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Mexican recipes

Tandoori Duck Tacos
DinnerDuckRecipeYeast Free

Tandoori duck tacos with kachumber salad

by Michael Catling 5 June 2025

This tapas-inspired mash up is my new favourite way to eat roast duck and tacos.

Although this is a totally made-up dish, I think tandoori duck tacos need to become a thing from now on. I originally created this recipe as a cheaper twist on duck pancakes, but it’s morphed into this fresh and vibrant platter with influences from three different continents.

The shop-bought tacos act as the vessel for my shredded duck legs, which are flavoured with tandoori curry powder.

The colour and health comes from a vibrant chopped salad, which is dressed with a cooling mint and yoghurt raita. There is nothing pretty about the way you eat it, so load up those tacos and get stuck in!

How To Make Tandoori Duck Tacos With Kachumber Salad

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Recipe: Tandoori duck tacos with kachumber salad
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Choose legs over breasts: Duck legs are half the price and have enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist and shred easily after roasting.
  • Use a trivet: Roast the duck on a rack or a bed of vegetables to elevate the legs. This prevents them from sitting in their own fat and the skin from going soggy.
  • Don’t waste the duck fat: Save the rendered fat for roasting potatoes or stir fries — it’s liquid gold.
  • Colour your salad: Kachumber is traditionally made with cucumber, red onion and tomato but why stop there? I’ve included mango to play up to the Mexican vibe, but a little carrot, radish or pineapple would complement the duck and raita well.

Tandoori Duck Tacos

Tandoori duck tacos with kachumber salad

Serves: 2 Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 90 mins 90 mins
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Ingredients

For the duck tacos
2 duck legs, skin on
1/2 tbsp tandoori curry powder
6 taco shells

For the mint and yoghurt raita
150ml natural yoghurt (0% fat)
1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, grated
1/2 lime, juiced

For the kachumber salad
1/2 small mango, cut into 1cm chunks
1/2 cucumber, cut into 1cm chunks
2 salad tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped into 1cm chunks
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 red chilli, finely chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
Small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped

To serve
2 tbsp mango chutney, optional

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 160C. Pierce the skin, not the meat, of both duck legs several times and rub the skin with the tandoori curry powder. Season with sea salt and place on a baking tray.

Step 2
Roast the duck legs in the oven for 90 minutes or until the skin is crisp and the meat pulls away from the bone. Remove most of the duck fat from the bottom of the tray every 30 minutes and keep for another time.

Step 3
To make the raita, pour the natural yoghurt into a bowl and stir through the mint leaves, crushed garlic and a pinch of salt. Season to taste with the lime juice and cover with clingfilm. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4
When the duck legs have cooked, leave for 5 minutes before shredding the meat. Heat the tacos in the oven for 2-3 minutes while you prepare the kachumber salad.

Step 5
Add the diced mango to a bowl with the cucumber, tomato, red onion and red chilli. Squeeze over the lemon juice and stir through the chopped coriander. Serve the kachumber salad alongside the shredded duck, tacos, mango chutney and raita.  

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Raita?

Raita is a quick and refreshing Indian side dish, made from unsweetened yoghurt, fresh herbs and finely-diced vegetables or fruit (think cucumber, carrot or mango).

Traditionally it is served as a cooling condiment to complement a spicy curry or biriyani, but why stop there? One of my favourite recipes uses a cucumber raita in my spin on a prawn sandwich, made with crab.

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Pork and Chorizo Chilli Con Carne
PorkRecipe

Pork and chorizo chilli con carne

by Michael Catling 10 June 2025

Elevate your chilli con carne with a double dose of pork. Whether you like it mild or with a fiery kick, this recipe is fully customisable and endlessly versatile.

When my friends ask me what my signature dish is, this chilli con carne immediately springs to mine. Made with pork mince, chorizo and taco mixed beans, it’s the ultimate one-pot wonder that gets better with time.

To appeal to the masses, there is no brute chilli heat or heavy duty chillis in the base. Instead, the chorizo and paprika act as the keynote spices and add a gorgeous smokiness without the overwhelming heat.

To keep the cost under £1.50 per portion, I’ve used pork mince instead of beef mince and added a tin of spicy taco mixed beans which is one of the best ‘cheat’ ingredients you can buy.

It’s the perfect recipe for batch cooking and since all the prep is done at the start, you can let it tick away for a couple of hours while you get on with your day.

