FeastforFamine

About FeastforFamine

Hi there and welcome to FeastforFamine!

Are you bored with going home to another bowl of pasta, sandwich or reheated lasagna? Going out for a pizza, burger or a steak? If you fancy trying some of the other wonderful stuff going on out there in the world, welcome to my blog, FeastforFamine.

Come on in and join me on my journey around the world, creating food inspired by countries from Zimbabwe to Peru!

FeastForFamine has four main goals, specifically to…

Promote flavours and ideas from corners of the world less well-travelled or promoted.
Put my own interpretation on some of those and share my ideas with you.
Draw attention to some of the issues currently going on in those countries, many of which are suffering greatly from war and/or famine.
Through my links with Save the Children, to raise some funds to support children suffering throughout those countries and the wider world.

The emphasis is on inexpensive, wholesome, widely available ingredients which we don’t always think of pairing. Exotic cooking need not cost the earth, but sometimes takes only a slightly more adventurous approach to give our taste buds something new to look forward to.

Sadly, closer to home, several hundred thousand people in the UK now regularly rely on foodbanks. So, I have deliberately chosen a charity whose scope includes the UK, and hope that the ethos behind my ideas and recipes will make most of them accessible to as many people as possible.

Every Monday throughout 2019 I will be posting a new recipe. if you try, and enjoy any of my recipes and you feel inspired to make a donation (of any amount) please feel free to click the link to the donations page. And if not, that’s fine too – I only hope that you enjoy the recipe! Please feel free to leave any comments or feedback, or suggestions for enhancing any of the recipes. The whole idea of this blog is promote experimentation, exchange of ideas and learning from experience!

Scroll down and be inspired x

Inspired by Hungary – Orange Pepper and Paprika Soup

Autumn, Comforting, Easy, Food, Gluten Free, Lunch, Quick, Recipes, Soups/Stews, Vegan, Vegetarian, World

Loving these autumn colours and flavours with this ‘Hungarian Inspired’ orange pepper and paprika soup, finished off with a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream and sprinkling of dill…can be kept vegan if you opt out of the sour cream and creme fraiche!

Serves: 4

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 30mins

Ingredients: 3 large orange peppers, 1 large tomato, 1 large onion, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp. of smoked paprika (plus extra for serving), 1 veggie stock cube, 1 tsp of dill for serving and a good dollop each of sour cream or creme fraiche.

Method:

Soften one large onion and two cloves of garlic in one tbsp. of oil (I used olive oil), in a lidded pan
Add three large diced orange peppers, one large tomato to the pan and one tsp. of smoked paprika
Pop the lid on and cook on a gentle simmer for 20mins, stirring occasionally so that is doesn’t stick, this method should ensure that all the lovely juices are released from the peppers
After 20mins add 400ml of veggie stock and simmer for another 10mins
Blitz all in a food processor and serve with a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream and a scattering of dill and paprika
Enjoy!

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

September Recipe Review -From Korea to Kenya

Cake, Cheap, Comforting, Easy, Food, Main Course, Recipes, Rice Dishes, Salads, Spicy, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Hi All,

So how was your September? Settled back in to work and school? Or just enjoying the last of the long days before the clocks go back…Whatever you did I hope you enjoyed my tasty recipes and even got to try a few. Let’s just have a quick recap before moving full swing into Autumn!

First stop in September was a trip to Egypt for the Inspired by Egypt – Courgette and Chickpea Salad with Dukkah, an easy and delicious vegan salad with bags of flavour, I am still sprinkling my ‘Dukkah’ too!

Next up Inspired by Korea – Vegan Asparagus and Ginger Pancakes, another vegan treat and a chance to use some of the amazing combinations I picked up from a Korean cooking course in the summer. I choose to make a vegan option but for this recipe, but please do try with other ingredients such as prawns and shredded chicken.

Still clinging onto the idea of summer, I decided to cool things down with Inspired by Guatemala – Coffee, Banana and Chocolate Condensed Milk Ice Cream, super easy and as well as an after dinner treat can be added to different milk of your choice to make a really yummy iced coffee.

