No time to shop shop shop... just chop chop chop

Hi everyone....  Ever had a very long day.. and got home and you had no time to shop, no time to think, no time to prepare, and no time to cook.... but you are hungry...sounds familiar?  Story of my life...

My recipe today - is fridge clearing, as the recipe can be modified in a great number of ways with excellent results always..

My variation Today is a Corn and Zucchini
Slice... again very healthy and very simple...

What I found in my refrigirator today...

Corn stalks.. (being in Bali.. I get these fresh.. but when in Europe - the canned ones will still do a great job)
2 Large Zucchini  (can be substituted with marrows)
A bit of cauliflower  (cut away the aging bits)
Some tired looking mushrooms - but they will do great for this recipe
One cup of self raising flour
Half a red pepper and half a yellow one.. Honest.. had used the other halfs last week... they do last a while..
Some garlic
Optional some bacon for flavour and chilli

To taste...  I used some crumbled feta cheese...  and topped up with Parmiggiano
This recipe definitely needs eggs...  so do keep those handy... you could always cook up an omelet..hmmm... gives me an idea for tomorrow.

Chop up whatever of these ingredients you find in your fridge (do steam the cauliflower up a bit so it was remain crunchy as we need a flan)  and slightly stir fry the red and yellow peppers

Add 3 eggs (depending on the volume of your ingredients) but mine were enough to make a large flan cake.. add the self raising flour - the feta cheese and either chopped bacon on line the bottom... if you don't line the bottom of the dish - then glaze with a bit of olive oil or coconut oil (better still)... enhanced flavours could be some sweet chilli sauce.

Spread onto your flan base and top with Parmiggiano - season with salt and pepper....

This recipe can be refrigirated for up to 4 days... once cool, can be sliced in portions and frozen... and next time you don't feel like cooking.... Open up your freezer... It always helps to chop a bit more today and save yourself some hassle tomorrow....

Have a great day...

Mariella

One simple meal per day

I will try to post a simple recipe daily.  Those who are interested in health food - should find this week very refreshing - as I will try a no wheat recipe every day.  Those of you on a protein diet but who are completely bored with it... this should make a refreshing change.  Those of you who will try this recipe.. I would appreciate your feedback by grading a) simplicity b) flavour c) nourishment:


Barley Salad


Ingredients:  1 packet barley (thoroughly washed)
Olive Oil
Parsley
Mushrooms (500 grs)
Dried Porcini mushrooms (100 grs)
Optional but adds a kick to flavour - truffle oil


Soak the porcini mushrooms in white wine for a few hours and reserve stock.
Boil barley in just enough water to cover barley - adding a chicken cube for flavour.  Do not over cook but allow a little bit like the pasta al dente. Rinse and reserve.
Chop up mushrooms roughly (secret... DO NOT WASH the mushrooms as they absorb too much water - of which they are already very abundant) - just peel them.  Add chopped parsley, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with Olive Oil - and heat for about 1 minute over high heat, and then reduce heat.  Cover and cook for about a further 3-5 minutes but BEFORE too much juice runs out - so let's not get our mushrooms shrivelled.


Remove from pan and reserve stock.  Do the same thing with the Porcini mushrooms- minus the juice they are in - add garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Sautee and then add the reserved wine stock.  Check that they are cooked through.


Combine both sets of mushrooms with their juices to the boiled Barley.  Add some more parsley, and olive Oil and if available the truffle oil................


Voila - ready to serve..


Some nutritional information:\


Olive Oil in its natural form is a very healthy suppliment to our diet.  However once it is heated - it becomes saturated fat and therefore not only looses all its benefits but is actually harmful.  Coconut oil on the other hand has the same advantages as Olive Oil - but is the only Oil that does not change its constitution when heated.  If you are frying or stir frying... Coconut Oil is by far the healthiest alternative to do it with....  I have had to come to Bali to learn this


Enjoy your Day... Mariella



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Fun and Simple Cooking - even for those who hate it

I bet most of you are rushing through the day thinking...  It's got to be out of a frozen packet again today... no time... no time... rush... rush.. rush...

When I get home - I am so tired and hungry that I end up eating most of the stuff raw out of packets before I even contemplate cooking....

Familiar??  Yes, we have all been there and will keep going there..

BUT it could be really different...  It could be easy.. and it could be fun.. and if you follow me... you could even open the refrigirator and find it ready....

Another promise - no MSG - no frozen packets  - just Fresh and Simple..

Ready??