Chocolate muffins Recipe
Ingredients Ingredients 125g plain flour 25g cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 1 large egg
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Ingredients Ingredients 125g plain flour 25g cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 1 large egg
Ingredients Ingredients 1 litre vegetable oil, for deep-frying flaked almonds or finely chopped pistachios, to
Ingredients Ingredients 200g plain flour, plus extra for rolling 1 tbsp golden caster sugar 100g
For the chicken, pour the buttermilk into a wide, shallow dish. Season with pepper and a small pinch of salt. Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper, then put them in the dish and turn them over in the buttermilk to coat well. Leave in the fridge for 1 hr. Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick frying pan. Tip in the panko breadcrumbs and flour, and toast in the dry pan for 2-3 mins until they turn pale brown, stirring regularly so they don’t burn. Tip the crumb mix into a bowl, season with pepper and set aside to cool. To make the curry sauce, heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Tip in the onion, garlic and ginger, and fry for 6-8 mins until the onion is tender and starting to brown. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, chilli powder and tomato purée, and fry for 1 min, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the stock and 250ml/9fl oz water. Add the carrot, soy sauce and honey, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 20 mins, uncovered, until the carrots are tender. Mix the cornflour with 2 tsp cold water, stir into the sauce and simmer for 1 min. Remove from the heat. Whizz the mixture to a smooth purée in a food processor. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, set over a large bowl, pressing it through well with the back of a wooden spoon so enough of the purée goes through to help thicken. Season with a small pinch of salt and set aside. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled. Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Line a baking tray with foil and sit a wire rack (preferably non-stick) on top. Tip the crumb mix onto a large plate, then lift the chicken breasts from the buttermilk (leaving the marinade clinging to it) and roll each one in the crumbs, coating evenly. Heat 1½ tsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add 2 chicken breasts and fry for 1½ mins (without moving them), over a medium-high heat – adjusting the heat if necessary, so that they don’t burn. Turn the chicken over, add another ¾ tsp of oil to cover the base of the pan, and fry for 1 min more. Using a fish slice, transfer the chicken to the wire rack, then wipe any crumbs from the pan and repeat with the rest of the oil and chicken. Bake the chicken in the oven (on the wire rack) for 15 mins until cooked and crisp. Warm the sauce through briefly, remove the chicken from the rack and slice each one into 5 pieces. Serve with the sauce, sticky rice and mixed leaves.
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and sit the chicken in a small roasting tin. Mix all the spices with 2 tsp salt using a pestle and mortar – try to grind the oregano finely so that it doesn’t burn. Rub the spice mix over the chicken with some oil, and cover loosely with foil. Sit the potatoes in another tin, and put them in the oven together with the chicken. After 30 mins, remove the foil. Pierce the banana once in the skin with a knife and put alongside the potatoes, and roast with the chicken for another 30 mins. Check the potatoes are soft, then remove them and the banana from the oven. Leave the chicken to cook for a final 10 mins. Split the potatoes and banana, and scrape all the flesh into a saucepan. Add 1 tsp salt, half the butter and the milk, then mash together. Season. Check the chicken is cooked by piercing the inner thigh and ensuring the juices run clear. Lift to a serving platter and rest for 10 mins. To serve, spoon the mash into a dish, topped with knobs of remaining butter, and carve the chicken at the table. Serve with Creamed corn & bacon (recipe in ‘goes well with’, right).
In a mini chopper, make a paste with the ginger, coriander stalks, onion and garlic, then set aside. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker pan and brown the meat well on all sides, then remove. Fry the paste for 2-3 mins with 1 tsp golden caster sugar. Return the ribs to the pan and add the soy sauce, star anise, oyster sauce and enough chicken stock to just cover the ribs. Bring to a simmer, cover and bring up to high pressure. Cook for 45 mins, then release the pressure slowly. Take off the lid, add a splash of vinegar and remove the ribs from the pan. Simmer the sauce down until reduced and intensely flavoured. While the sauce is simmering, mix the salad ingredients together. Serve each rib in a puddle of sauce, topped with a pile of salad and rice on the side.
Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the duck legs and brown on all sides for about 10 mins. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add the onions to the pan and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further 1 min, then stir in the cinnamon and flour and cook for a further min. Return the duck to the pan, add the wine, tomatoes, stock, herbs, sugar and seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 2 hrs, stirring every now and then. Carefully lift the duck legs out of the sauce and place on a plate – they will be very tender so try not to lose any of the meat. Pull off and discard the fat, then shred the meat with 2 forks and discard the bones. Add the meat back to the sauce with the milk and simmer, uncovered, for a further 10-15 mins while you cook the pasta. Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and add the pasta to the ragu. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and cook for 1 min more, adding a splash of cooking liquid if it looks dry. Serve with grated Parmesan, if you like.
Toss the rabbit joints (or diced meat) with half the flour and some seasoning. Heat half the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and brown the meat on all sides. Lift out the meat, add the remaining oil, the leek and fennel seeds, and fry gently until softened. Stir in the remaining flour until it has disappeared. Add the cider and scrape up any stuck bits on the dish as it comes to the boil, then add the stock, return the meat to the dish, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 mins until the rabbit is really tender and falling from the bone. Lift out the meat and, while you’re shredding it from the bones in big chunks (if you’ve used joints), boil down the cooking liquid to about a third. Stir the cream and mustard into the liquid, taste for seasoning, then stir the rabbit back in. Spoon into a small pie dish or baking dish. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Stick a thin strip of pastry around the edge of the dish. Slice the remaining pastry into 2.5cm-wide strips with a floured knife, then weave into a tight lattice. Lift up carefully, using a rolling pin to help you, then stick on with a little beaten egg. Trim the edges to finish. Brush the top with more egg and bake for 25 mins until golden. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the carrots for 2 mins, then the radishes for 2 mins, followed by the peas for 1 min. Drain. When the pie is done, melt the butter in a small frying pan. Add the drained veg with the sugar, turn up the heat and fry to caramelise a little. Serve immediately alongside the pie.
Bring a medium pan of water to the boil and fill a large bowl with ice-cold water. Drop the asparagus into the pan. After 1 min, add the sugar snaps. After another 30 secs, tip in the peas. Cook for 30 secs more, then drain and tip the vegetables into the icy water – this will cool them quickly, helping to keep their bite and vibrant colour. After 1-2 mins, drain and set aside in the colander while you prepare the other ingredients. Dry your bowl, pour in the dressing ingredients with plenty of seasoning and whisk together. Add the chicken, radishes, onion, cooled and drained vegetables, and the lettuce, and gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing – the easiest way is to use your hands. Pile the salad onto a large platter and scatter over the pea shoots, if using. Serve straight away.
Cut 2-3 slashes in each chicken thigh, sprinkle the spices over and turn to coat. If you have time, cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 2 hrs, or overnight in the fridge. Heat half the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 4 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 secs more. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan and sprinkle over the sugar. Cook over a medium heat until the sugar begins to caramelise. When it turns dark brown, add the chicken and cook for 4 mins, turning. Pour in the passata, stock and vinegar, then add the pepper, onion and garlic. Season and stir. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 25 mins, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, put the rice in a saucepan, cover with water and add salt. Bring to the boil and cook for 10-12 mins. Drain and return half to the pan with half the kidney beans, then cover. (Run the other half of the rice under cold water, drain and leave until cold, then mix with the remaining kidney beans. Chill in a container for Thursday’s recipe.). Serve the chicken with the rice and beans, and spoonfuls of natural yogurt.
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Put the chicken in a large roasting tin, then put a few onion slices, garlic cloves, a small piece of the ginger and 1 star anise inside the chicken. Brush chicken all over with the sesame oil. Pour over the stock, then scatter all of the remaining veg into the tin. Grate the rest of the ginger and garlic over the chicken and veg, and add the remaining star anise to the stock. Cover the chicken with foil and roast for 1 hr. Remove the foil twice to baste the chicken with the liquid. Mix the soy and sugar together. Remove the foil and pour over the soy mixture, then return to the oven for 15-20 mins. Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 10 mins. Set aside and keep warm. When the chicken is cooked through – the juices should run clear when a sharp knife is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh – remove from the tin and rest on a plate covered with foil. Pour a ladleful of the juices from the tin into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Mix the cornflour with 2 tbsp cold water and add to the pan. Heat, stirring continuously, until thickened. Strain the gravy into a jug. Stir and press the onions to squeeze out any extra juices. Drain the potatoes and mash with the olive oil. Serve half the chicken with the veg and half the gravy. Save the rest for Chicken, vegetable & noodle soup (see ‘goes well right’, right)
Place the chicken in a shallow, non-metallic dish and cover with all the other ingredients and mix everything together. Cover and chill for at least 2 hrs, or overnight if possible. Bring to room temperature 1 hr before grilling. Thread half the thighs onto 2 large metal skewers, or wooden ones soaked in water for 10 mins. Repeat with the remaining thighs and another 2 skewers. Heat an outdoor barbecue until very hot, or use an oven grill. Place on the grill for 6 mins on one side, then turn over and cook for 4 mins. Cook for a few mins more on each side if they are large – keep the heat on medium so they don’t burn. Remove and keep warm under foil.