Starting to feel to strain of cooking several meals a day, I next wanted to make something that I could use as tasty lunch leftovers, with the added benefit of being filling and healthy, so I created the Inspired by Jordan – Oven Baked Fragrant Rice with Crispy Chickpeas and a Parsley Lemon and Cucumber Sauce.

Lastly in September, I wanted to get back into baking using old ideas combined with new flavours, I think I hit the spot with the Inspired by Kenya – Ginger Drizzle Sponge Cake,so much so I have been asked to make it again for a friend. Really great with a cuppa, coffee or to be honest just on its own!

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x

Inspired by Sri Lanka – Prawn and Yellow Lentil Curry with Cheats Pol Sambola

Asian Flavours, Comforting, Curry, Food, Gluten Free, Main Course, Recipes, Spicy, World

Luckily the oven roasted spice mix makes enough for two curries, as you will want to make this again and again! Filling, earthy flavours with the added zing of the ‘Cheats Pol Sambola’ to really tickle your tastebuds.

Serves: 2, or 4 if you add rice

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 30 – 40mins

Ingredients: For the Sri Lankan Spice Mix, 1 tsp. black peppercorns, 1 tsp. cumin seeds, 2 tsp. mustard seeds, 2 tsp. fennel seeds, 2 tsp. coriander seeds

For the lentils: 1 cup of red or yellow lentils, 3 cups of cold water, 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick

For the curry: 1 can of full fat coconut milk, 12 – 16 King Prawns (depending on size and how many you want!), 2 garlic cloves, 1 thumb sized piece of ginger peeled, 1 red chilli, 1 tsp of coconut oil, (can use vegetable oil), 1 tsp. tumeric

For the ‘Cheats Pol Sambola’: 1/2 small red onion finely sliced, 1.1/2 tbsps. of natural desiccated coconut, 1/2 tsp. of dried chilli flakes (more of less depending on how much heat you like), juice of 1/2 a lime, 1 tsp. fish sauce.

Method:

First pre-heat your oven to 200F, place all of the spice mix spices in a roasting tin and roast for 8-10 minutes until starting to brown
Rinse your lentils and add to a pan with 3 cups of cold water, the cloves and cinnamon stick
Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10-15mins until softened, drain and remove the cloves and cinnamon stick and put to one side until ready to use
Now make your ‘Pol Sambola’, by mixing all ingredients together and then placing in the fridge until ready to use
Once your spices have cooled a bit give them a good bash in a pestle and mortar or a quick blitz in a food processor
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan and add the garlic, chilli, turmeric and ginger, fry for a few minutes then add half of your spice mix, save the rest in an air tight container for another time!
Fry for a further 2 – minutes before adding the cooked lentils and coating well in the mixture
Add the coconut milk and simmer for 10mins
Add your prawns and cook for a few minutes longer to heat through
Serve with ‘Pol Samba’ and enjoy!

Three decades of civil war and the tsunami in 2004, have left the children of Sri Lanka extremely vulnerable with many of them still suffering from both emotional and physically scars. The tsunami killed tens of thousands of people and flattened towns and villages. Save The Children have since rebuilt 21 schools, safe places for children to play and provided emergency aid and education to 130,000 children. They are also working with local organisations and government to reunite children with their families and develop Early Children Care and Development programmes to give children a better future. To find out more please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/asia/sri-lanka

Thanks x

Inspired by Kenya – Ginger Drizzle Sponge Cake

Baking, Cake, Cheap, Comforting, Dessert, Food, Recipes, Sweets, Treats, World

Ginger is used widely in Kenyan beverages from Kenyan Ginger Tea to Ginger Beer, often drunk with a sweet donut called ‘Mandazi’, so I wanted to create something that combines the love of ginger with a sweet treat – I hope this hits the spot!

Makes: 12 Squares

Prep: 15mins

Cook: 40 – 45 mins

Ingredients: For the Ginger Syrup, 50g of fresh ginger, 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 300ml of cold water, 85g icing sugar

For the Ginger Sponge: 115g butter, 115g caster sugar, 115g self raising flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. dried ginger, a little fresh ginger (optional).

