Weekly new recipe thread

[SarahJessicaParkin]

I've decided to try out a brand new recipe every week this year. I seem to make the same things on rotation all the time, so hope this will drag me out of my recipe rut and improve my not great cooking skills!

Would anyone like to join me?

Had some leftover eggs plus croissants so I did a quick Google and this came up

https://pinchofyum.com/egg-and-croissant-brunch-bake

Made a version of this yesterday. It's probably me being slow but prep and cooking never take as short a time as it says. I fried off the onions then bunged in some cocktail sausages as that was what I had (Quorn) then spinach and some radishes I fried off. Took me about 2 hours. Still at least I have food for the rest of the week

This week I’ve made a couple of recipes from the Sift by Nicola Lamb. The first was the 3Day Focaccia which was absolutely delicious. Despite the title this was so easy ands behaved so well! The actual time spent hands on was minimal. I would definitely do this again.
My other Sift recipe was the Coriander and Panela cake with Honey Cream Cheese and Apricots. Whilst I enjoyed the cake I think I may have slightly over baked it, the cream cheese mix and the poached apricots were so good and tasted fresh and light. I didn’t have a camomile teabag so I used elderflower liqueur which I felt worked well with the other flavours.
I also made Aubergine Parmigiani, this went down very well with both meat eaters and vegetarians. The recipe asked for 1.5kg aubergines but I ‘only’ had 1 kg. I kept the rest of the ingredients as stated on the recipe and it went down a storm. The breadcrumb/cheese/ olive oil crust was a particularly good addition.
Finally, as a mid week meal I cooked Spiced Feta Meatball Traybake from Feel Good by Melissa Helmsley. A fabulously tasty dinner that was easy to put together. Perfect midweek dinner, favourite, healthy and tasty.

I had a large tub of double cream leftover from the weekend so I looked online for recipes and found a recipe for No Churn Margarita Ice Cream by Nigella Lawson. I had some tho us evening with strawberries and it was so good. This recipe can easily be halved.
Tbis evening I made Harissa Prawns with Orzo, this was easy to pull together and full of flavour. I did make one adjustment as I felt the amount of stock wasn’t enough, I added an extra 75ml and this was the right thing to do as it would have been too dry. I’ll definitely make this again

Goan Chicken Vindaloo, Monica Sawhney Haldar
I was nervous of the vinegar since I’m not a fan of it when it’s very ‘present’, but it seemed to mellow out nicely when cooked. I found it needed a touch longer than advised for the sauce to reduce to a lovely thick consistency. Really well balanced and I would make again, fiery, but could easily be reduced for those with a lower spice tolerance.

I've made recipes for this as well in the past. I agree with you that it takes much longer than the 10 minutes that recipe says.

Some of the details of the recipes are different as are the proportions.

One that I use regularly has the same amount of vinegar (2.5 tblsp, well, rounded up as it's in metric - 40ml) but instead of 1 tsp of sugar has 1 tblsp (12g). I found this balances things a bit better.

Also, there is 250ml of water rather than 150ml and it says to simmer for 45 mins.

As ever, my theme is "comfort"

Harissa, Mascarpone and Oregano Sausage Ragù, The Monday Pasta Club
Made an error, ran out of harissa because I used it for the next recipe...used my vegan nduja instead which worked out just fine! Also meant I've not had a harissa heavy week.

Harissa Chickpea and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, Dishing Out Health
Lunch recipe for the week. Delicious but swiftly followed by multiple mints. The sauce packs a punch! A very easy batch cook solution for working lunches.

Creamy Sausage, Leek and Bean Stew, Sophie Wyburd
My love affair with Sophie Wyburd continues. Her new book looks incredible, I've put post its on so many pages! I didn't check the weather for the week and it felt weird to be eating a sausage casserole in this heat but it did not disappoint and was somewhat summery in flavour in that it was light vs red white and hearty? Also this recipe has convinced me that it is worth splashing out on nice beans when they're a main part of a meal, I got the Bold Beans butter beans and they were great!

Crisp ‘n’ Chewy cookies, Nicola Lamb
As much as I love my thick Jane's Patisserie NYC cookies, I'm in my thin and chewy cookie era. This was so thin, full of sugar so very caramely sweet, the perfect amount of chew. They were also HUGE. Big fan and a new staple.

I bought two new books this week - Good Eggs by Ed Smith (he of "A bit on the side" and "Crave". I like eggs a lot but realised I'm fairly pedestrian how I use them so was keen to expand my thinking.

Second book was One Pan Chicken by Claire Thomson (5 oclock apron on SM) I have another of her books - storecupboard larder (or similar name) which I don't really cook from but I enjoy her SM output and am an absolute sucker for a one pan chicken dish....

First up - Makhlama Lahm from Good Eggs - a spicy lamb mince dish with baked eggs. I've made something exactly slightly similar from Ottolenghi which had a bit more faff involved. Both delicious but good to have a speedy option.

