Place a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Add 60ml of olive oil and 6 finely sliced banana shallots to the saucepan. Cook for around 15 minutes stirring frequently to prevent the shallots from burning.
\n
Add 4 sliced cloves of garlic to the saucepan (reserve the chopped clove to finish the dish) and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the shallots have turned golden brown and caramelised.
\n
Add 50g of anchovies and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir until the anchovies have dissolved then add 150g of tomato purée and cook for another 5 minutes.
\n
If you’re using a leafy green (200g), add it to the saucepan and stir until it wilts.
\n
In a large saucepan, cook 500g of pasta according to the instructions on the packet but reduce the time by at least 2 minutes as the pasta needs to be very al dente. Once it’s cooked reserve 2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the pasta, add it back into the saucepan then add the shallot sauce along with 1 cup of the pasta water. Turn the hob underneath the saucepan to low and stir the pasta, adding more pasta water until the sauce is thick and the pasta is fully coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
\n
In a small bowl, combine 20g of chopped parsley leaves and stalks with the reserved, chopped clove of garlic. Dish out 2 portions of pasta into warm bowls (I serve around 300g per person) then top with the parsley-garlic mixture and a squeeze of lemon juice. Eat immediately and store the remaining pasta in the fridge to be eaten as leftovers or turned into a frittata.
\n\n
Frittata:
\n\n
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
\n
Line a medium to large roasting tin or baking dish with greaseproof paper (the size depends on how much pasta you have - I usually have about a kilo left over and I use a 20 x 30cm tin). Tip the leftover pasta into the tin.
\n
Add 75g of halved cherry tomatoes or 30g of chopped sun-dried tomatoes in and around the pasta.
\n
Combine 4 beaten eggs with 50g of Parmesan (reserving 30g of Parmesan for later) and a good pinch of black pepper. Whisk well and pour evenly over the pasta.
\n
Scatter over the remaining 30g of Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs then drizzle over a little olive oil. Transfer the tin to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the eggs have set and the top is lightly golden brown. To be honest, I cook it for 30 minutes because I like it when the pasta on top goes hard and chewy but that kind of texture might not appeal to everyone.
\n
Once cooked, allow the frittata to sit for 5 minutes then cut into portions and eat immediately. Store any leftover frittata in the fridge and eat at room temperature.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Tuna, Cavolo Nero and Tomato Pasta"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"tuna-cavolo-nero-and-tomato-pasta"],"summary":[0,"Wholewheat pasta with tuna and kale in a light tomato sauce."],"standfirst":[0,"
Wholewheat pasta with tuna and kale in a light cherry tomato sauce. Probably my most cooked dish. If you're able to use ventresca tuna (it's expensive) it will take this dish to a whole new level.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"tuna_cavolo_nero_pasta"],"alt_text":[0,"Wholewheat pasta with tuna, cavolo nero and tomatoes"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,20],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,30],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a medium saucepan over a medium heat and fill with boiled, salted water. This will be used to blanch the cavolo nero and then to cook the pasta.
\n
Place a large frying pan over a low to medium heat and add all of the olive oil from a 160g tin of tuna along with 4 chopped garlic cloves. Fry until the garlic starts to colour then add 250g of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar.
\n
While the tomatoes are cooking, blanch 200g of cavolo nero leaves in the saucepan with the boiling water for 1 minute, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Allow to cool for a few minutes then squeeze out as much water as you can (it doesn’t matter if some is left), transfer to a chopping board, roughly chop the leaves and add them to the pan with the tomatoes. Squash the tomatoes a little to release more of their juice into the sauce.
\n
Cook 160g of pasta according to the instructions on the packet, reducing the time by 1-2 minutes so that the pasta is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked scoop out a mug of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato pan, adding a little of the pasta water to loosen the sauce.
\n
Add the tuna to the pasta, stirring gently so that the tuna doesn’t break up too much, then taste and season with salt and pepper. The tuna doesn't need to be cooked, just warmed up. Add more pasta water if the sauce looks dry then turn off the heat under the saucepan.
\n
Transfer to warm plates, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over each plate and eat immediately.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Beef Ragù"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"beef-ragu"],"summary":[0,"Rich beef ragù with porcini mushrooms, red wine and pork."],"standfirst":[0,"
Beef ragù made with porcini mushrooms, red wine, balsamic vinegar and pork. Great with fresh pasta.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"beef_ragu"],"alt_text":[0,"Beef ragu with tagliatelle, salad and wine"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,45],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a medium saucepan over a medium to high heat and fill and boil your kettle.
\n
Add 1 diced red onion, 1 diced carrot and 1 stick of diced celery to the saucepan and fry for 5-10 minutes then add 2-3 chopped garlic cloves. Fry until the vegetables start to colour.
\n
While the vegetables are softening in the saucepan, add 10g of dried porcini mushrooms to a small cup or jug and pour in 150ml of boiled water. Give the mushrooms a stir then set to one side.
\n
Snip in 2 rashers of bacon, or around 60g of pancetta and fry until the pork is no longer translucent.
\n
Add 125ml of red wine to the saucepan and allow to bubble for a few minutes then crush in half a beef stock cube.
\n
Add 250g of beef mince to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and fry for around 5 minutes until the beef loses its rawness.
\n
At this stage I use scissors to snip the porcini mushrooms into smaller pieces while still in their liquid (leave them whole if you prefer) then scoop them out with a fork and add them to the saucepan. Very slowly and carefully pour the mushroom liquid into the pan, leaving the last bit as it’ll be gritty and you don’t want that in your ragù.
\n
Add 200g of chopped tomatoes to the pan along with ½ teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
\n
If I'm using chestnut mushrooms, I'll add them now, but bear in mind that they'll release water into the ragù so you'll need to add another ten minutes or so to the cooking time.
\n
Simmer for at least 15 minutes (longer if you've added chestnut mushrooms) until the sauce has thickened and most of the water has evaporated.
\n
Before seasoning with salt and black pepper, taste the ragù. I usually don’t need to add salt because of the beef stock cube.
\n
Cook 500g of fresh pasta or 350g of dried pasta according to the instructions on the packet but reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
\n
Drain the pasta and add it to the ragù. Cook for a minute to allow the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid then divide between four plates, tear over the basil leaves and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"River Cafe's Tomato and Anchovy Sauce"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"tomato-and-anchovy-sauce"],"summary":[0,"One of the best tomato sauces ever. I can't stop cooking it."],"standfirst":[0,"
One of the best tomato sauces ever from The River Cafe cookbook. I can't stop cooking it.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"river_cafe_anchovy_tomato_pasta_sauce"],"alt_text":[0,"River Cafe's tomato and anchovy sauce with pasta"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,45],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
\n
If using salted anchovies rinse them to remove the salt.
\n
Gently fry 1 large clove of garlic for a minute then add 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary and 4-6 anchovies. The anchovies will quickly break up and melt.
\n
After the garlic, rosemary and anchovies start to look like a paste, add 1 tin of tomatoes to the saucepan and once the sauce starts to bubble turn the heat down. Simmer for around 30 - 40 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
\n
Around 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, fill a medium saucepan with salted boiling water and blanch 200g of tenderstem broccoli for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the saucepan with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander.
\n
Cook 200g of dried pasta in the water used to blanch the broccoli.
\n
Once the sauce is ready turn the heat off and add the 50ml of double cream and 40g of grated cheese (if using). Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce and stir well to coat. Serve straightaway.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Black Kale Pesto"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"black-kale-pesto"],"summary":[0,"A deep green pesto made with cavolo nero instead of basil."],"standfirst":[0,"
A pesto made with black kale that can be customised in different ways. Great with white or wholewheat pasta and tomatoes on the side.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"black_kale_pesto"],"alt_text":[0,"Cavolo nero pesto with spaghetti and slow roasted tomatoes"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,10],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,25],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a large saucepan over a medium heat and fill with water from a recently boiled kettle. Add a generous amount of salt.
\n
Add 150g of chopped black kale (cavolo nero) to the saucepan and blanch for 2 minutes then remove using a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Squeeze out as much water from the kale as you can.
\n
Add 40g of nuts to a food processor and blitz until coarse then add 1 garlic clove, 60ml of extra virgin olive oil, the juice from a lemon and the blanched kale. Process until the ingredients start to resemble pesto then add 75g of grated hard cheese and process one more time. Taste the pesto then season with salt and pepper.
\n
Cook your chosen pasta (I used 500g of fresh spaghetti) in the water used to blanch the kale then, before you drain it, use a small cup or jug to reserve some of the pasta water.
\n
Combine the cooked pasta and tomatoes (if using) with the pesto, adding some of the reserved water to loosen the pasta if needed. Transfer to bowls, squeeze over a little lemon juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Jamie Oliver's 30 Minute Meals: Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca"],"short_title":[0,"Jamie Oliver's Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca"],"slug":[0,"jamie-oliver-30-minute-meals-spaghetti-alla-puttanesca"],"summary":[0,"A tasty pasta dish made mostly from store cupboard ingredients. Great if you haven't been shopping in a while."],"standfirst":[0,"
Pasta with tuna, tomatoes, anchovies and capers. The garlic bread is fantastic - I'm always amazed that it contains no butter.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"j_o_puttanesca"],"alt_text":[0,"Spaghetti all puttanesca, garlic bread & ganache"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,10],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and fill and boil the kettle. Place a large frying pan on a low heat and fill a saucepan with the boiled water and a pinch of salt.
\n
Garlic ciabatta: Slice 1 ciabatta loaf three quarters deep, making cuts at 2cm intervals, and then finely chop a small handful of fresh parsley. Scrunch up a large piece of greaseproof paper and dampen it under a tap. Open it up on a flat surface, oil it and place the bread on top. Sprinkle the parsley over the top with a pinch of salt and pepper and then pour over a generous drizzle of olive oil. Crush 2-4 garlic cloves on top and then smear the mixture over the bread, making sure it gets inside all of the incisions. Finally, wrap the bread up in the greaseproof paper and put it into the oven to cook for around 20 minutes.
\n
Chocolate ganache: Place a large heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan with the boiling water (making sure that the water doesn't touch the bowl). Break up 200g of dark chocolate and place it in the bowl, along with a knob of butter, 300ml of single cream, a pinch of salt and the grated zest from 1 clementine. Give everything a good stir and leave it to melt.
\n
Spaghetti: Put 500g of spaghetti into the saucepan and cook it according to the instructions on the packet. Pour the oil from a tin of tuna into the frying pan and then crush 2 cloves of garlic, adding it to the frying pan along with 1 tablespoons of capers, the anchovies from a 50g tin and their oil (don't be alarmed if it looks like there is a lot of oil).
\n
Chop 1-2 red chillis (seeds optional) and stalks from the parsley then add them to the frying pan. Chop the parsley leaves and put them to one side. Once the garlic starts to get a little colour, add the tuna, breaking it up a little, then add a handful of pitted black olives, 2 tins of tomatoes (800g), a pinch of cinnamon and some black pepper.
