Showing posts with label Real Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Food. Show all posts

Monday, February 24, 2014

Brown Rice Tuna Cakes


Here's a perfect, healthy, budget lunchbox or picnic idea - enjoy!


Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 carrot, grated
1 zucchini, grated
1/2 brown onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tuna, drained and broken up
1/2 cup milk
fresh or dried herbs, to taste

Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius/160 fan-forced.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Spray a 12-hole muffin pan with oil, or 24-hole mini muffin pan (or you can even do one big one!)

Divide mixture between holes.  Bake for 20 minutes for mini size or 30 minutes for larger size, until set and golden brown.

Serve warm or cold.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Love Bites


These gorgeous little bites are not only delicious, but practically guilt-free!  A perfect Valentine's treat for those wanting to be good!



Ingredients
1 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pepitas
1 cup dates
1/2 cup sultanas
2 teaspoons chia seeds
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Method
Combine ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix for about a minute, until it all comes together and is well combined.

Press into mini love heart-shaped silicone molds.  Refrigerate until firm.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Mexican Baked Eggs


I love love love Mexican food and had been wanting to try out this type of dish for a while.  It was delicious and I would happily eat this for breakfast, lunch or dinner - how versatile!  It's healthy and is a great little vegetable sneak - the kids would also think you're pretty amazing if you served it up with corn chips.  Try it!


Ingredients
olive oil spray
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Mexican/taco seasoning or spice (bought or home-made using cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano and chilli) to taste (anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons!)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tin crushed tomatoes
500g grated, hard vegetables (I used carrot, purple carrot, sweet potato and pumpkin)
1 cup vegetable stock
400g tin kidney beans
4 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
coriander, jalapeƱos and corn, to serve (optional)

Method
Heat a wok or large pan over medium heat.  Spray with oil, then add onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft.

Add seasoning and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.  Add tomato paste and mix, then the tomatoes, vegetables, stock and beans.  Mix well, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and sauce has reduced.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Spoon into individual ramekins (or one large baking dish).  Use the back of a spoon to create an indent in the mixture.  Crack an egg into each indent.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes until eggs are cooked to your liking.

Sprinkle with cheese and return to oven for another 2 minutes, until melted.

Serve with extras, if desired.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Ratatouille


This is a real favourite of mine - it's packed full of vegetables, is tasty, easy to make and so good for you!  It usually uses eggplant, but the man of the house is not a fan, so I don't use it - but feel free to add it in, or substitute it for the mushrooms or zucchini.  Enjoy!


Ingredients
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
400g mushroom, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 red capsicum, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tins crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons mixed herbs
1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
400g tin chickpeas, drained

Method
Heat a large saucepan or wok over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and saute for a few minutes, until soft.

Add mushroom, zucchini, capsicum and carrot, along with tomato paste, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables have softened slightly.

Add tomatoes, herbs, vinegar and chickpeas.  Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, until veges are tender and liquid has reduced.

If you wish, serve with wholemeal pasta, cous cous or brown rice.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Guilt-Free Lamingtons


Making lamingtons for Australia Day is a tradition my sister Fiona & I started many years ago.  There's something really satisfying about the process and they taste SOOO much better than store-bought.  Here's my go-to lamington recipe, which I entered into the Ekka two years ago.  Sometimes, I like to mix things up with lamington cake or cupcakes, which are great options too.

But this year, I'm on a stint of clean eating, meaning traditional lamingtons are out of the question.  So I started hunting around for a suitable version, but had no luck.  Well, we all know what to do in that situation - make up your own!

I was pretty impressed with the end result - the cake is light & moist & delicious, the chocolate icing is to DIE for and the whole package is practically perfect (trust me, I've eaten three today...oops!)  Who knew lamingtons could be guilt-free!  Make sure you give these ones a go :-)

Ingredients
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut cream

Chocolate Icing
1 cup cocoa
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup shredded coconut

Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius / 160 fan-forced.

In a food processor, combine the dry ingredients.  Mix well.

Add the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla, oil, honey and coconut cream.  Process for about 30 seconds, until well combined.

Line a 20cm x 20cm square tin with baking paper.  Pour mixture into tin and bake for about 40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Leave to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

Combine cocoa, coconut oil and maple syrup until it's a coating consistency.  Add hot water if necessary.