Next, https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/healthy/spanish-style-hake/ This was super easy and very delicious - not much more to say other than excellent quick dinner option

Then tonight I did Clare Thomson's Elote style Chicken wth corn (can't find online but will take photo of recipe if anyone wants it...)

What a banger! Marinade chicken thighs in chipotle paste (I used the Thomasina Miers chipotle en adobo that I'd made a couple of weeks ago) and then bake with corn on the cob nestled in. Add more chipotle to mayo and stir in some feta and fridge till ready. Bash up some fried corn snacks (Kikos according to Clare but I used Love Corn sea salt that I got at Sainsbury's.) Once chicken/corn is ready (45mins) dollop over the chipotle mayo, finely chopped coriander, ground up corn, fresh feta and devour. Loved it!
ETA -Lime, lime, lime!

Sausage & Charred Citrus Traybake, Ixta Belfrage, Mezcla
I added the optional butterbeans to make it a more substantial meal. Really liked this and pretty hands off for a weekday. Though it did get me thinking about the idea of a charred lime margarita…

Steak Gyro Wrap, Joshua Weissman
This was a massive hit, everything worked perfectly and was brilliant for the sunny weather we enjoyed last week.

Roast potatoes with green sauce and tahini - Ottolenghi
Probably the safest recipe I’ve made this year and it was predictably delicious. Potatoes, herbs and tahini really can’t go wrong

Horchata tres leches cake - Nicola Lamb, Sift
I made this for my birthday cake this year it was wonderful. I’d make this over and over again.

Cheese and Marmite flapjacks - Olive Magazine
These were snacks to take on the train when I traveled to Eras (which seems so long ago now). I forgot the flour because I was making them in a rush, but they still held together really well. I didn’t love this as much as cheese biscuit, but for something which is shelf stable, and can cope with being tossed around in a bag, there’s were great.

Peanut sauce - Cookie and Kate
Sunny weather makes me obsessed with summer rolls. I was looking for a new sauce recipe and loved this one.

Creamy Sausage, Leek and Bean Stew, Sophie Wyburd
Thanks @Pompoms88, this was great. Totally agree it was lighter than I’d expect for a sausage and bean stew. I loved it! I’ve never made anything by Sophie Wyburd before, but I’ll definitely check her out now.

Two new ones from me..

sodha aubergine and coconut rice www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/09/coconut-rice-aubergines-pickled-cucumber-recipe-malaysian-meera-sodha-vegan

This was delicious - rice was super easy to make, aubergines were too. DH was for the first time ever in agreement about a cucumber pickle! All round delight and very easy to do

Second one was Gozleme - I've not made these before and my take was a mix and match from a recipe in a book I have called My Street Food Kitchen and this from the bbc good food Lamb Gozleme

So good! I've seen them described as Turkish quesadillas but my effort was more Turkish pan fried cornish pasties in terms of shape. They were delicous and quite calm cooking mode (which was good as I was watching England match as I cooked!)
Will definitely make again.

Ragú and aubergine parmigiana, Ixta Belfrage
This has been on my radar for about 18 months, but the mix of vegetarians and aubergine haters in my family made it hard to find the right time. The umami paste in place of sofritto and cream+parmesan in place of béchamel meant this was much less laborious than most layered Italian dishes, though still a bit of effort. It was indulgent and delicious. It didn’t convert the aubergine haters but they found the pieces easy to remove (more for me) and they really enjoyed the overall dish, it was everything I had hoped.

Georgian Chicken Stew, Sirocco, Sabrina Ghayour
I was really taken in by the super simple method and minimal ingredient list. I adored it, it had a strong savoury flavour, and the massive amount of herbs works perfectly and not at all overpowering, I can’t think of a time when I wouldn’t want to eat it.

grapefruit hot sauce, Alexina Anatole, Bitter
The book has this alongside a jerk pork belly, which I’m eager to try too. But I was making carnitas and wanted a complimentary hot sauce that was a little different, this worked a treat and was a stunning colour.

Horchata tres leches cake, Nicola Lamb, Sift
Delicious but horchata + tres leches couldn’t be anything else. On balance I preferred the texture of the cake from Benjaminas tres leches that I tried few weeks ago, I felt it soaked up the milks better, could be me not making this one quite right and the flavour was great.

White wine poached peaches, Benjamina Ebuehi, I’ll Bring Dessert
I didn’t make the wholemeal shortbread, which I’m sure would have been a great accompaniment, the peaches were really lovely for a light summer pudding.

Spanish style salad - Melissa Hemsley, Feel Good
I wouldn’t really call this a recipe, but it was in a recipe book, so I’ll add it to the thread. Just a super simple salad, fresh and crunchy with a nice vinaigrette.

Vegetable tagine - Felicity Cloake
I’ve had this on my want to make list for years. Surprisingly rich and dark, and the prunes broke down far more than I expected. Definitely one I’ll make again and adjust the ingredients and see how it works. I think apricots would also be a great addition.