\n
Chocolate ganache: The chocolate should have melted by now so remove it from the heat and give it a good stir. Decant the mixture into small pots or espresso cups, then halve the remaining clementines and put them on a board along with the biscuits and ganache. Take them to the dinner table then check on the bread.
\n
Spaghetti: Once the pasta has cooked, drain it and reserve some of the water. Add the pasta to the frying pan, then squeeze over the juice from 1 lemon and add most of the parsley, mixing well. If the sauce feels very thick add some of the reserved spaghetti water to loosen it up. Pour the spaghetti into a large bowl and finish with the remaining parsley.
\n
Garlic ciabatta: Remove the bread from the oven and then take it to the table along with the spaghetti. Enjoy with a bottle of red wine.
\n"]}]}]]]}],[0,{"title":[0,"Breakfast Collection"],"slug":[0,"breakfast"],"summary":[0,"Favourite weekend breakfasts featuring lots of eggs, and of course, Dishoom’s Bacon Naan."],"content":[0,"
My favourite meal of the day (well, at the weekend). Dishoom’s famous Bacon Naan is easy if you buy ready-made naans. Kati Rolls are endlessly versatile but can be made with just a paratha and an egg.
The crispy rolled up tortillas in Nigella’s Mexican Scrambled Eggs are a delight. Eggy crumpets can be taken in a sweet or savoury direction. Finally, don’t miss Croissant with Serrano Ham and Cheddar and Spring Onion Scrambled Eggs; an incredibly decadent breakfast featuring frozen croissants (one of my best discoveries ever).
"],"tags":[1,[[0,"anna-jones"],[0,"cheese"],[0,"dishoom"],[0,"eggs"],[0,"fibre"],[0,"fish"],[0,"fruit"],[0,"indian"],[0,"jamie-oliver"],[0,"lunch"],[0,"nigella"],[0,"quick"],[0,"vegan-adaptable"],[0,"vegetarian"],[0,"yoghurt"]]],"articles":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Mexican Scrambled Eggs"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"nigella-mexican-scrambled-eggs"],"summary":[0,"A lovely, unusual and satisfying breakfast which takes no more than 15 minutes to cook."],"standfirst":[0,"
An unusual and speedy scrambled egg recipe. I love the combination of crispy, rolled up tortillas alongside tomatoes, spring onions and eggs.
Place a medium sized frying pan over a medium heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
\n
Stack 2 tortillas on top of each other and roll into a sausage shape. Using scissors, snip ½cm slices into the frying pan and turn occasionally until they colour, then remove from the pan and place to one side. If the pan looks dry add a little more olive oil.
\n
Add ½ a sliced red onion and 2-3 sliced spring onions (reserving a little to garnish) to the frying pan and fry for a few minutes. Add 2 handfuls of halved and deseeded cherry tomatoes to the pan along with a pinch of smoked paprika (or ¼ teaspoon of chipotle paste).
\n
Once the onions and tomatoes have softened, add the cooked tortillas back into the pan. Pour in 4 beaten eggs and stir gently for a few minutes depending on how you like your eggs scrambled.
\n
Season to taste then turn out onto warmed plates and garnish with sliced green spring onions and sliced or cubed avocado if using.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Anna Jones's Breakfast Bircher"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"anna-jones-breakfast-bircher"],"summary":[0,"A quick breakfast that takes a few minutes to prepare the night before. Just add fruit in the morning."],"standfirst":[0,"
Quick and delicious overnight oats that taste almost like dessert. Just add fruit in the morning.
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chia_mango_raspberry"],"alt_text":[0,"Raspberry and mango chia pots"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,30],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,0],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Add 100g of oats, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 100g of yoghurt, 250ml of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup) and a dash of vanilla extract into a small jar (I use a Korken storage jar from Ikea). Squeeze in a little lemon juice (around a teaspoon) and stir well.
\n
Leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight if eating for breakfast the next day.
\n
When you’re ready to eat, remove from the fridge and give the pudding a stir and a taste. Add a little more milk if it’s very thick and more lemon juice if needed.
\n
Defrost any frozen fruit if using (I do this in a small saucepan) or prepare your fresh fruit.
\n
Spoon the chia pudding into two bowls or glasses alternating with layers of whichever fruit you're using.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Dishoom's Bacon Naan Roll"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"dishoom-bacon-naan-roll"],"summary":[0,"Dishoom's famous bacon naan roll. The best breakfast I've ever eaten."],"standfirst":[0,"
Dishoom's famous bacon naan roll. Streaky bacon, cream cheese, tomato-chilli jam and coriander wrapped up in naan bread. The best breakfast I've ever eaten.
Tomato-chilli jam (makes around 800g but can easily be halved): Process 800g of tinned tomatoes in a blender (I used a stick blender) then add 60g of fresh, chopped ginger, 15g of chopped garlic, 8g of chopped green chillies and 125ml of rice vinegar. Process until combined then pour into a saucepan along with 300g of granulated sugar.
\n
Put the saucepan over a medium heat then once the tomatoes start to simmer, turn the heat down low and cook for around 30 minutes until the tomatoes have reduced. Turn off the heat then pour the jam into a sterilised jar and fasten the lid.
\n
Naan (makes 10): Sift 560g of maida flour and 10g of fine sea salt into a large bowl and make a well in the middle.
\n
Add 5g of baking powder, 8g of caster sugar, 150ml of milk, 135ml of water and 1 large egg into a large jug and whisk until combined. Pour into the flour well then slowly draw the flour inwards with a round-bladed knife. Dust your hands with flour then knead for around 5 minutes until you have a soft, smooth dough. Set to one side for 10 minutes.
\n
Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over the dough and knead vigorously for 30 seconds, incorporating all of the oil into the dough. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a clean bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rest for 2 hours.
\n
After the dough has finished resting, take a 70g piece of dough, roll it into a ball and place on an oiled baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough has been used up then cover the balls with cling film and rest for another 30 minutes.
\n
Lightly oil a clean work surface then take a dough ball and flatten it into a round. Use a rolling pin to make a 2mm thick oval, and use more oil rather than flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Rest the naan for 1 minute. Repeat for the other dough balls.
\n
Bacon: Grill or fry 4 rashers of bacon until crispy and fry an egg, if using. Keep somewhere warm.
\n
Naan: Turn your grill onto its highest setting. You’ll need to position the grill rack so that your ovenproof frying pan is close to the heat source but not so close that the dough will touch it as it puffs up. Place a clean tea towel nearby and heat your frying pan on the highest heat you have until it’s as hot as it can be.
\n
Place the naan into the hot frying pan, count to 20, then place the pan under the grill. The naan will puff up and colour in places after 30 seconds or so. You want it to colour a bit but not turn crispy. When the naan is ready, remove it from the pan and wrap in the clean tea towel to soften from its own steam. Keep somewhere warm.
\n
If you’re cooking more than 1 naan, place your pan back on the hob to reheat it for the next naan and cook as before (steps 9-10).
\n
Assemble: Spread 1-2 teaspoons of cream cheese over the warm naan, top with 8 coriander leaves and place the bacon on top. Add the egg and sprinkle over a pinch of chopped green chilli, if using. Spoon over a little tomato-chilli jam then fold the naan in half, cut it down the middle and eat straight away, with extra jam on the side for dipping.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Egg Kati Roll"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"egg-kati-roll"],"summary":[0,"A spinach and tomato omelette wrapped in a fresh, warm paratha with optional paneer and avocado."],"standfirst":[0,"
A spinach and tomato omelette wrapped in a fresh, warm paratha. Add paneer and avocado if you have them but if all you have is a single egg and some ketchup, the paratha will still taste delicious.
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"kati_egg_roll"],"alt_text":[0,"Kati egg roll with paneer and avocado"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,10],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,20],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,1],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a small frying pan over a medium heat (I use a 22cm frying pan) and dry fry 1 paratha until golden brown on both sides. Turn out onto a plate and keep somewhere warm.
\n
If using paneer, add 1 teaspoon of oil and 40g of cubed paneer to the frying pan used in step 1 and fry until golden brown. Remove from the pan and place to one side.
\n
Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the same frying pan and fry ½ a diced shallot (or 1 sliced spring onion) for a minute or so before adding 2-3 chopped cherry tomatoes. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables have softened then add a handful of spinach. As soon as it's wilted add 1 beaten egg. Swirl the egg around the pan to make a round, thin omelette.
\n
Once the omelette has cooked through, slide it onto the warm paratha, top with the cubed paneer or ½ a cubed avocado if using, scatter over the coriander leaves and roll into a log. Serve with ketchup or chilli sauce and eat immediately.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Eggy Crumpets and Blueberry Syrup"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"eggy-crumpets-and-blueberry-syrup"],"summary":[0,"A treat for the weekend. These French toast-like crumpets can be eaten sweet or savoury."],"standfirst":[0,"
A treat for the weekend. These French toast-inspired crumpets can be eaten with a sweet or savoury topping.
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"blueberry_crumpets"],"alt_text":[0,"Eggy crumpets with blueberry maple syrup and flaked almonds"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,5],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,5],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,10],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Toast 4 crumpets until they start to brown. Remove from the toaster and set to one side.
\n
Combine a handful of blueberries and 100ml of maple syrup in a small saucepan and heat gently until the blueberries start to break down. Remove the pan from the heat and set to one side.
\n
Heat a knob of butter in a large frying pan.
\n
Beat 2 eggs in a bowl then submerge the crumpets in the egg making sure that they're completely coated. Transfer the crumpets to the frying pan, holey side up. Pour any remaining egg into the crumpet holes.
\n
Fry the crumpets for a few minutes on both sides until golden brown then remove from the pan and top with the blueberry maple syrup and some toasted, flaked almonds (optional). Be careful as the syrup will be hot.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Croissant with Ham and Scrambled Eggs"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"croissant-with-ham-and-scrambled-eggs"],"summary":[0,"A decadent breakfast croissant filled with serrano ham and Cheddar and spring onion scrambled eggs."],"standfirst":[0,"
Okay, it’s actually Croissant with Serrano Ham and Cheddar and Spring Onion Scrambled Eggs but that’s too long a title. Fresh croissants work well but frozen are my favourite (see notes).
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"croissant_ham_scrambled_egg"],"alt_text":[0,"Croissant with serrano ham and Cheddar and spring onion scrambled eggs"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,5],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,30],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
If using frozen croissants, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
\n
Put the croissants on a foil lined baking tray and bake for 22-23 minutes (I check the croissants after 20 minutes and rotate them so that they cook evenly).
\n
While the croissants are baking, finely slice 1 spring onion and grate 25g of Cheddar cheese. Crack 3 eggs into a jug or bowl and whisk them lightly.
\n
When the croissants are about halfway through their baking time, place a small frying pan over a low heat and add a knob of butter. Add the sliced spring onion and fry for 2-3 minutes then pour in the beaten eggs. For creamy eggs, cook for around 6-8 minutes on the lowest heat possible, constantly stirring. Once the eggs are around 80% cooked, turn off the heat, stir in the grated Cheddar cheese and add a little black pepper.
