No Bake Granola Cups

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Future Life Granola Crunch
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 100g dark chocolate (for melting)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Granola Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Future Life Granola Crunch, unsweetened peanut butter, and maple syrup. Stir until all the granola is well coated and evenly mixed.

2. Form the Cups:

   • Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   • Take small portions of the granola mixture and press them firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cupcake liner to form cups. Ensure they are well-packed to hold their shape.
     

3. Melt the Dark Chocolate:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.

4. Fill the Cups:

   • Spoon the melted dark chocolate evenly over each granola cup, covering the top completely. You can use a spoon or a small spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.

5. Chill and Set:

   • Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened and the cups are set.

6. Serve:

   • Once set, remove the granola cups from the muffin tin and peel off the cupcake liners. Enjoy your no-bake healthy granola cups as a delicious snack or dessert!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Spinach Lasagne with Mince

Ingredients:

• 1 packet spinach lasagna sheets
• 1 kg mutton mince
• 1 canned tomato
• 200g mozzarella cheese (grated)

For the mince:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Kashmiri masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 canned tomato

For the white sauce:

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 100g butter
• Mixed herbs (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 3 cups milk

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mutton Mince:

   • Heat oil in a large pan, and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden.
   • Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
   • Add the mutton mince and braise until browned and cooked through.
   • Stir in the Kashmiri masala and salt, then add the canned tomato. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

2. Make the White Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to create a smooth roux.
   • Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Add mixed herbs, black pepper, and salt. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a baking dish, spread a layer of the cooked mutton mince at the bottom.
• Place a layer of spinach lasagna sheets over the mince.
  
• Pour a layer of white sauce on top of the lasagna sheets, followed by a sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layers (mince, lasagna sheets, white sauce, mozzarella) until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Bake:

   • Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
     

5. Serve:

   • Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!

Baked Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Bell Peppers

 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated or sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
   • Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional):

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden (this step enhances flavor but can be skipped).

4. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In a large baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic.
   • Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Place the chicken breasts on top of the bed of vegetables in the baking dish.
   • Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 75°C or 165°F) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
   • Serve the baked chicken with the roasted cherry tomatoes and bell peppers on the side.

Enjoy this vibrant, cheesy baked chicken dish!

Easy Chicken Chow Mein with Udon Noodles

 Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
• 300g udon noodles (pre-cooked or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

(you can also use the asian stir fry soy sauce thats already premixed with the above sauces)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Udon Noodles:

   • If using fresh or pre-cooked udon noodles, simply separate them in hot water for a minute, drain, and set aside.
   • For dry udon noodles, cook them according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the sliced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
   • Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften but still have a bit of crunch.

4. Combine and Cook:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
   • Add the udon noodles to the pan and toss everything together.
   • Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the chicken, noodles, and vegetables evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken chow mein with udon noodles!

This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal!

Blueberry Muffins

 

INGREDIENTS

2 cups self raising flour

pinch of salt

1 ¼ cups sugar

8 tablespoons butter melted and cooled

¼ cup oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup milk

1 ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen

SYRUP

1 cup blueberries

2 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoon sugar

METHOD

• whisk eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy
• mix in oil, butter, vanilla and milk and beat well
• sift in flour
• roll blueberries in 1 tablespoon flour ( this prevents berries from sinking to the bottom when in oven)
• fold in blueberries to the mixture
• now make the syrup by bringing blueberries, sugar and lemon juice to a boil on the stove
• mash all the blueberries to get a syrup
• line a muffin tray with lining or cupcake cases and spoon batter into tray filling each cup until its  3/4 fill
• add 1 tsp of syrup on top of each muffin
• bake for 15 minutes or until light brown

KFC Style Chicken

 Ingredients

1kg Chicken Pieces ( wash and clean without removing the skin)

Milk Mixture

1 cup milk

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 egg

1 tsp garlic powder

Flour Rub

1 cup flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp mixed herbs

1 tsp oregano

Method

• Add black pepper, garlic powder,egg and salt to the milk and mix well
•  Add chicken pieces to milk mixture
• Allow to sit for 1 hour or more
• Mix all the ingredients for flour mixture together
• Thoroughly coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture
• Dip chicken again in the milk and then coat 1 more time in the flour mixture (this allows the chicken coating to be thick and crispy when it is fried)
• Deep fry chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked

