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Energy balls

Energy balls

Energy balls

We’re seeing these little balls of energy everywhere, they are great to have before exercise, or when you feel as if you are flagging, as the simple sugars in the fruits will give you instant energy, and the nuts, nut butters or oats will give you a slow release of energy. We’ve made three flavours but you can create your own using the same idea. Chill until needed. They will keep for 5 days.
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 12 of each
Calories 86 kcal

Ingredients
  

PEANUT BUTTER AND DATE BITES

  • 5 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
  • 6 tbsp porridge oats
  • 2 tbsp dates finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chia seeds

COCONUT AND APRICOT BITES

  • 1 1/2 tbsp coconut butter
  • 3 tbsp apricots finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut plus more for rolling
  • 3 tbsp porridge oats

PISTACHIO AND GOJI BERRY BITES

  • 3 tbsp pistachio kernels chopped
  • 3 tbsp goji berries roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp milled flaxseed

Instructions
 

  • Put all the ingredients for whichever bite you are making in a small blender and pulse until well combined. Take out tsps of the mix, and roll into balls. Dust in desiccated coconut (if using), or sesame seeds if you like, before chilling.
Mushroom stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff

Swap beef for porcini and flat mushrooms to create a rich vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on flavour.
*This recipe is gluten-free according to industry standards
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 4
Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g basmati rice
  • 15 g dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6 flat mushrooms sliced
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 200 ml half-fat soured cream
  • a handful of leaves flat-leaf parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Tip the rice into a small lidded pan with 400ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, turn down to a very gentle simmer, put on a lid and cook gently for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to steam for another 10 minutes before fluffing up with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, put the porcini mushrooms into a small bowl and pour over 150ml of just-boiled water. Heat the oil in a large non- stick frying pan and fry the flat mushrooms and onion for 10 minutes until all of the water has evaporated and everything is beginning to caramelise.
  • Add the garlic, paprika and tomato purée, and cook for 1 minute. Meanwhile, drain the porcini, keeping the liquid, and roughly chop. Add to the pan, along with the soaking liquid, turn down the heat to low and cook gently for 10 minutes, adding a splash of water if it’s a little thick. Stir through the soured cream and season.
  • Spoon the rice onto plates, spoon the stroganoff over the top, and scatter with parsley.

Sweet potato and lentil curry

Sweet potato and lentil curry

A vibrant, low-calorie and vegan dinner idea, made with sweet potatoes, red split lentils, coconut milk and plenty of spices
Total Time 50 mins
Servings 4
Calories 314 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large red onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • a thumb-sized piece ginger finely grated
  • 6 curry leaves fresh or dried (optional)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 medium (about 500g) sweet potatoes cut into chunks
  • 75 g red split lentils
  • 400 ml tin low-fat coconut milk
  • 400 ml vegetable stock
  • a handful of leaves coriander
  • 1 lime wedged

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and cook three-quarters of the onion with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened. Add the garlic, ginger and curry leaves, if using, and cook for 2 minutes. Add in the spices and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the sweet potato and lentils, then add the coconut milk and stock. Stir well, bring to the boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water if it’s getting dry, until the potatoes and lentils are cooked through. Season.
  • Serve in bowls with coriander and the remaining onion on top, with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Spicy lentil burgers

 

Spicy lentil burgers

Check out this quick and easy vegan burger recipe with spicy lentils. Ready in just 30 minutes, these punchy patties make a super simple summer recipe for four
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4
Calories 496 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp vegetable oil plus a little extra for frying
  • 2 red onions 1½, finely chopped; ½, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 2 tsp ginger paste
  • 2 tbsp hot curry powder
  • 2 400 g tins brown lentils drained, rinsed, then drained again
  • 4 tbsp plain flour
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 4 seeded burger buns halved and toasted
  • 4 tsp mango chutney
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • coriander leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan and gently cook the finely chopped red onions with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes or until really soft. Add the garlic and ginger pastes and curry powder, and continue to cook gently for 2 minutes. Tip out into a bowl.
  • Put the lentils into a food processor and pulse until roughly blended but not too smooth. Tip out into the onion bowl, add some seasoning and mix well. Add the flour and stir well to combine. Using slightly wet hands, form the mix into 4 equal-sized patties. Put into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put the sliced red onion into a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 5 minutes then drain well and add the vinegar and some seasoning.
  • Heat a little oil in a frying pan and cook the lentil burgers for 4 minutes on each side or until caramelised. Put onto the bases of each bun, top with some mango chutney, lettuce leaves, a tomato slice, a pile of the pickled onions, a few coriander leaves and the bun top.