Week #40

The lazy girl's guide to dinner

The other week a friend of mine said to me: “I don’t understand how you’re making a Madeleine tower, when I can hardly muster the effort to make dinner…” But honestly, GIRL SAME. I obviously get paid to create these elaborate dishes - and I love the creative challenge - but at home, deciding what to cook and actually having to make it. That’s the real challenge.

So this week’s theme is: the lazy girls guide to dinner - a bunch of super quick & easy meals when you absolutely can’t be arsed. Obviously all genders - or those who don’t conform to one - can get in the kitchen too, but I’m talking about myself here. And this week, she’s feeling lazy!

Chilli Chocolate Black Beans (with almond butter)

I discovered Natalie’s chilli recipe the other day when I was craving something hearty, but not meaty.

nataliechassay

A post shared by @nataliechassay

Not gonna lie, I didn’t have the “hormonal intelligence honey almond butter luteal and menstrual blend” to hand (sounds fun though!) so I went in with my plain old almond butter & some hot honey. This was seriously the best veggie chilli I’ve ever eaten, I had seconds (and maybe thirds) and went to bed feeling a little too full. Could also have been the 100 Casa Iberica corn chips I smashed with it, IYKYK.

Tomato & Bean Soup

I made a batch of Lucy Williams’ soup to last me the week, also plumped with cottage cheese this is a great WFH as it keeps you cosy (Melbourne people problems) and full.

R-Rated | February Favourites

Kale Pesto & Whole Wheat Pasta

This is another good one to have in your pocket, when all you really feel like is a big bowl of pasta but feel obliged to have some greens because, you know, you’re a grown up, and in my instance, have a child’s nutrition to look out for.

Image from Bon Appetit

Meatballs with Polenta & Herb Oil

I have to preface this recipe with an incident my friends now refer to as ‘passata gate’. I was planning to make a

Julia Busuttil Nishimura

recipe a while back and asked my husband, who I shall not name & shame here, but you know who you are to pick up some passata. He came home with a no-name, el cheapo bottle that I turned my nose up at and launched into a tirade about quality ingredients and whatever else my hormonal mood could throw at him (on reflection, maybe I do need that honey). Anyway, he returned to the shops to swap the rejected goods for the brand (MUTTI, obvs) I requested. As it turns out, and I only realised weeks later when rummaging for a pen that he was too proud - or more likely, embarrassed - to return the no-name passata, and instead hid it in his desk drawer.

And don’t worry, I fully realise this story makes me sound insane…

Anywayyyy, when I came to make this recipe I realised I’d forgot to pick up passata. So I asked if he still had that bottle I’d rejected months earlier. Turns out, he did. And now in a much more level-headed mood, I decided it was fine to cook with… just this once ;)

Now back to the recipe…

My brilliant friend,

Maddy’s Memo

has just released another of her e-books, titled; ‘Quickly Nourished’ - hello! A lazy girls dream, no?! There’s 16 new recipes in there, all of which can be made in under 30 minutes. The meatballs were so quick to make, extremely delicious with no faff - and same with the Pea and Halloumi Risotto, who knew a risotto could be this fast? The crispy halloumi bits are out of this world, also.

Rhubarb & Strawberry Compote

Now this doesn’t sound like a lazy girl dish, but when you pair it with store-bought yoghurt & granola, trust me - it is. Plus all you need to do is chop up some rhubarb & strawberries, splash over a bit of water and some maple syrup. Heat it on up until it’s all mushy, throw it in the food processor and all your meals can be this PRETTY.

I’ve got a few recommendations up my sleeve this week too in the categories of:

Television

I’ve been watching the new season of Platonic (mentioned in my rom com watch list) and it’s so good, even better than the first season I feel. And that’s a rarity. There were many, many moments where I legitimately laughed out loud.

I’ve also been watching Black Rabbit. I have about 30 minutes left of the last episode and have no idea what’s going to happen. The sign of a good series, I think. And no I haven’t linked the show here because I’m too scared to Google it and reveal the ending. On the edge of my seat, people!

Food

If you’re in Melbourne (or planning a trip) you have to go to Lumen, a cafe that’s just opened up in Fitzroy. It’s cute as a button, the food is delicious and they serve REAL CHOC cappuccinos, and baby chinos, of course.

Clothing

I am in love with this dress from Foemina - the cut is so elegant and the fabric with a slight ripple is divine. The length is also spot on for me. I can’t wait for the weather to warm up, but in the meantime - it’s just as good with a black blazer.

And it’s perhaps not really clothing, but this is on my wish list after leaving my phone behind at the butcher the other day. I’m too tired not to have it strapped to my body at all times right now. You can also wear it as a necklace, too clever!

On that note, off to bed.

Until next time,

Zoe x