*Serve with mash and gravy and french fries

https://simplydelicious25.blogspot.com/2023/08/mash-and-gravy.html

Mash and Gravy

 

Ingredients

4 Potatoes

1 chicken stock cube

1 beef stock cube

1 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

2 tbsp flour

3 tbsp butter

1 cup boiling water

For The Mash

Boil potatoes until soft , mash with a fork and add 2 tbsp milk and salt to taste

For The Gravy

• place butter in a saucepan on medium heat , add flour and form a roux
• dissolve stock cubes in the boiling water and add to flour mixture, mix well
• add black pepper and salt to taste
• ( add more water should you wish your gravy to be of a weaker consistency)

* Serve with roasts, steaks or fried chicken

https://simplydelicious25.blogspot.com/2023/08/homemade-kfc.html

Kolkutter/ South Indian Prayer Snack

This sweet snack is served as an offering to Goddess Laxmi during laxmi prayers as well as to Goddess Kali during Porridge Prayers 

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rice flour

- 1 cup condensed milk

- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut

- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped or sliced

- Rama butter (ghee) for frying

 1 tsp elachi powder

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a tablespoon of rama butter (ghee) on low heat.

2. Add the rice flour to the pan and stir continuously to roast it gently. Keep the flame low to prevent burning. Roast the rice flour until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This will take around 5-7 minutes. Remove the roasted rice flour from the pan and let it cool.

3. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of rama butter (ghee) and lightly toast the chopped or sliced almonds until they become golden and fragrant. Set aside the toasted almonds.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted rice flour, desiccated coconut,elachi powder and toasted almonds.

5. Pour the condensed milk into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should come together to form a dough-like consistency.

6. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into finger-like structures, similar to thin cylindrical sticks.

10. Serve the delicious South Indian Kolkutter as a sweet and crunchy delight to relish with family and friends. Store any leftover kolkutter in an airtight container to retain its crispiness.

The South Indian Kolkutter is a delightful treat loved by all ages. With the rich flavors of roasted rice flour, the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, the nutty crunch of almonds, and the delightful touch of desiccated coconut, it brings a burst of flavors and textures to your taste buds. Whether served during festivals, special occasions, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, the Kolkutter is sure to leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the delectable goodness of this traditional South Indian delicacy and savor the love and warmth it brings to your celebrations.

Vadda / Vede / Vadde

Ingredients:

- 1 cup pea dhall (yellow split peas)

- 1 teaspoon jeera seeds (cumin seeds)

- 2-3 dry red chillies (adjust to taste)

- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled

- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled

- 2-3 green chillies (adjust to spice preference)

- Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped

- 1 shallot, finely chopped

- 1 small onion, diced

- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)

- Fine salt, to taste

- Banana leaves (or parchment paper) for flattening vaddas

vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Rinse the pea dhall thoroughly and soak it in water overnight or for at least 6 hours.

2. Drain the soaked pea dhall and add it to a food processor or blender.

3. To the food processor, add jeera seeds, dry red chillies, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Grind the mixture to a coarse paste without adding water. The mixture should be soft and pliable.

4. Transfer the ground mixture to a mixing bowl.

5. Add chopped fresh coriander, finely chopped shallot, diced onion, hing, and fine salt to the bowl with the ground mixture.

6. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, using your hands to form a smooth dough-like consistency.

7. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, then flatten each ball using the back of a spoon or your fingers.

8. Place a banana leaf or parchment paper on a flat surface and place the flattened vaddas on it.

9. In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat rama butter (ghee) or vegetable oil on medium heat.

10. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide a few vaddas into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

11. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried vaddas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

12. Serve the savory and crunchy South Indian Vadda or Vede with chutney or sambar as a delicious snack or appetizer.

The South Indian Vadda or Vede is a flavorful and crispy delicacy that perfectly complements a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of ground lentils and aromatic spices creates a burst of savory flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether served during festive occasions or as an evening snack, these savory lentil fritters are bound to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the tradition and taste of South India with this delectable vadda recipe!

Gulgoola - Sweet and Fluffy Fritters

Ingredients:

- 1 cup self-raising flour

- 1 cup whole wheat flour

- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 tablespoons rama butter 

- Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, whole wheat flour, desiccated coconut, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.

2. Add the melted rama butter (ghee) to the dry mixture and mix it thoroughly. The butter will help to bind the ingredients together and add a rich flavor to the gulgoola.

