Zesty Cannellini Bean Dip

I have made this dip a few times in the past, but as I usually make up the recipe I can never remember exactly what I put in it the last time I made it- 

So this time I am getting the recipe down on here! 

It is a really delicious and tasty dip, that is super easy to make and is a great alternative to hummus if you don't have any chickpeas in the cupboard! I find that by using Cannellini beans the dip is really creamy and doesn't require any oil which is good. The zest gives it a nice kick as well.

Serve it with some crudites or tortillas! 

Recipe: (makes 1 large bowl/tub)

- 1 Can of Cannellini beans

- 1/2 Lemon, juice and zest

- 1 Lime, juice and zest

- Good bunch of Chives, Coriander and mint (whichever fresh herbs you have!)

- 1/2 tsp Chilli flakes

- 1 tsp ground Cumin 

- 1/2 garlic powder/ granules (can use fresh)

- Salt and Pepper

To make:

- Put all of the ingredients in to a food processor and whizz until smooth. This may take a few minutes- it will look dry to begin with but as it is whizzed more it becomes smoother! 

- Empty the dip out in to a pretty bowl and if you like, drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. 

 - Then serve with crudites and crisps!

All the ingredients in the food processor ready for whizzing!

The finished dip ready for devouring!! 

  Enjoy! 

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Simple Guacamole

I have to confess that I have never been a lover of avocado's, but recently my friend Eva has converted me with her delicious guacamole that she made me. 

It turns out that guacamole is so easy to make, and with the addition of a few ingredients, its really delicious! 

(Scroll down for the recipe)

Of course the Guacamole must be served with tortilla chips (my favourite!). 

I love R.W Garcia's tortilla chips, as they have a lot of really delicious flavours. The Thai, Blue and Veggie ones are the best. Waitrose sells the Thai ones in the gluten free section, and the others are available at places like Whole Foods or other independent fine food shops. 

Recipe: (serves about 4)

- 3 ripe Avocados 

- Good sprig of Coriander

- 1/4 red Onion

- Juice and zest of 1 Lime

- 1 medium sized Tomato, chopped finely

- Sprinkle of Chilli flakes

To make:

- Put all of the ingredients, apart from the tomato, in to a food processor and pulse until combined. Scrape down the sides and whizz again, but make sure not to whizz too much as this will make it too smooth - as you want to have a few chunky bits. 

- Stir in the tomato bits and then put the Guacamole in to a pretty bowl. Serve with plenty of tortilla chips and preferably enjoy with friends! 

Enjoy! 

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Peanut Chicken Skewers

I recently had some friends over for dinner and I made some delicious Peanut Chicken skewers from Jamie Oliver. The recipe can be found here. The skewers are very flavoursome and have a lovely Thai/ Asian taste.

These are best marinated in advance so that you can get a real depth of flavour, so marinate in the morning so they are ready for dinner! 

Recipe: (makes 6 large skewers)

- 3 Chicken breasts

- 3 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (Whole earth is good!)

- Good handful of coriander or parsley

- 1 small chili (depending on how spicy you like it)

- Thumb size piece of Ginger

- 1 Garlic clove

- Glug of Soy sauce

- 2 Limes, zest and juice

To make:

- Put the peanut butter, chilli, coriander, ginger, soy sauce, garlic and lime in to a food processor and whizz until combined. Add a little water if the mixture seems too thick.

- Chop the chicken breasts in to reasonably large chunks in a bowl and then add the peanut mixture. Rub in the marinade with your hands to make sure all the chicken is covered. Leave to marinate in the fridge for several hours, or overnight.

- Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and pierce them on to skewers

- Preheat the grill to high, and then grill them for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and peanut sauce has gone golden and slightly crispy.

- Serve with salad and roasted potatoes. Enjoy!

The chicken marinating.

Here are the chicken skewers part way through grilling.

Here are some close ups of the chicken once it has been taken off the skewers!

Enjoy!

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