Cottage Cheese Frittata

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup frozen spinach, defrosted
• 6 mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Method:

• In a mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, cottage cheese and garlic
• Once well combined stir through the spinach and sliced mushrooms until evenly spread throughout the mix
• Spray the base of an oven proof 20cm frying pan with cooking spray and then pour the mixture into the frying pan
• Place on a medium to low heat for approximately 7-10 minutes, until the mixture have completely pulled away from the sides
• Top the frittata with the mozzarella cheese and then place the frittata under a medium heat grill for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the frittata has set
• Allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes:

• For alternate cooking options pour the mixture  into a greased quiche or flan tin and top with mozzarella.  Then bake in a moderate oven for approximately 25 minutes or until set
• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days
• This recipe is not freezer friendly

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Dairy Free Egg Free Banana & Date Loaf

Makes: 1 loaf cake

Ingredients:

• 200ml warm water
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cups plain flour
• 3/4 cup wholemeal plain flour
• 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 over ripe mashed bananas

Method:

• Soak the chia seeds in the water for 15 minutes
• Preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius and prepare a loaf tin by greasing and lining with baking paper
• Mix the flours, dates, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a mixing bowl until well combined and the dates are coated in dry mixture
• In a second bowl mix together the water/chia mixture with the coconut oil, mashed banana, honey and the vanilla and stir well until you have a smooth consistency and well combined
• Gradually add in the flour mixture in 1/2 cup at a time folding in with a spatula and add more when fully combined
• Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 55-60 minutes until golden brown and a cake skewer comes out clean when inserted into the thickest part of the cake
• Cool in the cake tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container below 27 degrees for a maximum of 5 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within a period of 6 months
• This is a great recipe to freeze in individual slices to place in a lunchbox

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Dahl

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 x 400g can lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chilli
• 200g pumpkin, diced
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Method:

• Melt the butter over a medium heat in a heavy based saucepan
• Add in the onion, celery and garlic to the saucepan and saute for about 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften
• Add in the fresh ginger, pumpkin and all remaining spices and fry off the spices for about 3-5 minutes until aromatic
• Add in the lentil and stock, then bring to the boil
• Reduce the heat to a slow steady simmer and simmer for 60 minutes
• Serve with steamed rice and 2ID naan bread
• 

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for the maximum of 3 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within a maximum of 6 months

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Turkey Burgers

Makes: 8 burgers

Ingredients:

• 500g turkey mince
• 1/2 cup stuffing mix
• 1/4 onion, finely diced
• 1/2 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely shredded
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely diced
• 2 egg whites
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl mix all ingredients EXCEPT the eggs whites and use your hands to massage the mix through the fingers to combine well
• Set aside while you in a small mixing bowl you whisk the egg whites until soft peaks are form
• Fold the egg whites through the turkey mixture until well combined
• Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape into your desired size burgers, if the burgers are too big you can shape into a smaller size (or even meatballs) to suit
• Cook the burgers in a medium size saucepan over a medium high heat in batches so the pan isn’t over crowded, cook for about 4-5 minutes each side only turning once

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days
• Burgers are freezer friendly either cooked or uncooked.  Uncooked can only be frozen using fresh mince
• Picture shows the burger served with baby spinach, tomato, cheese, egg and bacon in toasted bread
• The egg whites are only used in this recipe as the egg yolks mask the delicious turkey flavours. The egg yolks can be frozen in ice cube trays until needed in another recipe

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Char Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack with Herb Dressing

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 small eggplant
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 small red capsicum
• 2 slices halloumi cheese
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 8 asparagus spears
• Olive Oil

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 bunch coriander, stem included
• 1 bunch mint
• 1/2 packet chives
• 1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley
• 1 lemon, juices or 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
• To prepare the dressing place all ingredients into a blender and process until all herbs are well chopped and you have a nice consistency, then pour into a container and place in the fridge until needed
• Place the cherry tomatoes onto a small baking tray or casserole dish and lightly drizzle with olive oil
• Roast the cherry tomatoes for 30 minutes
• While the tomatoes are roasting prepare the remaining vegetables by:
  • slice the eggplant into approximately 1.5cm thick discs
  • peel and slice the sweet potato into 1cm thick discs
  • slice the zucchini horizontally into 4 thick ribbons
  • top and tail the capsicum removing the centre and cut into 4 sections
  • tail the asparagus spears
• Heat your char grill pan until hot and then lightly spray the sweet potato discs with cooking spray and gently place on the char grill plate cooking for about 4-5 minutes both sides until beautifully charred and softened.  Remove and wrap in alfoil to continue the cooking process
• Repeat with the eggplant, zucchini and capsicum in that order adding to the alfoil parcel between each vegetable.  Then place the parcel in the oven
• Char grill the asparagus spears for approximately 2-3 minutes each side until charred but still has some crisp bite and then lay out on your serving plate
• Finally grill your halloumi slices until they are crunchy and deliciously charred, approximately 3 minutes each side the place the halloumi on top of your asparagus
• Remove the vegetables from the oven and stack the vegetables evenly between the two plates
• Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes evenly around the place
• Remove the dressing from the fridge and shake well, dressing your stack by drizzling a healthy amount of the dressing over the top of then drizzling around the sides of your plate.
• Serve as is or with some char grilled ciabatta or turkish bread that has been lightly brushed with olive oil.

Recipe Notes:

• Store in the fridge for the maximum of 3 days but the vegetables are best served fresh.  The dressing can be store in an air tight container in the fridge for a maximum of 30 days
• This recipe is not freezer friendly

Homemade Passata

Makes: approximately 1 litre

Ingredients:

• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 sprigs fresh oregano
• 1.5kg fresh tomatoes
• 1 chicken or vegetable stock cube
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Thermo Cooking Method:

• Place quartered onion, garlic and oregano into the jug [Speed 8, 3 seconds]
• Add in quartered tomatoes, stock cube and apple cider vinegar [Speed 1, 100 degrees, 30 minutes]
• Remove the master cap from lid but sit steam basket over the hole to reduce splatter [Speed 1, ST/VAROMA temp, 5 minutes]
• Allow the mixture to cook for at least 10 minutes then replace the master cap and sit steam basket over the master cap [Speed 4, 20 seconds]
• Allow to cool for a further 20 minutes before placing in the fridge or dividing into single serve portions and freezing

Stove top Method:

• Bring a stockpot of water to the boil and place in half of the tomatoes and allow to simmer for 60 seconds
• Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and plunge them into a sink full of iced water and sit for another 2 minutes
• Remove the tomato from the iced water and peel the skin from the tomato
• Repeat with the remaining tomatoes until all tomatoes are peeled
• Empty out the stockpot
• Place the finely diced onion and garlic and oregano leaves into the base of the stockpot with the stock cube and the vinegar
• Place all tomatoes in the stock pot then gently press down on the tomatoes with a potato masher to release some of the juices
• Place the lid on the stock pot and simmer over a medium low heat for 60 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down
• Use a stick blender to puree the mixture until smooth or allow to cool and transfer in batches to a food processor to process until smooth
• If the passata is too runny for your preferences after being blended return to the stock pot and simmer undercovered for 5-10 minutes or until you  reach your desired conistency

Recipe Notes:

• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for a maximum of 5 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Mushroom Ragu with Creamy Polenta

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 600g mixed mushrooms
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Vegemite or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/3 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons of arrowroot or cornflour
• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Method:

