• Vegan Chorizo Recipe (Homemade, Easy)

    Creating your very own vegan chorizo at home is a simple yet rewarding endeavour, perfect for those looking to add a burst of flavour to their dishes. Start by gathering your ingredients: a combination of textured vegetable protein (TVP), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of soy sauce will form the base.

    Begin by rehydrating the TVP in warm vegetable broth, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavours. While it soaks, mix the spices in a bowl, adjusting the smoked paprika to your taste—more for that authentic chorizo smokiness! Once the TVP has plumped up, combine it with the spice mixture and sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil until it’s deliciously brown and fragrant.

    Serve your homemade vegan chorizo in tacos, over quinoa, or stirred into a hearty stew for an inviting meal that captures the essence of traditional chorizo, without any meat. Enjoy the satisfaction of a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic favourite!

  • Easy Cookie Recipes for Kids: Fun in the Kitchen

    Baking cookies can be a delightful activity for children, offering them a chance to get creative while learning essential kitchen skills. Here are a couple of simple recipes that will bring smiles and delicious aromas into your home.

    1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Ingredients:

    • 100g unsalted butter, softened
    • 75g brown sugar
    • 50g granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 egg
    • 200g plain flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
    • A pinch of salt
    • 100g chocolate chips

    Method:

    1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is a great moment for kids to practice their mixing skills!
    3. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing well until combined.
    4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms.
    5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
    6. Using a spoon, dollop small amounts of dough onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each dollop.
    7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Leave to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.

    2. Fun Sugar Cookies

    Ingredients:

    • 125g unsalted butter, softened
    • 100g sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 200g plain flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • A pinch of salt

    Method:

    1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
    2. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy and light. Kids can have fun making sure there are no lumps!
    3. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
    4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
    5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking tray, flattening them slightly with the palm of your hand.
    6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just golden around the edges. Once cool, kids can decorate them with icing or sprinkles for added fun!

    These easy cookie recipes not only provide a sweet treat but also a lovely bonding experience, encouraging kids to enjoy the art of baking. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some delicious fun!

  • Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful and simple dish that promises a burst of flavours with minimal fuss. Picture succulent pieces of chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar, infused with garlic and ginger. Once the chicken is perfectly seasoned, it’s spread out on a baking tray alongside colourful bell peppers and vibrant chunks of pineapple.

    As it bakes in the oven, the heat caramelises the vegetables, creating a delightful contrast between the tender chicken and the crunchy, sweet peppers. The sweet and sour sauce coats everything beautifully, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes. Served over fluffy rice or noodles, this one-pan wonder not only looks inviting but also makes for an easy clean-up, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of family and friends round the table.

  • There's nothing quite like the delightful crunch of a perfectly cooked Yorkshire pudding, and with the aid of an air fryer, achieving that light, fluffy interior and golden exterior is easier than ever, even when using frozen ones. Simply preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F), and while it's warming up, arrange your frozen Yorkshire puddings in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and beautifully browned. The result? A scrumptious accompaniment to your Sunday roast or as part of a hearty meal, with a fraction of the effort. Serve them hot with lashings of gravy, and you’re in for a treat that’s both quick and utterly delicious!

  • Easy Baked Cod Recipe

    If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this easy baked cod recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The gentle flakiness of the cod, combined with a subtle blend of herbs and a drizzle of lemon juice, creates a delightful dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 fillets of fresh cod
    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • Juice of half a lemon
    • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
    2. Place the cod fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
    3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the fish, ensuring it is evenly coated.
    4. Sprinkle the dried thyme, along with salt and pepper, to taste.
    5. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
    6. Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

    Serve this easy baked cod with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a healthy, satisfying meal. Enjoy the flavours as they sing alongside a crisp glass of white wine for a truly comforting dinner experience.

  • Easy Vegetarian Fajita Bowl Recipe with Sweet Potato

    For a vibrant and nutritious meal that is delightfully simple to prepare, this Easy Vegetarian Fajita Bowl with Sweet Potato ticks all the boxes. Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (around 180°C for fan ovens). Peel and dice a couple of sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks, then toss them in olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, cumin, and a dash of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking tray and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelised.

    While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with red onion, sautéing until they’re soft and slightly charred. A sprinkle of garlic powder and a pinch of chilli flakes can be added for an extra kick.

    Once everything is cooked, assemble your bowls with a generous helping of cooked quinoa or brown rice as the base, topped with the roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies, and a handful of fresh coriander. Don’t forget a dollop of creamy avocado or a squeeze of lime to finish it off. This colourful fajita bowl is not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with flavour and nutrition, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast.

  • At Olivia's Cuisine, we believe that tabbouleh should be as vibrant and fresh as the sun-drenched gardens of Lebanon. Our Easy Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh showcases the true essence of this beloved dish, relying on simple, quality ingredients to create a refreshing salad that bursts with flavour.

    We start with finely chopped parsley, the star of the show, which provides a lush green base. Next, we incorporate ripe tomatoes, fragrant mint, and a hint of spring onion, all diced to perfection. The key to our recipe lies in the precise balance of bulgur wheat, which adds a delightful texture, and a dressing of zesty lemon juice and rich olive oil that ties everything together.

    Tossed gently and served chilled, this tabbouleh evokes the spirit of Lebanon with every bite. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean’s finest flavours, inviting you to savour the simplicity and authenticity of this classic dish. At Olivia's Cuisine, we’re proud to bring a taste of Lebanon to your table.

  • Indulge in a quick and delicious weeknight dinner with Savvy Bites' Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops. This delightful dish brings together juicy pork chops and a sweet, caramelised glaze that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. The recipe is remarkably simple; just marinate the chops in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic for a burst of flavour. Sear them in a hot pan until they develop a gorgeous golden crust, then finish them off in the oven for that perfect tenderness. Served alongside seasonal vegetables or fluffy rice, these pork chops are not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying way to enjoy time with family or friends, all in just half an hour. Perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss!

  • Easy Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

    Mulligatawny soup, with its fragrant spices and hearty ingredients, brings together the best of Indian and British culinary influences. This Instant Pot version not only simplifies the process but also ensures that you can enjoy this comforting dish in a fraction of the time.

    Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in your Instant Pot until they are beautifully aromatic. Toss in a medley of spices—cumin, coriander, and a hint of turmeric—to create a warm base. Next, add diced carrots, celery, and apple for a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. Pour in vegetable or chicken stock, followed by red lentils for added protein and texture.

    Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for just 10 minutes. Once it's done, a quick release of the steam reveals a vibrant, richly flavoured soup. Finish with a splash of coconut milk for creaminess, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and a wedge of lemon to brighten the dish.

    Perfect for a chilly evening, this Easy Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup is an exquisite blend of flavours that brings comfort in every spoonful. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yoghurt for an extra touch.

  • If you're in the mood for a comforting yet hassle-free meal, look no further than this Quick and Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Bursting with vibrant flavours and wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for a midweek dinner.

    Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until golden. Add minced beef or turkey and cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for a lovely kick. Next, incorporate diced bell peppers—choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colourful presentation—along with cooked rice and a generous helping of tinned tomatoes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

    Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, topping it with a handful of grated cheese. Bake for around 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This delightful casserole not only captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers but also offers the convenience of a one-dish wonder, making it a favourite for busy families and weeknight dinners alike. Enjoy!