Every busy weekday brings the challenge of preparing dinner quickly without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Renowned cook Mary Berry's quick and easy recipes are garnered from her reputable cookbooks, offering solutions perfect for those hasty evenings. One of her standout dishes is the Chicken chow mein—a delightful 'fake-away'—that aims to offer the classic Chinese takeaway experience right from your kitchen.
Imagine indulging in the much-loved flavors of Chinese cuisine without the hefty price tag and excessive calories associated with standard takeaway meals, which can often exceed £20. According to Berry, her Chicken chow mein is lightly spiced and simple to whip up, making it ideal for those who are health-conscious yet longing for delicious meals. Plus, it takes just 10 to 15 minutes of prep time—certainly quicker than waiting for delivery!
Looking to give it a try? Here’s how to create your own batch of Berry’s Chicken chow mein at home. The ingredients you'll need include three nests of fine egg noodles, two tablespoons of sunflower oil, skinned and diced chicken breasts, one tablespoon of runny honey, one small finely chopped onion, fresh ginger, sliced chestnut mushrooms, two cloves of garlic, bean sprouts, and your choice of veggies.
Begin by cooking the noodles according to package directions, which usually means soaking them for around four minutes. While the noodles are soaking, marinate your chicken pieces with honey and heat the oil in a wok. Cook the chicken until golden brown before setting it aside. Increase the heat slightly and add more oil, then sauté the chopped onion. After about two minutes, introduce the ginger, mushrooms, and garlic to the pan, allowing it to cook for another three minutes.
Meanwhile, mix your black bean sauce, white wine vinegar, and water together. When your noodles are ready, combine everything in the wok: add your drained noodles, the sauce mixture, and any personal favorites like spinach or bell peppers. Stir everything well and let it cook together for another minute. Finally, toss in the bean sprouts for added crunch before serving—your very own chicken chow mein!
Though I found it enjoyable, I have to admit it didn’t completely capture the authentic taste of takeaway, prompting thoughts of hitting up my local Chinese restaurant instead. Still, for those nights when takeout is too pricey or simply not healthy enough, Berry’s recipe provides a suitable alternative.
Berry's mushroom, basil, and broccoli pappardelle is another delightful offering for those pressed for time. According to BBC Good Food, this dish can serve six people, making it perfect for families or friends gathering for dinner. What’s more, it's nutritious and quick—taking under one hour to prepare!
The recipe calls for basic yet wholesome ingredients: butter, olive oil, crushed garlic, three kinds of mushrooms (chestnut, Portobello, and shiitake), pappardelle pasta, tenderstem broccoli, double cream, egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. The method is straightforward; first, you’ll want to melt some butter and olive oil over medium heat before sautéing the garlic and mushrooms until golden brown. Don’t forget to season it well!
While your pasta cooks, just three minutes before the end of cooking, toss the broccoli in the boiling water. After draining both, combine them with your mushroom mix, plus the cream, egg yolks, and cheese to enrich the dish. Finally, add the chopped basil, and serve it warm, hot from the pan. It really doesn’t get easier than this!
These recipes not only show how to whip up delicious meals with pantry staples but also support the notion of cooking at home to save money and eat healthier. While takeouts certainly have their place, Mary Berry’s creations offer satisfying alternatives with room for creativity—plus, cooking can be quite therapeutic! So, next time you think about reaching for the takeaway leaflet, you might just want to give one of Mary Berry's recipes ago instead. You won't regret it!