• Melt the butter in the base of a large saucepan, that has a well sealing lid, over a medium heat
• Add in the onion, celery and garlic and sauté for approximately 3-5 minutes until the onion starts to soften
• Add in all of the sliced mixed mushrooms and stir until they are well coated in the butter, add the wine in and then place the lid on the saucepan and cook for approximately 10 minutes on a medium-low heat to allow the mushrooms to steam in the coated butter
• Add the stock,  Vegemite and paprika into the sauce and bring to the boil
• Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, replace the lid on the saucepan and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally
• When the Mushroom Ragu has about 15 minutes left to simmer it is best to start your polenta so they are finished at the same time
• Place the 4 cups of cold water and the polenta into a large saucepan and place over a medium heat and use a whisk to stir continually until it comes to a steady simmer
• Reduce the heat to a medium-low heat and place the lid on the saucepan and allow the polenta to simmer for 25 minutes, it is a misconception that polenta needs to be continuously stirred for the entire cooking time, you just need to stir every 5 minutes or so to ensure it doesn’t stick on the bottom.
• While the polenta is cooking you will need to finish off the Ragu by creating a flour paste out of the flour and cream and then mix the paste through the mushroom mixture until evenly distributed
• Continue to simmer the Mushroom Ragu under a low heat with the lid off until the polenta is cooked and ready to serve, this will allow the flour to cook out and the ragu to thicken
• To finish your polenta remove from the heat then add in the milk and the cheese stirring to ensure it is well combined, replace the lid on the saucepan and sit for 5 minutes, give the polenta another good stir then serve immediately topped with your Mushroom Ragu.

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. However the polenta is best served fresh
• Any left over polenta, it is recommend to spread this out onto a baking paper lined tray to about 1/2cm thick and allow to set and use for polenta chips or C4K Kitchen’s Polenta Star Pizzas
• The Mushroom Ragu is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months
• The Mushroom Ragu is also delicious served over a steak or a  baked potato instead of the polenta
• The polenta used in the recipe was Sienna’s Fine Grain Polenta
  http://shop.sienafoods.com.au/product/48875-siena-1kg-12-polenta-fine
• The mushroom mix used in the photo was 150g oyster mushrooms, 100g shitake mushrooms, 150g brown mushrooms, 300g field/button mushrooms.

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

One Pot Caprese Pasta

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 250g dried linguine pasta
• 400g can of chopped whole peeled tomatoes
• 3 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoons mixed herbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly shredded basil
• 200g roughly chopped bocconcini cheese
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Method:

• Place the pasta, tomatoes, stock, onion, garlic, herbs and oil in a large sauce
• 
• Bring the pot to a boil and using your tongs to curl the pasta into the liquid so it is full covered by liquid
• Place the lid on the saucepan and reduce to a gentle simmer
• Simmer the pasta for approximately 12-15 minutes stirring every couple of minutes to ensure the pasta is not sticking together and being evenly coated with sauce
• Remove from the heat and stir through the basil, cheese and the balsamic vinegar
• Serve topped with some fresh parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days
• MMS could be substituted into this recipe instead of the can of whole peeled tomatoes
• This recipe is not freezer friendly

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Sour Cream Pie

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 200g ham, shredded
• 300ml lite sour cream
• 6 large eggs (or 8 small eggs)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/4 cup SR flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a quiche pan very well with cooking spray
• Evenly spread the onion and ham over the base of the prepared pan
• In a small jug whisk together the remaining ingredients until well combined and the sour cream is smooth and evenly mixed
• Pour the whisked mixture evenly over the quiche pan
• Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the middle

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 3 months

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Sweet Potato Fritters

Makes: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 500g sweet potato, grated
• 1 small onion, very finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon onion salt

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a tray with baking paper
• Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine well
• Heat 1 tablespoon of rice bran oil in a heavy based frying pan over medium – high heat and then place 4 egg rings in the base of the pan and spoon the mixture into each egg ring, compacting down until level with the top
• Cook for 4-5 minutes then remove the egg ring and flip the fritter over cooking 4-5 minutes on the other side
• Repeat until all the fritters are cooked.
• Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes to allow the sweet potato to cook through and has a soft squishy centre.

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for the maximum of 3 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 3 months

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes.  The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.