This Lemon Thyme Marinade is super easy to make and takes a simple piece of protein to another level. I love this for marinading chicken, beef or lamb. Then simply pan fry or cook on the BBQ for a delicious, simple meal. Health benefits This marinade not only adds incredible taste but also offers subtle…
grainfree
One Pan Fish Puttanesca
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Lime Honey Chia Pudding
Sometimes the simplest things really are the best, and this Lime Honey Chia Pudding is the perfect example. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, itโs a nourishing recipe that everyone can enjoy, whether you need to avoid those foods or not. Mix, soak overnight and enjoy for breakfast, its just too easy! We have listed a few…
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Strawberry Pan Pudding
This Strawberry Pan Pudding has become my family’s all time favourite dessert. Every single one of us loves it equally, which rarely happens. It’s a bonus that it’s super easy to make using only basic pantry staples. It’s so wonderful to enjoy good, basic home cooking made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love!
If you don’t have a pan that can go in the oven, you can use a cake tin for this. In Step 2, melt the butter in your tin in the oven then proceed as normal. I do love a decent oven-proof pan for these types of recipes though!
Another note is that if you increase the number of serves for this recipe, you should use a larger pan if you have one, otherwise the mixture will be deeper in the pan. Adjust the cooking time to suit.
Health benefits
Made with wholemeal spelt flour, this homemade strawberry pudding recipe offers more fibre and nutrients than your average dessert. Strawberries bring antioxidants and vitamin C, while you can control the sweetness with your choice of natural sweetener. It’s also easy to adapt to gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diets.
Strawberry Pudding Ingredients
Youโll need a handful of pantry basics โ butter (or oil), wholemeal spelt flour, baking powder, milk, rapadura sugar and a touch of vanilla extract and salt. You will also need fresh strawberries and your choice of sweetener (I use rice malt syrup, maple syrup or honey).
How to make this easy strawberry pan pudding
Start by melting the butter in your pan until it just bubbles, then mash the strawberries with your chosen sweetener. Mix the wet ingredients with the flour to form a thick batter and pour it into the hot, buttered pan. Top with the strawberries and transfer to the oven to bake until golden and set in the centre, with the fruit bubbling.
Serving suggestions and how to store
This pudding is best served warm straight from the pan, with a dollop of cream, yoghurt or ice cream. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and gently reheated. Itโs also lovely cold the next day with yoghurt for breakfast.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a gluten-free version, use almond meal and buckwheat flour instead of spelt. To make it dairy-free or vegan, substitute the butter with coconut or macadamia oil and choose a plant-based milk. You can also swap the strawberries for other soft fruits like raspberries, plums, or banana, and top with your favourite nuts for crunch.
Strawberry Pan Pudding
Ingredients
- 115 g butter
- 150 g strawberries (hulled and chopped if large)
- 1 tbsp rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup
- 75 g rapadura sugar (ยผ cup โ โ cup) to suit your taste
- 120 ml milk (of choice) (ยฝ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence – or paste
- ยฝ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 130 g wholemealย speltย flour (1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ยบ C/350ยฐF (fan forced).
- Place the butter in a medium size non stick or cast iron pan (approx. 22cm) over a low heat to melt.
- In a medium-sized bowl place the strawberries and sweetener and macerate with a potato masher so they are a bit broken up. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl whisk the rapadura, milk, vanilla, sea salt and baking powder until well combined. Pour in the melted butter and whisk some more.
- Fold in the flour gently until just combined.
- Place the batter back in the pan that you melted the butter in. Top with the strawberries and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden (the middle should be set and the berries jammy).
- You can slice or spoon out of the pan.
Serve
- As is, or top with double cream, creme fraiche, yoghurt or icecream.
Notes
Gluten-free
Replace the spelt with 3/4 cup almond meal and 1/4 cup buckwheat flour.Dairy-free and vegan
Replace the butter with 100 ml macadamia nut oil or coconut oil. Choose a dairy-free milk.Different fruit
Any fast cooking (soft) fruit will work. Berries of any kind, banana and ripe stone fruit are also an option.Add nuts
I love this topped with macadamia nuts, pecans or flaked almonds. ย ย ย ย ยLet me know if this becomes a family favourite recipe too!
Immune Smoothie Bowl
This Immune Smoothie Bowl is designed to support your immune system and really is food as medicine. The combination of vitamin C and fibre rich fruits, essential fats from the avocado, probiotic yoghurt and protein powder makes this a delicious and super nourishing start to the day.
Why do we need protein?
The strength of our immune system relies on us eating protein and including high-quality amino acids in our diet is essential to make antibodies to fight infection.
We all need protein to build new cells and repair tissue. As kids are growing (often rapidly) it is especially critical that they are consuming adequate amounts.