Slice the cake into bars.  Coat with chocolate icing then coconut.  Place on a wire rack to set, then keep in the fridge.

If you want an easier and cleaner option, simply spread the chocolate icing over the top of the uncut cake, then sprinkle with coconut.  Refrigerate and slice to serve.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Thai Chicken and Ginger Soup


Have I told you yet about the meal swap group I'm part of?  It's the best!  We meet about every 6 weeks, and the theory is that we bring along 5 meals, each serving 4 people (so basically, we do 1 big cook-up) - then we swap and go home with 5 different freezable meals for our families!  It's a great way to try new things and wonderful to have meals on hand in the freezer for those days when we're too busy to cook.

Anyway, this one was made by my friend Kristen, also a mum of 2 young kids - and it was so delicious, I had to get the recipe from her and share it with you!  I've never made a Thai soup before, so I'll definitely be trying this one out for myself - great flavours, super healthy and easy too - win!

Ingredients:
2 x 5cm piece ginger
500 ml coconut milk
250 ml chicken stock
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
1 tblsp finely chopped coriander root, well rinsed
1 thai chilli (small, red chilli)
500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsps fish sauce
1 1/2 tbsps lime juice
3 tsp grated palm sugar or soft brown sugar
coriander leaves, to garnish

Method:
Put the ginger, coconut milk, stock, half the lime leaves, coriander root and chilli in the slow cooker. Simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Trim off any fat and then cut the chicken into thin strips. Add the chicken strips, fish sauce, lime juice and palm sugar to the slow cooker and cook for a further 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir through the remaining lime leaves.

Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with coriander leaves.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Wholefood Caramel Mudcake


I've been doing my best lately to get back to "real food" eating - cutting back on processed and pre-packaged food as well as refined flours and sugar. It's really not hard when you get into the swing of things, and it was perfect timing that I came across a wonderful blog called Wholefood Simply. It has some fantastic recipes and great ideas. My sister told me about this Caramel Mudcake and I just had to give it a go!

Amazingly, as hard as it is to believe a cake made with sweet potato and dates that has no chocolate and no sugar can resemble anything like a real Caramel Mudcake, this one kind of does! The sweet potato, along with the coconut flour and eggs makes for a smooth, moist texture and it actually tastes good! It isn't and never will be the usual Caramel Mudcake - but as a super healthy alternative, it's really good!

The icing (which I made my own alterations to) is a great addition too - and I still can't believe that the tahini/honey combo really makes a caramel alternative! If nothing else, try this one out of curiosity, and you might just be pleasantly surprised :-)


Ingredients
650g sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped and baked until tender
12 medjool dates, seeds removed
2 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
Pinch of salt

Method
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celcius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line a round 20cm cake tin.

In your blender or food processor puree the sweet potato flesh and dates until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients in the order listed above, mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture into a prepared tin and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and an inserted skewer comes out cleanly. Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing from the cake tin and placing the cake onto a cooling rack. Cool the cake completely prior to icing.

Caramel Icing
1/2 cup unsalted cashews
3 heaped tablespoons hulled tahini
3 heaped tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend cashews until smooth and pasty.  Add remaining ingredients and mix until until smooth (I added a touch of water to thin it out a little). Pour the mixture directly over the cooled cake for a runny icing or refrigerate the mixture and allow it to set slightly for a thicker consistency.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Moroccan Stuffed Capsicums


Capsicums were on special this week, so I decided to try something new and stuff them.  Originally, I'd been thinking a bit of a Mexican-style, but went down the Moroccan path instead (stay tuned, I still want to try Mexican ones soon!)

I loved the result, as did the whole family!  Beautiful flavours, something different for presentation and the crunch of the nuts and seeds really lifts it.  These are super healthy too and packed full of vegetables from Charlies - give them a go!


Ingredients (serves 4)
4 medium-large capsicums (any colour is fine!)
olive oil spray
1 onion
1 clove garlic, crushed (or 2 teaspoons of this amazing product I've found called "garlic love"!)
2 teaspoons Moroccan seasoning
1 tomato, chopped finely
3 cups cooked brown rice
1 carrot, grated
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup seed & nut mix (mine was pepitas, sunflower seeds and almonds)
1/4 cup cranberries or currants

Method
Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius, fan-forced.

