Inspired by Thailand – Vegan Mushroom, Peanut, Beansprouts and Lime Lettuce Cups

Looking for some easy healthy entertaining ideas for the weekend? Then try these super easy, super tasty Thai inspired Vegan cups.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Pack of mushrooms (chestnut, button etc are fine), 2 garlic cloves, 1 thumb sized piece of fresh ginger, 1 whole lime, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, handful of natural peanuts, bag of beansprouts, 1 head of iceberg lettuce carefully separated into individual leafs,1 small red onion and bunch of coriander to serve.

Method:

1.Start by thinly chopping a packet of mushrooms then cooking on a low heat in a little oil to remove all the excess water

2.Remove from the pan and set aside

3. Add a little more oil and gently fry some garlic and ginger for a few minutes, add your mushrooms back to the pan with the juice of a whole lime, soy sauce, a good handful of peanuts and the beansprouts

4. Mix well and warm through (don’t over cook though as you want to keep the peanut crunch)

5. Serve with lettuce cups, shredded red onion and coriander

Enjoy!

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Inspired by Sri Lanka – Prawn and Yellow Lentil Curry with Cheats Pol Sambola

Luckily the oven roasted spice mix makes enough for two curries, as you will want to make this again and again! Filling, earthy flavours with the added zing of the ‘Cheats Pol Sambola’ to really tickle your tastebuds.

Serves: 2, or 4 if you add rice

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 30 – 40mins

Ingredients: For the Sri Lankan Spice Mix, 1 tsp. black peppercorns, 1 tsp. cumin seeds, 2 tsp. mustard seeds, 2 tsp. fennel seeds, 2 tsp. coriander seeds

For the lentils: 1 cup of red or yellow lentils, 3 cups of cold water, 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick

For the curry: 1 can of full fat coconut milk, 12 – 16 King Prawns (depending on size and how many you want!), 2 garlic cloves, 1 thumb sized piece of ginger peeled, 1 red chilli, 1 tsp of coconut oil, (can use vegetable oil), 1 tsp. tumeric

For the ‘Cheats Pol Sambola’: 1/2 small red onion finely sliced, 1.1/2 tbsps. of natural desiccated coconut, 1/2 tsp. of dried chilli flakes (more of less depending on how much heat you like), juice of 1/2 a lime, 1 tsp. fish sauce.

Method:

1. First pre-heat your oven to 200F, place all of the spice mix spices in a roasting tin and roast for 8-10 minutes until starting to brown
2. Rinse your lentils and add to a pan with 3 cups of cold water, the cloves and cinnamon stick
3. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10-15mins until softened, drain and remove the cloves and cinnamon stick and put to one side until ready to use
4. Now make your ‘Pol Sambola’, by mixing all ingredients together and then placing in the fridge until ready to use
5. Once your spices have cooled a bit give them a good bash in a pestle and mortar or a quick blitz in a food processor
6. Heat the coconut oil in a large pan and add the garlic, chilli, turmeric and ginger, fry for a few minutes then add half of your spice mix, save the rest in an air tight container for another time!
7. Fry for a further 2 – minutes before adding the cooked lentils and coating well in the mixture
8. Add the coconut milk and simmer for 10mins
9. Add your prawns and cook for a few minutes longer to heat through
10. Serve with ‘Pol Samba’ and enjoy!

Three decades of civil war and the tsunami in 2004, have left the children of Sri Lanka extremely vulnerable with many of them still suffering from both emotional and physically scars. The tsunami killed tens of thousands of people and flattened towns and villages. Save The Children have since rebuilt 21 schools, safe places for children to play and provided emergency aid and education to 130,000 children. They are also working with local organisations and government to reunite children with their families and develop Early Children Care and Development programmes to give children a better future. To find out more please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/asia/sri-lanka

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

Inspired by Kenya – Ginger Drizzle Sponge Cake

Ginger is used widely in Kenyan beverages from Kenyan Ginger Tea to Ginger Beer, often drunk with a sweet donut called ‘Mandazi’, so I wanted to create something that combines the love of ginger with a sweet treat – I hope this hits the spot!

Makes: 12 Squares

Prep: 15mins

Cook: 40 – 45 mins

Ingredients: For the Ginger Syrup, 50g of fresh ginger, 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 300ml of cold water, 85g icing sugar

For the Ginger Sponge: 115g butter, 115g caster sugar, 115g self raising flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. dried ginger, a little fresh ginger (optional).

