This delicious tray bake Plum Pear Raspberry Crumble is a beautiful combination of fruits topped with a wholesome, crisp crumble. It’s really simple to make and is the perfect fruity treat to serve for dessert. Health benefits This crumble is naturally rich in fibre thanks to the combination of plums, pears and raspberries, which help support…
sesamefree
Steak and Vegetable Pie
This Steak and Vegetable Pie is a really quick to prepare and makes for an easy, super delicious meal. The pie filling slow cooks in one pot. Try to make this ahead of dinner time to allow the pie filling to cool off. If you’re ever missing any of the vegetables on the ingredient list,…
Middle Eastern Chicken Tray Bake
This Middle Eastern Chicken Tray Bake is a beautiful, easy to make nourishing meal that will leave you with only one tray to wash up. It is loaded with vegetables, topped generously with iconic Middle Eastern spices and finished with a savoury tahini sauce for extra flavour. Health benefits This is a naturally balanced meal…
Asparagus Tart (with a Rocket Salad)
This delicious Asparagus Tart is super simple to make and a sensational light meal. These are divine hot out of the oven or at room temperature for lunches. Growing up, I associated asparagus with the tinned kind – grey/green, floppy and a horrible flavour. Fresh asparagus is a world apart – fresh, bright and green, and…
Lemon Honey Porridge
This Lemon Honey Porridge is such a beautiful combination of flavours. The sour lemon and sweet honey combine beautifully with the creamy porridge. Almond meal is added to introduce some extra nutrition – protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals. The intensity of the lemon and how sweet you make this porridge is easily customised to…
Greek Lamb Pot
This Greek roast Lamb Pot is a ‘throw it in, slow cook and dinner is done’ kind of recipe. It’s such a tasty combination of flavours and I can’t wait to hear what you family thinks of it. The oregano, bay leaves and thyme give that iconic Greek flavouring to the lamb, all gently cooked…
Garlic Fried Eggs
These Garlic Fried Eggs are such a delicious, quick and easy breakfast, snack or light meal. They are by far my current favourite way to eat eggs. Garlic is especially good to eat in wintery weather to help the immune system. Enjoy these eggs first thing in the morning- remember to adjust the serving size…
Lemon Poppyseed Bar
This delicious gluten-free lemon poppyseed bar is super simple to make and is sure to become a family favourite. I love the flavour of lemons and nutrient dense poppy seeds. This bar will satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar high. Another variation is to use orange juice and zest – orange and poppy seed…
Chicken Basil Meatballs
These Chicken Basil Meatballs make for a quick easy to make lunchbox main or light meal. Protein is such an important macro nutrient that we need to eat each day and having an option that is free of any additives and preservatives is ideal. If you’re making these for the kids and they don’t love herbs, decrease the amount of basil. Over time you can increase the amount until they’re herb-crazy like I am!
If you get your children involved in this, it’s a great opportunity to teach food hygiene- lots of hand washing before ‘squishing’ and even more afterwards! It’ll be super rewarding for children to enjoy eating the meatballs that they helped to roll.
Health benefits
Packed with protein from the chicken mince, these meatballs also offer gut-friendly benefits from the fresh basil and garlic. Parmesan adds a hit of calcium and flavour, while the optional gluten-free and dairy-free variations ensure they’re adaptable to most dietary needs. These meatballs are a great source of nourishment, filling you up with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
For these meatballs, you’ll need a bunch of fresh basil leaves (finely chopped), minced garlic cloves, a small carrot (finely grated), finely grated parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (rice crumbs for a gluten-free option). You’ll also need chicken mince (ground chicken), along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to make these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Start by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. You can use your hands to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Next, heat olive oil in a pan over moderate heat. Roll the meatball mixture into small balls and fry them until golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F (fan forced) for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Take care not to overcook them as chicken mince can go dry when overcooked.
Serving suggestions and how to store
These egg free meatballs can be served with a variety of dishes, from pasta (with a nice tomato based sauce) to salad or as part of a meatball sub. My kids love them in their school lunchbox too. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, or frozen for longer storage which makes them great for meal prep. To reheat, place them in a low oven until just hot.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free crumb or replace it with cassava flour. For a dairy-free version, swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast and add extra sea salt to taste.
Chicken Basil Meatballs
Ingredients
- ½ bunch/s fresh basil leaves – finely chopped
- 2 clove/s garlic – minced
- 1 carrot/s – small, finely grated
- 50 g parmesan cheese – finely grated, (â…“ cup)
- ½ cup/s bread crumbs – I used rice crumbs
- 500 g chicken mince
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl mix all of the ingredients together well (I use my hands to squish it all so it’s well combined).
- Heat olive oil in a frypan over a moderate heat. Roll the mince into small balls and fry until golden brown and cooked through. The smaller they are rolled the quicker they cook.