\n
Once the croissants have risen and are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them stand for a few minutes. Slice in half, place onto warm plates and divide the scrambled eggs between the croissants. Top with torn slices of serrano ham and chopped parsley (optional). Serve immediately with good coffee.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"English Muffins with Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs"],"short_title":[0,"Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg Muffins"],"slug":[0,"english-muffins-with-smoked-salmon-and-scrambled-eggs"],"summary":[0,"Slow cooked spring onion and scrambled eggs, topped with smoked salmon."],"standfirst":[0,"
Slow cooked spring onion and scrambled eggs, topped with smoked salmon. Serve with English muffins or whichever bread you like.
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"english-muffins-with-smoked-salmon-and-scrambled-eggs"],"alt_text":[0,"Scrambled eggs with spring onion, topped with smoked salmon."]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,10],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,20],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a small frying pan over a low heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive or rapeseed oil.
\n
Slice 2-3 spring onions and add to the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
\n
Season 3 beaten eggs with black pepper then pour into the frying pan. For soft set eggs, cook for around 6-8 minutes on the lowest heat possible, constantly stirring.
\n
While the eggs cook, toast and butter 2 English muffins (or swap the butter for 2 tablespoons of cream cheese if you have any).
\n
Once the eggs are done, turn off the heat and divide them between the muffins. Top with 75-100g of smoked salmon and finish with chopped parsley, if using.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Spinach and Shallot Scrambled Eggs"],"short_title":[0,"Spinach and Shallot Scrambled Eggs"],"slug":[0,"spinach-and-shallot-scrambled-eggs"],"summary":[0,"I know these eggs are similar to Cheese and Spring Onion Scrambled Eggs but I love them so much they're getting their own recipe."],"standfirst":[0,"
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"spinach-and-shallot-scrambled-eggs"],"alt_text":[0,"Scrambled eggs made with shallots, spinach and Pecorino Romano."]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,15],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,25],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,2],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a small to medium frying pan over a medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
\n
Slice 3 large banana shallots and add to the pan. Fry for a few minutes, stirring often. Add 80g of spinach (I do this in batches) and stir until the leaves have wilted and any water has evaporated (about 5 minutes).
\n
Season 4 beaten eggs with salt and black pepper. Turn the heat under the frying pan down then pour the eggs in, along with 15g of grated Pecorino Romano. For soft and creamy eggs, cook for around 8-10 minutes on the lowest heat possible, constantly stirring.
\n
While the eggs are cooking, toast and butter 2 slices of bread.
\n
Once the eggs are done to your liking, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then divide the eggs between the toast. Finish with chopped fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"blog-post"],"title":[0,"Pimp my Bran Flakes"],"short_title":[0,"Pimp my Bran Flakes"],"slug":[0,"pimp-my-bran-flakes"],"summary":[0,"This is my new favourite breakfast and it’s weekday friendly."],"standfirst":[0,"
This is my new favourite breakfast and it’s weekday friendly. Pea protein is a recent discovery and it works really well with cereal. Feel free to leave it out if you'd prefer; there's still protein in the yoghurt, chopped nuts and peanut butter.
"],"category_slug":[0,"breakfast"],"category_title":[0,"Breakfast"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"bran_flakes_yoghurt_nuts_fruit_protein"],"alt_text":[0,"Brank Flakes with yoghurt, nuts, fruit and protein powder"]}]]],"recipe":[0,null]}]]]}],[0,{"title":[0,"Chocolate Cake Collection"],"slug":[0,"chocolate-cakes"],"summary":[0,"Failsafe chocolate cakes. Choose from gluten/dairy-free, a loaf cake, sandwich cake, vegan, brownie or boozy."],"content":[0,"
A collection of chocolate cakes, including a gluten/dairy-free cake, and a vegan cake. Samin's is the ultimate; oil-based and finished with whipped cream or ganache, the recipe can be turned into 18 glorious cupcakes.
My favourite is Nigella's Sunken Chocolate Amaretto Cake. Special shout out to Chocolate Brownie Cake; receiver of unanimously great feedback (look at the ingredients to see why).
"],"tags":[1,[[0,"bananas"],[0,"cake"],[0,"chocolate"],[0,"coconut"],[0,"cupcakes"],[0,"dairy-free"],[0,"gluten-free"],[0,"ground-almonds"],[0,"loaf-cake"],[0,"nigella"],[0,"vegan"],[0,"vegan-adaptable"],[0,"vegetarian"]]],"articles":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Chocolate Brownie Cake"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"chocolate-brownie-cake"],"summary":[0,"A supremely rich chocolate brownie cake. Great warmed up with ice cream."],"standfirst":[0,"
A supremely rich chocolate brownie cake made with dark and white chocolate and chopped pecans. Great warmed up with ice cream.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chocolate_brownie_cake_20cm"],"alt_text":[0,"Chocolate brownie cake in a 20cm cake tin"]}],[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chocolate_brownie_cake"],"alt_text":[0,"Chocolate brownie cake"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,1],"cook_time_mins":[0,10],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,25],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,10],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line and generously butter an 18cm or 20cm cake tin (springform if possible).
\n
Add 175g of dark chocolate, 175g of unsalted butter and 200g of sugar into a saucepan and place over a low heat. Stir occasionally until everything has melted then leave to cool a little.
\n
Add 4 egg yolks into the chocolate mixture and stir, then add 65g of plain flour, 50g of chopped pecans, and 50g of white chocolate chunks.
\n
Whisk 4 egg whites until they form soft peaks then gently fold a couple of tablespoons into the chocolate mixture. Once fully combined, carefully fold in the rest of the egg whites.
\n
Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 40 minutes.
\n
Remove the cake from the oven. If using a 20cm cake tin the cake might be done at this point - test it with a skewer - it should come out with a few crumbs clinging to it as the middle should be a little moist.
\n
If using an 18cm cake tin, cover the top loosely with tin foil then put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
\n
Test the cake with a skewer to check if it's done. If the middle of the cake is very moist, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
\n
Once the cake is done, leave to cool then slide a knife around the edge and carefully remove it from the tin. Dust the top with icing sugar and serve with cream or ice cream.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Dark and Sumptuous Vegan Chocolate Cake"],"short_title":[0,"Nigella's Vegan Chocolate Cake"],"slug":[0,"nigella-dark-and-sumptuous-vegan-chocolate-cake"],"summary":[0,"The best vegan cake I've ever eaten."],"standfirst":[0,"
The best vegan cake I've ever eaten. If you can't find coconut butter (it's different to coconut oil and is available from Ocado) you can use vegan margarine instead.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_vegan_chocolate_cake"],"alt_text":[0,"Nigella's Dark and Sumptuous Vegan Chocolate Cake"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,35],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,5],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and put a baking tray on the bottom shelf.
\n
Icing: Add 75g of coconut butter, 50g of soft dark brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons of espresso powder, 1½ tablespoons of cocoa powder and 60ml of cold water into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
\n
Bring to a boil and make sure everything has dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in 150g of chopped dark chocolate. Leave for 1 minute then whisk until the chocolate has dissolved. Set to one side to cool. The icing should be ready to spread by the time the cake has been baked and cooled but give it an occasional stir.
\n
Cake: Line the bottom of a 20cm springform tin with baking paper and grease the sides with vegetable oil (or coconut oil).
\n
Add 225g of sifted plain flour, 1½ teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of espresso powder and 75g of sifted cocoa powder into a large bowl. Mix well.
\n
Add 300g of soft dark brown sugar, 90ml of vegetable oil (or 75g coconut oil), 1½ teaspoons of white wine vinegar and 375ml of water from a recently boiled kettle to a large bowl or jug. If using coconut oil, make sure it has completely melted, then stir the wet ingredients into the dry.
\n
This step is optional but I sieve the batter back into the bowl or jug that contained the wet ingredients to get rid of any lumps.
\n
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin then bake for 35 minutes (but check after 30 minutes - in my oven the cake needs 35 minutes). A cake tester should come out mostly clean but a few crumbs are fine as this is a fudgy cake that shouldn’t be overcooked. Once the cake is ready, transfer it to a wire rack and leave it to cool in its tin.
\n
Icing: Give the icing a good stir. It should be easily spreadable but thick enough to mostly stay on top of the cake. Remove the cake from its tin, pour over the icing and use a spatula to spread it around if needed. Decorate immediately with rose petals and chopped pistachios (both optional). Leave the icing to set for 30 minutes before slicing into the cake.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Chocolate Olive Oil Cake"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"nigella-chocolate-olive-oil-cake"],"summary":[0,"A gluten and dairy free chocolate cake made with olive oil and ground almonds."],"standfirst":[0,"
Nigella's rich yet light chocolate cake made with olive oil and ground almonds. Gluten and dairy free.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan). Line a 22cm or 23cm springform tin with baking paper and grease with a little oil.
\n
Sift 50g of cocoa powder into a bowl or jug and add 125ml of boiled water, a little at a time, until you have a thick, smooth paste. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and leave to cool a little.
\n
Combine 150g of ground almonds (or 125g plain flour), ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
\n
Add 200g of sugar, 3 eggs and 150ml of olive oil into another bowl and whisk for 3 minutes using a handheld or freestanding mixer.
\n
Turn the mixer down low and slowly add the cocoa mixture then add the almonds a little at a time. Whisk for another minute or so until there are no lumps then pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
\n
Bake for 40-45 minutes. Use a cake tester or stick of uncooked spaghetti to check if the cake has cooked through. It's okay if a few crumbs stick to the tester as the cake is supposed to be somewhat damp in texture.
\n
Allow to cool for 10 minutes in its tin then remove the tin carefully and dust with icing sugar.
\n\n
"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Samin Nosrat's Chocolate Midnight Cake"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"samin-nosrat-chocolate-midnight-cake"],"summary":[0,"A deeply rich, dark and moist chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache or fresh vanilla cream."],"standfirst":[0,"
A deeply rich, dark and moist chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache or fresh vanilla cream. One of the best chocolate cakes I've ever eaten.
Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and place an oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
\n
Grease two 20cm sandwich tins and line the bottoms with greaseproof paper. Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to one of the tins and move it around until the sides are generously coated. Tap out any excess into the second tin and repeat, adding more cocoa if needed.
\n
Add 55g of cocoa powder, 300g of sugar, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 255g of flour and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to a medium sized bowl, whisk, then sift into a large bowl.
\n
Using the medium sized bowl from step 3, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 125ml oil and 350ml of freshly brewed coffee or boiled water and stir.
\n
Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and slowly whisk in the oil mixture until both mixtures have combined. Gradually add 2 lightly beaten eggs and whisk until the batter is smooth (it will be quite thin).
\n
This step is optional but I sieve the batter back into the medium sized bowl to make sure there are no lumps.
\n
Divide the batter between the two cake tins and drop each tin onto a countertop from a height of around 8cm to release any trapped air bubbles.
\n
Bake in the upper third of the oven for around 25-30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean and the edges are pulling away from the tin slightly.
