In the realm of home cooking, there are few things more exciting than discovering new ways to enliven your dishes with spices. Renowned British chef Nadiya Hussain, known for her unique approach to cooking, has shared a variety of spice recipes that can turn everyday meals into gastronomic delights. Here, we explore Five Simple Spice Recipes From Nadiya Hussain that can truly transform your culinary creations. π
Spiced Chocolate Cake π«
Nadiya Hussain's Spiced Chocolate Cake isn't just a dessert; it's a journey into the exotic world of flavors. Here's how you can bring this delightful cake to your table:
Ingredients:
- 250g self-raising flour
- 250g butter
- 250g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 200g dark chocolate (chopped)
Steps:
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Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) and grease two round cake tins.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg together.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry mix into the creamed butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
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Frost: Once cooled, layer the cakes with melted chocolate.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nadiya Hussain's Spiced Chocolate Cake" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nadiya%20Hussain%20Spiced%20Chocolate%20Cake"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">π Note: This recipe uses cardamom to bring a unique warmth, complementing the chocolate's richness.</p>
Lamb Pilaf with Raisins and Cinnamon π²
Nadiya's Lamb Pilaf is a heartwarming one-pot dish that combines fragrant spices with tender lamb.
Ingredients:
- 300g basmati rice, rinsed
- 600g lamb shoulder, diced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 100g raisins
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Steps:
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Sear Lamb: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sear the lamb until browned. Remove and set aside.
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SautΓ© Onions: Add onions, cooking until they caramelize. Add garlic, cooking for another minute.
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Spice It Up: Stir in cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes.
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Add Rice and Liquid: Add the rice, stir, then pour in 600ml of water.
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Simmer: Return the lamb to the pot, cover, and cook until the rice is tender.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Lamb Pilaf with Raisins and Cinnamon" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lamb%20Pilaf%20with%20Raisins%20and%20Cinnamon"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">π Note: Be cautious not to burn the spices when toasting, as they can turn bitter.</p>
Masala Macaroni Salad π
This Macaroni Salad from Nadiya Hussain is not your typical potluck dish. It's a vibrant fusion of Indian spices and creamy macaroni.
Ingredients:
- 300g macaroni, cooked al dente
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green chili, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- Yogurt or mayonnaise for dressing
Steps:
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Mix Salad Ingredients: Combine macaroni with all the veggies in a bowl.
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Dress: Mix in garam masala, cumin, lemon juice, and then your choice of yogurt or mayonnaise.
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Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let flavors meld.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nadiya Hussain's Masala Macaroni Salad" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nadiya%20Hussain%20Masala%20Macaroni%20Salad"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">π Note: Adjust the heat level to your liking with the green chili.</p>
Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers π
For something light yet flavorful, Nadiya's Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Bamboo skewers, soaked
Steps:
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Marinate: In a bowl, combine all spices with lemon juice and oil. Add chicken cubes, mix, and marinate for at least an hour.
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Skewer: Thread the chicken onto skewers.
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Grill: Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nadiya Hussain's Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nadiya%20Hussain%20Spicy%20Grilled%20Chicken%20Skewers"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">π Note: Don't skip marinating; it's key to a flavorful chicken.</p>
Fragrant Rice Pudding π
Last but by no means least, Nadiyaβs Fragrant Rice Pudding turns a simple dessert into a spiced delight.
Ingredients:
- 100g short-grain rice
- 1.2 liters milk
- 100g sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron
- Nuts and dried fruits (optional)
Steps:
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Cook: Simmer milk and rice together until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
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Spice: Add cardamom, sugar, and saffron. Continue cooking until desired thickness.
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Serve: Chill or serve warm, topped with nuts and fruits if using.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nadiya Hussain's Fragrant Rice Pudding" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nadiya%20Hussain%20Fragrant%20Rice%20Pudding"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">π Note: Saffron can be substituted with turmeric for color and flavor.</p>
As you can see, Nadiya Hussain's spice recipes are simple yet deeply flavored, offering you a chance to explore global flavors right in your own kitchen. Whether you're baking a cake, preparing a hearty main, or concocting a side dish, these recipes will transform your cooking with their unique use of spices. Experiment with these techniques and ingredients to bring something new to your table, and enjoy the fusion of tradition and innovation in every bite.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I substitute ingredients in Nadiya's recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can often replace ingredients with similar spices or use substitutes when necessary. For instance, if a recipe calls for saffron but you don't have any, a small pinch of turmeric can be used for color, although the flavor will differ.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I make the spice flavors stronger in my dishes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>To intensify spice flavors, toast whole spices before grinding them or add ground spices towards the end of cooking. This ensures the volatile flavors are released effectively.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these recipes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Nadiya's recipes can be adapted for various dietary needs. For instance, replace dairy with almond milk in desserts or use plant-based yogurt for dressings in salads. However, always ensure the substitutions maintain the balance of flavors intended in the original recipe.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>