To make the dressing, mix together all the ingredients and stir to dissolve the sugar. In a large bowl, mix all the salad ingredients except the nuts. Toss with the dressing and season with black pepper. Scatter with the nuts to serve.
Shred the meat from the leftover chicken legs, and discard the skin and bones. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the noodles following pack instructions. Drain the noodles and cool in cold running water. Mix together the wasabi, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Toss the cooled noodles with the dressing and arrange on a serving plate. Top with the chicken, chilli, spring onions and coriander. Toss everything through just before serving.
Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 10 mins. To make the sauce, pour the vinegar and soy into a jug. Heat the sugar and 1 tbsp water in a small pan until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer until it turns a deep caramel colour. Standing well back as it will spit, pour in the vinegar and soy. Reduce the heat and let it bubble for a few mins, then add the remaining sauce ingredients, stir well and cook for 5 mins until smooth and thickened. Set aside. Light the barbecue (or set your oven grill to medium). Once the coals have died down, spread out to an even layer. Cut the tips from the chicken wings, then stretch them out as straight as you can and push a skewer through the length of each wing. Brush the skin with the oil and season. Cook the wings on the barbecue or under the grill for 10 mins each side, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crisp. Remove the skewers to a large plate. Pour two-thirds of the sauce into a bowl, reserving the rest in the pan. Using a brush, coat each skewer well with the sauce from the bowl, then return them to the barbecue or grill and cook for a further 2-3 mins each side until the sauce has caramelised. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Reheat the reserved sauce, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed, then drizzle over the skewers. Top with the sesame seeds and spring onions.
Remove the lamb from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature while you prepare the stuffing. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan, add the onion and fry for 8-10 mins until starting to turn golden. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 min more, then scoop out into a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, herbs, pistachios, feta, cherries, lemon and tahini. Season and mix everything together. Unroll the lamb and season well on both sides. Pack the stuffing down the centre of the lamb, pressing to help it stick, then re-roll and tie up with kitchen string (see tip, below left). Flip the lamb over so it is seam-side down, and pack any stuffing that has fallen out back in. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Now assemble the gratin. Slice the squash in half to separate the thinner top half and the bulbous bottom half. Peel both pieces with either a sturdy peeler or a sharp knife. Cut down the centre of the thinner piece, then slice very thinly into half moons. Halve the bottom piece and scoop out the seeds, then thinly slice this too. Whisk the tahini, cream and stock in a jug with some seasoning. Arrange the sliced squash in a shallow ovenproof baking dish, approximately 22 x 30cm, seasoning well between the layers. Finish with a layer of neatly lined-up half moon slices. Pour over the tahini stock. Place the lamb on top of the gratin, seam-side down, and rub with the remaining oil. Place in the centre of the oven and roast for 1 hr 20 mins for slightly pink lamb. Lift the lamb off the gratin and transfer to a plate, covered with foil to keep warm, and leave to rest. 4 While the lamb rests, increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Spoon any excess fat off the top of the gratin, then return to the oven for 20 mins until golden and crisp. Place the lamb back on top of the gratin to serve, scattered with mint leaves and a pot of Saffron yogurt (see tip, below left) on the side.
To make the sauce, place all the ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor, with 2 tbsp boiling water and a pinch of salt. Blend and taste, adding another squeeze of lime juice if needed. Rub the chicken with the spices, chilli and 1 tsp each of salt and pepper. Pour a third of the sauce over and marinate for at least 3 hrs, or overnight. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Transfer the chicken to a roasting tin and roast for 1 hr, or until crisp and the meat pulls away from the bone. Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce and some coconut rice.