Slice tops off capsicums and scoop out seeds and flesh.  Place on a tray lined with baking paper.  Spray lightly with olive oil.  Bake for 20 minutes, until soft and golden.

Meanwhile, heat a wok or medium pan over medium heat.  Spray with olive oil.  Add onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes, until soft.

Add Moroccan season and cook for 1 minute.  Add tomato and cook for a further minute.

Add cooked rice, carrot and corn and stir well to combine. If the mixture is fairly dry, add up to 1/2 cup water.

Stir through seeds, nuts and dried fruit, then scoop into capsicums.  Replace the tops and serve.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Crunchy Brown Rice Salad


Perfect for a lunch, dinner, picnic or BBQ - add or subtract any ingredients you like!  This is versatile, healthy, colourful, delicious and easy - try it out :-)


Ingredients
3 cups cooked brown rice
200g corn kernels
1 red capsicum, deseeded, finely chopped
2 spring onions, finely chopped
50g baby spinach, shredded
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup cooked chicken (or BBQ chicken), chopped - optional

Dressing
1/4 cup light olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
salt & pepper, to taste

Method
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix together dressing ingredients, then add to the salad and toss well to combine.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Paleo Pumpkin Slice


I came across this recipe at a great website called Elana's Pantry when I was looking for a recipe to use up some leftover pumpkin.  It's pretty good - however, coconut flour does have quite a unique texture, so be prepared for that!  The chocolate (I used a 70% dark variety) was definitely the hero of the dish for me (I sound all Masterchef!) - but it's a tasty little combination and pretty healthy too!

Ingredients

⅓ cup coconut flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon bi carb soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup roasted or steamed pumpkin
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup oil
½ cup chocolate chunks

Method
In a food processor, combine coconut flour, salt, bicarb and cinnamon.

Pulse in eggs, pumpkin, honey and oil until well combined.

Stir in the chocolate by hand.

Transfer batter to a lined slice pan.

Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes.  Best kept in the fridge.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Healthy Cheesy Fish Fingers


I rarely do a separate meal for the kids - I just don't have the time to be cooking multiple meals each night!  But hubby & I were having simple herb & garlic baked fish with steamed veges and I didn't think the kids would be too keen.  So I whipped these up and they got devoured!  You can use any veges you want and you can also make them into any shape, or even bake them in muffin pans or the like.  Get creative!  These are infinitely better than store-bought "fish" fingers (who knows what's actually in them?!?) - so get cooking!


Ingredients
150g firm white fish fillets (I used basa)
1 cup cooked, chopped vegetables (can use frozen or fresh)
1 egg
1/2 cup grated cheese
2 teaspoons fresh/dried herbs
1 cup breadcrumbs (adjust according to consistency)

Method
Place fish and vegetables in a food processor and process until smooth.  Add egg, cheese, herbs and breadcrumbs and mix until combined.

Shape into logs and place on a tray lined with baking paper.  Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 7 minutes, then turn over and bake for another 7 minutes.

OR

Spray a frying pan with olive oil spray and pan-fry logs for a few minutes each side until golden-brown and cooked through.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Chicken Cacciatore


Another fantastic weeknight meal from Food Before 5 - this was a huge time-saver for me, because it lasted us for 2 nights, so gave me a day off cooking!  It's delicious, packed with veges, cheap, easy and quick to prepare.  PLUS, without any rice or extras, comes in at just 244 calories per serve!


Ingredients (serves 6 - 244 calories per serve)
1 tablespoon olive oil
600g chicken thighs
1 brown onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
200g button mushrooms, chopped
100g bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 x 400g tins crushed tomatos
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 teaspoons mixed dried herbs
250mL chicken stock

Method
Heat oil in a large saucepan.  Brown chicken over medium-high heat, then remove from pan.

Add onion, celery and carrot to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft.

Add mushrooms, bacon and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes.

Serve with steamed brown rice or cauliflower "rice".

Friday, September 20, 2013

Chicken Skewers with Cauliflower Pilaf


I really enjoyed this meal - it's got delicious, strong flavours and is super healthy too!


Ingredients (serves 4)

Chicken skewers:
400g chicken breast, cubed
1/2 bunch coriander, chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
200mL (1/2 can) coconut milk
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce

Cauliflower pilaf:
1/2 head cauliflower
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, grated

Method
Take 8 bamboo skewers and soak them in water for about 15 minutes.  Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.  Arrange in a shallow dish.