Method:

Make the ginger syrup first by adding 50g of roughly chopped fresh ginger to a pan with one tbsp. of brown sugar and 300ml of water
Bring to the boil and leave on a simmer for 20mins until the liquid has reduced by half, stirring occasionally so that all the sugar dissolves
Take the liquid of the heat and allow to cool, once cooled, place through a sieve to remove all of the ginger and leave to one side while you prepare the sponge
Pre-heat your oven to 160F
First mix together the butter and sugar until all combined and fluffy, now add your eggs and mix well
Add your dry ingredients, flour, baking powder and ginger powder, folding until all combined into a thick batter
Line a baking tin (I used an 18cm x 24cm rectangular tray, but you can use a round one)
Pour your mixture into the tray, spreading evenly and pop in the oven for 20 -25 mins until golden brown
Meanwhile add 85g of icing sugar to the ginger syrup and mix well so there isn’t any lumps
While your sponge is still cooling prick the surface with a fork many times and pour over your ginger syrup, making sure to cover the whole surface of the cake
Leave to cool and infuse completely then cut into 12 squares
Serve with an extra sprinkle of sugar and grated fresh ginger if you wish
Enjoy!

Although Kenya is one of the most developed countries in Africa, they still face many challenges. Save The Children are working in Kenya to support those who find themselves in the refugee camp Dadaab, from Somalia, and are working with nomadic communities to ensure they are better equipped for future disasters such as the severe droughts that Kenya is prone too. They are also working tirelessly to decrease the number of child, newborn and maternal deaths. To find out more, please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/africa/kenya

Thanks x

Inspired by Jordan – Oven Baked Fragrant Rice with Crispy Chickpeas and a Parsley Lemon and Cucumber Sauce

Comforting, Food, Gluten Free, Main Course, Recipes, Rice Dishes, Syria, Vegetarian, World

Healthy, filling cheap and delicious! Try out this Jordanian Inspired Baked Rice…makes great lunch box left overs too!

Serves: 4 as a main course

Prep: 15 -20mins
Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients: For the rice – 2 cups of basmati rice, 1 white or brown onion (thinly sliced), 1 courgette (diced into small cubes), 1 garlic clove (thinly sliced/crushed), 1 tbsp. olive oil, 8 cherry tomatoes, veggie stock cube, 1 tsp. turmeric, 1 tsp. dried thyme, 1 tsp, dried oregano, 1 tsp. sesame seeds, rind of 1/2 lemon

For the Crispy Chickpeas – can of chickpeas (400g before draining), 1 tsp. olive oil pinch of salt

For the Yogurt Sauce – 150g natural yogurt, small bunch of chopped parsley, 1/2 grated cucumber, juice of 1/2 a lemon, pinch of salt, grated/crushed clove of garlic.

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 200f
Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a lidded oven proof pan, add to this the turmeric, thyme, oregano and sesame seeds
Heat for a few minutes then add the garlic, onion and courgette and cook for a further 2-3 minutes
Add two cups of basmati rice, mix well then add 4 cups of water and mix in a veggie stock cube
Pop the cherry tomatoes on top and the rind from 1/2 a lemon, turn off the heat, pop the lid on and cook in the oven for one hour
While the rice is cooking prepare your chickpeas and make your yogurt sauce
Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas and leave to one side to make sure they are without any excess water
Combine all the ingredients for your yogurt, mix well and leave in the fridge until ready to use, adding salt to taste
Mix the chickpeas with a little oil and a pinch of salt, place on a baking tray and 20mins before your rice is ready pop in the top of the oven
After 20mins the chickpeas should be nice and crispy and the rice ready
Assemble your dish by plating up the rice, adding the yogurt on top and scattering over the crispy chickpeas. The rice should have formed a nice crisp on the bottom of the pan so be sure you add this to your dish too
Dig in!