Protein is also used extensively by every body, everyday. Protein is used to make digestive enzymes, to repair the digestive tract, to grow skin, hair, nails, to make blood cells, for strong bones, to build muscle, to make hormones, to stabilise our blood sugarโฆ.I could go on forever really.
We cannot store protein, so itโs safe to say, that in order to replace, rebuild and repair, we need to consume protein very regularly.
Signs of protein deficiency
In our society, it is rare to see frank protein deficiency. However, in my experience, subclinical signs are increasingly common, especially in picky eaters. These include:
- poor immune responses (getting sick frequently or difficulty recovering from illness)
- poor appetite or very picky (or more of a snacker, craving simple carbohydrates)
- poor concentration and trouble learning
- moodiness and mood swings
- poor sleep patterns
- muscular weakness, aches and pains
- poor growth and development (failure to thrive)
- skin problems
- delayed wound healing
Protein supplementation
Protein supplementation is also often required for picky eaters, people who suffer chronic illness, athletes or suffering with food intolerance which restricts their protein intake (egg, nut, dairy allergies for example). Just as medicine is required occasionally for illness, supplementation is critical and can be helpful in restoring the appetite and desire for whole foods.
It is also very helpful for those mornings that go pear-shaped and a sustaining brekkie is required quickly. As much as Iโd like to serve a nutritionally balanced, high protein brekkie each and every morning, some days time is just stretched (like when my kids have a 5am swim squad and we are up at 4.30am) and a protein powder supplement is invaluable.
Whey protein is a complete protein source that provides all of the essential amino acids that our body needs. Whey proteins also contain individual proteins such as Lactoferrin and immunoglobulins that have immune-enhancing activity.
The vast world of protein powders
Navigating the many types of protein powders available is tricky business. Many brands are derived from feed-lot, grain-fed cows (also often fed GMOโs), highly processed soy proteins and contain franken-sugars, fructose, maltodextrin starches (aggravate blood sugars and the GIT), additives and more yuk ingredients.
Most also contain absolutely no plant fibre, good fats or micronutrients (vitamins and mineral) so nutritionally they are incomplete and not at all reflective of a well rounded, whole food meal. Thankfully, there are a select few which offer balanced nutrition and do what we need them to do โ provide a sustaining, nutritious supplement, and hereโs the clincher, that actually tastes good. Itโs just got to taste good right?
What to look for when choosing protein powders
When choosing a wholefood-based protein powder, there are several key factors to consider to ensure youโre getting a good-quality and effective product:
Ingredients: Look for a protein powder that is derived from wholefood sources, such as 100% grass fed collagen, pea protein, brown rice protein (preferably non GMO, sprouted and fermented), hemp protein, or a blend of these. If youโre okay with dairy, choose a Whey based protein powder, ensure it is grass-fed and/or organic. Avoid products with additives, artificial flavours, excess sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Nutritional Profile: Assess the nutritional content beyond just protein. Look at the levels of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals present in the powder. A good wholefood-based protein powder will offer a range of nutrients beyond just protein.
Allergen Information: Consider any allergies or dietary restrictions. Wholefood-based protein powders are often suitable for those with common allergies (e.g., dairy, soy, gluten), but always check the label for potential allergens.
Taste and Texture: Personal preference matters too. Choose a protein powder that tastes good to you and mixes well with your favourite fruits and fluid (I love making smoothies with coconut water and yoghurt) or add protein powder to recipes like pancakes, overnight oats or chia puddings. Some wholefood-based powders can have a grainier texture, which may be a consideration.
By considering these factors, you can select a wholefood-based protein powder that aligns with your dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and taste preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your protein supplement.
I personally love usingย this collagen proteinโitโs flavourless, so it works beautifully across all kinds of recipes without altering the taste.
Important
Please speak to your nutritionally trained health care practitioner to determine if your individual nutritional requirements are being met. This post is not intended to diagnose or prescribe, merely help you to make an informed choice.
Download your FREE Immune Health Plan ebook – A practical guide filled with simple tips to help support your immune system so you and your family stay fighting fit this winter.
Immune Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas – peeled and quartered
- 2 orange/s – peeled and quartered
- ยฝ avocado – flesh
- 1 lime/s – juice
- 60 ml coconut water (ยผ cup)
- 120 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt (ยฝ cup)
- ยฝ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup/s ice
- 2 serve/s wholefood protein powder – vanilla or a neutral flavour
- Fruit, nuts and/or granola – to decorate
Instructions
- In a high speed blender place the bananas, oranges, avocado, lime juice, coconut water, natural yoghurt, turmeric, ice and protein powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Divide between two bowls and top with fruit of your choice, nuts and/or granola.
- Enjoy immediately.
