5
Season to taste, take off heat, then stir in 3 tbsp tomato purée.
Step 6
While the lentils are cooking, tip 2kg floury potatoes into a pan of water, then boil for about 15 mins until tender. Drain well, mash with 85g butter and 100ml milk, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 7
To assemble the pies, divide the lentil mixture between all the dishes that you are using, then top with mash.
Step 8
Scatter over 50g grated cheddar and freeze for up to two months or if eating that day, heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5, then bake for 30 mins until the topping is golden.

11/15/2024

Basic cookies
Method
Step 1
Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Cream the butter in a large bowl with a wooden spoon or in a stand mixer until it is soft. Add the sugar and keep beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Sift in the flour and add the optional ingredients, if you’re using them. Bring the mixture together with your hands in a figure-of-eight motion until it forms a dough. You can freeze the dough at this point.
Step 2
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them slightly apart from each other on a baking sheet (you don’t need to butter or line it). Flatten the balls a little with the palm of your hand and bake them in the oven for around 10-12 mins until they are golden brown and slightly firm on top. Leave the cookies on a cooling rack for around 15 mins before serving.

11/14/2024

Sausages with sticky onion gravy
Method
Step 1
Fry sausages for 15 mins or until browned, then remove from pan and keep warm. Heat onions in same pan, then add flour, stirring for 1 min. Add thyme, then gradually add stock. Bring to boil then simmer for 5 mins until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, season and serve with sausages.
Step 2
For the onions: Makes 600g, which is 3 batches. Prep time 5 mins, cook time 30 mins. Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan and stir through the onions. Cover with a lid and cook gently for about 10 mins, until softened. Remove lid, add sugar, then cook 15-20 mins, stirring, until all of the liquid has evaporated and onions have turned golden. Divide into 3 batches to make the recipes, right. Will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

11/13/2024

Slow cooker lamb tagine
Method
Step 1
Fry the lamb in the oil in batches and tip it into the slow cooker. Fry the onion in the same pan for 5 mins or until it softens a little. Add the carrots and spices, stir everything together, add the tomato purée, stock and 250ml water and swirl everything around the pan. Tip into the slow cooker. Add the sweet potato, dried cherries, honey and another 500ml water.
Step 2
Cook on low for 8 hrs or high for 4 hrs. Stir in the coriander and serve with couscous. Leave to cool before freezing.

11/12/2024

Easy spaghetti Bolognese
Method
Step 1
Put 1 tbsp of the oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat, add the beef and fry until well browned. Tip out into a dish and repeat with 1 tbsp oil and the pork. Tip the pork into the dish with the beef and put the pan back on the heat with the remaining oil. Turn the heat down and cook the shallots for 8-10 mins or until very soft, then add the garlic. Tip the meat back into the pan and add the passata, purée, wine and oregano. Stir everything together, cover and simmer over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 mins.
Step 2
Cook the spaghetti following pack instructions, then stir half the parmesan into the Bolognese. Put a spoonful of the pasta water into the sauce to loosen it if it looks too thick, then drain the spaghetti. For a better flavour, tip the pasta onto the sauce, toss everything together to coat, and season well (or serve with the sauce on top). Add the remaining parmesan and a few basil leaves.

11/11/2024

Kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon)
Method
Step 1
Put the flours in a bowl and pour in 200ml ice-cold water and the reserved kimchi liquid. Whisk until a smooth batter is formed.
Step 2
Mix in the kimchi, gochujang and spring onions – the batter should be a slightly thick pancake batter, similar to a drop scone consistency. You can add a tablespoon of flour if you need to thicken it a little.
Step 3
Place a large, non-stick pan over a high heat with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Ladle the pancake mix into the pan. Use the back of the ladle to smooth the mixture out to create a thin, even layer. Reduce the heat to medium high. Fry for 2-3 mins, until air bubbles start to pop on the surface and the sides start to crisp.
Step 4
Flip the pancake then slightly lift the side of the pancake with a spatula and add another tablespoon of oil underneath – shake the pan a little to make sure the oil coats the bottom of the pancake.
Step 5
Use a spatula to press on top of the pancake to ensure the pancake is crispy. Fry for a further 2 mins.
Step 6
Flip one last time, pressing down on the pancake again and fry for 30 seconds. Drain on kitchen paper and keep warm in a low oven while you cook the second pancake using the same method. Serve (optionally cut into bite-sized pieces).

