August 2022 favourites list

I am back with another monthly list of wonderful stuff! I hope you are all doing well.

There have been days this Summer when it has been much too hot to cook, and standing over a steaming saucepan or blasting grill has been too much to take. As a result, I've been doing a few salads and continuing my obsession with Chaat. I blame Sejal Sukhadwala, the renowned food writer, for my chaat fixation after she compared it to salad, given the presence of fresh raw vegetables, sprouted seeds and coriander leaf. One day I will blog some of my favourite chaat recipes. 

This month's photos are some of my food adventures, inventions and homecooked dishes. There's no theme at work here. Just the things I have been eating. 

I hope your cooking exploits and foodie escapades are going fabulously!

Singapore chicken rice

Food writing

August brings some wonderful fruit and vegetables into season in the UK. Here’s what’s in season this month. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/whats-in-season-august

If you grow your own, here is a list (with tips) of the veggies to plant this month for enjoying in Autumn, Winter and Spring. https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/10/what-vegetables-can-i-plant-in-august-17159616/

If you are in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, here is a guide of where to eat in Brum: https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/uk/west-midlands-travel/best-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-birmingham-birmingham-local-foodie-guide/

The much loved Honey & Co has moved to Lambs Conduit Street. Delicious magazine interviewed Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovic about the move, about their favourite food and more:  https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/five-minutes-with-honey-co-s-itamar-srulovic-and-sarit-packer/

Beetroot and peach salad

For me, the best thing I've heard about the Bollywood Forrest Gump remake is the re-writing of "life is like a box of chocolates" to a comparison with golgappa! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-62427992

Got an air fryer but only using it for chips? Here are some other ideas, with lots of helpful advice on getting the most from your air fryer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/will_it_air_fry

Whether you’re a flexitarian or committed carnivore, the cost of meat, like all food products is rising. Here’s some advice on how to save money on meat:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/save_money_meat

Chicken satay and cucumber salad

 

"Portable soup" (the boiled down gelatinous solids obtained from stock making) was used on the high seas for cooking. It might have been tasty, but it didn't help avoid scurvy and malnutrition at sea. Some food and nautical history: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/portable-soup

To me, one clove of garlic in a recipe is definitely not enough. But does the perfect amount of garlic in a dish exist? https://www.eater.com/23306398/best-garlic-quantity-in-recipes-how-many-cloves-ideal

Vivek Singh talks about his secret ingredient, Sattu (roasted chick pea flour/besan). Used in both Indian and Burmese food.  https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/aug/21/vivek-singh-secret-ingredient-sattu-roasted-chickpea-flour 

Recipes

Looking to shake up your salad dressings? I’ve been stuck in a vinaigrette rut, so this is useful for me. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-salad-dressings-you-can-make-minutes

Beef and aubergine fatteh, a Nigella Lawson recipe of which she says “Is it too terrible to say that I think of it as Middle-Eastern nachos?” https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/beef_and_aubergine_46108

Avocado toast: not just for millenials!

Recently, I’ve been obsessed with Chaat, Indian snacks which combine salad with spice and crunch. I just discovered a Mexican street food equivalent; Dorilocos. “Crazy” Doritos, with salsa, peanuts, veg and maybe even gummy bears, eaten straight out of the packet. Want! https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/dorilocos

The Korean pancake dish Pajeon is one you can make at home to use up unused veg to avoid food waste: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-make-pajeon-from-leftover-vegetables

TV

Sherwood

The Undeclared War

The Control Room

 

Maccaflower cheese

Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links or recommendations.