Melt the butter in a wide frying pan and add the shallots, herbs and some seasoning. Cook gently for 10 mins until very soft. Spoon the shallots into a food processor and discard the herbs; pour the butter into a jug, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan. Turn up the heat in the pan and add the livers. Season and fry for 30 secs on each side or until just browned all over. They will still be very raw inside. Take out of the pan and put in the processor. Splash the Sauternes into the hot pan and reduce by half, scraping up any tasty bits as it bubbles. Tip onto the liver and shallots. Process the livers until totally smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the cream and add the eggs, one by one, then the warm butter. Season with 2 tsp sea salt and some pepper, but don’t taste the mixture as it’s still raw. Pass through a sieve, using a spatula to help. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and boil a full kettle. Put 6 heatproof glass tumblers, small Kilner jars or large ramekins into a roasting tin. Pour the parfait into each one. Pour hot water around the parfaits, letting it come as far up the sides as is safe for you to carry. Bake for 45 mins until the parfaits have set without a wobble and risen a little in the middle. Cool at room temperature (I make this more speedy by filling the pan with cold water and letting the whole thing stand on a wire rack), then chill. To make the jelly, soak the gelatine in cold water until it is totally floppy. Heat the wine and sugar until it dissolves, then remove from the heat. Squeeze out as much water from the gelatine as possible, then stir into the wine until totally dissolved. Set aside. When cooled but still liquid, pour this over the top of the parfaits, adding a few thyme leaves here and there. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 30 mins. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Serve with toast and cornichons.
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Put the peanut butter, garlic, spices and egg in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until blended. Add the chicken, one piece at a time, turning them in the mixture until coated, then place on the baking tray. Any mix left over in the bowl can be put on top of the chicken. Bake for 20 mins until the coating is firm and the chicken is tender. Mix the vinegar and oil in a bowl then add the salad leaves, cucumber, carrot, shallot and coriander, if using. Mix and serve with the chicken.
For the paste, soak the chillies in boiling water for 15 mins. Drain, remove seeds and whizz with the rest of the paste ingredients in a small food processor until smooth. Heat the oil in a wok or a heavy-based flameproof casserole dish. Fry the paste for 5 mins until the aroma is released. Add the beef and the lemongrass, and mix well. Once the beef starts to lose its pinkness, add the coconut milk and 250ml water. Bring to the boil, then lower to a simmer, uncovered. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and more often towards the end. Meanwhile, toast the coconut in a frying pan on a low heat for 5-7 mins until golden brown. Set aside to cool. Using a blender, coarsely blend it to finer pieces – but not too fine. Put to one side. After 2 hrs, add the coconut, kaffir lime leaves, chicken stock powder, tamarind paste, sugar and salt to the pan. Simmer for 30 mins more. You should start to see the oil separating from the mix. It’s ready when the meat is tender and almost falling apart. For the rice, use a heavy-based saucepan with a lid. Heat the oil in the pan and add the mustard seeds. Once the seeds start popping, add the turmeric, curry leaves (if using) and rice, and mix well. Add the chicken stock and 1 litre of water. Bring to the boil, then turn down to the lowest simmer and cook, covered, for 5 mins. Remove from the heat, with the lid on and leave to steam for 25 mins.
Empty the pot of green Thai chicken soup into a large saucepan. Half-fill the empty soup pot with water, swish around to wash out all the soup, and add to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then add the rice noodles, sugar snap peas and beansprouts. Cook for 1-2 mins until the noodles are cooked but the peas are still crunchy. Ladle into deep bowls and scatter with coriander leaves, if you like.
