Roquefort Stuffed Burgers

Roquefort Stuffed Burgers

If you love blue cheese, you will love these burgers stuffed with Roquefort cheese.  They are absolutely delicious as you get a great taste of oozing blue cheese in every mouthful.  Ideal recipe for a summer barbecue!

Serves 6

Prep time:  10 minutes (1-2 hours chill time)

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

150g Roquefort cheese, crumbled

200g unsalted butter, softened

Small handful fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

1kg minced beef

1 red onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 egg yolks,

Freshly ground salt and pepper

Vegetable oil for brushing

To serve

6 rolls of your choice, split (I used brioche)

4 tomatoes, sliced

Rocket leaves

Method

1.    In a bowl, mix together the cheese, butter and fresh parsley.  Cut a sheet of cling film and add the cheese to form a cylinder about 4-5 cm in diameter.  Roll in the cling film to make a sausage shape and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours.

2.     In a large bowl mix together all the remaining ingredients and season.  Divide into 12 evenly sized patties. 

3.    Remove the cheese roll from the freezer and allow to soften slightly and slice into 6 even slices.

4.    Add a slice of cheese to 6 of the patties and then top with the remaining patties.  Pinch the sides to make sure the cheese is fully encased.  Place in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

5.    Now brush the patties with a little oil.  Heat a chargrill or pan grill, when smoking hot cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.

6.    To build the burger place slices of tomatoes on a slightly grilled roll, add the burger and top with a small handful of rocket leaves, serve.  Enjoy!

Beef Madras

Beef Madras

A great British favourite – this curry is full of spice with melt in the mouth beef!

Serves 4 small portions, 2 large

Prep time:   20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cinnamon stick, 2.5cm

10 green cardamom pods

8 cloves

10 black peppercorns

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp coriander seeds

6 dried Kashmiri chillies, seeds shaken out

2½ tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp garam masala

1 pinch of salt

7500g diced beef/stewing steak

2.5 cm fresh root ginger, peeled

7 garlic cloves, peeled

2 tomatoes

4 whole green chillies, pierced

To serve

4 tbsp single cream

1 handful fresh coriander, chopped

Basmati rice or Indian breads

Method

1.    Place the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cumin and Kashmiri chillies into a spice grinder or pestle & mortar, grind until you have a fine powder.

2.    Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and cook on a gentle heat until softened.  Stir in the ground spices with the turmeric, garam masala, salt and a splash of water.  Cook for 1 minute.

3.    Add the beef and fully coat with the spices, cook until browned all over.

4.    In a small food processor blend the ginger, garlic, tomatoes with a splash of water until you have a smooth puree.  Add the mixture and green chillies to the beef, bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer until all the sauce has almost been absorbed into the beef.

5.    Pour in enough water to cover the beef curry, bring to the boil, cover and reduce to a simmer.  Cook until the beef is tender, around 1 ¼ hours.

6.    Uncover and simmer until you have a thick sauce, season to taste.  Serve the curry with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkling of fresh coriander, basmati rice or Indian breads, enjoy!

The Best Beef bourguignon

 The Best Beef bourguignon

A delicious and rustic French classic! Red wine, brandy, pancetta, shallots, mushrooms and herbs, what a wonderful combination for beef!

Serves 4

Prep time:  15 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp plain flour

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 kg shin of beef, cut into large cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

150g pancetta, cut into small chunks

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

2 shallots, finely chopped

1 large onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

50ml brandy

500ml Burgundy, or other red wine

250ml beef stock

1 tbsp tomato puree

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs thyme, leaves finely chopped

2 sprigs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

25g butter

150g shallots

200g chestnut mushrooms

To serve

Buttery mashed potato

Crusty bread

Method

1.    For the beef, sprinkle the flour onto a plate and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge the beef in the seasoned flour and set aside.

2.    Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan and fry the pancetta for 1-2 minutes, or until golden-brown and set aside.   Add the beef in batches and fry for a further 4-5 minutes, or until browned on each side, set aside.   Add the carrots, shallot, onion and garlic and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until just softened.

3.    Now add the beef and pancetta to the pan and add the brandy and slowly tilt the pan towards the gas flame, or light it with a match. Let the flames flare up then die down.  Remove the beef and vegetables and set aside.

4.    Add the red wine to the pan to deglaze, return the beef and vegetables, add the beef stock and tomato puree, bring to a simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme and parsley then cover and cook on a low heat for two hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

5.    Heat the butter and remaining oil in a frying pan and fry the baby onions for 4-5 minutes, or until just golden-brown.

6.    Add the browned onions and chestnut mushrooms to the beef mixture and cook for a further 20 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7.    Serve with mashed potato and/or crusty bread, enjoy!

