Rice dish

Ground toasted rice is a traditional ingredient in Thai salads. It adds texture and flavour, but if you don’t have time, just leave it out. Health tip: Many herbs contain a high concentration of antioxidants, which neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. One cup of fresh herbs contains almost no kilojoules and can add […]

Try chicken or vegetable stock in place of water for a stronger flavour. If you’re using curry powder, add a tablespoon of water so it doesn’t burn. Note

Suitable to freeze. Rice suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

You will need about 2 cups (400g) uncooked jasmine rice for this recipe. The rice is best cooked the day before you want to cook the nasi goreng – spread it in a thin layer on a tray, cover and refrigerate overnight. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Fino sherry is available at good bottle shops. Note

As rice texture is a matter of personal taste, the amount of water can be varied. For a softer texture, add slightly more water; for a firmer texture, use slightly less. Note

Use ,drained canned corn kernels, if you like. To remove corn kernels, hold cob upright on a board,. Using a sharp knife, slice straight down sides. Note

Remove the skin from the chicken to reduce the fat content of the dish. Note

Any type of sausage can be used in the pilaf-even vegetarian varieties (but remember to use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock). Note

Sausage and tomato risotto

Chicken and citrus are one of the truly great combinations, and this lime-poached chicken is incredibly versatile.

You could also make a large family-sized version of this baked custard, using a 5 cup-capacity baking dish instead of individual mugs. Note

Easy chicken and rice

To save time, use 1 1/2 cups (225g) frozen broad beans instead of double peeling fresh ones, and 1 1/2 cups (180g) frozen peas. Cook straight from frozen for about the same time. Fresh and frozen peas have very similar nutritional values. Note

You’ll need 1 cup of raw mixed rice to make 3 cups cooked. Note

Cold rice is best because the grains remain separate during frying. Cook it the night before. Spread onto a large tray, cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to use. Note

Canned cherry tomatoes are sold in large supermarkets and delis. if you can’t find them, used chopped tomatoes instead. Note

It’s important to cook the caramel until it is a deep amber colour. If it’s removed from the heat too soon, it will be runny and won’t coat the chicken well. Note

You can find preserved vine leaves at selected supermarkets and delicatessens. Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice available at specialty grocers. Note

If preferred, you can use dried shaved coconut available at Asian food stores, instead of fresh. Rinse the vanilla bean after use and place on paper towel until dry. Keep in a sealed container to use again, or pop into your caster sugar canister to make vanilla sugar. Note

You will need to process 2 slices of day-old bread to make enough breadcrumbs. Note

Barbecue duck nasi goreng brought to you by

Wonderfully flavoured and aromatic soft shell crab paella with spicy chorizo and sprinkled with parsley is fantastic enjoyed for a midweek meal that is ready in less than 30 minutes

There are so many nasi goreng variations from region to region it is impossible to count them all. This Bbq duck version by Madison is a riot of flavour most definitely in the top 5.

Traditionally made with pork mince, this beef version is a great alternative. Or make it with chicken mince. To make separating the iceburg lettuce leaves easier cut , the bottom off the lettuce and soak in , cold water for 10 mins. Note

Tasting your risotto is the best way to tell if it is done as cooking times often vary for different brands of rice – the texture should be oozy, not starchy or stodgy, and the rice should be firm but tender to the bite. Note

Hearty, delicious and easy combination fried rice recipe. Feel free to use leftovers or a mix of whatever meat you have on hand. For the best results cook 1 cup of rice a day ahead.

You can use sultanas instead of currants. Note

Toast almonds in wok before you start to stir-fry. You’ll need to cook about 1 cup raw jasmine rice. Note

Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas. Note

You can use bacon instead of prosciutto. Chicken lovely legs are skinless drumsticks with part of the bone trimmed. You can use regular skinless drumsticks; cooking time will vary. Note

Risotto base is partly cooked Arborio rice, found in the rice aisle For a vegetarian meal, omit bacon, use vegetable stock and stir in 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts and 150g baby spinach leaves at end of Step 2. Note

You will need to cook about 1 1/3 cups rice – it’s best cooked a day ahead. Green curry paste can be spicy; start with 1 tablespoon, then taste and adjust if necessary. Note

Pilau is a rice dish flavoured with spices and cooked in stock. You can add any meat, poultry or fish you like when serving as a main. Note

Pork katsu don is deliciously meaty and has the remarkable ability to satisfy a handful of cravings in one bite as the panko coating on the pork absorbs the sweet and savoury sauce.

You’ll need to cook about 1 1/2 cups rice. Rice is best cooked a day ahead; spread on a shallow tray and store in fridge. Note

Leftovers are delicious with grated cheese in toasted sandwiches. When using canned tomatoes, try adding 1 teaspoon sugar to sweeten a little. You’ll need to cook about 1 cup rice. Note

For salad, use either white rice or wild rice blend; reduce cooking time according to packet instructions. Use any firm white fish fillet, such as snapper, ling or barramundi. Don’t leave fish to marinate in the lemon mixture; the acid in the lemon will start to cook the fish white standing. Note

If using pesto from the jar, add 1-2 tablespoons (or to taste). If fennel is in season, thinly slice 1 small bulb and add with leeks in Step 3 for extra flavour. Note

Medley mix has an assortment of baby tomatoes. Note

Special fried rice

If lamb leg is unavailable, you will need 750g diced lamb. You can also use diced chicken thigh fillets, but cooking time will vary. Water level must be 2cm above rice. Note

You will need to soak skewers in cold water for 20 minutes prior to preparing to prevent scorching. You can use chicken or firm white fish fillets. You need to cook 1 1/2 cups white long-grain rice a day ahead. Note

For a richer padding, stir in 75g grated white chocolate. For a little crunch, top with toasted slivered or flaked almonds. Rice will absorb liquid on standing. When reheating leftovers, add a little more milk or cream to rice and stir over low heat until hot. Note

If you can’t find toasted slivered almonds, toast your own; cook nuts in a small frying pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Toast extra nuts, then make a nibble mix. Note

Try using honey sauce instead of lemon chicken sauce. Use any type of battered frozen chicken or fish. Note

For best results, cook rice a day ahead; refrigerate. Note

Wash and dry coriander well before preparing. Keep coriander roots for making curry paste. Note

No flameproof casserole dish? Prepare in a forge frying pan to the end of step 2, then transfer mixture to an ovenproof dish. Note

Use medium-grain rice. A bamboo mat makes roiling nori easy. Note

Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock, extra 1/4 cup parmesan and 1/2 cup toasted flaked almonds. Note

Replace marinara mix with mussels and chopped firm white fish such as hake. For extra lemon zing, add 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest. Note

You can make pilaf using long-grain white rice instead of basmati. Add chopped coriander to yogurt. Note

Chorizo is a spicy sausage available from major supermarkets and delis. If chorizo is unavailable, use saiami. For an authentic touch, add scrubbed, de-bearded mussels with chicken in Step 3; discard any that don’t open. Note

Chorizo and haloumi can be salty, so taste dish before adding salt to season. Note

When buying salmon fillets, choose tail pieces, as they have fewer bones. Buy products in sachets and small portions (oats, noodles, tomato paste…). They may cost a little more up front but there’s no wastage. Cook pasta bakes and casseroles in single-serve ovenproof dishes for easy portion control, freezing, thawing and reheating. Omelettes make great […]

Remarkably delicious pork katsu is able to satisfy a bunch of cravings in just one bite due to the panko coating on the pork absorbing that sweet and savoury katsu sauce.