\n
Allow the cakes to cool completely in their tins then carefully remove them and peel off the greaseproof paper. If your cakes have risen unevenly like mine often do, trim the tops with a long knife to even them out.
\n
Vanilla cream (photo two): Add 225ml of double cream, 1½ teaspoons of icing sugar (or regular sugar) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or the seeds scraped from ¼ of a vanilla pod) into a large bowl and whisk. I use a hand mixer and once soft peaks appear I turn it down low and whisk until the cream is smooth and holds its shape. Whether you whisk the cream by hand or machine, take care not to over-mix or it’ll become grainy. Place one of the cakes onto a plate or serving dish then spread over half of the vanilla cream. Place the second cake on top and spread over the remaining cream. Top with grated or shaved dark chocolate if using. Serve immediately and store any remaining cake in the fridge for up to 3 days, taking it out an hour or so before serving.
Thick chocolate ganache (photo one): Melt 150ml of double cream and 150g of dark chocolate together in a saucepan then leave to cool completely. Whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens and can hold its shape (it shouldn't drizzle from the whisk), then spoon half of the ganache onto one of the cakes and use a spatula to spread it around. Place the second cake on top and spread over the remaining ganache. Top with grated or shaved dark chocolate if using. Store in an airtight tin or container for up to 3 days. Individual slices of the chocolate ganache cake can also be frozen.
Glossy chocolate ganache (best for cupcakes): Melt 125ml of double cream and 125g of dark chocolate together in a saucepan then leave to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk until the mixture starts to thicken (but will still drizzle from the whisk) then spoon a little ganache onto each cupcake using the back of the spoon to spread it around. Top with grated or shaved dark chocolate if using. Store the cupcakes in an airtight tin or container for up to 3 days.
Chocolatey, boozy, easy to make and leftovers (if you have any) freeze brilliantly. My all-time favourite cake.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_chocolate_amaretto_cake"],"alt_text":[0,"Slice of Chocolate Amaretto Cake with ice cream"]}],[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_chocolate_amaretto_cake_2"],"alt_text":[0,"Nigella's Chocolate Amaretto Cake in an 18cm tin"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,8],"serves_text":[0,"8-12"],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan), line the bottom of a 20cm round springform tin with baking paper and grease the sides with butter or light olive oil.
\n
Add 100g of dark chocolate and 100g of butter to a heatproof bowl and either melt in a microwave on the defrost setting or place the bowl over a pan of boiling water, making sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Once melted, put to one side and leave to cool a little.
\n
Add 125g of caster sugar to a large mixing bowl and crack in 4 eggs. If you have a freestanding mixer, mix for 2-3 minutes until you have a pale yellow, moussy mixture. I use a hand mixer and this takes around 5 minutes.
\n
Combine 75g of ground almonds in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of sifted cocoa powder then turn the mixer down to low and slowly add the almonds and cocoa into the egg mixture, a tablespoon at a time.
\n
Stir 3 tablespoons of Amaretto liqueur into the melted chocolate and butter, then with the mixer still on low, slowly pour the melted chocolate into the cake batter until all the ingredients have fully combined.
\n
Use a silicone spoon or spatula to scrape the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The cake is ready when it begins to come away from the edges of the tin and a cake tester comes out with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
\n
Keep the cake in its tin and transfer it to a cooling rack, draping a clean tea towel over it. Nigella’s recipe says, “As it cools, the top of the cake will crack a little more, and it will sink slightly, leaving a frilly edge”. I find that the cake sinks and cracks a lot but almost never gets a frilly edge.
\n
Once the cake has cooled, unclip the tin and if possible, leave it on its base as it’s quite fragile. Dust a generous teaspoon of cocoa powder over the top of the cake, using a sieve.
\n
Just before serving, whip 250ml of double cream with 1 tablespoon of Amaretto until thickened but still soft, then fold in the majority of 4 crumbled Amaretti biscuits before transferring the cream to a serving bowl and sprinkling the remaining Amaretti biscuits on top.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Waitrose's Chocolate, Olive Oil and Marmalade Loaf Cake"],"short_title":[0,"Waitrose's Chocolate Marmalade Loaf Cake"],"slug":[0,"waitroses-chocolate-olive-oil-and-marmalade-loaf-cake"],"summary":[0,"A brilliant yet simple loaf cake made with ground almonds, olive oil, cocoa and marmalade."],"standfirst":[0,"
A simple yet brilliant loaf cake made with ground almonds, olive oil, cocoa and marmalade. The chocolate orange combination is an absolute treat.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"waitrose_chocolate_marmalade_loaf_cake"],"alt_text":[0,"Sliced chocolate, marmalade and olive oil loaf cake topped with chocolate shavings"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,25],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,45],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,10],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Generously grease a 900g/2lb loaf tin with olive oil and line the bottom with greaseproof paper. Fill and boil your kettle.
\n
Sieve 50g of cocoa powder into a large bowl then whisk in 140ml of freshly boiled water until fairly smooth (a few lumps are fine). Add 160ml of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture and whisk (I use a handheld electric mixer).
\n
Add 150g of golden caster sugar, the zest from 1 orange and 3 large eggs to the bowl. Whisk for 3 minutes until the mixture is light and combined.
\n
In a smaller bowl, add 75g of self-raising flour, 100g of ground almonds, ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of baking powder, mixing well. Add the dry ingredients into the wet, folding them in gently until just combined.
\n
Spoon 150g of marmalade into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it out evenly. Pour the batter on top of the marmalade then bake for 45-50 minutes, until a cake tester comes out mostly clean but with a little moisture (the cake needs 45 minutes in my oven).
\n
Once the cake is ready, leave it in its tin for around 15 minutes then turn it out onto a cooling rack, scraping any residual marmalade back onto the cake (it's an upside-down cake where the marmalade sits on top). If decorating with chocolate shavings, wait until the cake is completely cool before adding them on top of the marmalade. Optionally serve with creme fraiche.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nicola Lamb's 8 Inch Flourless Chocolate Cake"],"short_title":[0,"Nicola Lamb's Flourless Chocolate Cake"],"slug":[0,"nicola-lamb-8-inch-flourless-chocolate-cake"],"summary":[0,"An exceptionally airy chocolate mousse-like cake by Nicola Lamb. It’s demanding but the end result is worth the effort."],"standfirst":[0,"
An exceptionally airy chocolate mousse-like cake by Nicola Lamb. It’s demanding but the end result is worth the effort.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nicola-lamb-8-inch-flourless-chocolate-cake"],"alt_text":[0,"8 inch flourless chocolate cake"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,20],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,1],"cook_time_mins":[0,0],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,20],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,8],"serves_text":[0,"8-10"],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 120°C. Line the bottom and sides of a tall 8-inch tin with baking paper (mine is loose bottomed). Wrap the outside with foil (I tie string around the tin to secure the foil - see notes). Fill and boil your kettle.
\n
Chocolate butter mixture: Add 170g of dark chocolate and 110g of butter to a large heatproof bowl. Either melt in a microwave on the defrost setting or place the bowl over a pan of boiling water, making sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cold water, ¼ teaspoon of flaky salt and 10g of cocoa powder (if using).
\n
Meringue: Add 180g of egg whites to a large bowl and whisk on high for 30 seconds. Turn the mixer to medium and slowly add 140g of caster sugar over the next 30 seconds. Whisk for 6-8 minutes until you have a dense, glossy meringue. Note from Nicola: “It should be shiny and thick but not too stiff - when the beaters are lifted, it should gently flop onto itself. All our mixers are different, so keep checking - you want the meringue to be flexible and firm!”
\n
Chocolate butter mixture: Stir 35g of egg yolks into the chocolate butter mixture. Whisk in 40g of meringue to loosen the mixture. Gently fold in the remaining meringue until combined.
\n
Transfer the mixture into the prepared cake tin and level the top (Nicola suggests using an offset spatula; I don’t have one so I use the back of a spoon).
\n
Water bath and bake: Pour an inch or so of boiled water into an ovenproof dish. Carefully lower the tin into the dish. Top up with more water if needed - I stop about an inch below the top of the tin. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the top is dry. The internal temperature should be between 78-84°C. Cracking isn’t an issue as the cake will be flipped over later.
\n
The cake can be removed from the water bath once it’s cool enough to touch. Either transfer the tin to the fridge to cool completely or place it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Once chilled, remove the tin and paper carefully, turn the cake upside down then dust with cocoa powder. For neat slices, cut with a hot, dry knife (pour boiled water over the knife and dry it, then repeat for each slice).
\n\n
\n
The cake is best eaten at room temperature. I store it in the fridge then microwave it for 15-20 seconds before eating (Nicola’s recommendation). To be honest, it’s great straight out of the fridge too.
"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Chocolate Tahini Banana Bread"],"short_title":[0,"Nigella's Chocolate Tahini Banana Bread"],"slug":[0,"nigella-chocolate-tahini-banana-bread"],"summary":[0,"A gorgeous chocolate banana bread made with tahini. Keeps for up to 5 days without drying out, thanks to the bananas."],"standfirst":[0,"
A gorgeous chocolate banana bread made with tahini. Keeps for up to 5 days without drying out, thanks to the bananas.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan). Line a 450g/1lb loaf tin with greaseproof paper.
\n
In a large bowl, peel and mash 2 ripe bananas (approximately 250g when weighed with the skins on). Mix in 50g of tahini, followed by 60ml of vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 50g of caster sugar, 35g of soft dark brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (see notes about increasing the banana and reducing the sugar).
\n
In a medium bowl, add 60g of rice flour (or plain flour if gluten is okay), 25g of cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Mix well then combine with the banana mixture. Fold in the majority of 100g of dark chocolate chips (I reserve a few for the top).
\n
Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, level the top then scatter over the remaining chocolate chips and 1-2 teaspoons of sesame seeds.
\n
Bake for 45-50 minutes until a skewer comes out mostly clean or a thermometer measures at least 93°C (200°F).
\n
Let the loaf cool in its tin (although I’ve removed it when still warm and it was fine). Remove then (ideally) store it in an airtight tin to be eaten the next day. The loaf will keep for up to 5 days and can also be frozen.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"blog-post"],"title":[0,"M&S: Colin the Caterpillar Brownies"],"short_title":[0,"M&S: Colin Brownies"],"slug":[0,"m-and-s-colin-the-caterpillar-brownies"],"summary":[0,"Colin the Caterpillar brownie mix, made in a 20cm square tin."],"standfirst":[0,"
Colin the Caterpillar brownies, baked in a 20cm square tin and decorated with Colin's Greatest Bits.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"m-and-s-colin-the-caterpillar-brownies"],"alt_text":[0,"Brownies made from M&S's Colin the Caterpillar brownie mix"]}]]],"recipe":[0,null]}]]]}],[0,{"title":[0,"Vegan Collection"],"slug":[0,"vegan"],"summary":[0,"Favourite, tried and tested vegan recipes including a brilliant dhal and an Italian bread salad inspired by three different recipes."],"content":[0,"
A collection of truly great vegan recipes. Anna Jones’s Ribollita is my all-time favourite. The stock needs to be made from scratch but it’s absolutely worthwhile and really easy. Anna’s Sweet Potato Dhal is one of the best I’ve tasted. Made with coconut milk and cinnamon; I always double the recipe.