Combine coriander, lime juice and zest, coconut milk, garlic and ginger in a food processor.  Process until well combined.  Pour marinade over chicken skewers and leave for at least 2 hours (up to overnight).

To make the cauliflower pilaf: chop cauliflower and place in a food processor.  Pulse until finely chopped.  Transfer to a frying pan or wok over medium heat, lightly sprayed with olive oil.

Saute for a few minutes, until starting to soften.  Add spices and onion, and continue to cook for another minute.  Add carrot and cook, stirring regularly for 5-10 minutes.

Preheat barbecue or grill pan over medium heat.  Spray with olive oil.  Cook chicken skewers, turning when needed, until cooked through.  Take remaining marinade and put in a small saucepan with 2 teaspoons brown sugar and a dash of sweet chilli sauce.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly and thickened.

Arrange skewers over pilaf and spoon sauce over the top.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Kids Food Ideas #3


I needed another change from the cheese sandwich that my kids would so happily eat every day, so today I threw these fritters together:

1 grated zucchini, 1/2 cup grated cheese, a few slices of leftover corned beef (chopped), 1/4 cup tinned corn, 1 egg, 1 cup SR flour, 1 cup milk - mix together, and dollop into a frying pan over medium-low heat, cook for about 2 minutes each side, until cooked through. 

It was a winner!

Here's some other ideas for the lunchbox: (as well as more in previous posts here and here!)

Rice cakes instead of the usual sandwich, with a range of toppings to mix it up.
I love when the snack box has lots of bright colours - it definitely makes it much more appealing for the kids!  Shown here are mulitgrain rice crackers, dried cranberries, carrot & strawberries.
I love these Tupperware lunchboxes - you can fit so much in, while only taking one container with you (and no excess packaging).  Again, lots of bright colours always go down a treat!
Sometimes making it into a funny shape is enough to get them eating healthily!  Daggy mum, I know :-)
Melted cheese on a wrap to make a quesadilla, accompanied by colourful silicone cups with a range of salad items.
So get a bit creative and mix up your lunch today!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Banana Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Sugar-Free)


I saw this recipe the other day posted here at The Healthy Chef.  It really appealed to me, because while it's a really healthy alternative to standard Banana Cake, it doesn't use strange, expensive, hard-to-source ingredients.  I've made it twice since and it's been a big hit!  I made a couple of changes, but feel free to also check out the original recipe for some other alternatives.  I also made it once in my food processor and once in my neighbour's Thermomix (including making the almond meal) - and it was so quick and easy.

As always - almonds, bananas, honey & eggs from Charlie's!

Makes 1 loaf - 12 slices (193 calories per serve)

Ingredients
300g over-ripe, mashed banana
3 eggs
60g honey 
1 teaspoon vanilla
60 g olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
1 tbsp lemon juice
150g almond meal
50g desiccated coconut
25g chia seeds

Method
Preheat oven to 160 C.

Combine banana, honey, oil, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, bicarb and lemon in a food processor.

Add the almond meal, coconut and chia and mix well.

Line a loaf tin with baking paper and spoon in the batter. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour (a skewer inserted into the centre should come out dry).

Allow to cool before turning out the loaf.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Trio of Truffles


I've been getting back on track with clean eating lately - trying to stick with real, whole foods.  But of course, I still love my sweets - so these little delights are my not-so-naughty treats.  They're not strictly truffles - but close enough!

I did some experimenting last week, trying out the flavours - but of course, I didn't write down what I was doing...so the quantities here might not be exactly what I used.  Do some experimenting and just add more wet/dry ingredients as needed.

The recipes are a combination of a couple from the 4 Ingredients "Gluten & Lactose Free" book and online.  Just be careful not to go overboard - 1 or 2 at a time will satisfy the sweet craving without breaking the calorie bank :-)

Get all your nuts & dried fruit from Charlies!

Basic Chocolate Truffles
1/4 cup almonds
1 cup dates
1/2 cup coconut
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup crushed peanuts

Combine almonds, dates, coconut and cocoa in a food processor or Thermomix and blend until mixture comes together.  Add a dash of water if necessary.  Roll into balls, coat in nuts and refrigerate.