- Alternatively they can be oven baked. Place on a lined baking tray and cook in a preheated oven 180°C/350°F (fan forced) until cooked through. Approx. 10-15 minutes depending how big they are rolled.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Thermomix Method
- Place the basil, garlic, parmesan cheese (diced 1cm) and carrot (chunks) in the Thermomix bowl. Chop 5-10 seconds, speed 5, until carrot is finely chopped.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix on Reverse, 10-20 seconds, speed 3, using the spatula to help incorporate all the ingredients.
- Cook using either stove top or oven as in Step 2 and 3 above.
Notes
Gluten-free
Chose a gluten-free crumb. I’ve also tested with 2 tbsp cassava flour with great success.ÂDairy-free
Replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast and extra sea salt. Â Â Â Â ÂI hope you enjoy these deliciously easy chicken meatballs!
Almond Berry Slice
This Almond Berry Slice is a lovely grain-free, jammy slice that is sure to become a new favourite. Being based on almond meal, this one probably isn’t suitable for Primary School lunchboxes, but would make a great after school snack or weekend treat. The fruity homemade jam layer is actually sugar-free (shhh!) and the flaked…
Baked Lemon Butter Fish
This Baked Lemon Butter Fish is a super simple tray bake. Paired with a simple side salad or steamed veggies it’s a nourishing prep to plate meal in under 30 minutes. Health benefits Choosing a firm white fish gives you a naturally lean protein that supports muscle repair and steady energy, while the fresh lemon…
Mexican Salad Jar
This Mexican Salad Jar is a handy single serve salad that can be assembled the night before and then come lunchtime, simply shake to combine and enjoy. The dressings are arranged in a way that the salad won’t go soggy, so check the order of arranging! This recipe serves two, perfect for either two people…
Leftover Bolognese Muffins
Every time I cook bolognese, I always make sure I have leftovers to make these handy, protein rich Leftover Bolognese Muffins. I’ve suggested my Healthy Bolognese recipe for this which has vegetarian and vegan suggestions underneath so however you like to make a bolognese, it will convert beautifully into these muffins. Even though these are…
Thai Vegetable Soup
This Thai Vegetable Soup is super simple to make and so delicious. The iconic South-East Asian flavours of coconut and tamari infused with fresh garlic, ginger and chilli make an aromatic base to which vegetables and tofu are added. It’s very easily adapted to suit your supplies so feel free to sub any of the…
Pulled Pork Tacos
These Pulled Pork Tacos are another great set and forget style of slow cooked meal. Served with chipotle cashew cream and zesty salad, it makes for a delicious meal that you can easily make ahead. Health benefits Slow-cooked pork shoulder delivers protein and essential minerals for muscle repair and energy, while the citrus, garlic and…
Choc Hazelnut Overnight Oats
These Choc Hazelnut Overnight Oats are a quick and easy to make, nutritionally balanced brekkie…who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and hazelnut? The oats are rich in minerals, high in fibre and in herbal medicine they are restorative to the nervous system. The nuts, seeds and yoghurt contribute protein (and probiotics). This makes for…
Lamb Rogan Josh
This authentic Rogan Josh is one of my favourite Indian curries, and this recipe is as good as an Indian restaurants. There is just SO much healing goodness with the variety of spices included in this recipe. If you would like to add some heat, you can either add chilli flakes when you add the…
Sourdough Orange Honey Cake
I really love this Sourdough Orange Honey Cake. Naturally leavened cakes made with sourdough are quite different to the sweet style of cakes we’re used to. Sourdough cakes are earthy, less sweet and more satisfying. I love to serve this Sourdough Orange Honey Cake for morning tea with thick, Greek yoghurt and fresh berries. For…
Vegan Lemon Risotto
This quick and easy Vegan Lemon Risotto is a delicious plant based meal. If you’re not bothered about it being vegan you can sub the vegetable broth with chicken bone broth and the nutritional yeast with parmesan cheese. I love serving risotto as a warming and filling meal. It’s a perfect choice on a slow…
Corn Zucchini Carrot Fritters
These corn zucchini carrot fritters are the perfect way to sneak in more veggies while enjoying a savoury, crispy treat. Packed with zucchini, carrots, and corn, they make a great snack, side dish, or light meal. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, full of flavour, and customisable to suit dietary preferences like gluten-free or dairy-free. This is my absolute favourite fritter at the moment, it’s just so delicious and simple to make!