3. Gradually add the milk to the mixture while stirring continuously. Mix until you achieve a smooth and thick batter. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter.

4. Cover the batter with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Resting the batter allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful gulgoola.

5. In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat vegetable oil on medium heat for deep frying the gulgoola.

6. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or your hands to drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the gulgoola in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

7. Fry the gulgoola until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

8. Serve the sweet and fluffy gulgoola as a delightful dessert or snack. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Gulgoola is a beloved traditional sweet in South India, and this recipe brings out its delightful flavors and texture. The combination of self-raising flour, whole wheat flour, desiccated coconut, and sugar creates a delectable treat that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The use of rama butter (ghee) adds a luscious touch to the fritters, while deep frying them in vegetable oil ensures they achieve the perfect golden brown and crispy exterior. Enjoy these sweet and fluffy gulgoola with your loved ones on any occasion or as a special treat to savor the rich flavors of South India.

5 Delicious and Easy Breakfast Ideas to Kickstart Your Day

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It provides the fuel and nutrients our bodies need to start the day off right. However, in our busy lives, we often find ourselves rushing through breakfast or settling for something less than satisfying. But fear not! In this blog post, we have compiled a list of five delicious and easy breakfast ideas that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also fit seamlessly into your morning routine. Let's dive in!

1. Overnight Oats:

If you're a fan of simplicity and convenience, overnight oats are the perfect breakfast solution for you. To prepare this nutritious and delicious meal, simply combine rolled oats, milk (dairy or plant-based), and your favorite toppings in a jar or container the night before. Leave it in the fridge overnight, and by morning, you'll have a ready-to-eat breakfast that requires zero effort. Feel free to experiment with various flavor combinations like mixed berries and almond butter or chocolate and banana for a delightful start to your day.

2. Avocado Toast:

Avocado toast has become a breakfast staple for many, thanks to its versatility and health benefits. Start by toasting a slice of whole-grain bread to your desired level of crispness. Mash a ripe avocado with a fork and spread it over the toast. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and add optional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, feta cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This quick and satisfying breakfast is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.

3. Yogurt Parfait:

For a breakfast that feels more like a treat, try a yogurt parfait. Layer a container with your favorite yogurt (Greek or dairy-free alternatives work well), fresh or frozen fruits, and a sprinkle of granola or nuts for added crunch. Repeat the layers and top it off with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of nut butter. The combination of creamy yogurt, sweet fruits, and crunchy toppings will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

4. Vegetable Egg Muffins:

For those who prefer a protein-packed breakfast, vegetable egg muffins are a fantastic option. Whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and then add your favorite diced vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, onions, or mushrooms. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until the eggs are set. These portable muffins can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. They're a great way to get a dose of veggies and protein to start your day off right.

5. Smoothie Bowl:

If you're looking for a refreshing and vibrant breakfast option, smoothie bowls are the way to go. Blend together frozen fruits, a liquid of your choice (such as almond milk or coconut water), and a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale. Pour the thick smoothie into a bowl and top it with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, sliced banana, coconut flakes, chia seeds, or granola. The combinations are endless, and you can customize your smoothie bowl to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Breakfast doesn't have to be a rushed or mundane affair. With these five delicious and easy breakfast ideas, you can transform your mornings into a flavorful and satisfying experience. Whether you prefer something quick and portable like overnight oats or a refreshing smoothie bowl, these breakfast options are packed with nutrients and will help fuel your day ahead. Remember, a nourishing breakfast is the foundation for a productive and energized day, so make it a priority and enjoy the benefits it brings.

Curried Mutton Samp with Soy and Red Beans

 

This samp recipe is a favorite in my household using not only red speckled beans but jugo beans as well.

INGREDIENTS

1 kg cleaned mutton pieces

1 cup soaked and boiled samp (maize kernels)

1 cup sugar or red speckled beans

1 cup jugo beans

4 tablespoons masala

1 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric

2 teaspoons dhania and jeera powder (coriander and cumin powder)

1 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)

3 bay leaves

3 cloves

3 elaichi (cardamom) pods

3 black peppercorns

2 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon somph (fennel seeds)

1 teaspoon shah jeera (caraway seeds)

3 tablespoons ginger and garlic paste

Salt to taste

Oil for cooking

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

METHOD:

