Zucchini Corn Fritters

Who loves Fritters??! Actually who doesn't?? In my view, fritters are the best and closest healthy alternative to the more unhealthy and popular deep fried dishes.

A great way to pack in some veggie goodness for kids too, fritters are simply so versatile! Breakfast, lunch or dinner - they are sure to be a winner on the table. One of our favourites is the simple Zucchini and Corn Fritters. I also sneak in spinach for added goodness. 

Here it is my ZUCCHINI & CORN FRITTERS, served with pan fried potatoes and beans :)

Ingredients (for about 6 fritters)

1 cup self raising flour, 1 firm zucchini, 3/4 cup of corn kernels, 1 onion, handful of spinach leaves, few tablespoons bread crumbs, salt, pepper, mixed spices, oil for pan frying. 

Make: In a bowl, combine the flour, grated zucchini, corn kernels, roughly chopped spinach and chopped onion with some water. Add only as much water required to form a pasty mix not too watery. Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper and spices as desired. Mix well and keep for 5 to 10 minutes. 

In a wide based pan, use oil and spoon on the fritter mixture in oval shapes as shown above. Pan fry each side until golden brown and crisp. 

If wanting to serve with pan fried vegetables as I have, simply use your choice of vegetables and pan fry in little oil and chilli flakes for added flavour! Serve hot and enjoy :)

Mango Raspberry Smoothie

Healthy, delicious, feel good and easy to make! Smoothies definitely tick all these boxes and can be literally a life saver on busy days.

Here's another delicious combination we love...can even use frozen mangoes and raspberries if not in season. Fresh fruit of course is always a winner!

My Mango Raspberry Smoothie :)

Ingredients for two: 1 mango or a cup of frozen mango cubes, handful of fresh or frozen raspberries, half a cup milk, 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream (can omit).

Make: Put the mango, raspberries, milk and ice cream if you wish, all in a mixer or juicer. Give a whip for about 1 minute. Pour into glasses, add ice cubes if desired. 
Enjoy your nutritious meal in a glass!
 

Eggplant & Chickpeas Spaghetti

Eggplant lover? TICK! Chickpeas lover? TICK! Spaghetti lover??? Well you simply cannot go wrong with this fabulous dish which is personally one of my all time favourties and comfort meals! After a busy day at work or a cold winters day out...coming home to whip up this quick and easy meal is not only delicious but a joy to cook :)

Well, here it is..my protein loaded yet carb-loading treat. 

Eggplant and Chickpeas Spaghetti (which can also be made with any type of pasta).

Ingredients (for two): 1 large eggplant/aubergine/brinjal, 2 tomatoes, 1 cup of boiled chickpeas (can use canned chickpeas), handful of spring onions or spinach, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon crushed garlic, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, spaghetti or any type of pasta.

Make: In a large dish, bring water to boil and cook your pasta/spaghetti for about 10 to 14 minutes until cooked. While this is happening, make the vegetable mixture in a non stick pan. Add olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes and onions and saute until onions are golden. Add the chopped eggplant and roast for 5 to 8 minutes until it looks golden brown and roasted. Add the chickpeas and chopped tomato, mixing well until the tomato has formed sauce. Now add in the cooked pasta/spaghetti, add salt and pepper. Mix well, add more olive oil if needed. Sprinkle with chopped spring onion and serve hot. Enjoy!!

Honeydew Melon & Mango Smoothie

Drink a smoothie...for breakfast, lunch and dinner..!! Seems to be the word on every fitness freak's mind at the moment. There are smoothie recipes for everything from weight loss to weight gain to skin care to digestive care. Well..I don't know much about all these healthy smoothies but I do know the ones we love as a family not just for its nutrients but the delicious taste!!

While we are not totally into smoothie culture, we do love our weekend smoothies when there is time for whip up some interesting combinations :) Here is my latest love in smoothie world, loaded with vitamins, anti-oxidants and fiber...Honeydew Melon and Mango Smoothie!

Ingredients for two: Half a ripe honeydew melon, 1 mango, quarter cup milk if desired.

Make: Put in roughly chopped mango and honeydew melon into your mixer/juicer and whip for a minute. Add in milk if using and whip again for 30 seconds. Done! 
Pour, decorate and enjoy.