Method:

1. Make the ginger syrup first by adding 50g of roughly chopped fresh ginger to a pan with one tbsp. of brown sugar and 300ml of water
2. Bring to the boil and leave on a simmer for 20mins until the liquid has reduced by half, stirring occasionally so that all the sugar dissolves
3. Take the liquid of the heat and allow to cool, once cooled, place through a sieve to remove all of the ginger and leave to one side while you prepare the sponge
4. Pre-heat your oven to 160F
5. First mix together the butter and sugar until all combined and fluffy, now add your eggs and mix well
6. Add your dry ingredients, flour, baking powder and ginger powder, folding until all combined into a thick batter
7. Line a baking tin (I used an 18cm x 24cm rectangular tray, but you can use a round one)
8. Pour your mixture into the tray, spreading evenly and pop in the oven for 20 -25 mins until golden brown
9. Meanwhile add 85g of icing sugar to the ginger syrup and mix well so there isn’t any lumps
10. While your sponge is still cooling prick the surface with a fork many times and pour over your ginger syrup, making sure to cover the whole surface of the cake
11. Leave to cool and infuse completely then cut into 12 squares
12. Serve with an extra sprinkle of sugar and grated fresh ginger if you wish
13. Enjoy!

Although Kenya is one of the most developed countries in Africa, they still face many challenges. Save The Children are working in Kenya to support those who find themselves in the refugee camp Dadaab, from Somalia, and are working with nomadic communities to ensure they are better equipped for future disasters such as the severe droughts that Kenya is prone too. They are also working tirelessly to decrease the number of child, newborn and maternal deaths. To find out more, please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/africa/kenya

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

Inspired by Guatemala – Coffee, Banana and Chocolate Condensed Milk Ice Cream

Easy after dinner treat or just because… Also can be added to milks of all variety to make an excellent frappe! 

Makes: 1,000ml/500g

Prep: 5mins

Cook: No cook but 5 – 6 hours freezing timing

Ingredients: 387ml of condensed milk, 3 ripe bananas, 20g of dark chocolate (plus optional extra for grating over before serving), 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 shot of cooled strong espresso coffee.

Method:

1. Blitz well, all of the ingredients in a food processor
2. Transfer to a freezable container, old ice cream containers work best!
3. Freeze for up to 6 hours and scrap off any ice that may appear on top before serving
4. If making ahead leave out of the freezer for up to 30 minutes until softened
5. Enjoy!

As well as being subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, the children of Guatemala have also been affected by the repercussion of a 36 year civil war, which included genocide and violation of human rights, especially among poorer communities. Now in the poorest areas, 60% of children are malnourished and 19% of all children, as young as seven are sent to work.  Save The Children are helping those within the poorest communities find ways to develop healthier, sustainable livelihoods and are promoting education to ensure children have a better future.  To find out more, please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/south-central-america/guatemala

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk

Who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

 

 

Venezuelan P.A.N Time!

Hi there! I will be whipping up a treat with this at the weekend, but wanted to know your thoughts on it and spread some awareness of its origin and uses.

P.A.N is actually an acronym meaning “Producto Alimenticio Nacional”, translating to “National Food Product”, originating in Venezuela and is seen as a staple in Venezuelan diets.  It is also used widely across the rest of South America and cornflour such as this is also a used in a lot of African cooking too, and can be used in a similar way to Italian Polenta.

Main uses include Venezuelan arepas and empanadas – yummy! It also boasts no additives and is great for those following a gluten free diet.

Now for the hard part…

As violence, political and economic instability continues in Venezuela, it is estimated that 3 million people have fled their homes, with at least 1 million now based in nearby Columbia. This figure includes 300,000 children, some of whom are travelling alone leaving them incredibly vulnerable.  It is predicted that by the end of 2019, this number will rise to 5.3 million.

Below are some stark statistic from Save The Children US, on the impact this current situation is having on children still in Venezuela:

• 15% of school-age children are out of school
• 16 out of 1,000 children die before their 5th birthday
• 33% of people live in poverty
• 13% of children suffer from stunting due to malnutrition

If you would like to find out more please visit: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/where-we-work/latin-america/venezuela

I will be making an Inspired by Venezuela recipe later this year, but for now if you would like to have a look at some of the other South American Recipes, I have put together a list, including delicious recipes like Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters to Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast!

