It's really chilly in South East England now, which set me wondering what everyone's favourite warming foods were for winter days.
I'll start off with one of my simple favourites:
Bangers and mash with onion gravy.
This is one of those meals that can be most unappetising if poor quality ingredients are served - dud sausages full of soy and rusk - nasty waxy potatoes - and so on, but is absolutely delicious when the ingredients are thoughtfully chosen.
I usually cheat on the onion gravy - frying some chopped onion in butter until brown, and then stirring in some Bisto Onion Gravy mix - but the effect is really delicious with the Cumberland bangers from Tesco's Finest range, or any good-quality 'butcher' sausages.
So what do other auties like to see on their plate when it's really cold and damp and dark outside?
Stella
oh yes, Chris - a chicken korma, with naan bread, special pillau rice, and maybe a side vegetable dish like bindhi barji.... yum yum.
I don't eat out very often, but when I do it's usually in an Indian, cos I know the menu back to front, and they are one of the most affordable places too.
Stella
I love a chicken casserole with herb dumplings, dumplings are very easy to make, and are delicious and filling.
Chinese is best for eating out here, indian is good for sitting at home.
oh I love dumplings, Amy! :smile:
I use Atrixo Beef Suet in mine, and like them to be quite firm. I've found Tesco's packeted dumpling mix seems to produce a rather spongy dumpling that risks breaking up if you follow the directions on the packet.
Stella
Sainsburys do a herby dumpling packet mix which I sometimes use, and I add extra herbs too.
I've been putting rosemary in things quite a bit recently. And adding a couple of cloves and a few whole cardamoms to the pan when I am cooking rice.
Stella
Turkey Burgers with a bread crumb coating. Baked at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. You could also use a cheese coating if you prefer.
For a final touch, add some asparagus with a little butter on top and bake for about 4-5 minutes to make a complete meal or add more cheese. Just don't over bake the asparagus. You can also do this with Spinach or Swiss Chard.
Peace
The chorizo wouldn't be optional if I made it! No sirree, Fozzles! There's a sort of French stew, called, I think, cassoulet, which is based around ingot beans, fat pork, pork hocks ansd trotters, bacon scraps, chorizo, and onion, garlic and tomatoes - the kind of thing that can be simmered for whole days and nights if needs be!
Stella
nothing so good as stew with winter roots: parsnip, turnip, swede, and spuds in a rich meat broth! :smile:
Stella
Steve's Meaty MEAT loaf; (Yep, thats my real name)
1 envelope (insert name brand here) Beefy Onion soup mix.
2 and a half pounds (or 3 pounds) as lean as you like ground beef. But no less than 2 and a half pounds.
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable juice
1/3 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In large bowl combine all ingredients
After making sure its all mixed, shape into a loaf
Bake uncovered 1 hour in or on a baking pan. Or if you have an oven probe..when the interior temp. gets to 165 degrees F.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving
Meat loaf is freezable and easily microwaved as a leftover.
I usually use three pounds of 90% lean ground beef, especially if I'm cooking for a small group of people (4-5)
You may also add Mushrooms, Lentils and other precooked beans. In fact use the liquid from the cans to substitute for the water.
As for coating, tomato or beef gravy sauce can be used depending upon your preference. I use vegetable juice as a healthy alternative to the suggested Ketchup.
Peace
Sounds fabulous Steve.... :smile: I bet into carves into good slices too!
Stella
Thank you, Stella, it certainly does. :grin:
I should also add that the ingredients should be mixed by hand for a total blending of all the ingredients. (It's fun too) If your squeemish or have a germ phobia, then I recommend Vinyl disposable gloves. You still get the tactile feeling for the mixing. They are cheap and available in most supermarkets or pharmacies. I prefer vinyl to latex as I have a mild latex allergy. Just make sure you get the thin, clear ones that come in a box of 50 or more. But, check the label, the box can look the same as a latex glove box, make sure it says vinyl.
Peace
I love potato soup with melting cheese on top, or other soups. Speaking of Indian food, there are many great restaurants in my area, including Little India. I think my favorite Indian restaurant is this one near the harbor, their lunch buffet is excellent.