Recipe Corner

Ok Ladies, since we are on the subject of "Clean Living" here are two recipes I cannot function without at least once a week. My sort of food is simple, basic even but sometimes it's the best way. Both Recipes are super quick to cook - less than 30 minutes start to finish. I am a busy mum and food really doesn't have to be complicated to be good.

All of my recipes are an estimate and subject to my own personal taste. Feel free to adjust to YOUR tastes. After all, that's whats cooking is all about!

Both dishes are ideal for vegetarians too.

First off, My 5-step 5 ingredient pasta dish!

Spaghetti with Tomatoes And Basil

You need...

Pasta (I find Spaghetti works best and is always in my store cupboard)

250g Cherry Tomatoes

2-3 cloves of Garlic chopped small

1 Table spoon of Olive Oil

A decent handful of fresh Basil

And a little salt and pepper for seasoning

1. Boil off your own portion of pasta in a little salt. (I don't state how much since we all have varying portions depending on our personal diets. If you want a big portion, have it, just count the cals/points as required for your set healthy eating plan.) Strain, cover with lid and allow to keep warm for 5 minutes.

2. In the same pan (I love 1 pot dishes!) drizzle in a little olive oil and throw in whole cherry tomatoes on a hot heat. Occassionally shake pan and allow tomato skins to blister and burst.

3.  Once the tomatoes begin to split, reduce heat and throw in garlic. Shake again allowing flavours to infuse. Cook gently for around 1 minute to take the rawness off the garlic.

4. Put the pasta back in the pan. Stir through to reheat and combine flavours.  Once pasta is hot again,  add some freshly ground black pepper. Take off the heat.

5. Add the basil. It can be finely chopped or as I do, cut into little ribbons for a more robust flavour in a mouthful. Stir through and allow to wilt with the pan lid on for around 1 minute before serving.

You can always add cheese if you wish.I don't do this very often as cheese is one of my "problem" foods. It really is a big temptation for me so I make it a real treat when I do have it.

Spicy Mediterranean Veg Cous Cous with Rocket Garnish

You will Need.....

100-150g couscous 

1 red pepper

1 green pepper

2 red onions

A good sprinkle of chilli flakes.

Rocket leaves

Olive oil

1. Cut onions into wedges (I cut them into 8's) and peppers into 2 inch chunks. 

2. Mix them up in a big roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil. Scatter on chilli flakes to your taste.

3. Cook on Gas mark 6 (200oC-400F) for around 20 minutes depending on how well done you like your veg. (I prefer mine with a slight bite.)

4. Whilst veggies cook, make up couscous to manufacturers instructions.

5. Once veg is cooked mix through couscous.

6. Throw on a handful of rocket to finish

This is a basic recipe. Very rarely do I keep 2 couscous dishes the same. Sometimes I add different veg, sometimes I add peas to the cous cous cooking process. Sometimes I pile on a heaped spoonful of salsa. Sometimes I add a sliced chicken breast. Its what you do with it to make it good to you what matters most.

I tend to use the ready flavoured couscous packets - I don't know if you get them in the US but the Morroccan or Roasted Veg ones are my favourites.

Clever cous cous tip!

Using natural couscous? Want more unique flavouring? Make up a cup a soup as instructions require. Measure into a jug for the amount you need for the cous cous and cook/rest as couscous packet reqires and Voila! instantly flavoured couscous with very little effort. Left over cup a soup? Drink it. :)

Based on 300g of cooked pasta, both recipes are around 500 calories per portion (before additional extras like cheese on pasta etc). They are good sized portions but alot of that is the veg boosting it out so big portions can be very good at times.