To make the pickled slaw, tip the carrots and cabbage into a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the ginger, rice vinegar, sugar and a few pinches of salt. Pour over the vegetables and toss together. Set aside for at least 15 mins. Halve the baguettes lengthways and spread the pâté over the bottom half. Top with the pickled slaw, cucumber and turkey. Mix the mayonnaise with the chopped chilli and dollop over the top. Scatter over the mint leaves and sliced chilli. Sandwich together and dig in.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, snip the wing tips from the wings at the first knuckle. Discard the tips or use to make stock (see above left). Cut the remaining wing through the joint. Put the wings in a large non-metallic bowl or a food bag. Mix together the marinade ingredients and pour over the wings, toss well to coat, then chill for at least 4 hrs or overnight. For the sauce, heat the oil in a pan, then add the garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chilli, and fry for 30 secs until aromatic. Stir in the cumin, toast for a few secs, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer just long enough to make a slightly thickened sauce. Spoon into a bowl, cover and leave to cool. Can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the wings over a large baking tray, sprinkle with a little salt and roast for 40-45 mins, turning halfway, until crisped and golden. If a large amount of juice has collected in the tray at the halfway point, pour it away before continuing to roast. Just before serving, warm the peanut sauce gently and remove the lemongrass and chilli. Serve with the wings, sweet chilli sauce and cucumber sticks.
Mix the turmeric, salt and 3 tbsp water in a large non-metallic dish, then add the chicken pieces. Rub all over the chicken, cover and chill overnight, or leave at room temperature for 30 mins. Meanwhile, make the spice paste. Soak the dried chillies in hot water for 20 mins until soft. Drain, then mix the chillies and other ingredients together in a processor or blender until smooth. Heat the oil in a deep wok or large, heavy-based saucepan. Fry the chicken in batches for 5 mins until golden, turning halfway through. Drain the chicken on kitchen paper. Carefully remove half of the oil to a heatproof container, then add the spice paste to the remaining oil in the wok. Fry the paste for 5 mins, then return the chicken to the pan, followed by the coconut milk, lemongrass and lime leaves. Cook for a further 5 mins, then stir in the stock powder, sugar and tamarind paste. Simmer gently for 1 hr 30 mins-1 hr 40 mins until the chicken is falling off the bones.
First, make the spice paste. Soak the dried chillies in hot water for 20 mins until soft. Drain, then mix the chillies with the rest of the spice paste ingredients in a processor or blender to make an even, fine-textured paste. Put a large pan of water on to boil, then drop in the green beans and cook for 3 mins. Lift the beans from the water, cool under cold running water, then drain. Using the same pan of water, cook the prawns for 1-2 mins, until they have just turned pink, then run these under cold water too. Heat the oil a large wok or frying pan and fry the spice paste over a medium heat for 8-10 mins. Stir in the tamarind paste, chicken stock powder and sugar, and cook for 2 mins. Add the prawns, green beans and 4 tbsp water, and cook for 4-5 mins more until the prawns are completely cooked through and the beans are just tender. Serve immediately with the Pandan steamed rice (see ‘Goes well with’).
Heat the oil in a large, wide pan. Add the onion and fry for 5 mins until softened, stirring every now and then. Stir in the garlic, ginger and cloves, and cook for 5 mins more, stirring frequently to stop it sticking. Add all the remaining spices and the fresh chilli, stir briefly, then tip in the tomatoes with 2 cans of water, plus the chutney and crumbled stock cube. Add the chicken thighs, pushing them under the liquid, then cover the pan and leave to cook for 35 mins. Stir well, add the potatoes and cook uncovered for 15-20 mins more until they are tender. Stir in the coriander. About 10 mins before you want to serve, make the rice. Put the butter, rice, raisins, sugar and spices in a large pan with 550ml water and 0.5 tsp salt. Bring to the boil and, when the butter has melted, stir, cover and cook for 10 mins. Turn off the heat and leave undisturbed for 5 mins. Fluff up and serve with the curry.
Cook the noodles in a large pan of boiling water for 3-5 mins, then drain and put them in cold water. Drain thoroughly, toss them with 1 tbsp of the sesame oil and set aside. Combine the chicken with all the marinade ingredients and ½ tsp salt, mix well and then leave to marinate for about 10 mins. Heat a wok over a high heat. Add 1 tbsp of the groundnut oil and, when it is very hot and slightly smoking, add the chicken shreds. Stir-fry for about 2 mins and then transfer to a plate. Wipe the wok clean. Reheat the wok until it is very hot, then add the remaining groundnut oil. When the oil is slightly smoking, add the garlic and stir-fry for 10 secs. Then add the mangetout and ham, and stir-fry for about 1 min. Add the noodles, soy sauces, rice wine or Sherry, pepper, sugar, spring onions and 1 tsp salt. Stir-fry for 2 mins. Return the chicken and any juices to the noodle mixture. Stir-fry for about 3-4 mins or until the chicken is cooked. Add 1 tsp sesame oil and give the mixture a few final stirs. Put on a warm platter and serve immediately.
