#589 Northern 23Aug2021

COOKS NOTES + SUBSTITUTES:

Almond ‘Hummus’ recipe here.
Lentil Balls recipe here.
Unless otherwise stated all cans are 400g / 14oz.
Standard bag of salad = approx 150g (5oz).

‘PREP AHEAD’ POSSIBILITIES

Here are suggestions for things you can possibly prepare ahead. They’re just suggestions though so please don’t feel like you need to devote your weekend to getting these steps done! It’s totally up to you.

[1] Tomato & Basil ‘Lentilotto’
LENTILS (30 minutes)
Just cook as per the recipe but keep the basil separately. Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks or can be frozen. To serve, bring back to a simmer on the stove top adding a little water if it seems too thick.
[2] Chilli Chicken with Tahini Sauce
CHICKEN (30 minutes)
Just cook as per the recipe but keep the tahini sauce, almonds and salad separately. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen. To serve, bring chicken and sauce back to a simmer and serve as per recipe.
[4] Feta & Meat Balls
MEAT BALLS (30 minutes)
Just cook as per the recipe but keep the hummus and herbs separately. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen (except the parsley). To serve, warm meatballs in the oven (200C / 400F) for about 10 mins then finish with hummus and parsley.

INGREDIENT STORAGE Best Practices

Also see the WASTE AVOIDANCE STRATEGY with each recipe for tips on preserving ingredients for longer periods if required.

VEGGIES
salad leaves/baby spinach – store sealed bag in the fridge. If buying loose leaves, wash and spin dry in a salad spinner then wrap loosely in paper towel and place inside plastic bag. Push out most of the air and seal. Store in the fridge.
green herbs – in the fridge wrapped in a plastic bag.
lemons – in the fridge wrapped in a plastic bag. Can be kept at room temp if you prefer but will last longer in the fridge.

PROTEIN
chicken – in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.
eggs – I keep mine in the pantry because we eat a lot of eggs. Will last much longer in the fridge.
fish fillets – in the fridge. Get your fishmonger to pack them with a small bag of ice to keep as cold as possible.
ground (minced) beef– in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.

DAIRY
feta – in the fridge. Will keep for months in an unopened package.
goats cheese – in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.
parmesan – in the fridge wrap in baking paper and store in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container.
butter – in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.
milk – in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.