Health benefits
These fritters are a nutritious, veggie-packed option. Zucchini and carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting a healthy immune system and eye health. Corn adds fibre, and using wholemeal spelt flour increases the fibre content further. By frying them in extra virgin olive oil, you also benefit from healthy fats, while the parmesan offers a dose of calcium and the eggs protein.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these fritters are simple yet full of flavour. You’ll need grated zucchini, carrots, corn kernels, garlic, parmesan cheese (or you could use cheddar), wholemeal spelt flour, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and eggs. Olive oil is used for frying, which adds a lovely crisp texture to the fritters. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to make these Corn Zucchini Carrot Fritters
Start by grating the zucchini and carrots on a box grater and squeeze the excess moisture from them. Combine the vegetables with corn, garlic, parmesan, spices, and seasoning in a large bowl. Add the flour and baking powder, toss to coat the veggies, then mix in the eggs to form a thick batter. Heat olive oil in a pan or skillet and fry spoonfuls of the batter, flattening slightly, until golden on both sides. It’s important not to flip them until they are cooked golden on the base and edges (to ensure they don’t break apart on turning).
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve these corn fritters with a side of greens, a dollop of natural yoghurt (or Greek yogurt), and some sweet chilli sauce for a delicious meal. If you make extras, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer. To reheat, simply pop them in a sandwich press or pan until warmed through and crispy.
Vary Corn Zucchini Carrot Fritters to suit
For a dairy-free version, replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour without the dairy. To make these fritters gluten-free, swap the spelt flour with besan (chickpea) flour or a gluten-free flour mix. If you’re avoiding eggs, use besan flour (chickpea flour) instead of the spelt and the egg with half cup of water to make a firm egg-free fritter.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
Corn Zucchini Carrot Fritters
Ingredients
- 200 g zucchini/s – grated, approx 1½ cups
- 200 g grated carrot – grated, approx 1½ cups
- 1 corn cob/s – kernels cut from cob
- 3 clove/s garlic – minced
- 50 g parmesan cheese – finely grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 60 g wholemeal spelt flour (½ cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 egg/s
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Start with placing the grated carrot and zucchini on paper towel or a clean tea towel and press to absorb any excess moisture.
- Place the grated veggies, corn, garlic, parmesan, cumin, paprika and seasoning in a large bowl. Mix well so the veggies and spices are well distributed.
- Add the flour and baking powder and mix well so the flour coats the vegetables. Add the two eggs and mix to form a very thick batter.
- Place the olive oil into a pan and heat over a medium heat. Place about a quarter cup of batter in the hot oil and flatten slightly. Take care not to overcrowd the pan or it can become difficult to flip them.
- Cook until golden brown on each side.
Thermomix
- Place the parmesan cheese and garlic cloves in the TMX bowl. Grind 10 seconds, speed 9. Set aside.
- Place the roughly chopped zucchini and carrot in the bowl. Grate approx 5 seconds, speed 5 until small but not too fine, you still want some texture to the veggies. Keep the MC off so you can watch the veggies as they are grated. Tip out onto a clean tea towel and wring to squeeze out moisture.
- Tip parmesan and garlic back into the mixing bowl. Add the grated veggies, corn, cumin, paprika and seasoning. Mix on Reverse, 10 seconds, speed 3, or until well combined.
- Add the flour and baking powder, mix on Reverse, 10 seconds, speed 3. Add eggs and mix on Reverse, 10-20 seconds, speed 3, to form a thick batter.
- Place the olive oil into a pan and heat over a medium heat. Place about a quarter cup of batter in the hot oil and flatten slightly. Take care not to overcrowd the pan or it can become difficult to flip them.
- Cook until golden brown on each side.
Serve
- Serve with greens, natural yoghurt and sweet chilli sauce.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a sandwich press or pan over a low heat until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Separate the fritters with pieces of baking paper.
Notes
Dairy-free
Replace the parmesan with 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.Gluten-free
Swap the spelt with besan flour or a gluten-free premix.Egg-free
Replace the spelt with besan (chickpea) flour and the egg with 1/2 cup water.    ÂLoved these plant-powered fritters!? Let me know in the comments below…
Easy Nut Brittle Bites
My kids love store bought nut bars like peanut brittle, and these Easy Nut Brittle Bites are the result of me trying to find a versatile, healthier alternative. They are so quick and simple to make, and the addition of the spices not only adds a beautiful flavour, but a little extra nourishment too. Health…
Plum Upside Down Syrup Cake (gluten-free)
This gluten-free Plum Upside Down Syrup Cake is easy to make and one of my favourite ways to enjoy plums as the season comes to an end. With the cinnamon, lemon and almonds it’s a flavour combination made in heaven. Health benefits Made with almond meal instead of flour, this upside down cake is naturally…
Cajun Spice Rub
This Cajun Spice Rub not only packs a flavour punch and turns a plain piece of meat or vegetables into a really tasty meal, but it adds a whole lot of nourishment too! The Cajun food culture started with French immigrants in Louisiana, United States, influenced by West Africans and the Spanish. It is a…
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry
This simple, tasty Pumpkin Chickpea Curry is a quick and easy to make warming meal or side to a meat based curry. Gently frying the spices in ghee or oil allows the aromatics to be released, giving the best flavour to your curry. Curry leaves can usually be found in supermarkets these days but if…