11/08/2024

Miso brown rice & chicken salad
Method
Step 1
Cook the rice following the pack instructions, then drain and keep warm. While it’s cooking, place the chicken breasts into a pan of boiling water so they are completely covered. Boil for 1 min, then turn off the heat, place a lid on and let sit for 15 mins. When cooked through, cut into slices.
Step 2
Boil the broccoli until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again.
Step 3
For the dressing, mix the miso, rice vinegar, mirin and ginger together.
Step 4
Divide the rice between two plates and scatter over the spring onions and sesame seeds. Place the broccoli and chicken slices on top. To finish, drizzle over the dressing.

11/07/2024

Apple, cheese & potato pie
Method
STEP 1
First, make the pastry. Tip the flour, cheese and a pinch of salt into a large bowl and mix. Add the butter and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in 4-5 tbsp cold water, and bring together into a dough. Wrap and chill for 30 mins.

STEP 2
To make the filling, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, then add the oil and onions and cook for 10-15 mins until caramelised. Add the thyme and fry for 1 min more. Tip in the flour, and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the stock, adding it in small amounts to prevent lumps forming. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Stir in the mustard and vinegar towards the end of the cooking time.

STEP 3
Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a large pan of cold water, bring to the boil and cook for 4-5 mins until just cooked and still holding their shape. Drain well, then stir into the sauce. Add the apples, cheddar and some seasoning, and stir again. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

STEP 4
Pour the filling into a 28cm oval baking dish (ours was 28 x 18.5 x 6.5cm). While it cools, roll out the pastry on a surface lightly dusted with flour to the thickness of a £1 coin. Cut into strips roughly 1cm wide. Lay half the strips across the dish horizontally, leaving gaps of a few millimetres in-between, then, one by one, weave in the remaining strips vertically, using an over and under technique, also spacing them apart by a few millimetres. Re-roll any trimmings and cut into flowers, leaves, or other shapes to decorate, if you like (see tip, below). Arrange any pastry shapes on top, then brush with the beaten egg.

STEP 5
Bake for 50 mins, keeping an eye on it – you may need to cover the top with foil if it’s starting to brown too quickly. Leave to cool for at least 10 mins before serving.

11/06/2024

Easy vegan pancakes
Method
STEP 1
Whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a bowl using a balloon whisk until mixed. Slowly pour in the milk until you get a smooth, thick batter.

STEP 2
Heat a little of the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-low heat, and add 2 tbsp batter into the pan at a time to make small, round pancakes. You will need to do this in batches of two-three at a time. Cook for 3-4 mins until the edges are set, and bubbles are appearing on the surface. Flip the pancakes over and cook for another 2-3 mins until golden on both sides and cooked through. Keep warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining pancakes.

STEP 3
Serve stacked with lots of toppings of your choice, or serve with bowls of toppings for everyone to help themselves.

11/05/2024

Chickpea & roasted parsnip curry
Method
STEP 1
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the parsnips in a roasting tin and toss with half the oil, the cumin and some seasoning. Roast for 25-30 mins until softened.

STEP 2
Heat the remaining oil in a pan. Cook the onion and coriander stalks for 15 mins, or until really soft and caramelising. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 min, then add the chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 mins until the sauce reduces and clings to the chickpeas. Add the lime juice and season again to taste, if you like.

STEP 3
Top with the parsnips, coriander leaves and lime wedges and serve with yogurt, rice or naan bread.

11/05/2024

Spicy pumpkin soup
Method
STEP 1
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds with a spoon (see tip below). Cut into wedges or chunks (keep the skin on) and tip into a bowl. Put the garam masala, and 1 tsp each of the coriander and cumin into a small bowl and mix with 2 tbsp of the oil and season. Drizzle over the pumpkin and toss well to coat in the spiced oil. Transfer to a baking tray, spread out evenly and roast for 40-45 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until the pumpkin is very soft when pierced with a fork. Leave to cool on the tray for a few minutes.

