February 23, 2023

Lentil and vegie dhal

LENTIL AND VEGGIE DHAL

INGREDIENTS


  • 1 tbsp olive oil or macadamia oil
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 210g (1 cup) split yellow lentils or red lentils, rinsed, drained
  • 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1 potato, peeled, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tsp brown mustard seeds
  • 2 sprigs fresh curry leaves
  • 12 (about 30g) poppadum's, microwaved, to serve
  • Lime cheeks, to serve



METHOD


Step 1

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and chili. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic.

Step 2

Add the lentils, tomato, potato and 1L (4 cups) water to the pan. Bring the mixture to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are very soft.

Step 3

Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and curry sprigs. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until the seeds start to pop. Remove from the heat.

Step 4

Top the dhal with the curry sprigs and spoon over the mustard seeds and any oil in the pan. Serve with poppadum's and lime cheeks alongside.

Mediterranean White Bean and Sardine Salad

By Zina Stone • December 11, 2025
Ingredients For The Salad 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed) 2 cans sardines (4.5 oz cans in olive oil, roughly chopped in large chunks) 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 2 green onions (chopped) 1 to 2 jalapenos (chopped, seeds removed if you don't want the heat) 1 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped) For The Dressing 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 lime (zested and juiced) 1 to 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 teaspoon sumac 1 to 2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes Instructions Step 1 To make the dressing, combine the mustard, lime zest and juice, garlic, sumac, and Aleppo, and a good dash of kosher salt and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk, and while whisking vigorously, drizzle in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, until emulsified. Step 2 In a large bowl, combine the beans, sardines, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and parsley. Toss gently to combine. Step 3 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 239.7kcal | Protein: 22.7g | Fat: 7.8g | Carbohydrates: 20.9g

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By Zina Stone • December 9, 2025
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Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack

By Zina Stone • December 4, 2025
Ingredients 2 tbsp honey Juice and zest of 1 lime 1 tbsp olive oil 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cubed 1 garlic clove, minced Salt & pepper, to taste 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional) 1–2 ripe avocados, mashed Juice of ½ lime Salt & pepper, to taste Instructions Step 1 Marinate the chicken In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add in the cubed chicken. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. Step 2 Cook it golden Heat your best skillet for cooking chicken over medium-high. Sear the chicken without stirring for 2–3 minutes, then cook through, about 6–8 minutes total. Temp should hit 165°F. Step 3 Brighten the rice Fluff the warm rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, salt, and cilantro if you like. Keep it fresh, not heavy. Step 4 Smash the avocados In a bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Don’t overdo it you want texture. Think creamy with little bites left in. Step 5 Stack it tall Place a ramekin or ring mold on the plate. Spoon in a layer of rice, then avocado, then the honey lime chicken. Press gently, lift the mold. A little tower of joy. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 420kcal | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 32g