GET THE MOST OUT OF QUALITY MEAT
IDEAS FOR FAMILIES TO GET COOKING
This is the perfect time to improve your cooking skills, says home economist and chef Daniela Forbes.
With everyone in lockdown, the kitchen has become the busiest room in the house and, when this is all over, you may find you’re equipped with a whole new set of culinary skills and a love of cooking.
“The more you cook from scratch, the more confident and better a cook you’ll become,” says Daniela. “Don’t be scared to try new dishes and experiment.
“The internet offers a vast array of recipe ideas and top tips. Get your kids involved – it’s educational, fun and a great bonding experience. Plus the skills they learn now will be invaluable for their whole lives.”
Daniela has heaps of tips and hacks to help you whip up a storm in the kitchen.
More affordable cuts of meat and leftovers can be transformed into beautiful stews and curries with just a few other basic ingredients such as tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, fresh or dried herbs and spices, stock and some wine.
Stretch out quality meat with healthy and filling tinned or dried pulses such as chickpeas, lentils or beans. Make a double batch and freeze for another day. And, if you’re using a slow cooker, reduce the amount of liquid and add root veggies before softer veggies as they take longer to cook.
Create a delicious Scotch Beef Ragu sauce by browning diced Scotch Beef and adding to sautéed chopped onions, celery and garlic, with a tin of tomatoes, some tomato puree, a stock cube, a glass of wine and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer slowly for an hour or a little longer if you want the meat really tender for an amazing ragu which you can then refrigerate or freeze in batches and use to make a variety of different dishes. Want to cook without the hassle? Then brown the diced beef and onions first, then pop it along with all the other ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6
Fancy some spice? Transform it with some chilli powder, ground cumin and coriander and some tinned kidney beans, turning it into a chilli con carne. For extra depth of flavour, try adding a shot of espresso or grated dark chocolate.
On those warmer, longer days, your BBQ is your best friend – think of it as an extension of your cooker. You can slow cook meats and vegetables by cooking at the lowest temperature with the lid down. Marinade your meats and veg in advance to give you the tastiest and most succulent results.