It's Christmas!

Or at least it was. Yotam Ottolenghi's Plenty was perfect for our Christmas food. To start a Winter slaw.
Chopped caramelised macadamia nuts (with added chili flakes), crunchy cabbages, coriander, chili, mint, and sweet juicy mango. Used a simpler dressing, than that in the recipe, of a mix of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil and freshly squeezed lime juice. Delicious.
For a main, Brussels sprouts. After all, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas, without sprouts. Marinated tofu, peppers, spring onion, sprouts, in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and rice. A very tasty Christmas treat.

Bubble & Squeak

The ultimate in cold weather comfort food has to be bubble & squeak. A perfect frugal meal; recycling left over cooked greens into a tasty dish. Traditionally in the UK, bubble & squeak is reserved for Monday nights only (after the obligatory Sunday dinner). However, in a veggie household, any day can be a bubble & squeak day! Bizarrely a dish that is forever associated with day old leftovers, is also available to buy in ready-meal form in supermarkets!!!

The basis for bubble & squeak is cooked potatoes and greens. For some reason (probably psychological) it tastes much nicer if they have been cooked the day previously! This version contained potato, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Roughly mash together with a little margarine.
Then, in a large pan, lightly fry the mixture. You may, if you are really, really lucky, hear it 'squeak' over the heat (hence the name!). Ensure the mixture is heated through & serve.I am particularly fond of bubble & squeak with vegetarian sausages and lashings of brown sauce. Or if I am feeling adventurous, a generous helping of piccalilli.
Great, easy cooking for chilly evenings!