to not know what to cook...?

[HiTop]

I'm staying with friends at the moment who are doing me a huge favour by letting me stay. My son is only a few months old and they're looking after me. They're family friends who I've known since the day I was born. They cook for me every day and help me with my son as his dad is not around to help.

They're both Indian and cook the most incredible Indian food. Nothing like you'd get in a restaurant (it is much better and fresher) and I've said I will cook for them tonight. It sounds ridiculous but they're both such amazing cooks and live mainly off Indian food that I have no idea what to cook for them (why the bloody hell I even offered in the first place I don't know - should've offered to buy a pizza takeaway instead 🙈).

What could I cook? That's easy but guaranteed delicious? I love to cook but have to follow a recipe as I'm not a natural at it....

Aaah

They sound like lovely friends! And you do too for wanting to cook for them.

Do you want to cook something Indian or something different?

Do they have any dietary restrictions? I'm sure between us all we can come up with something delicious!

I would cook something non Indian. No point in trying to beat them at their own game.

First thoughts ...

Steak and chips
Risotto
Chicken breasts (wrapped in Parma ham) or legs and dauphinois potatoes
Lamb chops and veggie couscous

Assuming they eat meat of course.

Do they eat/like English food? (Assuming you're English?)

Or a stir-fry? That's fast and fresh.

Thank you! They don't eat pork so the ham is a no go. I wouldn't dare try to cook something Indian 🙈 I'm just a bit clueless. I was thinking lasagne...? But then that's a bit boring...

Lasagne is always yummy; nice side salad and garlic bread too. And if they don't normally eat it, they might see it as exotic!

Lasagne is amazing, not boring! I would love to be served that!

Lasagne and salad would be lovely. You mentioned takeaway pizza, what about homemade pizza

Everyone loves lasagna, do that

Wild Alaskan salmon, cous-cous and some gently roasted peppers with a few slivers of fennel, easy-peasy!

My Sikh friends LOVE a chicken roast dinner. Unfortunately they make it better than I do.

Agree that lasagne can be really yummy if made well. Do a decent salad on the side with a homemade dressing, maybe garlic ciabatta or something as another side dish. Can you make a lasagne? I think stick to what you know rather than getting in a flap trying to make something unusual.

Maybe a roast? BBC Good food has great, simple recipes I like this (www.bbcgoodfood.com/node/98230/bbcgf_pdf) along side some roasted carrots and peas. Like a very easy version of a roast.

Lasagne is a faff imo - I agree with a PP re roast chicken.

Ooh a nice roast chicken with creamy Parmesan mash and some spring vegetables?

I'd agree with a roast or lasagne. Or spag Bol if you want something easier

Chicken in a creamy pesto sauce. Super easy, super good.

Slice some chicken breasts on the long side. Saute in a bit of oil, maybe with a sliced red pepper. Once the chicken is white on both sides add half a tub of Crème fraîche, a tablespoon of pesto and some salt and pepper. Turn the heat down. Put the lid on the pan. Allow to simmer for 10 mins. Add a massive handful of spinach. Stir.Lid back on. Turn heat off. Wait a minute then it's ready!

Serve with mash, rice, pasta, baked potato, roasted veg, etc.

Lasagne is a great shout. I'd make cheesy garlic bread as well. Get a baguette, slice it into chunks and between each slice put butter, crushed garlic and a slice of mozzarella. Wrap in tin foil and stick in the oven for the last 10-15 mins of the lasagne cooking.

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1521/summerinwinter-chicken