A whole chicken in a simple one-pot meal that’s both comforting and delicious. From this recipe by the inimitable Nigella Lawson. Preheat you oven to 180ºC (350ºF). In a dutch oven heat some olive oil until hot and brown the chicken, breast side down, for a few minutes. Turn the chicken over and remove from…… Continue reading chicken with orzo and lemon
Tag: pasta
pasta e fagioli
Pasta and beans is a classic soup in Italy and can be served thin or thicker as you prefer. This is an adapted version of a recipe from THE RIVER CAFE COOKBOOK by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers. Hard to beat. The beans need soaking and cooking first. I used fava beans as I didn’t…… Continue reading pasta e fagioli
red lentil pasta + salad
Red lentils are an excellent source of protein and this vegetarian pasta is satisfying and so full of flavour. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion, 1 finely diced carrot and an equivalent amount of finely diced celery. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Add…… Continue reading red lentil pasta + salad
prawn and zucchini pasta
A delicious meal even with store-bought pasta. The flavour of this pasta dish is greatly enhanced by using the prawn (shrimp) heads and shells. Peel raw green prawns, approximately 6 to 8 per person. Slice the prawns in half lengthwise and set aside. Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta and when…… Continue reading prawn and zucchini pasta
home-made pasta with home-made pesto
Pasta isn’t really too difficult to make, but somehow I hardly ever get around to it. Having just made a pesto, though, it seemed fitting to have a home-made pasta with it. The result was definitely worth it! For the pesto wash a bunch of basil and make sure it’s as dry as possible. This…… Continue reading home-made pasta with home-made pesto
squid ink linguini with tomato chilli prawns
A delicious and dramatic-looking meal. Finely chop 2 or 3 brown shallots, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 long red chilli. Gently fry them in some olive oil until soft. Add ½ a cup of white wine and allow this to evaporate before adding a can of peeled chopped tomatoes and seasoning to taste. Allow to simmer…… Continue reading squid ink linguini with tomato chilli prawns
roast vegetable lasagna
A delicious layering of roast vegetables, pasta and fresh ricotta with napoli sauce and grated pecorino. For this lasagna I used eggplant (aubergine), pumpkin, onions, peppers, zucchini and fennel. Whichever vegetables you choose, cut them into thin slices and lay them on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and bake in…… Continue reading roast vegetable lasagna
giant fusilli with chorizo and mushrooms
Cooked by my son, this pasta dish has a wonderful balance of flavours. Bring enough salted water to boil for a 500g (1 lb) packet of giant fusilli. Soak 2 tablespoons of dried sliced porcini mushrooms in a little boiling water. Meanwhile skin and dice a good quality aged chorizo and fry in a pan…… Continue reading giant fusilli with chorizo and mushrooms
michelle picker cooks 