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Goulash
This healthy Goulash is based on a traditional Serbian stew of rich beef and vegetables. Similar to a casserole, it is delicious and super easy to make. Instead of topping with starchy dumplings, Iโve chosen to top with scalloped potatoes.ย This potato crust is sensational and gives the meal a good crunch – my kids try to pick out the most golden crispy slices from the top!
This is the perfect all-in-one meal. Protein, veggies and some carbohydrates and free from gluten, eggs and dairy. A one pot meal, perfect to have on the go for a busy afternoon.
Health benefits
This dish provides a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates with about 35g protein and 10g fibre per serve. The slow-cooked beef is rich in collagen and essential nutrients, while the vegetables add fibre and antioxidants to support overall health.
Ingredients
For this healthy, easy goulash recipe, you will need diced beef brisket or chuck steak, onions, cloves garlic, capsicum, carrots, celery, and a blend of Hungarian sweet paprika, oregano, and thyme. Tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and bone broth create a deep, rich flavour, while thinly sliced potatoes add a crispy topping.
How to make this delicious goulash
Slow-cook the beef, vegetables, and seasonings in a Dutch oven until tender. Increase the heat to thicken the sauce, then layer the dish with olive oil-coated potato slices and bake until golden. Make sure the potato is very thinly sliced or it wont cook through in the time we’ve suggested.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve with steamed greens for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated in a low oven until just hot.
Vary this goulash to suit your dietary needs
For an onion-free version, replace the onion with a small bulb of fennel. If using a slow cooker, adjust the liquid and cooking time based on your deviceโs instructions, and finish with the crispy potato topping in the oven for the best result.
For more delicious, healthy slow cooked dinner recipes, click HERE
Goulash
Ingredients
- 800 g beef brisket or chuck steak – diced
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 3 clove/s garlic – minced
- 2 red capsicum/s – diced
- 2 carrot/s – diced
- 3 stick/s celery – diced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ยฝ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or rapadura
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 ltr chicken broth or stock (4 cups)
- 4 potato/s – peeled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- fresh parsley leaves – to serve
Serve
- 1 head/s broccoli (or any other green)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150ยฐC / 300ยฐF (fan-forced).
- Place the beef, onion, garlic, capsicum, carrots, celery, herbs and spices, rapadura, tomato paste, balsamic and stock or broth into a Dutch oven or pot with a tight fitting lid, mix and cook for 90 mins with the lid on. You could also cover a casserole dish with foil (tightly) if you donโt have a Dutch oven.
- Remove the lid, increase the oven temperature to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF and cook for another hour. Check after 30 mins and if there is a lot of liquid, further increase the oven to 200ยฐC/390ยฐF to reduce and thicken.
- Slice potatoes very thinly with a mandoline or the side of your cheese grater, toss in olive oil and seasoning. Place on top of the stew and bake for 30 mins or until the potato is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve
- With steamed broccoli.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Slow Cooker
- This can certainly cooked in a slow cooker. However, as the speed and temperature varies between the many brands of slow cookers, base the amount of liquid you add and the cook time on a similar style of recipe in the guide book for your specific slow cooker. The general rule of thumb is to halve the liquid and double the cook time, but understanding your own slow cooker is the best guide.
- I would make the goulash in the slow cooker then top with the scalloped potatoes as per Step 4 for the best result.
Grab Bag Formula Method
- If you've done the **Grab Bag Formulaย Short Course, this is the method to convert this recipeโฆ
- Place the beef, onion, garlic, capsicum, carrots, celery, herbs and spices, rapadura, tomato paste, balsamic and stock or broth into the Grab Bag.
- Carefully seal your grab bag. I close most of the seal then press out as much air as I can then complete the seal. Place the Grab Bag in the freezer.
- To cook, remove the Grab Bag from the freezer, place on a baking tray and thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Tip the contents of the Grab Bag into a large oven proof dish (with a tight fitting lid) or Dutch oven. It may still be a bit frozen; thatโs okay. Place the lid on the pot, set your oven to 150ยฐC/300ยฐF (fan-forced) and cook for 2 hours. Remove the lid, increase the oven temperature to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF and cook for another hour. Check after 30 mins and if there is a lot of liquid, further increase the oven to 200ยฐC/390ยฐF to reduce and thicken.
- Top with the scalloped potatoes as per Step 4 for the best result.
- **ย Theย Grab Bag Formulaย Short Course is available to purchase for just AU$46ย HERE.ORIf you are a full-accessย Well Nourished Familyย member, the course is included in your membership and you can access in the members portal –ย HERE.
Notes
Onion-free
Replace the onion with a small bulb of fennel. ย ย ย ย ยLet me know what you think of this deliciously rich stew.
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