STEP 2
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion with a pinch of salt for 10 mins until soft. Add the ginger, garlic and remaining spices and chilli flakes, and fry for a few more minutes until fragrant. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

STEP 3
When the pumpkin is cool enough to touch, use a spoon to scoop the soft flesh from the skins. Add the soft pumpkin to the stock pan, discarding the skins. Remove from the heat and blitz the soup with a hand blender until creamy and smooth. Season to taste, adding extra chilli or garam masala if you like. Put back over a low heat and stir in the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then serve in bowls with a drizzle more cream and a pinch of chilli to serve. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, if you like.

10/31/2024

One-pot cheeseburger pasta
Method
STEP 1
Heat the oil in a large lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the onion for 3 mins, then add the mince and cook for a further 5 mins until lightly browned.

STEP 2
Add the tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 2 mins until the tomatoes are pulpy and starting to soften. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil.

STEP 3
Stir in the pasta, then cover and cook for 10-12 mins until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed, adding a splash of water if needed.

STEP 4
Pour in the milk and stir in 100g of the cheese, stirring until melted. Check the seasoning and transfer to a serving dish or bowls. Drizzle with mustard and ketchup, then scatter with the remaining cheese, pickles and jalapeños and a good grinding of black pepper. Serve with more ketchup on the side.

10/30/2024

Chicken & ginger fried rice
Method
STEP 1
Put the chicken pieces into a bowl with the sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, sake and half the ginger. Cover and chill for at least 30 mins, or up to 4 hrs.

STEP 2
Tip the rice into a sieve and rinse thoroughly, mixing it around until the water runs clear. Set aside. Heat the oil in a tall-sided saucepan or flameproof casserole dish over a medium-high heat and cook the chicken along with the marinade for 10 mins, stirring often until browned all over. Remove to a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. Stir the rice into the pan and crumble in the stock cube, then tip in the remaining ginger, the star anise, sesame oil, ¼ tsp salt and 600ml cold water. Bring to the boil, then return the chicken and any resting juices to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 mins. Remove from the heat and leave to rest, covered, for 10-15 mins.

STEP 3
Divide the chicken and rice between four plates. Top with the sesame seeds, spring onions, chilli oil and crispy onions, if you like, and serve with a side of steamed broccoli.

10/29/2024

🌮 Blackened Salmon Fajitas
Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 8 mins

Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp oil, divided
2 tbsp fajita spice mix
2 ripe avocados
2 limes (1 for juice, 1 cut into wedges)
Salt, to taste
8 small tortillas
Fresh salsa, to serve
Method:
STEP 1: Coat the salmon fillets in 1 tbsp of oil and sprinkle the fajita spice mix evenly over each. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for about 8 minutes until it’s blackened on the outside and cooked through.

STEP 2: While the salmon cooks, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth, season with salt, and squeeze in the juice of 1 lime.

STEP 3: Serve the blackened salmon in large flakes alongside the tortillas, mashed avocado, salsa, and lime wedges for squeezing. 🌶️🐟

10/28/2024

Simple Stir-Fry ✨
Ingredients:

Mixed vegetables (carrots, baby corn, broccoli, peppers, cabbage or pak choi)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1-2 tbsp oil
Soy sauce, to taste
Chilli sauce (optional)
Prawns, salmon, or chicken (cooked)
Noodles, to serve
Method:

STEP 1:
Finely chop or slice the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Diagonally slice the carrots, slice the baby corn, cut the broccoli into small florets, and finely slice the peppers, cabbage, or pak choi. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok, then fry the garlic and ginger for 1 min. 🥦🥕

STEP 2:
Add the vegetables and toss to coat. Fry for 2-3 mins, then add the soy sauce and chilli sauce (if using) and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 mins until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the prawns, salmon, or chicken and heat through. Serve over the noodles. 🍜🍤

Enjoy your quick and delicious stir-fry! 💖

Let me know if you need any changes!