Inspired by Haiti – Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters

Inspired by Columbia – Tuna Steak Stew with Lime and Oregano

Inspired by Mexico – Avocado and Cucumber Gazpacho

Inspired By Ecuador – Slow Cooked Pork and Bean Stew with Cheesy Potato Cakes

Inspired by Peru – Chicken, Black Rice, Green Sauce and Avocado SaladInspired by

Brazil Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast, Black Beans, Orange and Tomato Rice, Smashed Avocado and a Simple Salsa

Inspired by Haiti – Banana and Mango Mock Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate and Cashew Nut Shards

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children, who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x

 

 

 

Inspired by Korea – Vegan Asparagus and Ginger Pancakes

I was lucky enough recently to attend a vegan Korean cooking course with the amazing chef Da-Hae West, (check her out here https://dahaewest.com), which gave me a lot of inspiration as well as making my own Kimchi! One of the things I got to make was a vegan pancake, which is super easy, super delicious and can be adapted to suit your tastes, adding things like prawns, chicken, more chillies, no chillies it’s up to you!

I have made my own version here using lots of asparagus and ginger accompanied by two dips that I think work really well, one vegan and one full on mayo! If you have a go at making this version, or your own, get in touch as I would love to hear about your creations!

Serves: 2 as a main, 4 – 6 as a starter

Prep: 20mins

Cook: 6 – 8 mins for each pancake

Ingredients: For the pancakes: 20 asparagus spears, 250g self raising flour, 375ml ice cold sparkling water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 chilli thinly sliced, (more if you like the heat), 1 clove or garlic minced of thinly sliced, 1 thumb sized piece of ginger minced or thinly sliced, 4 tbsp. of oil for frying

For the Sesame Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. sesame oil, 1 thinly sliced piece of ginger, 1 tsp. sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp. brown sugar

For the Chilli Mayo: 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1tbsp. mayo, 1 red chilli thinly sliced with seeds if you like the heat.

Method:

1. First remove the woody ends from your asparagus
2. Then add to boiling water and boil vigorously for 2 mins
3. Drain and plunge into cold water and set aside while you make your dips and batter
4. To make the Chilli Mayo, add the sliced chilli to the rice wine vinegar and set aside until ready to serve
5. For the Sesame Dipping sauce, mix all of the ingredients together and set aside until ready to use
6. Mix all of the ingredients together for the pancake except the asparagus so that it’s combined well but no need to over mix
7. Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a pan now add half of your pancake batter and pop 10 of the asparagus spears on top of the mixture so that they melt down into the mixture
8. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes on one side until you start to see air pockets form on the top
9. Now turn your pancake over (you can flip if you are brave, or use a spatula like me!), add some more oil if you notice that the pan is dry and continue to cook on the other side for 3 – 4 minutes, longer if necessary, you want it to be crispy but not burnt
10. Repeat the same for the second pancake with the remaining mixture and asparagus
11. Once both of your pancakes are ready, add the finishing touch to your Chilli Mayo by adding 1 tbsp. of mayo and mixing well
12. Enjoy!

 

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk

Who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

August Recipe Review -From Portugal to India

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As many of you return to work this week and school after the summer break, let’s have a look back at the Feastforfamine recipes in August. I hope you enjoyed the recipes and even got to try some out, and whether you had a staycation or travelled further afield I hope you had fun and are feeling well rested.

First up in August was a trip to the USA for the healthy but delicious Key Lime Pots, the aim of this recipe was to try and keep all the flavour of this American classic, but without the calories and cooking time, I hope it worked!

Second up and in keeping with the summer theme, I’m thinking BBQs here and lots of them, with the Inspired by Australia – Beer soaked Chicken Wings with Apple and Cucumber Salad, really moorish and easy to make.

Summer is also a great time for picnics, so with this in mind have a look at Inspired by Portugal – Chorizo Loaf simple baking but great to share.

Last stop took us to India for some vegetarian treats with the Inspired by India – Potato and Sweetcorn Samosas with Pea Raita and I really recommend the pea raita as a stand alone dip too!