Nigella’s Cuban Black Beans are delicious and versatile. Great with rice and yoghurt or as a first-rate quesadilla or taco filling. Panzanella makes use of ripe tomatoes and stale bread; it doesn’t sound special but it really, really is.
"],"tags":[1,[[0,"anna-jones"],[0,"bananas"],[0,"cake"],[0,"chocolate"],[0,"coconut"],[0,"daal"],[0,"indian"],[0,"italian"],[0,"lunch"],[0,"meera-sodha"],[0,"mexican"],[0,"nigella"],[0,"protein"],[0,"quick"],[0,"river-cafe"],[0,"salad"],[0,"slow-cooker-compatible"],[0,"tofu"],[0,"vegan"],[0,"vegetarian"]]],"articles":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Bon Appétit's Sesame Tofu with Broccoli"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"bon-appetit-sesame-tofu-with-broccoli"],"summary":[0,"A new favourite. The sesame sauce is divine."],"standfirst":[0,"
A new favourite and a wonderful way to use tahini. The sesame sauce-soaked broccoli is divine. Toasted cashews are my addition to the dish and I can't recommend them enough.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"bon_appetit_sesame_tofu"],"alt_text":[0,"Bon Appétit's Sesame Tofu with Broccoli served with brown rice"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and ½ teaspoon of cornflour. Stir in 1 clove of finely chopped garlic and a 1 inch chunk of finely chopped ginger then set to one side.
\n
Tofu: Drain a 450g block of tofu and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Cut into 2cm cubes and add to a medium sized bowl.
\n
Vegetables: Cut a large head of broccoli into florets and cut away the tough outer layer of the stem. Slice the stem into 1cm pieces then steam the florets and stems for 3 minutes (I use a microwave steamer).
\n
Slice 1 bell pepper into 3cm chunks. I griddle the pepper to char it but you don’t have to do this. Finely slice 1 spring onion and set to one side.
\n
Tofu: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornflour, ¼ teaspoon of salt and some black pepper then scatter 1 tablespoon of the cornflour mixture over the tofu tossing well. Repeat until all of the cornflour has been used up and the tofu is evenly coated.
\n
Stir fry: Place your wok over a medium heat (don’t add any oil yet) and add a small handful of cashews. Toast for a few minutes until golden then remove from the wok. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to the wok and toast until the seeds colour then remove from the wok (a silicone spatula is useful to remove every last seed).
\n
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the wok and once the oil has heated up, add the tofu to the wok in one layer. Fry for around 3 minutes without moving the tofu then turn the tofu roughly every 3 minutes until most of the sides are golden and crispy. This takes around 12 minutes in total. Remove the tofu from the wok.
\n
Add the broccoli and pepper to the wok and stir fry until cooked through then whisk the sauce (which has probably separated) then pour into the wok along with the tofu and some black pepper. Stir fry for 1 minute until the sauce has heated through then turn off the heat underneath the wok, transfer the contents to a bowl and top with the sliced spring onion, toasted cashews and sesame seeds.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Anna Jones’s Ribollita"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"anna-jones-ribollita"],"summary":[0,"My all-time favourite Italian dish, which is also vegan."],"standfirst":[0,"
My all-time favourite Italian dish, which is also vegan. This isn't a quick recipe but it's absolutely worth the time and effort.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"ribollita_2"],"alt_text":[0,"Two bowls of ribollita"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,1],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,2],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,6],"serves_text":[0,"6-8"],"method":[0,"\n
Stock: Divide 2 sliced carrots, 1 sliced red onion, 1 sliced leek, 2 sliced sticks of celery, 2 bay leaves, a small bunch of fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon sea salt and 6 black peppercorns between 2 jars (I use 2 1.8 litre Ikea Korken jars) and add 1 litre of freshly boiled water to each jar making sure that there’s a bit of space at the top. Either sieve and use straight away (for a lighter stock) or allow to cool then transfer to the fridge for up to 12 hours. Once sieved, the stock will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
\n
Ribollita: Place a large saucepan over a medium heat (I use a 6 litre pan) and pour in a little olive oil.
\n
Fry 3 chopped onions, 2 diced carrots, 6 chopped sticks of celery and 5 chopped cloves of garlic for around 30 minutes until they’ve softened and slightly coloured.
\n
Add most of a small bunch of chopped parsley and fry for a few minutes then add 1 chopped potato and 1 tin of plum tomatoes to the pan. Break up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon and fry for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 15 minutes the tomato juice will have mostly been absorbed and the vegetables will look quite dry.
\n
Add 1 tin of cannellini beans to the pan (including the water the beans came in), 2 litres of vegetable stock and 400g chopped cavolo nero or kale. Simmer for around 30 minutes.
\n
Turn off the heat and lay the cubes of bread (about 180g) on top of the soup. Drizzle the bread generously with extra virgin olive oil (at least 3 tablespoons) and leave the soup to sit for 10 minutes.
\n
Stir to combine the ingredients. The soup will have thickened quite a bit. Season well then transfer to bowls, topping with the reserved parsley and another drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Anna Jones's Sweet Potato Dhal"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"anna-jones-sweet-potato-dhal"],"summary":[0,"The dhal I cook the most, made with coconut milk and topped with roasted sweet potato."],"standfirst":[0,"
The dhal I cook the most, made with coconut milk and topped with roasted sweet potato. I've doubled the recipe and added more spinach (see the intro for details).
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"anna_jones_coconut_dhal"],"alt_text":[0,"Two bowls of sweet potato topped dhal"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,6],"serves_text":[0,"6-8"],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place a large saucepan over a medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive or rapeseed oil.
\n
Sweet potato: Put the sweet potato cubes (from 2 medium sweet potatoes) onto a large roasting tray and drizzle over some oil. Sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds and some salt and pepper. Roast for around 25 minutes until the sweet potato has started to colour around the edges.
\n
Dhal: Add 2 diced red onions to the large saucepan and fry for 5 minutes then add 4 chopped garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger and 2 chopped green chillis. Fry for 10 minutes or so.
\n
Bash 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds in a pestle and mortar then add to the saucepan along with 1½ teaspoons of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Fry for a minute, stirring well to make sure that the spices don’t burn.
\n
Add 400g red lentils, 400ml coconut milk and 1 litre of vegetable stock to the saucepan and stir well. Once the dhal starts to bubble, turn the heat down and simmer for around 25 minutes or until the lentils have softened. Add a little water from a boiled kettle if the consistency of the dhal gets too thick.
\n
Add 250g of fresh spinach, a large handful of chopped coriander (reserving a few leaves to garnish at the end) and the juice from 1-2 lemons. Taste the dhal and adjust the seasoning if needed then remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the dhal into bowls and top with the roasted sweet potato cubes, remaining coriander leaves and coconut chutney (if using, recipe below).
\n\n
Coconut chutney (optional)
\n\n
Add 50g of unsweetened desiccated coconut to a bowl.
\n
Add 1 teaspoon of oil to a small pan and fry 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 10 curry leaves until they crackle then pour over the coconut.
\n
Add salt, pepper, 20g of grated ginger and 1 chopped red chilli to the bowl, stir then spoon over the finished dhal.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Panzanella"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"panzanella"],"summary":[0,"A Tuscan salad, full of flavour, inspired by three different recipes."],"standfirst":[0,"
A Tuscan salad, full of flavour, inspired by three different recipes. This is a vegan side dish that always attracts compliments and requests for the recipe.
"],"category_slug":[0,"side-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Side dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"panzanella"],"alt_text":[0,"Bowl of panzanella"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,45],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,15],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Turn your grill on and set it to a high heat.
\n
Pour 60ml of red wine vinegar into a large bowl that will comfortably contain all of the ingredients and add 1 sliced red onion and ½ a clove of crushed garlic. Leave to steep for at least 15 minutes or longer if you can.
\n
Place 2 whole bell peppers under the grill and turn occasionally until the skins have blackened all over. Remove from the grill and leave to cool.
\n
Deseed 500g of tomatoes into a sieve placed over a bowl to catch the tomato juice. Discard the seeds and add the tomato juice to the bowl with the vinegar. Give the onions and garlic a good stir then remove around 2 tablespoons of the vinegar into a small jug or cup, reserving it for later.
\n
Chop the tomatoes into small-ish chunks, then add them to the vinegar bowl along with 100ml of olive oil, 250g of torn, stale ciabatta and most of a large handful of basil, reserving some leaves for later.
\n
The peppers should have mostly cooled by now. Remove the stalks and seeds then peel off the blackened skins. Chop the flesh into small chunks and add to the bowl.
\n
Season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix, using your hands to scrunch everything together. Taste the panzanella and add the reserved vinegar from earlier if needed.
\n
The panzanella can now be left in the fridge with the remaining basil on top, or you can eat it straightaway, mixing the remaining basil straight in.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Cuban Black Beans"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"nigella-cuban-black-beans"],"summary":[0,"Nigella's versatile and delicious Cuban Black Beans."],"standfirst":[0,"
Nigella's versatile and delicious Cuban Black Beans. Don't miss the roasted garlic yoghurt recipe in the notes section.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_cuban_black_beans"],"alt_text":[0,"Nigella's Cuban Black Beans, garlic yoghurt and quesadillas"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,30],"cook_time_hours":[0,2],"cook_time_mins":[0,0],"total_time_hours":[0,2],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,6],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"
Slow cooker
\n\n
Soak 500g of dried black beans for at least 5 hours. Discard the water. Fill a medium saucepan with boiling water and add the beans. Rapidly boil for 30 minutes then drain.
\n
Brown 2 chopped onions in a pan for around 5-10 minutes then add to a slow cooker along with 6 chopped cloves of garlic, 2 diced peppers, the boiled black beans, 1 chopped red chilli, 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon of chipotle paste, a pinch of black pepper, 2 fresh bay leaves and 1 litre of water.
\n
Cook for 6-8 hours until the beans are soft then add salt to taste.
\n
Leave to stand for half an hour or, if you can, allow to cool then reheat to eat.
\n\n
Oven
\n\n
Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan).
\n
Brown 2 chopped onions and 6 chopped cloves of garlic for around 5-10 minutes in a lidded saucepan that will fit into your oven. Add 2 diced peppers, 500g dried black beans, 1 chopped red chilli, 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon of chipotle paste, a pinch of black pepper and 2 fresh bay leaves to the pan. Add enough water to cover the ingredients by 3cm then clamp the lid on the pan and place in the oven for 2 hours.
\n
If you can, check on the beans half way through, giving them a stir and adding more water if the level has fallen below the beans, but you can just leave them to cook and they should be fine.
\n
When the beans are cooked, salt to taste then leave to stand for half an hour or, if you can, allow to cool then reheat to eat.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Meera Sodha's Chana Masala"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"meera-sodha-chana-masala"],"summary":[0,"A popular Indian dish of comforting chickpeas in a warm and spicy tomato sauce."],"standfirst":[0,"
A popular Indian dish of comforting chickpeas in a warm and spicy tomato sauce. By all means use tinned chickpeas but soaking, salting and cooking dried chickpeas is better, especially if you have a pressure cooker (see intro and notes).