How To Make Pork And Chorizo Chilli Con Carne

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Serving suggestions
  • Recipe: Pork and chorizo chilli con carne
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Brown the meat properly: Don’t just ‘grey’ the mince – brown it in batches so it catches slightly and caramelises. This adds depth and umami.
  • Tone down the spice: If the chilli con carne is too hot, mellow the sauce with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream when serving.
  • Got leftover pulled pork? Use that instead of pork mince – just add it in after step 3 and follow the rest of the recipe.

Pork and Chorizo Chilli Con Carne

Pork and chorizo chilli con carne

Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 2 hours, 10 mins 2 hours, 10 mins
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Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
500g pork mince (5% fat)
50g chorizo, diced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
2 small carrots, peeled and finely diced
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée (double concentrate)
1 tbsp chipotle chilli paste, optional
1 tsp cocoa powder
Large bunch of fresh coriander, leaves and stalks separated and finely chopped
1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into small chunks
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into small chunks
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
500ml tomato passata
200ml beef stock
1 dried bay leaf
1 small cinnamon stick
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tbsp dried oregano
1 x 395g can spiced taco mixed beans

To serve
1 lime, cut into wedges
50g Greek yoghurt (0% fat)
1 red chilli, finely sliced

Instructions

Step 1
Heat half the vegetable oil in large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork mince and chorizo to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as you go (do this in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat). Brown the mince for at least 5 minutes until there are no more pink bits visible and the chorizo is starting to sizzle. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. 

Step 2
Add the remaining oil to the same pan and stir in the onion and carrots. Sauté gently for 10-15 minutes until softened and the onions are starting to colour.

Step 3
Add the garlic, tomato purée, chipotle chilli paste (if using), cocoa powder, coriander stalks, peppers and all the dried spices and stir-fry for 2 minutes more. Pour in the tomato passata and beef stock. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, sugar and balsamic vinegar and stir well.

Step 4
Put the mince and chorizo back in the pan and bring to boil. Turn the heat down, cover and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5
Add the taco mixed beans and oregano to the chilli con carne and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the sauce is nicely reduced. Season to taste and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.

Step 6
Transfer the pork and chorizo chilli con carne to a serving bowl and garnish with lime wedges. Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a scattering of coriander leaves and sliced red chilli, if desired, before serving.

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Serving Suggestions

  • With rice, couscous or bulgur wheat.
  • Loaded over nachos – add cheese, grill, and enjoy.
  • Spooned into a jacket potato.
  • Tucked into taco shells or wrapped up in a burrito with salad.
  • With a side order of sour cream, avocado and salsa – a triple whammy of flavour bombs!
  • Served over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups as a low-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Percentage Of Pork Mince Should You Use?

It depends on availability, budget and personal choice. Every recipe should be used as a guide, hence there is no right or wrong answer. I used 5% lean mince as a healthier option, though 10% or 20% will guarantee moistness and more flavour.

If you are watching your cholesterol, a clever trick is to use some kitchen roll and dab away some of the fat that leaches out while browning the mince.

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Slow Cooked Beef Chilli Con Carne
BeefDinnerOne potRecipeSlow cooking

Slow cooked beef chilli tacos

by Michael Catling 14 June 2025

The definition of a one-pot wonder, this chunky beef chilli con carne is the ultimate Saturday night sharing dish in front of the television. Just pile up those tacos and tuck in.

Delicious food doesn’t need to be showy or fancy. There’s nothing extravagant about my chilli con carne, but whacking everything in the slow cooker just elevates it to the next level.

I’ve gone hard on the spice by using hot chipotle chilli paste and a handy tin of kidney beans in chilli sauce, which does all the hard work for you.

After six hours of hands-off cooking, the chunks of beef will literally pull apart and make you wonder why you’ve bothered with beef mince for all those years!

How To Make Slow Cooked Beef Chilli Tacos

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Recipe: Slow cooked beef chilli tacos
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Toast your spices: Raw spices can taste flat or harsh – heat awakens the natural oils and concentrates the flavour. Start with a dry frying pan over a medium heat and shake the pan regularly to prevent scorching. It can take as little as 30 seconds for the spices to darken and release their aromas, so keep a close eye on them.
  • Make it mild or wild: Adjust the amount of chilli flakes or chipotle chilli paste to suit your spice level. A dash of sriracha sauce over the top is my kind of vibe.
  • No beef? Try skinless chicken thighs or go vegetarian with extra beans or tinned lentils. You can also bulk it out with peppers, sweet potato or sweetcorn.
  • Crunchy or soft: Use hard taco shells for a crispy bite or soft tortillas for a messier, more comforting wrap.
  • Double the batch: Leftover chilli can be frozen or piled into nachos, rice bowls or baked potatoes for tomorrow’s lunch.

