Rice

Easy chicken and rice

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

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

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

Don’t wash the arborio rice it’s the outer coating of starch on the grain that ensured a creamy texture. 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

You’ll need about half a large cooked chicken. You’ll need to cook about 1 1/2 cups rice; cook several hours ahead, then chill. 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.

Reserve pineapple juice and keep in the fridge to flavour chopped fresh fruit for a quick and easy dessert. Note

If using an electric wok, cook food in smaller batches. An electric wok won’t reach the same temperature as a gas or an electric stove top. 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’ll need to cook about 1 cup rice. Try using cooked risoni instead of rice. You’ll need to process 4 slices day- old white bread for crumbs. 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

Use stock cubes Prepare mixture a day ahead, then deep-fry just before serving. Try using a different cheese in the centre. Note

Cut any leftover ginger into 2cm lengths; freeze in an airtight container. Chill leftover oyster sauce to use later in stir-fries. Note

To make it easier to divide beaten egg into 4, beat 2 eggs at a time. Replace bok choy with other leafy greens 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

To microwave rice, place 1 cup basmati rice and 2 cups warm water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High (100%) for 10-12 minutes or until tender. 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

Potato and coconut cream are not suitable for freezing. Add chopped tomatoes if you like. Do not boil cream as curry may curdle. 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

Use bought green curry paste instead of red. 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

Check ingredients on curry paste jar to make sure there is no shrimp paste. Note

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

Biscuits will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Note

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

Use lamb or pork mince instead of beef. To disguise vegetables mixed with other ingredients, process until very finely chopped. No bamboo steamer? Use a metal one, but cook meatballs in small batches. Note

Try this sensational quick and easy yellow fish curry infused with Asian spices. This simple dish takes no more than 15 minutes, but is bursting with vivid and intense flavours.

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’ll need to process 1 slice day-old bread for crumbs. Note

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

If you do not want to deep-fry balls, spray arancini with olive oil; bake at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Use breadcrumbs instead of stuffing mix. Note

Add your favourite antipasto vegetables. Note

Try red wine for a richer flovour. Use brie for a milder taste. Wear rubber gloves while handling beetroot. Note

Adding stock to rice a little at a time will ensure a creamy result. Serve risotto straightaway as rice absorbs liquid on standing. Note

You will need 1 small barbecued chicken for 2 cups. Note

Black beans, similar to kidney beans, are sold canned in specialty food shops, same delis and large fruit and vegetable markets. If unavailable, use red kidney beans. Note

You can use leftover cooked rice. Note

This is a super way of using up leftover rice.

You can use 2 x 410g cans peas and com mix, drained, instead of frozen mix. Use a 1.5-litre (6-cup) rectangular ovenproof dish; cooking time may vary. Note

Buy vine leaves from delis and some greengrocers; or use fresh leaves, blanched. Note

Ensure the springform pan has a tight seal or egg might seep during cooking. You can cook the tart in a 22cm round cake pan instead. Note

Flavourful oven baked stuffed tomatoes with basmati rice and lamb mince make the perfect zesty addition to any fish or grilled meat dish, or eaten on their own for a delicious lunch.

You will need to cook about 1/3 cup raw rice. Note

Make your own dressing by whisking oil with vinegar, crushed garlic and a little mustard, or simply dress the salad with lemon juice. Note