My Wholefood Romance

This is a chaotic dahl. It might not look all that chaotic at first glance, but if you listen closely you can hear the kids and dog going crazy in the background…

It’s chaotic dahl because you can still get this together when chaos has descended. When it’s 5.30pm and you realize you’ve done no meal prep, have very little in the fridge, and a hungry, cranky household.

It tastes delicious, it’s fabulously nutritious, and no-one complains that you had to use parsley as a garnish because there was no WAY you were leaving the house to buy coriander at this point. Convinced?

Here is the recipe for you. There are a number of spices, but if you don’t have them all on hand, feel free to substitute. The ginger, garam masala, cumin and smoked paprika are kind of definites though! High in iron, B vitamins, fibre, magnesium and warming spices, it’s lovely on a cool night to enjoy with yoghurt and a side of rice or your favourite grain. And perhaps it’s no coincidence that a lot of the nutrition in this meal works to support and relax your nervous system, and is building and nourishing to your body 🙂

[headline]CHAOTIC DAHL[/headline]

Serves 4-5

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 large or 2 small onions (red or brown), chopped

1 clove of garlic, smashed and chopped

2 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 tsp garam masala

2 tsp ground cumin

1-2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp turmeric

¼ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp tomato paste (optional but gives you a richer flavour)

1 x 400g tin tomatoes

1 cup coconut milk

1 ¼ cup red lentils, rinsed well and drained

1 cup of any greens you have (peas, green beans, spinach, kale, etc)

Once you have your onions and garlic chopped, …

Well what an amazing Autumn it has been so far! We have just harvested the last of our late tomatoes, and are still enjoying some beautifully warm days and incredible sunsets here in Melbourne. Lots of cooking, planning out the year, teaching and also lots of study for me, as I’ve just started a Master of Public Health which I’m ridiculously excited about.

I wanted to share something a little different with you today, that I hope you will love. Late last year, I was lucky enough to be interviewed for a video series by Gold Quill award winning journalist Martine Harte of Engaging Women. Her team has put together a video series called ‘The Trick’, where some wonderful women will be sharing their knowledge on a huge range of topics. I hoped you would find this video on gut health interesting and relevant, and so have shared with here. It gives a little run down of gut health, why it’s important, and some tips for improving yours. To check it out,  CLICK HERE. 

I’d really love to know what you think!

Meg X…

I saw the movie ‘Lion’ a few weeks ago. I read the book a little while ago and so had an understanding how much my heart would bleed. Allll the emotions… In this world which just seems a little on the unstable side at the moment, it was therapeutic to have a big old cry. It’s also greatly motivating. A little motto in our home is ‘It’s the responsibility of the strong to help the weak’. And this doesn’t necessarily need to be on a super grandiose, start your own charity kind of scale. It might be helping your little sister down the steps, or cooking a meal for your neighbours with a newborn, or just showing kindness in general. I’ve been reminded of what values are important to me as I try my best at navigating this parenting thing, and I continually come back to kindness as my number one. Because I think to show kindness you need to have empathy, which along with love make the world go ’round. IMO anyway. I won’t spoil anything for those that are planning to see it, but Sunny Pawer as little Saroo is just delicious, and Dev Patel is incredible. And has incredible hair!

(Image credit: eyeforfilm.co.uk)

This recipe I have for you today is Indian inspired. My version of a palak paneer, the traditional spinach and cheese curry. I have changed it up just a little, but I hope you’ll agree it’s still super delicious. Typically the greens are pureed for this dish, but I have left them a little more rustic for texture. It also traditionally includes tomatoes, which I have also left out, but you could just as easily throw some in if you prefer. I’ve added chickpeas and peas for extra fibre and nutrition too. This is …