It's perverse, I know, but a part of me is enjoying the rationing part of this experience (only a small part, mind, and not the part that is craving nice cheese), not least for the ability to guilt the family into eating healthy food.
Last night was a stir-fry. I had a pack of prawns, and unearthed a single chicken breast from the freezer. I'd usually throw much more protein in, at least 2 packs of prawns or 3-4 chicken breasts, but instead cut everything really small. Vegetables were carrots, the last remaining pepper and a couple of red onions (would usually use spring onion).
Sauce was 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (have also done this with red/white wine vinegar), 4 tbsp of soy sauce, clove of garlic, 1 tbsp honey and a tsp of chinese 5-spice. I found a rather elderly tube of ginger puree in the fridge, so threw some of that in too. I often add chilli flakes for heat but forgot this time.
The last time I went shopping, the only noodles I could find were the ready-to-wok ones. They were fine and made this a one-pot. This is a house that always has crisps, so we had it with prawn crackers.
We were all shattered last night, probably due to the change in routine and, in the case of the adults, general underlying tension about, oooh, everything. This was spicy, comforting and healthy. And we still had cake left for pudding. Winning.
Last night was a stir-fry. I had a pack of prawns, and unearthed a single chicken breast from the freezer. I'd usually throw much more protein in, at least 2 packs of prawns or 3-4 chicken breasts, but instead cut everything really small. Vegetables were carrots, the last remaining pepper and a couple of red onions (would usually use spring onion).
Sauce was 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (have also done this with red/white wine vinegar), 4 tbsp of soy sauce, clove of garlic, 1 tbsp honey and a tsp of chinese 5-spice. I found a rather elderly tube of ginger puree in the fridge, so threw some of that in too. I often add chilli flakes for heat but forgot this time.
The last time I went shopping, the only noodles I could find were the ready-to-wok ones. They were fine and made this a one-pot. This is a house that always has crisps, so we had it with prawn crackers.
We were all shattered last night, probably due to the change in routine and, in the case of the adults, general underlying tension about, oooh, everything. This was spicy, comforting and healthy. And we still had cake left for pudding. Winning.
Yes, there's quite a pleasing puzzle-solving element to working out cooking at the moment. Which is a start.
ReplyDelete(I have started stalking the Paxton and Whitfield website. Cannot possibly justify delivery of cheese, nor could I keep it. But also, I want it.)
Yes, I quite like the problem solving element, although I wonder how that will be if supplies dwindle. Currently searching for uses for a giant cabbage. The spice cupboard is proving useful!
DeleteDid someone say cabbage? It's my specialist subject. Search online for 'bigos' recipes: it's Polish cabbage stew. The base is cabbage and sauerkraut and you add whatever you have around: meat, mushrooms, veg, etc. Great cabbage seasonings are caraway (sorry, Melinda, but it's true), bay, juniper, orange (try finely slicing, dressing with salt, oil, vinegar and orange juice and leave to sit a while: voila, salad!). Also paprika and similar flavours, Hungarian style. If you've got potatoes, then something bubble-n-squeak-y.
DeleteOh, and dill, obviously.
Delete"This is a house that always has crisps" is going on my Life Goals list.
ReplyDeleteIt is possibly the only shortage that would lead to riots here 😁
DeleteTo be honest, they get a bit arsey if there are only Quakers left...
DeleteOf COURSE I meant quavers, darn autocorrect
ReplyDeleteThat looks yummy. And yes, a house should always have crisps.
ReplyDeleteIn my shopping list now: soy sauce, noodles, rice spaghetti.
ReplyDelete