"],"category_slug":[0,"side-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Side dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"meera_sodha_chana_masala"],"alt_text":[0,"Chickpeas in a warm and spicy tomato sauce"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,6],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,2],"cook_time_mins":[0,15],"total_time_hours":[0,8],"total_time_mins":[0,30],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,8],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Chickpeas: Add 400g of dried chickpeas and 1 tablespoon of salt to a large bowl or saucepan (I use a 6 litre saucepan). Fill to the top with water and leave to soak for at least 6 hours (24 if possible).
\n
Drain the chickpeas, cover them with plenty of cold water, add 1 tablespoon of salt then boil for 1-2 hours, occasionally skimming off any scum that forms on top of the water. Cook until the chickpeas are very soft.
\n
Chana masala: While the chickpeas are cooking, add 3-4 tablespoons of oil to a saucepan and fry 3 diced onions for around 10 minutes.
\n
Add a 6cm chunk of peeled and chopped ginger, 4 chopped cloves of garlic and 2 chopped green chillies to the saucepan. Cook for a few minutes until the garlic starts to colour.
\n
Add 2 tins of plum tomatoes to the saucepan, breaking them up with a wooden spoon, then add 2 tablespoons of tomato purée and cook for around 10 minutes until the tomatoes thicken.
\n
Add 1½ teaspoons of fine salt, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1½ teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chilli powder and ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric to the saucepan and stir. After a few minutes add the cooked chickpeas and around 150ml of water to loosen the sauce a little.
\n
Cook for another 5 minutes or longer if you can spare the time, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer to a bowl and serve with yoghurt, rice, naan or chapatis.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"70% Chocolate Pots"],"short_title":[0,"70% Chocolate Pots"],"slug":[0,"70-percent-chocolate-pots"],"summary":[0,"Mini chocolate pots inspired by Pots and Co’s 70% chocolate ganache. All the ingredients are vegan but traditional double cream can be used too."],"standfirst":[0,"
Mini chocolate pots inspired by Pots and Co’s 70% chocolate ganache. All the ingredients are vegan (made possible by Oatly’s incredible whippable cream) but traditional double cream can be used too.
Add 50g of 70% dark chocolate and 100ml of Oatly's whippable creamy oat to a medium-sized bowl. Melt using the defrost setting on your microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Alternatively, add the chocolate and cream to a saucepan and heat gently until the chocolate melts.
\n
Add 10g of muscovado sugar (or 20g, see intro) and a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture. Stir to combine. Allow to cool a little before adding 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
\n
Whisk the mixture well (it won’t thicken like double cream ganache does). Pour into 2 or 4 small ramekins depending on the portion size you want. Place into the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Dark and Sumptuous Vegan Chocolate Cake"],"short_title":[0,"Nigella's Vegan Chocolate Cake"],"slug":[0,"nigella-dark-and-sumptuous-vegan-chocolate-cake"],"summary":[0,"The best vegan cake I've ever eaten."],"standfirst":[0,"
The best vegan cake I've ever eaten. If you can't find coconut butter (it's different to coconut oil and is available from Ocado) you can use vegan margarine instead.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_vegan_chocolate_cake"],"alt_text":[0,"Nigella's Dark and Sumptuous Vegan Chocolate Cake"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,35],"total_time_hours":[0,1],"total_time_mins":[0,5],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and put a baking tray on the bottom shelf.
\n
Icing: Add 75g of coconut butter, 50g of soft dark brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons of espresso powder, 1½ tablespoons of cocoa powder and 60ml of cold water into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
\n
Bring to a boil and make sure everything has dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in 150g of chopped dark chocolate. Leave for 1 minute then whisk until the chocolate has dissolved. Set to one side to cool. The icing should be ready to spread by the time the cake has been baked and cooled but give it an occasional stir.
\n
Cake: Line the bottom of a 20cm springform tin with baking paper and grease the sides with vegetable oil (or coconut oil).
\n
Add 225g of sifted plain flour, 1½ teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of espresso powder and 75g of sifted cocoa powder into a large bowl. Mix well.
\n
Add 300g of soft dark brown sugar, 90ml of vegetable oil (or 75g coconut oil), 1½ teaspoons of white wine vinegar and 375ml of water from a recently boiled kettle to a large bowl or jug. If using coconut oil, make sure it has completely melted, then stir the wet ingredients into the dry.
\n
This step is optional but I sieve the batter back into the bowl or jug that contained the wet ingredients to get rid of any lumps.
\n
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin then bake for 35 minutes (but check after 30 minutes - in my oven the cake needs 35 minutes). A cake tester should come out mostly clean but a few crumbs are fine as this is a fudgy cake that shouldn’t be overcooked. Once the cake is ready, transfer it to a wire rack and leave it to cool in its tin.
\n
Icing: Give the icing a good stir. It should be easily spreadable but thick enough to mostly stay on top of the cake. Remove the cake from its tin, pour over the icing and use a spatula to spread it around if needed. Decorate immediately with rose petals and chopped pistachios (both optional). Leave the icing to set for 30 minutes before slicing into the cake.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Frozen Banana Chocolate Pudding"],"short_title":[0,"Frozen Banana Chocolate Pudding"],"slug":[0,"frozen-banana-chocolate-pudding"],"summary":[0,"A quick vegan chocolate pudding made with minimal and nutritious ingredients."],"standfirst":[0,"
A quick vegan chocolate pudding made with minimal and nutritious ingredients. Can be made in a blender or food processor.
Add 150g of frozen banana coins, 15g of unsweetened cocoa powder, 50g of nut butter (I use 25g almond/25g peanut), 1-3 tablespoons of milk (optional, I use soya) and 10g of pea protein (optional) to a food processor or blender. If possible, allow the ingredients to sit for 10 minutes so the banana can defrost a little.
\n
Process until smooth. If using a blender, you may need to add more milk to help the ingredients reach the blade.
\n
Divide between two small jars or bowls. Top with some chopped chocolate, cacao nibs or a dusting of cocoa. Serve immediately (it will keep in the fridge for a few hours but any longer and it starts to lose its pudding-like texture).
\n"]}]}]]]}],[0,{"title":[0,"Curry Collection"],"slug":[0,"currys"],"summary":[0,"Quick or full-on curries. S&B’s curry block is an exceptional find and as low effort as it gets. Try the Dishoom curries if you have time (you won’t regret it)."],"content":[0,"
A collection of curries including Japanese, Thai and Indian. Meera’s is the curry I cook the most. The Dishoom curries are restaurant-quality but take time and effort (subsequent curries are quicker once the spices and pastes have been made).
S&B’s Katsu Curry involves stirring a block into water but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Patak’s Sweet and Sour Madras Curry is a gem - make it with chicken, paneer or tofu - it’s my go-to when cooking for others.
"],"tags":[1,[[0,"15-min-meals"],[0,"chinese"],[0,"coconut"],[0,"curry"],[0,"dishoom"],[0,"indian"],[0,"jamie-oliver"],[0,"japanese"],[0,"quick"],[0,"thai"],[0,"tofu"],[0,"vegan-adaptable"],[0,"vegetarian"]]],"articles":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"S&B Golden Japanese Curry"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"sb-golden-japanese-curry"],"summary":[0,"Golden curry made from an S&B curry block, served over chicken katsu and white rice."],"standfirst":[0,"
Golden curry made from an S&B curry block, served over chicken katsu and white or brown rice. Add extra vegetables if you like (I always do) but the curry is delicious just as it is.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chicken_katsu_curry"],"alt_text":[0,"S&B golden curry served with chicken katsu, white rice and broccoli"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,5],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,30],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,5],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a medium saucepan over a low heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 1 sliced onion and fry for 5 minutes until the onions have softened. Turn off the heat.
\n
Break up 1 S&B curry block (92g) and add it to the saucepan, crushing the pieces with a wooden spoon. Measure 720ml of freshly boiled water (or 540ml for the mild curry block) into a jug and add 3 tablespoons of water to the saucepan, stirring well. Add the rest of the water slowly and keep stirring until the curry block has completely dissolved.
\n
If you want to include any extra vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli then add them to the saucepan now.
\n
Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium and when the curry starts to boil, turn the heat down low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Once the curry is ready, serve it over katsu chicken and rice. Keep any leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Dishoom's Chicken Ruby"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"dishoom-chicken-ruby"],"summary":[0,"A sublime and satisfying chicken curry."],"standfirst":[0,"
Marinated chicken thighs are grilled until charred then coated in makhani sauce and double cream. This is a sublime curry.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chicken_ruby"],"alt_text":[0,"Indian chicken curry in serving dish."]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,6],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,1],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,8],"total_time_mins":[0,0],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Chicken marinade: For the marinade, blitz 10g of ginger, 20g of garlic, 5g of fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon of deggi mirch chilli powder, 1½ teaspoons of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of garam masala, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and 75g of full-fat Greek yoghurt in a blender or small food processor.
\n
Place 700g of chicken thighs (cut into 4cm chunks) into a bowl and add the marinade. Coat the chicken well and refrigerate for 6-24 hours.
\n
Makhani sauce: Place a large saucepan over a medium heat and add 175ml of vegetable oil (or less, see intro). Add 15g of sliced garlic and fry until it just starts to turn golden and crispy. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on some kitchen paper.
\n
Blend 800g of tomatoes to a fine consistency using a stick blender or food processor.
\n
Add 2 bay leaves, 6 green cardamom pods, 2 black cardamom pods and 2 cinnamon sticks to the saucepan with the oil and allow them to crackle for 1 minute, stirring regularly.
\n
Turn the heat under the saucepan down low and add 20g of grated garlic and 20g of grated ginger. Allow both to colour but be careful not to let them burn.
\n
Add the blended tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1½ teaspoons of deggi mirch chilli powder to the saucepan. Bring to a bubble and cook for around 30 minutes until the sauce has reduced by about half. Stir regularly to make sure it doesn't catch.
\n
Add 30g of butter and simmer for 5 minutes.
\n
Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 20g of sugar, 1 tablespoon of runny honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, the crispy sliced garlic (fried earlier), 1 teaspoon of crushed fenugreek leaves and ½ teaspoon of fresh dill fronds to the saucepan. Cook for another 15 minutes.
\n
If using the makhani sauce immediately, add 80ml of double cream and simmer for 5 minutes. If using later, cool the sauce and refrigerate it, adding the cream when you want to reheat it.
\n
Chicken: Heat a grill to a medium high heat. Place the marinated chicken onto a rack and brush with 20g of melted butter. Grill for around 10-15 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is charred and cooked through.