Steak, Mushroom & Stilton Pie

Steak, Mushroom & Stilton Pie

This is a wonderfully delicious pie full of rich flavours- the perfect pie for chilly weather!

Serves 4-6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the pie filling

3-4tbsp olive oil

200g smoked streaky bacon rashers, cut into 1cm strips

2 medium onions, peeled, halved & sliced

2 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped

3tbsp plain flour

1.5kg good quality stewing steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes

250ml red wine

500ml good beef stock

2tbsp tomato puree

250g chestnut mushrooms, halved

3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves stripped from stalks & finely chopped

2 bay leaves

2 tbsp cornflour

150g stilton, crumbled

For the pie

325g ready-made short crust pastry

325g ready-made puff pastry

1 egg, beaten to glaze

To Serve

Mashed potato

Seasonal Vegetables

Method

1.    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan.  Fry the bacon and onions until pale golden in colour and then add the garlic and fry for a further 2 minutes, stirring regularly.  Set aside using a slotted spoon.

2.    Season the steak with salt and pepper and dredge with flour. Now heat 1-2 tbsp of oil to the frying pan and add the steak, you may have to do this in batches.  Fry the meat until it is well browned all over.  Add more oil if necessary.  Set aside.

3.    Deglaze the frying pan with half of the wine.  Bring the wine to the boil and stir hard to remove all the sediment from the base of the pan.  Transfer the steak and bacon to the frying pan then add the remaining wine, stock, tomato puree, and herbs to the dish.  Bring to the boil and then cover, simmer for 1 hour.  Now add the mushrooms and simmer, covered for a further half hour or until the meat is tender.  Mix the corn flour with 2tbsp of cold water and add to the pan.  Continue to simmer uncovered for a further 5 minutes or until the juices are thick.  Season to taste and allow to cool.

4.    In the meantime, preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6.   Remove the bay leaves and then strain the liquid from the meat but add some of the gravy to suit your taste.  Set aside the rest of the gravy to serve with the pie.

5.    Roll out the short crust pastry to 4mm thick and line a 1.2 litre pie dish, leave the excess pastry hanging over the edge.   Spoon the cooled beef mixture into the dish and sprinkle over the stilton cheese, brush the edge of the pastry with the beaten egg.

6.    Roll out the puff pastry to 4mm thick and large enough to cover the pie.  Place the pastry over the pie and press the edges firmly together to seal and trim neatly.  Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg.  Decorate with trimmings and brush with more egg to glaze.  Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the pastry has puffed and is golden brown.  Serve with mash, seasonal vegetables and the remaining gravy.  Enjoy!

The Best Beef Rendang

The Best Beef Rendang

A rich and tender coconut beef stew which is explosively flavoursome – it will definitely win you over!

Serves 4

Prep time:  20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 45  minutes

Ingredients

For the curry paste

5 shallots, roughly chopped

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tbsp galangal

5 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped

3 lemongrass, outer layer removed and roughly chopped

8 dry chillies, soaked in water and roughly chopped

1 tsp turmeric

For the Curry

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

3 star anise

3 cardamom pods, crushed with the back of a spoon

3 cloves

750g braising steak, cut into 2cm cubes

400ml coconut milk

2 tsp tamarind puree

6 kaffir leaves

Zest of a lime1 tbsp sugar or palm sugar

Salt to taste

50g desiccated coconut flakes

Basmati rice to serve, cooked as packet instructions

Small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped

Method

1.    Place all of the curry paste ingredients into a food processor and blend until you have a smooth puree.

2.    Heat a large frying pan and add the oil.  Add the curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until the paste in darker in colour and very aromatic.

3.    Add the cinnamon, star anise, cardamom pods and cloves and cook for a further minute and then add the braising steak.

4.    Fry the meat in the paste until browned all over and then pour in the coconut milk and tamarind, simmer and then add the kaffir leaves, lime zest and sugar.  Season with salt and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours, stirring frequently.  When ready the meat should be very tender and the sauce very rich.

5.    Meanwhile in a dry pan toast the coconut flakes until they are deep brown in colour.  Blend to a powder in either a food processor or pestle and mortar.  When the curry is ready stir in the coconut and mix through.

6.    Serve with basmati rice and a sprinkling of fresh coriander.

The Ultimate Lasagne with Extra Mature Cheddar Sauce

The Ultimate Lasagne with Extra Mature Cheddar Sauce

Delicious - what more can I say!

Serves 6

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cooking time:  50-60 minutes

Ingredients

For the tomato sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes

1 garlic clove, peeled & crushed

Pinch of caster sugar

1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves only, chopped

1 bay leaf

Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

For the meat sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

4 shallots, peeled & finely chopped

1 carrot, peeled & finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

500g lean minced beef

1 sprig fresh thyme, stalks removed

2 bay leaves

5 basil leaves, torn

375ml red wine, Chianti or merlot

Pinch of caster sugar

2 tsp tomato puree

For the cheese sauce:

600ml milk

1 bay leaf

6 black peppercorns

Slice of onion

60g butter

60g plain flour

2 tsp Dijon Mustard

200g Pilgrims Choice Extra Mature Cheddar cheese, grated

Salt & pepper

12 pre-cooked lasagne sheets

75g Pilgrims Choice Extra Mature Cheddar cheese, grated

Preparation method

1.  To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a pan and add the tomatoes and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  Now add the sugar, thyme, bay leaf and seasoning. Cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have reduced.

2.  For the meat sauce, heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the shallots, carrots and celery for 5 minutes until softened but not coloured.  Add the mince and cook for 5-8 minutes until the meat is browned.  Add the thyme, bay leaves, basil and red wine.  Reduce slowly over a gentle heat until thick.  Season to taste, and add the sugar to taste, now stir in the tomato puree and take out the bay leaves.

3.  To make the cheese sauce, pour the milk into a saucepan and add the bay leaf peppercorns and onion.  Heat gently to just below boiling point, then remove from the heat, cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes.  Strain the milk into a jug.  In a separate pan melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the warm milk.  Return to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring.  Cook, stirring until thickened and smooth.  Stir in the mustard and cheese, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

4.  Remove the bay leaf from the tomato sauce and combine this with the meat sauce.  Combine the meat sauce with a quarter of the cheese sauce.

5.  Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C/Gas mark 3.

6.  To assemble the lasagne, grease an oven proof dish, spread a spoonful of meat sauce over the base of the dish. Add a layer of lasagne sheets and top with one third of the meat sauce, then drizzle over some cheese sauce.  Repeat this and top with a final layer of lasagne sheets and cover with the cheese sauce.  Sprinkle over the cheese and place in the oven for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

Stir-Fried Beef Noodles with Black Bean Garlic Sauce

Stir-Fried Beef Noodles with Black Bean Garlic Sauce

This is an incredibly tasty, healthy and easy stir-fry that can be made in minutes - a delicious mid-week meal. 

Lee Kum Kee’s Black Bean Garlic Stir-Fry sauce makes this dish!

Serves 2

Prep time:  5-7 minutes

Cooking time:  5-7 minutes

Ingredients

250g lean beef steak, cut into thin strips

1 garlic clove, peeled & crushed

½ tbsp fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated

1 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce

Toasted Sesame oil

Freshly ground salt & pepper

1 tbsp vegetable oil

½ red pepper, deseeded & cut into thin strips

3 spring onions, sliced

100g bean sprout & stir fry vegetable mix

150g medium egg noodles

Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Stir-fry Sauce

Method

1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil for the noodles.

2. Place the thinly sliced steak into a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Crush in the garlic, add the grated ginger and mix well. Leave to marinade for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the vegetables.

3. Heat a wok or a large frying pan until hot then add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a touch of sesame oil, swirling the wok to coat the surface evenly. Add the beef strips and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until nicely browned.

4. Now add the red pepper and spring onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the bean sprouts for the last 30 seconds.

5. Blanch the noodles in the boiling water for about 3-4 minutes, until tender but still retaining a slight bite, then drain and immediately toss with the beef and vegetables.  Now add the Black Bean Garlic sauce and stir until warmed through.

6. Divide between bowls and serve, enjoy!

Why takeaway when you can fakeaway

We’re a time-strapped nation in need of quick and tasty meal ideas. Leading Chinese sauce company, Lee Kum Kee, has the answer in the form of a new collection of stir-fry sauces - so you can make a delicious dinner in a dash.

The stir-fry has long been a quick mid-week favourite and these little packets of joy can be paired perfectly with a variety of ingredients including: chicken, tofu, prawns and vegetables – giving you a tasty meal in minutes.

The stir-fry sauces include classic and regional Chinese flavour options like Black Bean Garlic and Kung Pao Chicken as well as flavoursome favourites Tomato & Garlic and Honey & Soy, providing an authentic taste of the East. The sauces provide inspiration in a packet - giving you a quicker, healthier and more wallet-friendly option than ordering a takeaway.

Not only is Lee Kum Kee the most used sauce brand in Hong Kong households but it also has over 130 years’ experience in sauce making. All Lee Kum Kee products are made to the highest quality, using only the best ingredients and with careful attention to detail at every stage of production. So we say kick back, reclaim your evenings and enjoy a Chinese dinner where there’s maximum flavour and minimum fuss. 

The stir-fry sauces are available from September in Tesco, Asda and Ocado RRP 85p.

                                      

For further information https://www.uk.lkk.com/