you've all sorted my risotto so now what about...

[mowcop]

I've been thinking that as well as trying new meals, like risotto (thanks for all your help!) it might be worth trying to make the stuff I normally do a bit better/more exciting.

So, the 2 meals which I think are ok, but my Dh says are a bit bland and boring are my lasagne and fish cakes.

When I say my lasagne I actually mean Gordon Ramseys, but Dh says it is a bit boring and I have to admit it could do with a bit more ooomph. My fishcakes tend to be mash, some fresh salmon or similar and some sneaky greens such as baby spinach. They are also apparently very dull!

So, good folk of Mumsnet, what can I do or add to these 2 meals to make them "wow, how tasty" instead of "hmmm s'all right"?

Thanks.

Chorizo / smokey sausage. Makes lovely inauthentic lasagne.

Spring onion would be nice in the fishcakes, I think.

Tuna and brocolli lasagne with cheese sauce.
Try smoked haddock in your fishcakes. Also could add chopped capers or dill to these for some extra flavour.

Get your DH to cook them, and show you what he means by bland and boring ...

... but if I'm making fishcakes I also add some chopped spring onion to the mash.

Can't comment on the lasagne, or how to make it more interesting, because I don't know the Gordon Ramsay recipe!

Doesntgettougher- he struggles with boiling water! He is brill in other ways though, but it does get a bit much when I have stood and cooked and end up with anything less than a standing ovation!

Chorizo sounds like a good idea, I think it is a nice recipe it just lacks a bit of something. That could be it.

Looks like spring onion and a bit of smoked fish it is then and I think I have some capers lurking in the fridge.

If you're making salmon fishcakes you could try putting a dollop of horseradish in with your mash.

Also (forgive me if you're already doing this), I always make the mash using some of the milk I've poached the fish in.

You could make the crumb of the fishcakes a bit more interesting by using a mixture of breadcrumbs and oats / seeds.

Sorry, can't help with the lasagne, I make crappy lasagne myself

Giraffe does a lovely smoky chilli lasagne - I think they use smoked paprika (which is the spice in chorizo) so you could try that along with the usual mince, onions and tomatoes in the bolognese bit, along with wukter's chopped chorizo if you have some.

Definitely add some smoked fish into the fishcakes, and chopped spring onion.

Fishcakes are a bit bland but there is a place for bland food sometimes.
What do you serve them with?
How about a creme fraich capers and dill sauce.
Or a herby salad-chopped tomatoes, cucumbers (skin off and seeds out is nicer)peppers, onions,coriander an chilli?

Lasagne-I'd put some red wine and pitted black olives into the sauce. Serve with a peppery rocket, parmesan and crouton salad.

Thanks for all the ideas.

I am going to do the fishcakes tomorrow and will try out the spring onion and capers and make some sauce to go along side.

I've just seen your name-are you from there?
My grandparents were.

fishcakes, are supposed to bejust fish and potato. but a good dipping sauce with it, makes it.
or add any of teh following:
as already suggested spring onions, squeeze lime juice, tiny bit of chilli.

Am at a loss as what to suggest with the lasagne. i make a famous one.
cook the mice/spag bol sauce for a long time to increase flavour ?
i add a pince of everyhting in my cupboard including worcester sauce, mustard, hp sauce, anyhting i have to hand.
i often use a strong cheese. even red leicester.

moondog we live there. I'm not very imaginative with my user name!

Ah!!!