Slow Cooked Beef Chilli Con Carne

Slow cooked beef chilli tacos

Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 6+ hours 6+ hours
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Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
400g beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp dried ancho chilli flakes
1 large red onion, sliced thinly
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced thinly
1 orange pepper, deseeded and sliced thinly
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp celery salt
3 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp hot chipotle chilli paste
300ml beef stock
1 x 400g can peeled tomatoes
25g dark chocolate, broken into chunks
1 x 400g can red kidney beans in chilli sauce

To serve
2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced
Small bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped
1/2 red chilli, finely sliced
12 corn tacos
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1
Heat the oil in a large pan and brown the chunks of beef over a medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until well coloured. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and add to a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Step 2
Toast the dried spices in a dry frying pan until fragrant; about 1 minute.

Step 3
Add to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, except the kidney beans and dark chocolate.

Step 4
Slow cook on high for 6 hours, then add the beans (sauce included) and dark chocolate. Stir well and slow cook for a further 30 minutes.

Step 5
Transfer to a large platter and top with a scattering of spring onions, fresh coriander and red chilli, if desired. Serve with lime wedges and tacos on the side.   

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Difference Between Plum And Canned Chopped Tomatoes?

Canned tomatoes are picked at their ripest and retain more texture than passata because they are less processed. Canned cherry tomatoes are highly prized because of their wonderfully sweet flavour, while whole peeled ‘plum’ tomatoes are generally favoured over chopped tomatoes because they are the most versatile and fuller in flavour.

It is true that you get what you pay for, so try and seek out the best quality tomatoes to produce a richer and more flavourful sauce.

What Is Chipotle Chilli Paste?

Chipotle chilli paste is a spicy blend of dried and smoky chipotle peppers. Most shop-bought jars also contain other ingredients, such as onions, tomato purée, vinegars, garlic and ground spices.

It is a staple in Mexican cooking and is particularly delicious in scrambled eggs and homemade baked beans. I often use it to elevate dishes like chilli con carne, fajitas and enchiladas.

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Chipotle Steak Burrito Bowl
BeefLunchRecipeSalad

Chipotle steak burrito bowl

by Michael Catling 11 June 2025

A fun and healthy alternative to the classic burrito, this Tex-Mex burrito bowl is overflowing with strips of rump steak, tortilla chips and a homemade avocado crema.

If your burrito bowl isn’t overflowing with ingredients and colour, you’re doing it wrong. There needs to be something sharp, something creamy, a crunch here and there, and a dressing to tie it all together.

My Tex-Mex burrito bowl delivers on all four counts and goes above and beyond in giving vegetables equal billing alongside the rump steak.

The chipotle chilli rub is optional, but the homemade tortilla chips and avocado crema are non-negotiables. Think of it as guacamole’s smoother, sassier cousin!

How To Make Chipotle Steak Burrito Bowl

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Recipe: Chipotle steak burrito bowl
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Bring your steaks to room temperature: Remove from the fridge at least 15 minutes before use. This will prevent the outside from overcooking while the inside is still cold.
  • Lay the steak away from you: Unless you fancy giving your arm a shower with hot oil, handle with care when placing the steak in a screaming hot pan.
  • Lock in the juices: The general rule of thumb is to let your steaks rest for 5-8 minutes before slicing. This gives the muscle fibres time to relax and for the steak to reabsorb all those juices so they don’t leach out onto the chopping board.
  • Slice against the grain: Look for parallel lines or streaks on the surface of the steak. These are the muscle fibres, and the grain runs along their direction. Cutting across these makes the steak easier to eat, so you’re not giving your jaw a workout.

Chipotle Steak Burrito Bowl

Chipotle steak burrito bowl

Serves: 2 Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 mins 15 mins
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Ingredients

2 x 200g rump steaks
Chipotle chilli paste, for brushing
1 avocado, stoned
1.5 tbsp Greek yoghurt
1 lime, 1/2 juiced, 1/2 cut into wedges
1 chargrilled tortilla wrap
Olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
1/2 green pepper, deseeded and finely sliced
1 red onion, finely sliced
1 x 250g pouch cooked Mexican rice
125g mango, finely diced
1/2 x 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 salad tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced
1/4 iceberg lettuce, finely shredded

Instructions

Step 1
Remove the rump steaks from the fridge at least 15 minutes before cooking them. Pat both sides dry with kitchen paper, then season liberally with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with chipotle chilli paste all over and set aside.

