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nutfree
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Pastitsio
This is my healthy take on a Greek lasagna classic, Pastitsio. Instead of a cheesy béchamel sauce, it’s topped with a much lighter blend of yoghurt, tahini and parmesan cheese. It can also be made with beef mince (ground beef) if you prefer, but personally prefer to use lamb mince. This dish is a Mediterranean-inspired comfort food, perfect for family meals or gatherings, combining warming spices and wholesome ingredients.
Health benefits
With protein-rich lamb, nutrient-dense veggies, and Greek yoghurt, Pastitsio provides iron, fibre, calcium and essential vitamins. The use of olive oil and spinach further enhances its healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients
Traditional spices like cinnamon, oregano, and mixed spice flavour the lamb sauce, which is then layered with a creamy topping made from yoghurt, tahini, and Parmesan. Pasta binds the layers together, creating a savoury, filling meal.
How to make this healthy pastitsio recipe
To make this Greek pastitsion recipe, sauté onions and garlic cloves, then brown the ground lamb with spices. Add tomato passata, veggies, and broth, simmering to meld flavours. Cook the pasta, combine it with the meat sauce, and transfer to a baking dish. Blend the topping ingredients, pour over the pasta, and finish with Parmesan and pine nuts before baking.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve with fresh parsley and a leafy salad for balance. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container, reheating in a low oven. This dish also works well for prep ahead meal prep.
Vary this healthy pastitsio to suit your dietary needs
This dish is already gluten-free if using the rice quinoa pasta. For dairy-free, swap the topping with a dairy-free bechamel and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Go vegetarian by substituting lentils for lamb. Make it nut-free by omitting the pine nuts, and adjust the veggies based on what’s in your fridge!
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit any specific dietary requirements.
For more easy to make, delicious heathy meal recipes, click HERE.
Pastitsio
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil - extra virgin
- 1 red onion/s - diced
- 4 clove/s garlic - diced
- 600 g lamb mince
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 bay leaf/s
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 60 ml red wine
- 1 zucchini/s - diced into 1 cm pieces
- 2 carrot/s - diced into 1 cm pieces
- 700 g tomato passata (puree)
- 125 ml chicken broth or stock
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - or to taste
- 30 g baby spinach - chopped (1 cup)
- 250 g rice quinoa penne pasta (or any pasta that suits)
Topping
- 1 clove/s garlic
- 500 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt - or greek yoghurt (2 cups)
- 2 tbsp hulled tahini
- 1 egg/s
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper
- 25 g parmesan cheese - grated (¼ cup)
- 2 tbsp pinenuts
- ¼ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves - approx. 1 handful, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over a medium heat and add the onion. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add the garlic and lamb mince, sauté to brown the mince.
- Add the cinnamon, mixed spice, bay leaf and oregano and cook for a minute until you smell their fragrance.
- Turn the heat up to high and add the red wine (it should sizzle and reduce quickly and remove the alcohol).
- Reduce the heat and add the tomato passata, broth, zucchini, carrots and seasoning.
- Cover and simmer with the lid ajar for 15-20 minutes.
- Pre-heat you oven to 180°C/ 350°F fan-forced.
- While the sauce is simmering, boil the penne.
- Once it is almost cooked, drain and rinse the pasta and mix in with the sauce and the baby spinach.
- Place into an oven proof serving dish.
- In a food processor or by hand, grate cheese and set aside.
- Then blend the garlic, yoghurt, tahini, sea salt, pepper and egg on a low speed to just combine.
- Pour this over the sauce/ pasta mix, top with the grated parmesan and pine nuts.
- Bake for 10-15 mins or until the cheese is melted and the top is browned.
Serve
- Sprinkle with the chopped parsley leaves and serve with a green, leafy salad.