600,000 Syrian people are currently living as refugees in Jordan, with around half of them children. Save The Children are working in Jordan to ensure that they are receiving food, protection and education. To find out more please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/middle-east/jordan

And if you would like to have a look at my previous recipes for Syria please click on the links below:

Inspired by Syria – Garlicky Roasted Courgette and Carrot, Honey, Cumin and Pine Nut Dips

Syrian Inspired Aubergine Dip with Honey and Pistachios

Syrian Inspired Fruit Salad

Thanks x

Inspired by Guatemala – Coffee, Banana and Chocolate Condensed Milk Ice Cream

Cheap, chocolate, Dessert, Easy, Food, Quick, Recipes, summer desserts, Sweets, Treats, World

Easy after dinner treat or just because… Also can be added to milks of all variety to make an excellent frappe!

Makes: 1,000ml/500g

Prep: 5mins

Cook: No cook but 5 – 6 hours freezing timing

Ingredients: 387ml of condensed milk, 3 ripe bananas, 20g of dark chocolate (plus optional extra for grating over before serving), 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 shot of cooled strong espresso coffee.

Method:

Blitz well, all of the ingredients in a food processor
Transfer to a freezable container, old ice cream containers work best!
Freeze for up to 6 hours and scrap off any ice that may appear on top before serving
If making ahead leave out of the freezer for up to 30 minutes until softened
Enjoy!

As well as being subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, the children of Guatemala have also been affected by the repercussion of a 36 year civil war, which included genocide and violation of human rights, especially among poorer communities. Now in the poorest areas, 60% of children are malnourished and 19% of all children, as young as seven are sent to work. Save The Children are helping those within the poorest communities find ways to develop healthier, sustainable livelihoods and are promoting education to ensure children have a better future. To find out more, please visit:

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/south-central-america/guatemala

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk

Who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

Thanks x

Venezuelan P.A.N Time!

Baking, Brunch, Food, Gluten Free, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian, World

Hi there! I will be whipping up a treat with this at the weekend, but wanted to know your thoughts on it and spread some awareness of its origin and uses.

P.A.N is actually an acronym meaning “Producto Alimenticio Nacional”, translating to “National Food Product”, originating in Venezuela and is seen as a staple in Venezuelan diets. It is also used widely across the rest of South America and cornflour such as this is also a used in a lot of African cooking too, and can be used in a similar way to Italian Polenta.

Main uses include Venezuelan arepas and empanadas – yummy! It also boasts no additives and is great for those following a gluten free diet.

Now for the hard part…

As violence, political and economic instability continues in Venezuela, it is estimated that 3 million people have fled their homes, with at least 1 million now based in nearby Columbia. This figure includes 300,000 children, some of whom are travelling alone leaving them incredibly vulnerable. It is predicted that by the end of 2019, this number will rise to 5.3 million.

Below are some stark statistic from Save The Children US, on the impact this current situation is having on children still in Venezuela:

15% of school-age children are out of school
16 out of 1,000 children die before their 5th birthday
33% of people live in poverty
13% of children suffer from stunting due to malnutrition

If you would like to find out more please visit: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/where-we-work/latin-america/venezuela

I will be making an Inspired by Venezuela recipe later this year, but for now if you would like to have a look at some of the other South American Recipes, I have put together a list, including delicious recipes like Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters to Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast!

Inspired by Haiti – Crab and Sweet Potato Fritters

Inspired by Columbia – Tuna Steak Stew with Lime and Oregano

Inspired by Mexico – Avocado and Cucumber Gazpacho

Inspired By Ecuador – Slow Cooked Pork and Bean Stew with Cheesy Potato Cakes

Inspired by Peru – Chicken, Black Rice, Green Sauce and Avocado Salad Inspired by

Brazil Piri Piri Style Turkey Breast, Black Beans, Orange and Tomato Rice, Smashed Avocado and a Simple Salsa

Inspired by Haiti – Banana and Mango Mock Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate and Cashew Nut Shards

Remember all recipes are created for you not only to enjoy, but to also raise awareness of the struggles these countries face on a daily basis, so if you would like to make a donation to Save The Children, who are working everyday to support children around the World, please visit my just giving page by clicking the link Just Giving for more information.

So where will we go next? Come back on Monday to find out!

See you soon!

Thanks

Rosalyn x