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Original poster

A very common meal that you've never cooked yourself?

135 replies

teenysaladandsniffofarose · 29/08/2023 17:04

It occurred to me today that as much as I love fish pie, I've never actually cooked one myself despite being a capable cook! I've always eaten it at restaurants/ had my mum make it for me when I was younger etc.

What's a common meal you like but have never cooked yourself?

OP posts:
kitsuneghost · 30/08/2023 15:51

Roast dinner - because I hate them
pastry pie - keep threatening but never have.
Samosas - I would be a nightmare at folding them
mussels - don't know where to start
squid - so expensive and worried about wasting it.

I have made fish pie but don't seem to make it that well
But unfortunately also all the posh ones have prawns in
I love prawns but they have no place in a fish pie (maybe that's another debate)

Noicant · 30/08/2023 15:52

Steak

Cookerhood · 30/08/2023 16:38

What is "red sauce"? Tinned tomatoes? Or passata?

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ChristmasCrumpet · 30/08/2023 17:35

Cookerhood · 30/08/2023 16:38

What is "red sauce"? Tinned tomatoes? Or passata?

It's literally called red sauce in Lidl. In a jar. Like a Dolmio. (Don't get that one though it's sweeter than candyfloss). The Lidl one is savoury and rich, and next to it is a jar of "white sauce" on the shelves.

I am also confused about people making cheese sauce for a lasagne. That's not what a white sauce is.

ChristmasCrumpet · 30/08/2023 17:38

Actually wait, I might be talking utter shite. The white sauce says that, but when I Google red sauce Lidl, it doesn't come up. Maybe it's called lasagne sauce and I've just made it red sauce in my head because the white one is white sauce on the label.

A very common meal that you've never cooked yourself?
Meecrowavay · 30/08/2023 19:51

Some of her recipes can be hit and miss, but when they are a hit, they are superb.

Agree. Contrary to this I always find Nigella recipes turn out well; but her "lasagne of love" is not worth the hassle. It's definitely a faff of a recipe!

TooOldForThisNonsense · 30/08/2023 20:52

ChristmasCrumpet · 29/08/2023 21:17

Because if you add the right things, you can use cheat sauces and it's fab:

Chop mushrooms, onion. Fry with smoked pancetta or bacon lardons until onion soft and lardons crispy. Add garlic. Add mince and brown. Add smoked paprika. Tip in red sauce (have tried them all, Lidl is the best).

Put pasta sheets on baking tray and pour boiling water on them. Leave for 5 mins. While waiting, slice a ball of mozzarella and grate cheddar.

Layer in dish. I go Ragu, pasta, white sauce (also from Lidl, Waitrose bechemal is disgusting by the way) sliced mozzarella, sprinkling of cheddar. When you get to the top, final layer of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan if I've got it kicking about.

Oven, 35mins, 180. Till cheese is bubbly and browning.

Better than anything you'll have in a restaurant or shop bought. Honest.

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Thanks! I’ll maybe give it a go!

WrylyAmused · 30/08/2023 22:43

Naan bread.

Happily make the rest of an Indian meal from scratch, but never even tried to do a naan. Local takeaway is very confused as to why we only ever order naan breads and nothing else.

Chichz · 31/08/2023 19:23

Good to see these roux/cheese sauce tips. I think I've developed a bit of a mental block around it and my husband likes the sauce much thicker than I do - who's got time for that (especially with a little one)!

I must say that I've never had a bad Mary Berry recipe - her quick lasagne with sausage is amazing, as is her beef & mushroom stew.

savanahnana · 31/08/2023 19:32

Any type of pie. Seems too much of a faff.

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