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Harissa Ranch - Dishing Out Health
My lunches are currently sponsored by Dishing Out Health!
I think this is my favourite one to date, really loved the dressing. They're really great meal prep recipes, nothing fancy at all. I prep 4 portions on a Sunday and then grab a lunchbox throughout the week. It's been great to try different dressings which really make a salad.

Trullo’s Pappardelle with Fennel Sausage Ragu
I made this with veggie sausages when I had friends over for dinner and it was a huge hit! The whole peppercorns pack a punch and really make this dish.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
This was super simple and a really easy weeknight dinner.

Hot Honey Salmon Traybake - Cardiff Mum
I really fancied a spicy salmon dish of some description so did a quick Google and this was the result. I've never made anything by Cardiff Mum before but this was great! You could definitely serve it with rice to bulk things up a bit.

Perfect vegetarian chilli, Felicity Cloake, The Guardian
Been on my list for a while, this was amazing, real depth of flavour and umami despite no meat, a celebration of beans and chillies.

Sausage and charred citrus tray bake - Ixta Belfrage, Mezcla
Simple and delicious traybake recipe. I added haricot beans, and loved having the extra beans in there (even if it looked a little reminiscent of a cooked breakfast together).

Fried halloumi slaw - Melissa Hemsley, Feel Good
Quick, crunchy, fresh and colourful, is how it’s described and that description is bang on.

This week I made Beef Cheek Ragu from Pub Kitchen by Tom Kerridge. It was absolutely delicious, full of deep, rich flavours. Would be a perfect autumn/winter dish. I imagine it would freeze really well.
i also made Chocolate Oat Cookies by Jane Dunn (as in Jane’s Patisserie) - I found the recipe on Instagram though it’s not in this book. These were so tasty, I loved the addition of a pinch of salt, this was just enough to come through. Don’t be tempted to add a few more minutes- trust the recipe..

So good! I've seen them described as Turkish quesadillas but my effort was more Turkish pan fried cornish pasties in terms of shape. They were delicous and quite calm cooking mode (which was good as I was watching England match as I cooked!)
Will definitely make again.

@myrtleWilson I've just come back from Turkey and they describe them there as waffles or pancakes!

Creamy Sausage, Leek and Bean Stew, Sophie Wyburd
I’ve been curious about those posh beans for ages but have been waiting for a recipe where they can shine, @Pompoms88 recommended this upthread. The recipe itself was utterly delightful and the beans really were special, I can see myself treating myself to them in future for the right dish. A proper hearty meal (for simplicity I served with toasted sourdough, not the crumb).

Creamy Tuscan Chicken, this was so tasty, the spinach was a lovely addition and would work adding mangetout or similar for a little crunch. Felt pretty indulgent as the sauce was creamy but was straightforward to put together. I served it with pasta and would definitely make again.
This week I also made Carrot Cake Cookies from Jane Dunne’s Patisserie book. These were ok, tasty enough but personally I feel there are better recipes out there. They could have done with an orangey cream cheese topping but I didn’t have the ingredients at hand.
A far superior recipe was from Nicola Lamb Sift, I made the Chocolate Marble Cake and it was so delicious. It had a lovely brownie like consistency that was very moist. This is a recipe I’ll use time and time again - no need for any tweaks it’s perfect as it is!!!
Happy cooking whatever you make

Charred corn and avocado salad - Melissa Hemsley, Feel Good
Another week, another salad recipe from this book! Served as a side to the chilli Summa posted a few weeks ago, and it was great. Charred corn in summer is pretty much always going to work for me.

A couple of BBQ side salads that lasted a few days and made excellent lunches.

- Meliz's Kitchen I'm not too sure if I've made this before....? It was great! I'm a big fan of pomegranate seeds in salads.

Rose-Shaped Filo Meat Pies - Meliz's Kitchen
A spiced meat filling wrapped in filo and rolled into a swirl. I love Meliz's use of dried mint and spices in her recipes - the filling was delicious. As ever I did it with veggie mince. This was lovely and reminded me of the filling in her lasagne which I'd really recommend making! There was a "sauce" layer in the pies which didn't really come through so I'm not too sure of it's purpose, I might omit that again if I don't have the ingredients in.

Beetroot, Apple and Mint salad, Moro Easy.
Pretty much just the above with oil, red wine vinegar and some walnuts - delicious! Very refreshing and unsurprising simple to pull together.

This is delicious, simple and summery https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/spaghetti-with-prawns-and-rocket-spaghetti-con-gamberetti-e-rucola/

Easy chocolate fudge cake - BBC Good Food
Oil in cake recipes really weirds me out! That said I wanted a quick and easy recipe and the reviews were great for this one. Didn't end up trying any of it but the birthday girl said it was lovely, really moist too. I added more milk to the icing to loosen it up a bit and it spread really nicely.