august
Shanghai noodles
A really good bowl of noodles is the best eat-and-run meal: fast, very tasty, cheap and filling.
Simple satay chicken
Quick to make, with a satisfying satay flavour and only a fraction of the fat, this dish is great weeknight food.
Pizza pronto
This pizza base is quicker than yeast dough and much more filling than a bought one, and the 'hidden' vegetables increase the nutrition value.
Madras meatballs with spiced vegetables
The really tasty spice combination makes these meatballs very moreish. Baking the meatballs uses less fat than frying and they don't require constant attention.
Honey mustard beef with seasonal greens
This dish is great with rice, but steamed baby potatoes are just as good if you are a spud-loving household.
How to cook: Minestrone
This soup is packed with the flavour and variety of a big mix of winter goodness, and is hearty enough for a meal. Using a good quality, tasty stock is important.
Pear and parsnip soup
What a lovely combination of winter vegetables and fruit, perfect for a winter lunch or light dinner.
Egg and eggplant dip
This recipe was given to me by Mrs Sima Behyar of Dunedin, who is a great cook.
Roasted capsicum with yoghurt
This is a wonderful combination of flavours that works beautifully as a side dish.
Black bean hummus
This is a different version of the chickpea hummus we all know and love. If you're short on time, buy canned black beans, already cooked and ready to go.
Cabbage with mince and rice
Don't be put off by the recipe name; this is much tastier than those cabbage and mince-based recipes that we used to make in Home Economics class!
Spinach and lemon rice
This is a beautiful side dish when hot, but is also delicious served cold - just cool the rice before adding the spinach and parmesan.
Apricot and cashew nut rice
Dried apricots add a subtle sweetness to this rice dish without being overpowering.
Braised chicken with prunes
Adding prunes might seem a little odd; but they fit nicely in this dish. Give it a try.
Beef and rhubarb casserole
Casseroles and stews turn even the cheapest cuts of meat into mouth-watering meals.
Chicken and mushroom stew
This is also delicious served with mashed potato or kumara and a side of vegetables.
Saffron chicken kebab
The most precious of spices, saffron gives a unique flavour and colour, particularly to Middle Eastern-style dishes.
Special lemon yoghurt cake
This cake makes a lovely dessert, especially when served with creamy natural yoghurt on the side.
Raspberry and saffron cake
With saffron, you get what you pay for: beware of cheap saffron, which may not even be saffron at all!
Cashew and prawn fried rice
A few cashews are a luxury touch that add something special to a basic, inexpensive dish.