• Heat oil in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the elaichi pods, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, somph, and shah jeera. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
• Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until they turn golden brown.
• Add ginger and garlic paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
• In a small bowl, mix together masala, Kashmiri chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, dhania and jeera powder, and jeera. Add this spice mixture to the pot and cook for a minute, stirring well to coat the onions with the spices.
• Add the mutton pieces to the pot and cook until they are half way cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Once the mutton is partially cooked, add the soaked and boiled samp (maize kernels), sugar or red speckled beans, and jugo beans to the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

  

  Red Beans

Jugo Beans ( Soy beans)

• Add enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot. You can adjust the amount of water depending on the desired consistency of the dish.
• Season with salt to taste and give it a good stir. Cover the pot with a lid.
• If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the mutton and beans are tender. If using a regular pot, simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the mutton is tender and flavors have melded together.
• Once the mutton and beans are cooked, check for seasoning and adjust if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Mastering the Art of Boiling Eggs: A Guide to Perfectly Cooked Eggs

 

Boiling an egg may seem like a simple task, but achieving the perfect texture can be a challenge. Whether you prefer a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk or a hard-boiled egg with a fully set yolk, mastering the art of boiling an egg to perfection requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. In this article, we will guide you through the process of boiling an egg to your desired consistency.

1. Start with Fresh Eggs:

2. For the best results, begin with fresh eggs. Fresh eggs have firmer whites and tend to peel more easily than older eggs. However, if you have older eggs in your refrigerator, they can still be used for boiling.

3. 
   

4. Prepare a Saucepan:

5. Choose a saucepan that is large enough to accommodate the number of eggs you wish to boil. Place the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of the saucepan. Adding too many eggs at once can lead to uneven cooking.

6. 
   

7. Add Cold Water:

8. Fill the saucepan with enough cold water to cover the eggs by about an inch. The cold water will help prevent the eggs from overcooking and developing a greenish-gray ring around the yolk.

9. 
   

10. Heat the Water:

11. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Slowly bring the water to a gentle boil. It's important to avoid rapid boiling, as it can cause the eggs to bounce around and crack.

12. 
    

13. Control the Cooking Time:

    • 
      
    • Soft-boiled eggs: Cook for 4-6 minutes for a runny yolk and slightly set whites.
    • 
      
    • Medium-boiled eggs: Cook for 8-10 minutes for a yolk that is mostly set but still slightly soft.
    • 
      
    • Hard-boiled eggs: Cook for 12-16 minutes for a fully set yolk.
14. 
    
    
    
    
• 
  

Guidelines:

*** Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of the eggs and your altitude. It may require some experimentation to find your preferred level of doneness.

6. Monitor the Cooking Time: To ensure precise timing, use a timer or keep a close eye on the clock. Overcooking the eggs can result in a dry and rubbery texture, while undercooking may leave the yolks too runny.

7. 
   

8. 
   
   

9. 
   

10. Prepare an Ice Bath: Once the eggs have reached the desired doneness, carefully remove them from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. An ice bath stops the cooking process and helps loosen the shell, making it easier to peel later.

11. 
    

12. Peel and Enjoy: Gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll it gently to loosen the shell further. Peel the shell under a stream of running water or in the ice bath to aid in the peeling process. Once peeled, your perfectly boiled eggs are ready to be enjoyed as is, added to salads, or used in various recipes.

By following these steps, you can achieve the perfect boiled eggs every time. Whether you prefer a delicate soft-boiled egg or a fully set hard-boiled egg, mastering the art of boiling an egg will allow you to create a variety of delicious dishes or simply enjoy them on their own. Experiment with different cooking times to find your personal preference and savor the culinary delight of a perfectly boiled egg.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Butternut and Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

- 300g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

- 200g colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced

- 200g mushrooms, sliced

- 300g pasta (penne or fettuccine)

- 50g butter

- 50g all-purpose flour

- 500ml milk

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced

- Olive oil for roasting

- Leafy salad for serving

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). 
• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
• In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously until the mixture forms a smooth paste, known as a roux.
• Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through.
•  Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized. 
• Remove from the heat.
• In a baking dish, combine the diced sweet potato and butternut squash. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
•  Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and golden.
•  Add the cooked chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and mushrooms to the white sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
•  Place the cooked pasta in a large serving dish, and pour the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture over 
• Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
• Serve the creamy chicken pasta alongside the roasted sweet potato and butternut squash. Add a side of leafy salad for freshness.

Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken pasta with colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and a side of sweet potato and butternut squash!