\n
Place a large saucepan over a low to medium heat. Add the makhani sauce, 50ml of double cream and the grilled chicken. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
\n
To serve, transfer to a bowl and top with ginger matchsticks, a small handful of chopped coriander and 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Thai Red Curry with Tofu and Thai Basil"],"short_title":[0,"Tofu and Thai Basil Thai Red Curry"],"slug":[0,"thai-red-curry-with-tofu-and-thai-basil"],"summary":[0,"An easy weeknight curry made with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk and Thai basil."],"standfirst":[0,"
An easy weeknight curry made with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, frozen mango and Thai basil. The sauce goes well with all kinds of protein but tofu is my favourite.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"thai_red_curry"],"alt_text":[0,"Thai red curry with tofu and Thai basil"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,20],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,30],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Place a large saucepan or wok over a medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
\n
Add 1 sliced banana shallot or onion and fry for a minute then add 2 chopped cloves of garlic. Fry for a few more minutes until the garlic just starts to colour.
\n
Add 60g of Thai red curry paste to the pan, fry the paste for 1 minute then add 1 tin (400ml) of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and a small handful of sliced Thai basil. Stir well.
\n
When the curry starts to bubble add 200g of button mushrooms and 1 sliced bell pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes then add 100g of frozen mango chunks (optional), a small handful of cherry tomatoes and 200g of cubed tofu.
\n
Simmer for 5 minutes then squeeze in the juice from ½ a lime and taste the curry, adding more lime juice if needed. Cut the remaining lime into wedges. Turn off the heat and serve immediately with rice or noodles and the lime wedges. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Jamie Oliver's 15 Minute Meals: Keralan Veggie Curry"],"short_title":[0,"Jamie Oliver's Keralan Veggie Curry"],"slug":[0,"jamie-oliver-15-minute-meals-keralan-veggie-curry"],"summary":[0,"A quick and fresh pineapple, cauliflower and chickpea curry with microwaved poppadoms."],"standfirst":[0,"
A quick and fresh pineapple, cauliflower and chickpea curry with wholegrain or basmati rice. The poppadoms are cooked in the microwaved instead of being deep fried.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"j_o_keralan_curry"],"alt_text":[0,"Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meals: Keralan Veggie Curry"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,15],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,25],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Fill and boil your kettle. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat.
\n
Remove the outer leaves from 1 small cauliflower, slice it into 1cm thick rounds and place onto the griddle pan, turning when charred (I had to do this in batches).
\n
Rice: Put 1 mug of rice and 2 mugs of water into a medium sized saucepan and add 10 cloves, ½ a lemon and a pinch of salt. Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium and put the lid on.
\n
Curry: Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into a large casserole pan then add 1 heaped teaspoon each of black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and ground turmeric along with a small handful of curry leaves. Leave to sizzle for a few minutes.
\n
Add a 5cm chunk of peeled and roughly chopped ginger to a food processor along with 2 cloves of garlic, 6 trimmed spring onions, 1 red chilli and the stalks from a large bunch of coriander. Process until fine then add to the casserole pan.
\n
Roughly chop 2 ripe tomatoes and add to the casserole pan along with a 400ml tin of coconut milk, a 400g tin of drained chickpeas, a 227g tin of pineapple chunks plus juice and the charred cauliflower. Stir and turn the heat up to high.
\n
Poppadoms: While the curry is bubbling, put 4 uncooked poppadoms into the microwave (on 800W) for 1-2 minutes until they puff up.
\n
Mint yoghurt: Tear the leaves from ½ a bunch of mint and bash into a paste using a pestle and mortar. Stir in 3 tablespoons of yoghurt, squeeze in the juice from ½ a lemon and season with salt and pepper.
\n
Curry: Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon into the curry, season and taste, then tear over the coriander leaves and serve with the rice, yoghurt and poppadoms.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Dishoom's Lamb Pepper Fry"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"dishoom-lamb-pepper-fry"],"summary":[0,"Dishoom's Lamb Pepper Fry has a rich, thick, fiery sauce made with dried chillies and black pepper."],"standfirst":[0,"
Dishoom's Lamb Pepper Fry has a rich, thick, fiery sauce made with dried chillies and black pepper. Making garlic and ginger paste beforehand will help to speed up the recipe.
Garlic paste: Remove the skin from 3 bulbs of garlic (I use the shake trick plus warm water) and use a mini food processor or blender to blitz the cloves and 25ml of vegetable oil to a smooth paste. Add 2-3 teaspoons of water if the paste looks too thick. Store in a sterilised jar, covered with a thin layer of vegetable oil in the fridge for up to 10 days.
\n
Ginger paste: Repeat step 1 but replace the garlic with 180g of peeled and roughly chopped ginger.
\n
Marinade: Add 20g of ginger paste, 20g of garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of salt to a large bowl. Add 500g of cubed lamb leg steaks, mix well, cover and marinate for 2 hours in the fridge. If possible, remove the lamb from the fridge half an hour before you need it.
\n
Spice masala: Add 3 dried red chillies, 1 small cinnamon stick, 18g of coriander seeds, 10g of black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, 1 clove and 4 fresh curry leaves into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over a medium heat so the spices warm up slowly with the pan. Toast for 1-2 minutes and when you start to smell the spices, tip them onto a plate to cool completely. Grind to a fine powder (I use my Nutribullet for this as my pestle and mortar are too small).
\n
Curry: Place a heavy-bottomed saucepan over a medium heat (I use the pan I toasted the spices in) and add 60ml of vegetable oil. Once the oil has heated up, add ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds, 8 curry leaves and 3 dried chillies. Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add 200g of diced red onions and fry for around 25 minutes until dark brown, stirring frequently so the onions don’t burn.
\n
Add 15g each of ginger and garlic paste to the saucepan and fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
\n
Once the garlic has turned light brown, add 1 teaspoon of deggi mirch chilli powder, ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3g of long pepper powder, 1-2g of freshly ground black pepper (it's supposed to be 10g in total so add to suit your taste) and 15g of the spice masala to the saucepan (keep the remaining spice masala in an airtight jar to use another time). Fry for 2 minutes then add 50ml of water and stir to create a paste. Turn the heat under the saucepan down to low and fry for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oil separates from the spices.
\n
Add 200g of chopped tomatoes to the saucepan, turn the heat back up to medium and cook for 20-25 minutes, adding a little water if the curry starts to look dry. The tomatoes should disintegrate and deepen in colour.
\n
Add the marinated lamb and 200ml of water to the saucepan. Once the curry starts to bubble, simmer gently for 2 hours, occasionally topping up with a little water if needed. After 2 hours the lamb should be tender but not falling apart.
\n
Once the curry is nearly ready, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a small frying pan and place over a medium heat. Add 12 curry leaves and fry for a minute or so until crisp.
\n
Stir 2 teaspoons of chopped coriander through the curry, divide it into 4 bowls and top with the fried curry leaves. Serve with a side of parathas or naan, more coriander and lemon wedges to squeeze over the sauce.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Patak's Sweet and Sour Madras Chicken Curry"],"short_title":[0,"Patak's Sweet and Sour Madras Chicken Curry"],"slug":[0,"pataks-sweet-sour-madras-chicken-curry"],"summary":[0,"A gorgeous Indian-Chinese dish from Patak’s. A cross between a Madras curry and sweet and sour chicken."],"standfirst":[0,"
A gorgeous Indian-Chinese dish from Patak’s. A cross between a Madras curry and sweet and sour chicken, and a fail-safe dish to make for others.
"],"category_slug":[0,"main-dish"],"category_title":[0,"Main dish"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"sweet_and_sour_madras"],"alt_text":[0,"Sweet and sour madras chicken curry with peppers, pineapple, chilli and cashew nuts"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,2],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,2],"total_time_mins":[0,55],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,4],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Add ½ a Patak’s Madras paste pot (35g), 2 tablespoons of corn flour, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of water into a medium sized bowl and stir until the corn flour dissolves. Add 500g of diced chicken thighs and mix until fully coated. Marinade in the fridge for at least two hours.
\n
When the chicken is ready, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with foil. Drizzle over a little oil.
\n
Pour all of the chicken and marinade onto the baking tray and roast for 15 minutes.
\n
Optionally griddle 3 bell peppers until nicely charred.
\n
Heat a wok or large frying pan over a medium heat and dry fry a handful of cashews for a few minutes until they colour. Remove the cashews and set to one side. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok.
\n
Add 1 sliced red onion and fry for a few minutes then add 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger and 2 chopped garlic cloves to the wok and fry for another minute.
\n
Add ½ a Madras paste pot (35g) and 50ml of water to the wok and fry for 2 minutes.
\n
Add 50g of ketchup and 1½ tablespoons of dark soy sauce to the wok along with the roasted chicken. Use a spatula to scrape all of the excess marinade into the wok.
\n
Add 3 sliced bell peppers (from step 4) and 100g of pineapple chunks to the wok and once the sauce starts to bubble, simmer for 5 minutes. If you didn’t griddle the peppers earlier, simmer until the peppers soften. If the sauce looks dry add a little more water (I use around 100ml in total).
\n
Transfer the curry to a dish and top with 1 sliced spring onion, 1 sliced red chilli and toasted cashews. Serve with rice.
\n"]}]}]]]}],[0,{"title":[0,"Muffin and Cupcake Collection"],"slug":[0,"muffins-and-cupcakes"],"summary":[0,"Easy, freezable muffin and cupcake recipes. The cupcakes have minimal, if any, frosting (I’m lazy when it comes to decorating cakes)."],"content":[0,"
Apple, Cinnamon and Sultana Muffins (a BBC Good Food recipe with a Nigella topping) ignited my love affair with muffins years ago. The recipe contains wholemeal flour, as well as reasonably low amounts of sugar and oil. I’ve made all sorts of variations since.
I’m a fan of cupcakes but prefer them with less frosting. Matcha cakes and Mary Berry’s are dainty and light. Nutella cupcakes have more heft but are always a treat, especially when served with custard. Muffins and cupcakes freeze well so they’re great for small households.
"],"tags":[1,[[0,"bananas"],[0,"cake"],[0,"chocolate"],[0,"cupcakes"],[0,"fibre"],[0,"ground-almonds"],[0,"matcha"],[0,"muffins"],[0,"nigella"],[0,"vegetarian"]]],"articles":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nutella Cupcakes"],"short_title":[0,"Nutella Cupcakes"],"slug":[0,"nutella-cupcakes"],"summary":[0,"Vanilla and Nutella cupcakes that remain soft three days after baking."],"standfirst":[0,"
Vanilla and Nutella cupcakes that remain soft three days after baking.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nutella-cupcakes_2"],"alt_text":[0,"Nutella cupcakes"]}],[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nutella_cupcakes_crumb"],"alt_text":[0,"Crumb shot of a Nutella cupcake"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,20],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,20],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 230°C (210°C fan). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cases.
\n
In a medium bowl, combine 230g of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder (4g) and ⅓ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (2g). Whisk and set to one side.
\n
Add 150g of sour cream, 100g of milk (not a typo - weigh the milk!) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to a jug. Set to one side.
\n
In a large bowl, cream 105g of room temperature butter, 1 tablespoon of oil (olive or vegetable), 170g of caster sugar and a ¼ teaspoon of salt (I use kosher) together until just combined and fairly smooth. I use my hand mixer.