Thermomix
- I chop the onion and garlic in the Thermomix but cook it all in a pan. I find it cooks better that way, not as sloppy as cooking in the Thermomix. I then use it to grate the cheese and make the topping sauce.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Make ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Notes
Dairy Free
Make two cups of this Dairy-free Bechamel Sauce to replace the yoghurt. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a generous sprinkling of nutritional yeast flakes and a little bit of salt.Onion and garlic-free
Replace the onion with a small fennel bulb and the garlic a pinch of chilli flakes.Vegetarian
Replace the mince with 2 cans of brown lentils (drained and rinsed). Choose vegetable broth.Nut-free
Omit the pine nuts.Wine free
Replace the wine with broth or stock (and a tsp of vinegar).Different vegetables
Feel free to switch up the veggies to suit your supplies and tastes.I'd love to hear how you like this recipe. Post a comment below and rate this recipe, thanks so much.
Heathy Lamb Korma with Spiced Cauliflower Rice
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Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
A tasty sausage roll always goes down well at anytime. These Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls offer a delicious combination of savoury pork and sweet Granny Smith apples, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They’re perfect for snacks, parties, or a quick meal. The hint of mustard and thyme brings an aromatic depth, making these rolls irresistible.
They can also be made ahead and simply baked just prior to serving – which is perfect for entertaining or make-ahead meals.
Health benefits
Packed with pork mince, grated vegetables, and baby spinach, these sausage rolls are a protein rich meal or snack and a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Spinach adds iron, while apples contribute fibre and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savoury flavours. These are packed with nutrition and additive free unlike so many store-bought sausage rolls.
Ingredients
The key ingredients include free-range pork mince, Granny Smith apples, and flaky puff pastry sheets. Grated carrot and baby spinach add texture and colour, while mustard and thyme provide a punch of flavour.
How to make Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
The instructions for making these sausage rolls is simple. Preheat your oven. Grate the garlic clove, onion, apple, carrot, and spinach, mix them with the ground pork, dried thyme leaves, mustard, and seasoning (salt and pepper) in a large bowl. Spread the pork mixture along the centre of puff pastry strips, roll them up, brush with milk and sprinkle chia seeds (or poppy seeds or sesame seeds) on top. Bake on a baking tray lined with baking paper (parchment paper) until golden brown.
If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.
Turn them into rissoles or patties
You can make these into rissoles or patties by shaping the meat filling into balls, flattening and cooking on the BBQ or in a pan.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve these sausage rolls warm with tomato chutney or sauce. They are great party snacks or lunchbox treats. To store, refrigerate or freeze them before baking for a quick option later. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or frozen in an airtight container.
Vary these pork and apple sausage rolls to suit your dietary needs
For gluten-free sausage rolls, use gluten-free puff pastry. To make them dairy-free, skip the milk brushing. For an onion and garlic-free version, swap them with finely diced fennel and a pinch of chilli flakes. You can also use chicken or turkey mince for a lighter alternative.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
For more easy to make, healthy sausage roll recipes, click HERE.
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 clove/s garlic - peeled
- 1 red onion/s - peeled
- 2 Granny Smith apple/s - moisture rung from them
- 1 carrot/s - small & grated
- 30 g baby spinach - handful (or alternatively parsley leaves)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- ½ tsp sea salt - or to taste
- ground black pepper - good grind
- 500 g free-range pork mince
- 1 sheet Carême All Butter Puff Pastry - I love the wholemeal spelt puff
- 2 tbsp milk (of choice) - to brush pastry
- 1 tsp chia seeds - black
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan-forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- In a food processor grate your garlic, onion, apple, carrot and baby spinach. Alternatively, grate / finely chop by hand.
- Mix together with the thyme, mustard, salt, pepper and pork mince until well combined.
- Halve the sheet of puff pastry and divide the mince mixture evenly along the centre and length of both halves of the pastry.
- Roll and pinch together the seam, placing it face down on the baking tray.
- Brush with the milk, sprinkle with the chia seeds and cut into approx. 8 pieces (per log).
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Thermomix
- Chop the apple 10 seconds, speed 5, wring out the moisture and set aside. Chop the garlic, 5 seconds, speed 4. Add the onion, carrot and baby spinach. Chop 10 seconds, speed 5 (or until grated finely). Add back the apple.