Tip the flour into a large jug or bowl. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking as you do. Pour in the milk and continue whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Add the mustard, herbs and some seasoning, then cover and set aside for 2 hrs, or chill overnight. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat the oil in a large metal roasting tin or enamel baking dish, roughly 30 x 22cm, with high-ish sides. Wrap a rasher of bacon around each sausage and pop them in the dish with the onion wedges. Place on the middle shelf of the oven (make sure the top shelf is removed to allow space for the batter to rise later). Cook for 15-20 mins until the sausages and bacon are browning and sizzling. Meanwhile, make the gravy. Drizzle a little oil into a saucepan. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 15 mins. Stir every now and then until they are soft and caramelised. Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar, and cook for 5 mins more until sticky. The batter should be the consistency of double cream – if it has become a little thick, add a splash of cold water. Take the batter to the oven, open the door, carefully pull out the shelf and quickly pour the batter around the sausages. Close the oven and do not open it again for at least 25 mins. To finish the gravy, stir the flour into the onions to make a paste, cooking for 1-2 mins. Continue stirring while you splash in the wine, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Increase the heat and bubble for a few mins until reduced by about half. Add the stock and some seasoning, and continue bubbling for 10 mins while the toad cooks. By now the toad should be puffed up and deep golden brown. If not, continue cooking – but don’t open the oven as it will sink. Serve scattered with the crisp herbs (if using), with the gravy, green veg, and mash, if you like.
First, make the patties. In a food processor, blend the garlic, shallots and lemongrass until fine. Pour into a bowl and add the chicken thighs, 1 tbsp of the sugar, the fish sauce and a good amount of ground black pepper. Mix together well and divide into 18 patties. Roll and flatten, then place on a large baking tray. Brush with oil. Heat the grill. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining sugar with 1 tbsp water, then remove from the heat. Grill the patties for 2 mins on one side until golden, then flip them over. Brush with the sugar-water mix and grill for 2 more mins or until golden and crisp. Remove and brush with more of the water. Meanwhile, make the dressing by combining all the ingredients with 2 tbsp hot water in a small bowl. Soak the noodles following pack instructions until al dente, about 3-5 mins, then drain. Use scissors to cut into shorter pieces, then divide between 4 bowls. Top with the chicken patties, the herbs, carrots and a sprinkling of shallots and peanuts. Serve with the lime ginger dressing to pour over.
Steam or boil the potatoes for 20 mins or until tender. Cut the pressed tofu into 4 rectangles, then splice each rectangle in half, like cutting a deck of cards. Lay the slices on a plate and sprinkle over the soy sauce. Set aside for 5 mins. Meanwhile, make the salsa verde. Put the garlic, basil, capers, oil and sugar into a food processor with 3 tbsp lemon juice. Pulse until roughly chopped. Stir in the olives and season with pepper and a little salt. Put the flour on a plate and season with pepper. On another plate, mix the Parmesan and lemon zest into the breadcrumbs. Beat the egg, mustard and 2 tsp water in a wide bowl. Pat 1 slice of tofu in the flour, then dip into the egg and coat with the breadcrumbs. Set aside. Repeat process until all the tofu is coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the tofu gently until golden brown, about 5 mins each side. Slice into finger-width strips with a serrated knife, then mix together with the watercress and potatoes. Spoon over the salsa verde, drizzle over a little extra olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Layer the salad ingredients into 2 plastic containers if you’re packing to take to work, or put them in a large bowl. Make the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a jar with a lid, add some seasoning and shake well. Put the dressing in 2 small pots to pack into your lunchboxes, or toss through the salad if eating straight away.
Put the cucumber, carrot and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan, add the chicken and fry on a medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Pour the remaining oil into the pan and lower the heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2 mins until softened but not coloured. Add the sugar, soy sauce and 150ml water, and bubble for 5 mins until saucy. Return the chicken to the pan and heat through. Warm the tortilla wraps following pack instructions. Top the tortillas with the lettuce, chicken, and pickled cucumber and carrot.
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