\n
Whisk in 70g of eggs (1 egg plus 1 yolk).
\n
Scatter a third of the flour over the butter mixture and stir in gently using a spatula. Repeat until the flour has been used up. Don’t mix until completely combined. The mixture will be thick with dry patches of flour throughout.
\n
Pour the sour cream mixture into to the flour mixture. Stir gently until mostly incorporated. Don’t overmix. The batter might look lumpy with a few dried flour patches. This is fine.
\n
Use a table spoon (i.e. for cereal, not the measuring kind) to add 1 heaped spoonful of batter to each paper case.
\n
Add 1 teaspoon of Nutella to each case then distribute the remaining batter, covering the Nutella.
\n
Finally, top each cake with 1 heaped teaspoon of Nutella and use a skewer to swirl it into the batter.
\n
Bake at 230°C (210°C fan) for 5 minutes then turn the oven down to 190°C (170°C fan) for another 10-13 minutes. The internal temperature will reach 96-100°C when fully cooked. A cake tester should come out clean but skewer from the side inwards to avoid the Nutella. Store the cakes for up to 3 days in an airtight container or, alternatively, freeze them.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Matcha Cakes with Raspberries"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"matcha-green-tea-cakes-with-raspberries"],"summary":[0,"Matcha cakes with raspberries and almonds."],"standfirst":[0,"
Matcha green tea cakes with raspberries and almonds, made in a canelé mould (or a regular muffin tin).
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"matcha_raspberry_cakes"],"alt_text":[0,"Matcha cakes with raspberries and almonds"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
\n
Mix 75g of sugar and 90g of butter together in a large bowl (I use an electric whisk).
\n
Crack in 2 eggs and mix well then sift in 125g of plain flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder a little at a time, whisking as you go. Once you've used up all the flour, mix in 50g of ground almonds.
\n
Heat 50ml of milk gently in a saucepan or microwave until it starts to steam. Add 2 teaspoons of matcha and whisk well ensuring that there are no lumps. I use a small electric whisk (an Aerolatte).
\n
Pour the matcha into the cake mixture and whisk until you have a light green batter.
\n
Stir in 75g of raspberries and once they're incorporated stir in 2 tablespoons of jam if using.
\n
Divide the mixture into a 12-cup muffin or canelé tin and bake for 25 minutes then test with a cake tester (or stick of spaghetti). The tester should come out clean and the cakes should be lightly golden on top.
Mary Berry's light and easy lemon butterfly cakes. The original recipe makes an enormous amount of buttercream so I've amended the quantities (see the notes section).
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"mary_berry_lemon_cakes"],"alt_text":[0,"Lemon butterfly cakes on rack"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,30],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,15],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,45],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Cakes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases (I use smaller cupcake cases rather than muffin cases).
\n
Add 100g of self-raising flour, 100g of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 100g of butter, 2 eggs and the zest from 1 lemon into a large bowl and whisk well (I used an electric hand whisk).
\n
Divide the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cupcakes have risen and are golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
\n
Buttercream (quantities can be halved, see notes): Add 200g of icing sugar, 100g of butter and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into a large bowl and whisk until fully combined.
\n
Once the cakes are completely cool, take a sharp knife and slice a circle out of the top of each cake then halve it to make the butterfly wings.
\n
Spoon or pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the top of each cake.
\n
Take the two halves of the circle cut from the cake and place on top of the buttercream with the curved edges facing inwards.
\n
Dust with icing sugar and store in an airtight tin for up to 3 days.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"white-chocolate-and-raspberry-muffins"],"summary":[0,"Sweet (but not too sweet) white chocolate and raspberry muffins."],"standfirst":[0,"
Sweet (but not too sweet) white chocolate and raspberry muffins. I use frozen raspberries and chopped white chocolate if I don't have chocolate chunks.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"white_chocolate_raspberry_muffins"],"alt_text":[0,"White chocolate and raspberry muffins"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,10],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,35],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
\n
Add 250g of self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 100g of caster sugar to a large bowl and mix well.
\n
In another bowl or jug, add 2 eggs, 125ml of milk and 4 tablespoons of oil. Whisk well then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine the wet and dry ingredients, taking care not to over-mix. Gently fold 120g of frozen raspberries and 100g of white chocolate chunks into the batter.
\n
Divide the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top (I check the muffins after 20 minutes and rotate them so they cook evenly). The muffins are ready when a cake tester comes out clean. Leave to cool for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Nigella's Chocolate Banana Muffins"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"nigella-chocolate-banana-muffins"],"summary":[0,"Chocolatey muffins with a longer shelf life thanks to the bananas."],"standfirst":[0,"
Chocolatey muffins with a longer shelf life thanks to the bananas. Chocolate chips are an optional but recommended addition.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"nigella_chocolate_banana_muffins"],"alt_text":[0,"Lovely, chocolatey muffins with a longer shelf life thanks to the addition of bananas"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
\n
Mash 3 bananas vigorously in a large bowl until they turn glossy (I use a fork), then add 125ml of oil, 2 eggs and 100g of sugar, mixing well.
\n
In another medium sized bowl, sift 225g of plain flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda together then gently stir into the banana mixture.
\n
Add 50g of chocolate chips (if using) and give the batter a final stir.
\n
Spoon the batter into the muffin cases and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the muffins have risen and a cake tester comes out relatively clean.
\n
Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool a little before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Apple, Cinnamon and Sultana Muffins"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"apple-cinnamon-and-sultana-muffins"],"summary":[0,"Light, cinnamon-flavoured muffins with apple chunks, sultanas and an almond sugar topping."],"standfirst":[0,"
Light, cinnamon-flavoured muffins with apple chunks, sultanas and a crunchy almond sugar topping. The muffins are great on their own but even better with custard.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"apple_sultana_muffins_1"],"alt_text":[0,"Apple, sultana and cinnamon muffins"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,25],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
\n
Add 200g of self-raising flour, 50g of wholemeal flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 100g of golden caster sugar to a large bowl and stir.
\n
In another bowl or jug, add 2 eggs, 125ml of milk and 4 tablespoons of oil. Whisk well then pour into the dry ingredients along with 2 cubed apples and 100g of sultanas. Stir to combine the ingredients and take care not to over-mix.
\n
Divide the batter into the muffin tin and top each muffin with a small sprinkling of demerara sugar and a few flaked or chopped almonds. Bake for 25 minutes until golden on top. A cake tester should come out clean. Leave to cool for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Carrot, Orange and Sultana Breakfast Muffins"],"short_title":[0,"Carrot and Sultana Breakfast Muffins"],"slug":[0,"carrot-orange-and-sultana-breakfast-muffins"],"summary":[0,"Carrot muffins with wholemeal flour, spices, sultanas and nuts."],"standfirst":[0,"
Carrot muffins made with 50% wholemeal flour, spices, sultanas and nuts. Probably the muffin I make the most. I use my food processor to grate the carrots but a box grater will do.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"carrot_orange_muffins"],"alt_text":[0,"Carrot, orange and sultana muffins with a crunchy sugar and nut topping."]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,20],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,30],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,50],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
\n
Muffins: Add 125g of self-raising flour, 125g of wholemeal bread flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, 100g of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt to a large bowl and mix.
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Grate in the zest from 1 large orange.
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In another bowl or jug add 75ml of flavourless oil, 125ml of milk and crack in 2 eggs. Whisk then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir a few times to roughly combine then add 100g of sultanas, 50g of chopped walnuts or pecans and 200g of grated carrot. Stir until no more dry flour remains but take care not to over-mix. Divide the batter into the muffin tin.
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Topping: Combine 2 teaspoons of demerara sugar (or any brown sugar) with 25g of chopped walnuts or pecans. Top each muffin with the sugar/nut mixture then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden on top (25 minutes in my oven). A skewer should come out clean. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Chocolate Miso Muffins"],"short_title":[0,null],"slug":[0,"chocolate-miso-maple-muffins"],"summary":[0,"Chocolate muffins with miso, maple syrup, pecans and a ripe banana."],"standfirst":[0,"
Chocolate muffins made with miso, maple syrup, pecans, chocolate chunks and a ripe banana.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"chocolate_miso_muffins"],"alt_text":[0,"Chocolate, miso and maple syrup muffins"]}],[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"if_you_care_baking_cases"],"alt_text":[0,"If you care baking cases"]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,20],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,20],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,40],"servings_verb":[0,"Makes"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
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Add 175g of self-raising flour, 50g of wholemeal flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 3 tablespoons of sifted cocoa powder to a large bowl and stir.
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In another bowl or jug, add 2 beaten eggs and 2 tablespoons of miso paste (3 tablespoons if using brown miso). Mix until combined then add 1 ripe, mashed banana, 125ml of olive or vegetable oil, 100ml of maple syrup and 75ml of milk. Whisk well then pour into the dry ingredients along with half of the dark chocolate chunks (75g total) and 75g of chopped pecans.
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Stir gently to combine and take care not to over-mix.
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Spoon the batter into the muffin cases and top each muffin with the remaining chocolate chunks. Bake for 20-25 minutes (20 minutes in my oven). The muffins are done when a cake tester comes out clean. Leave to cool for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
\n"]}]}],[0,{"type":[0,"recipe"],"title":[0,"Marmalade Almond Chocolate Chip Muffins"],"short_title":[0,"Marmalade Almond Chocolate Chip Muffins"],"slug":[0,"marmalade-almond-chocolate-chip-muffins"],"summary":[0,"My new favourite muffin, topped with marmalade and flaked almonds."],"standfirst":[0,"
My new favourite muffin, topped with marmalade and flaked almonds.
"],"category_slug":[0,"baking"],"category_title":[0,"Baking"],"images":[1,[[0,{"type":[0,"new"],"image_url":[0,"marmalade-almond-chocolate-chip-muffins"],"alt_text":[0,"Marmalade topped muffins with almonds and chocolate chunks."]}]]],"recipe":[0,{"prep_time_hours":[0,0],"prep_time_mins":[0,15],"stand_time_hours":[0,0],"stand_time_mins":[0,0],"cook_time_hours":[0,0],"cook_time_mins":[0,20],"total_time_hours":[0,0],"total_time_mins":[0,35],"servings_verb":[0,"Serves"],"serves":[0,12],"serves_text":[0,null],"method":[0,"\n
Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
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Add 50g of self-raising flour, 50g of wholemeal plain flour, 150g of ground almonds, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 100g of light brown sugar to a large bowl and mix well.
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Grate the zest from 1 unwaxed orange into the bowl.
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In another bowl or jug, add 2 eggs, 125ml of milk and 75ml of olive or vegetable oil. Whisk together then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until the wet and dry ingredients have combined but only just. Fold 50g of dark chocolate chunks into the batter.
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Divide the batter between the muffin cases. Add ½ a teaspoon of marmalade to each muffin, stirring it into the batter with a cocktail stick. Top with flaked almonds.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean (20 minutes in my oven). Leave to cool for 10 minutes then place onto a wire rack to cool fully.