Vegetarian recipes ideal for the holidays

Vegetarian recipes ideal for the holidays. In  January the calendar is usually marked by several meals and unavoidable dinners where you may, on more than one occasion, play host. In these dates, the consumption of products of animal origin is usually the usual, however, to elaborate a vegetarian or vegan menu with which to succeed is possible. Whether you are vegetarian, or if any of your guests are, the original recipes we propose below will make your dishes match up to any Christmas card that includes meat.

Know your noodles

If you have a fancy for pasta, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Do you know how many different types of pasta there are? A lot. Pasta varies in terms of thickness, size, texture and shape. Some pasta goes with certain meats and sauces better than others. Deciphering the etiquette of pasta can be tricky, so here is a handy guide to better acquaint you with your noodles:

  1. Pappardelle

This is a wide form of pasta made from eggs and originates from the Tuscan region of Italy. It works best when served with rich meat sauces like a Bolognese.

  1. Farfalle

Affectionately known as ‘bow tie’ pasta, farfalle is the Italian word for butterfly. This type of pasta works well in a cold pasta salad or tossed into a warm bowl of vegetables and meat. Perfect for any season. Treat yourself to a hearty Italian meal at an Italian Restaurant Dublin like http://www.toscanarestaurant.ie

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  1. Shells

These are one of the most common types of pasta and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Large shells can be stuffed and baked while smaller shells can be added to a casserole or meat sauce. The smallest shells work best when added to stews and soups for a real winter warmer of a meal.

  1. Bucatini

This is similar to spaghetti but hollow. They taste amazing when added to casseroles, stews, broths or stir fries when paired up with juicy, fresh tomatoes.

  1. Campanelle

Italian for bellflowers, this unique-shaped pasta is best for soaking up very thick or creamy meat sauces. It can also be used in cheesy dishes.

  1. Angel Hair

As the name suggests, this is the thinnest of pasta, consisting of long, fine strands which cook quicker than other types of pasta. This delicate noodle teams up best with light sauces and broth or can be cooked in a simple oil and butter mix.

  1. Orecchiette

Meaning ‘small ears’ in Italian, this pasta variety is shaped a lot like a pasta bowl. This makes them ideal for catching sauce in a delicious way. The ‘collecting’ pasta goes best with hearty, heavy sauces containing meat and vegetables.

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  1. Orzo

This looks a lot like rice and is often found in salads and soups to beef them up a bit.

  1. Penne

Another commonly found pasta of the UK dinnerplate, this tube-shaped pasta is cut diagonally at each end. It is perfect for adding to sauces, as a bed for cheesy toppings and mixed with cold salads.

  1. Ravioli

Ravioli is the ideal all-rounder and can be used for virtually any dish. A square pouch bursting with cheese, tomato sauce or meat. Varieties can also be made containing all manner of veggies or seafood and added to soups, sauces or simply dashed with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a well known asian dish, however Thai fried rice has its own distinct recipes, flavour, and presentation. This pineapple fried rice has a sweet and savoury mix of tastes, and you can add a bit of spice with the chilli oil on the side.

Personally, I am not a fan of fruit in my main dishes, however I was pleasantly suprised when I first tasted this, it is delicious.

So forgot boring old egg fried rice, and try out this Thai pineapple fried rice recipe!

 

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Ingredients

  • Serves 2
  • 1 cup of Thai jasmine rice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 pineapple
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 chicken fillets
  • 2 baby corn
  • 1/2 bell pepper
  • 2 spring onions
  • 1/2 carrot
  • 1/8 cup of cashew nuts
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1/8 cup of vegetable oil

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Wash the rice, then add 1 cup of water to the rice. Then start to boil it with the lid on the sauce pan

Step 2Prepare the pineapple – cut off the ends of the pineapple, and carve out the flesh from inside, as shown in the video. Then cut the pineapple in half, and dice half of it for use in the fried rice. Ensure you remove the hard centre of the pineapple first

Step 3After most of the water has boiled away in the rice, lower the cooking temperature of the rice

Step 4Prepare the vegetables – Thinly slice the baby corn, and dice the pepper into small cubes. Also slice the onion. Peel the carrot, and chop half of it into small pieces. Then slice the spring onion into small pieces

Step 5Thinly slice the chicken breasts

Step 6By now most of the water should have boiled away – stir the rice, and keep steaming it in a pan on a low heat

Step 7: Heat the vegetable oil, then add the egg. Stir fry on a high heat for 2 minutes

Step 8: Then add the vegetables and pineapple. Stir fry for 2 minutes

Step 9: Then add the steamed rice, and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, then add the salt and oyster sauce. Finish up by stir frying for about 3 – 5 minutes, then its ready to eat.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe