Moroccan Zucchini & Chick Pea Salad

This Moroccan inspired salad is hearty and satisfying. A fantastic side to any meal or even eaten alone, this recipe is sure to become one of your favourites!

Zucchini's are certainly the highlight of this dish, offering a hearty and wholesome texture. Zucchini's are often used as a meat alternative that delivers protein, folate, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, plus many more! The addition of chick peas to the following dish ensures satiety, while alike other legumes and pulses acts to assist cardiovascular and digestive health.

Serves 4 - 6

Preparation & cook time  ~ 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 zucchini's
2 - 3 tbls extra virgin olive oil
400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped

1tsp paprika

1tsp ground cumin

1tsp organic local honey

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

4 tbls extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. Slice each zucchini length ways into thick slices, and arrange over a grill pan on medium heat. Lightly brush either side of the zucchinis slices with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of pink himalayan sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until tender for around 8-10 minutes. When cooked, remove from the grill pan and cut each slice into quarters.

2. Place grilled zucchini quarters and can of drained and rinsed chickpeas into a bowl. Add fresh coriander and red onion.

3. To make the dressing add paprika, cumin, honey, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil into a clean jar, place on the lid and shake well. Once combined, pour over zucchini and chickpea mix, and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy

Spicy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This delicious stuffed chicken breast is one of my absolute favourites and I cook it weekly. Its full of flavour and goodness delivering a moist chicken breast stuffed with spices and nuts. Quick and easy to prepare its a must have mid week meal!

Serves 4

Preparation & cook time  ~ 40 minutes

Ingredients

100g mixed colour quinoa

2tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, thinly diced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 knob of fresh root ginger, grated

1tsp ground cinnamon, plus a pinch extra 

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground cardamon
Pinch ground black pepper

1/2 apple diced into small squares, skin on

60g raw almonds, roughly chopped

Handful of baby spinach

20g fresh coriander, roughly chopped

4 chicken breasts

Method

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Allow to stand.

2. Preheat oven to 200C or 180C fan. 

3. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium pan, and add onion, ginger, garlic, spices and black pepper. Fry until onion is soft and translucent. Add chopped apple and cook for a further 3 minutes. 

4. Take pan off the heat and pour mixture into a heatproof bowl, add cooked quinoa, chopped almonds, baby spinach, and coriander and mix well.

5. Cut chicken breasts open so its flat like a book, without completely cutting them in half, ensure the top can be folded over. Stuff the stuffing mixture into the chicken breast and fold over the top of the breast. Place the tightly packed breasts into a small baking dish, filling the rest of the dish with any remaining stuffing. Rub the top of the breasts with additional cinnamon and bake the breasts for 25-30 minutes, or until liquid runs clean when breast is cut into.

Serve with some mixed steamed vegetables or fresh salad for a nutrition and flavour packed meal!