- Add the thyme, mustard, seasoning and pork mince and mix reverse, 1 minutes, speed 3.
- Continue as above.
Serve
- Enjoy immediately with your preferred tomato chutney or sauce.
Make ahead
- Make and refrigerate or freeze in an airtight containber until ready to bake.
Notes
MYO pastry
This spelt pastry is perfect for sausage rolls (the savoury version).Gluten-free
Use a gluten-free pastry for the sausage rolls.Dairy-free
Omit milk.Onion and garlic-free
Replace the onion and garlic with finely diced fennel (from half a small bulb) and a pinch of chilli flakes.Chicken or turkey
Also delicious with chicken or turkey mince.Like these? Why not post a comment below or rate this recipe.
Quick Pantry Lentil Soup
Sometimes we have to rely on our pantry stores to whip a meal up quickly. This Quick Pantry Lentil Soup is one of my go to meals (along my my Quick and Easy Dhal). I pretty much always have the ingredients in my pantry and it has saved me many times when I’ve been caught short on time and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers a healthy, filling option perfect for any day of the week. It’s quick and easy to make and is a warming, nourishing bowl of plant based goodness.
Health benefits
This soup is packed with plant-based protein and fibre from lentils, making it an excellent choice for supporting digestion and maintaining steady energy levels. The spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger not only enhance the flavour but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, the addition of leafy greens like spinach boosts the nutrient content with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
This lentil soup recipe uses simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Tinned tomatoes and lentils provide texture, while the broth ties it all together. A dollop of full-fat natural yogurt completes the dish for a creamy finish.
How to make this quick pantry lentil soup
Sauté the garlic, onions, celery, carrots, and spices in olive oil, then add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils, and broth. Let everything simmer for 20 minutes before adding the spinach, which wilts quickly into the soup. For the Thermomix, chop and cook the ingredients in stages before simmering the soup.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve the soup in bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt for a creamy finish. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and pairs nicely with crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat until hot.
Vary this quick pantry lentil soup to suit your dietary needs
This soup is highly versatile. For a garlic-free version, simply use garlic oil or omit it altogether. You can also swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt to make it dairy-free (and vegan) or skip it entirely. For those who can’t tolerate onions, replace them with fennel or leave them out and still enjoy a delicious meal.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy soup recipes, click HERE.
Quick Pantry Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – extra virgin
- 4 clove/s garlic – minced
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 1 stick/s celery – finely chopped
- 1 carrot/s – diced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g diced tinned tomatoes
- 800 g can brown lentils – (or any lentil of your choice) rinsed, drained
- 500 ml stock or broth – your choice of chicken or vegetable
- ½ tsp sea salt – or to taste
- 50 g baby spinach – or kale or silverbeet
- 200 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt – to serve
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, add the olive oil, garlic, onion, celery, carrot and spices and saute for 4 minutes over a moderate heat.
- Now add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils and broth or stock. If using homemade broth add an extra ½ tsp of sea salt. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add in the spinach and stir for 1 minute until it wilts.
Thermomix
- Start with chopping the garlic – 3 sec, speed 6.
- Then add the onion and celery and chop, 4 seconds speed 5. You can add in the carrot here too, but I prefer to dice it.
- Add the spices and olive oil and cook 4 minutes, 100, speed 1.
- Now add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils and broth or stock. If using homemade broth add an extra ½ tsp of sea salt. Cook 20 minutes, 100, speed 2.
Serve
- Divide between four bowls, and serve with a blob of yoghurt.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Make ahead
- Re-heat in a pot over a low heat until just hot.
Notes
Onion-free
Leave out or replace with a small bulb of fennel.Garlic-free
Leave out or replace with a tablespoon garlic oil.Dairy-free
Leave of the yoghurt or replace with coconut yoghurt.This is one of my go to meals in the cooler months. Love to receive your thoughts and comments too (if you could also rate this recipe I’d be extra appreciative).
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