Lime Truffles
1/2 cup almonds
3/4 cup dates
zest and juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup coconut

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or Thermomix and blend until mixture comes together.  Roll into balls and refrigerate.


Peanut Butter Truffles
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons coconut flour
1 tablespoon cocoa (plus extra for rolling/dusting)
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or Thermomix and blend until mixture comes together.  Roll into balls, coat or dust with cocoa and refrigerate.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Roast Pumpkin & Feta Quinoa Salad


A deliciously healthy weeknight meal - I really loved this (unfortunately, my kids did not!)  The flavours balance perfectly and it's really simple to put together.  Best of all, it comes in at just 330 calories per serve!


Ingredients (serves 4)
800g pumpkin, peeled & cubed
4 baby beetroot, peeled & chopped
olive oil spray
1 leek, sliced
150g quinoa
25g baby spinach
100g feta, cubed
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar

Method
Preheat oven to 220 degrees celsius.

Place pumpkin and beetroot on a baking tray and spray with oil.  Roast for 10 minutes.  Add leek and roast for another 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, place quinoa in a saucepan with 2 cups water.  Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until "tails" have appeared and quinoa is cooked through.

Toss quinoa with vegetables and baby spinach.  Top with combined vinegar and sugar, then sprinkle with feta to serve.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Kidney Bean Chocolate Cake


I couldn't believe the results of this chocolate cake (or cupcakes as you can see in the photo)!  I'd heard about "magic bean" cake before but this was my first go - and I actually was quite impressed!  I scoured the internet and brought together a couple of recipes - for a bit of an adult twist, you can also add a shot of coffee.  They're fantastic for a gluten & dairy-free options.  I used raw sugar, but you could try honey for an even better-for-you option.  Give these a go, you'll be surprised!

Grab your eggs, honey & kidney beans from Charlie's!


Ingredients
400g tin red kidney beans
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup raw sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon bi carb soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

Combine kidney beans and eggs in a food processor.  Process for 5 minutes until smooth and aerated.

Add remaining ingredients and process for another minute, until well combined.

Pour into a lined cake tin, or cupcake pan, and bake for 20 minutes (cupcakes) - 40 minutes (cake).

Dust with icing sugar to serve.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Whole Wheat Waffles


I've posted before about my fondness for waffles every once in a while.  I usually do a basic sweet mix, or these tasty savoury ones.  I came across this recipe from the 100 Days of Real Food Blog - they are refined sugar-free, can be dairy-free if you use something like almond milk, and taste amazing!  It's great to have a breakfast treat that you don't have to feel guilty about.  Enjoy!


Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
¼ cup oil (I used coconut oil)
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
Warmed 100% pure maple syrup for serving
Fresh fruit for serving

Instructions
Preheat your waffle iron.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, honey, cinnamon, and baking soda until well combined.

Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk together just until the large lumps disappear.

When the waffle iron is hot, dab it with a little butter and then ladle some batter onto the center of the iron. Follow the instructions that came with your waffle maker to know how long it should be cooked (mine takes about 3 – 4 minutes each).

Keep waffles warm until you finish cooking all of them. Top with pure maple syrup and fruit.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Roast Vegetable & Pesto Lasagne


This is a low-calorie version of a traditional lasagne - I love using low-fat ricotta instead of bechamel sauce, as it's so easy and delicious!  The pesto adds to the rich flavours of the roast veges (and is even nicer if you make your own!)  Enjoy!

(The veges taste best from Charlie's!)


Ingredients
1/2 small butternut pumpkin, cubed
1 medium sweet potato, cubed
1 zucchini, cubed
1 capsicum, chopped
2 medium betroots, cubed
1 red onion, chopped
olive oil spray
2 tablespoons pesto
375g tub low-fat ricotta
500g jar pasta sauce
4 fresh lasagne sheets
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Method
Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius, fan-forced.

Place vegetables on a large roasting tray and spray with oil.  Roast for about 30 minutes, until golden and tender.  Mix through the pesto.

Reduce oven to 160 degrees fan-forced.

Take a lasagne dish and put half of the vegetables on the bottom.  Top with half of the pasta sauce, then cover with 2 lasagne sheets.  Spread with half the ricotta.

Repeat with remaining ingredients, then sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until top is golden.  Serve with salad.

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