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x

Inspired by Portugal – Chorizo Loaf

Makes one loaf – great for picnics!

Prep: 15mins
Cook: 30 – 40mins

Ingredients: 250g plain flour, 150g chorizo (thinly sliced or cut into cubes), 4 large eggs, 150ml olive oil, 100ml semi skimmed milk, 50g plain yogurt, 50g hard cheese like parmesan, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. dried thyme

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160F
2. Beat your eggs until pale then add all of the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well
3. In a separate bowl mix together the remainder of dry your ingredients except the chorizo
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture slowly mixing well
5. When all combined add the chorizo and combine with the batter
6. Grease a loaf tin and pour in your batter
7. Cook for 30 – 35 mins checking if it’s cooked by using a knife straight down the middle of the loaf and if it comes out clean your loaf is done, if not give it another 5 – 10mins
8. Allow to cool
9. Enjoy!

To find out about the amazing work Save The Children are currently doing to support children across the globe, please visit the link:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk

And if you would like to make a donation via this blog, please visit my Just Giving Page, by clicking the link here Just Giving

Thanks

Inspired by the USA – Key Lime Pots

Love the taste of Key Lime Pie but don’t like the calories? Then try these, super easy to make Key Lime Pots!

Serves: 4

Prep: 10mins

Cook: 1 hour chill time

Ingredients: 375g ready made custard, or vanilla flavoured yogurt, 230g thick Greek yogurt, 75g digestive biscuits, juice and zest of 1 lime.

Method

1. Crush or blitz the digestives in a food processor and divide equally between 4 glasses or small bowls
2. Top with the custard
3. Add the juice of the lime to the Greek yogurt, mix well and add this on top of the custard
4. Sprinkle the zest of the lime on top of the desserts and keep in the fridge for at least one hour before serving
5. Enjoy!

To find out about the amazing work Save The Children in the USA are currently doing to support children across the globe, please visit the link:

https://www.savethechildren.org

And if you would like to make a donation via this blog, please visit my Just Giving Page, by clicking the link here Just Giving

Thanks

July Recipe Review – From New Zealand to Myanmar

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Hi All!

So how is Summer treating you so far? Exams, deadlines? Or vacations and new destinations? Whatever you are doing I hope it is filled full with sunshine, picnics, BBQs and alfresco dining!

The beginning of July marked the six month anniversary of the Feastforfamine journey and as a little bonus recipe I shared Nan’s Jam Tart, a recipe I remember fondly from my childhood and now share with my daughter, it’s so easy but so tasty and full of memories for me!

First stop in July took us to Mexico, to cool down with the Inspired by Mexico – Avocado and Cucumber Gazpacho, a really easy lunch or refreshing light starter. Next we went to Vietnam to explore a different take on the Banh Mi, the famous baguette normally filled with pork, pate, mayo and pickles. I wanted to try and create a different version that didn’t cut any of the flavour but instead offered a vegetarian option so created the Inspired by Vietnam – Aubergine Buns with Veggie Pickles and Spiced Mayo.

I love summer cooking and food, but often find it difficult to think of desserts that compliment lighter eating, so during the warmer months when entertaining, I will always make at least one pavlova as it’s light but sweet and you can add any flavour combinations you like, I definitely think I have found a winning combo with the Inspired by New Zealand – Orange, Honey and Macadamia Nut Pavlova, and I would also love to have your favourite pavlova creations too, feel free to contact me here Contact, and I will have a go and making some of them before the summer is over.

Next we went to Libya for an African twist on pasta, (http://feastforfamine.blog/2019/07/22/inspired-by-libya-spiced-orange-chicken-with-coriander-and-pinenut-pasta/) a zesty chicken dish that does not waste any of the juices from the chicken, as it drizzles down onto the coriander and pine nut pasta, great served with a fresh green salad.

Finally in July, we went to Myanmar for Pork and Mango Coconut Noodles (http://feastforfamine.blog/2019/07/29/inspired-by-myanmar-pork-and-mango-coconut-noodles/), you can use up any other left over meats you have from your Sunday Roast, but they have a saying in Myanmar ‘Of all the fruit the mango is the best, of all the meat, the pork is the best and of all the leaves lahpet is the best’, and I certainly agree with that for this recipe, the pork and mango really are the best combo…I hope you do too!

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x