Chinese/Thai vegetarian buffet spread

Trying to find delicious+ vegetarian+ Chinese/Thai + healthy + easy to make food is no simple task. We had Indian friends visiting from the motherland, and were keen to give them something different they may not be used to back home. Obviously, being vegetarian, and rather health focussed, we needed to find recipes that had enough vegetables but also good choice of herbs and condiments to add flavour. After all, we were catering to an Indian palate, which is spoiled by access to the most bountiful spices in the world.

This is the menu we came up with. The only thing is that this is probably more appropriate for summer given the number of cold starters. Let's think of a winter menu when winter is upon us!

1) Tofu salad
2) Pomelo salad
3) Cold eggplant with sesame sauce
4) Okra with ginger sauce
5) Silky squash with ginger and garlic
6) Thai vegetable green curry
7) White rice
8) Asian creme brûlée

One "Pot" Meal: Grilled Pita Sandwiches

I have this really versatile toast sandwich maker from Kenwood. It can make sandwiches, waffles and is a griddle pan as well! just by taking out the iron inserts! I realised recently that I had never used the griddle feature of the toaster. The next opportunity to remedy that fault came on a Sunday, when I was rather more keen to pursue my other hobbies, and spend minimal time in the kitchen. Yet, being a holiday, we wanted to feel like we were having a special meal. You guessed right: all roads pointed to the humble pita sandwich! I grilled some eggplant and peppers and made hummus spread. After that it was a breeze - line the pocket with hummus, put in some cheese, veggies, herbs, salt and pepper. Put it in the griddle iron, and hey presto: wholesome and tasty pita pockets! Hummus for protein, veggies for nutrition, pita as carb, herbs: an all round one pot meal.

I am quite inspired to try other combinations in the pitas. Perhaps paneer bhurji next?