Step 2
Preheat the oven to 200C. To make the avocado crema, mash the avocado in a small bowl and fold through the Greek yoghurt and a good squeeze of lime juice. Season to taste and decant into a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3
To make the tortilla chips, cut the tortilla wrap into small triangles and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Spread out on a lined baking tray and cook in the oven for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Keep warm and set aside.

Step 4
Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. When it starts to smoke, rub the rump steaks with olive oil on both sides and season well. Add to the pan and sear the steaks on each side for 1 minute to achieve a nice caramelisation. For medium rare, continue to rotate frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes more, depending on the thickness, or until cooked to your liking. 

Step 5
Allow the steaks to rest for 5-8 minutes on a chopping board before slicing against the grain.

Step 6
Meanwhile, add the pepper and red onion to the same pan with another drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Stir-fry the vegetables over a medium heat until softened and charred in places; about 5 minutes.

Step 7
Cook the Mexican rice according to pack instructions and divide between bowls. Top with the onions, peppers and chipotle chilli steak and serve alongside the mango, black beans, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, tortilla chips and avocado crema. Garnish with lime wedges, if you like, and tuck in.

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Steak Is Cooked?

For medium rare, your steak should feel soft and springy but with a slight resistance. It’s always better to err on the side of underdone – that way you can put it back in the pan if you find the steak is too rare for your liking.

To simplify the process, invest in a digital cooking thermometer (it’s the best and most useful gadget I’ve ever purchased) and follow this chart to nail the perfect cook on your steak.

For beef, lamb and venisonInternal temperature
Rare48ºC / 118ºF
Medium rare52ºC / 125ºF
Medium58ºC / 136ºF
Medium well62ºC / 143ºF
Well done68ºC / 154ºF

How Long Does The Avocado Crema Keep For?

The avocado crema will last no longer than 3 days in the fridge. Serve it with fajitas and salsa for tomorrow’s dinner or pair it with scrambled eggs and a drizzle of sriracha for a bang-on-trend Sunday brunch.

What Is Chipotle Chilli Paste?

Chipotle chilli paste is a spicy blend of dried and smoky chipotle peppers. Most shop-bought jars also contain other ingredients, such as onions, tomato purée, vinegars, garlic and ground spices.

Chipotle is a staple in Mexican cooking and is particularly delicious in scrambled eggs and homemade baked beans. I often use it to elevate dishes like chilli con carne, fajitas and enchiladas.

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Shakshuka
BreakfastBrunchOne potRecipeVegetarianYeast Free

Shakshuka

by Michael Catling 20 June 2025

Ditch your morning scrambled eggs for this spicy one-pot wonder.

If you’re cooking on a budget, this is one vegetarian dish you need to have in your repertoire. The eggs are gently poached in a smoky tomato sauce, which is packed full of peppers and store-cupboard spices.

In North Africa, the dish is eaten for breakfast but it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Just a grab a hunk of crusty bread and get stuck in.

How To Make Shakshuka

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Recipe: Shakshuka
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Use a lidded frying pan or skillet: You’ll need to be able to cover the pan towards the end of this recipe – it’s essential for poaching the eggs.
    Make egg wells: Use a spoon to create little pockets for the eggs to sit in – this helps them to nestle into the sauce and cook evenly.
  • Set a timer: How long you cook your eggs for comes down to personal preference. I like mine when the egg whites have just set and the yolks are perfectly runny, which takes around 5 minutes. If you like firmer yolks, you can cook them for up to 8 minutes. Keep in mind that they’ll continue to cook in the tomato sauce, even after you take the pan off the heat.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka

Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 20 mins 20 mins
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Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
1 banana shallot, finely diced
1/4 yellow pepper, deseeded and finely sliced
1/4 green pepper, deseeded and finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 red chilli, finely chopped
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 x 400g can peeled tomatoes
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 frozen spinach cubes
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
2 large free-range eggs

To serve
1 lime wedge
Small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1
Heat the olive oil in the pan and toss in the shallot and peppers. Fry over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are starting to soften.

Step 2
Stir in the garlic, red chilli, cumin seeds and fennel seeds and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3
Tip in the peeled tomatoes with the smoked paprika, frozen spinach, sugar and 50ml of water and leave to bubble away gently for 8-10 minutes until the spinach is fully defrosted.

Step 4
Season to taste and make two indentations in the tomato mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each one, then cover the pan with a lid. Cook over a gentle heat for 5-8 minutes or until the eggs are just set.

Step 5
Scatter with fresh coriander before serving and garnish with lime wedges on the side.  

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka (or Shakshouka) is a Tunisian breakfast dish in origin, though it is also popular throughout North Africa and in the Middle East.

Traditionally, the dish consists of eggs gently poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with plenty of bread on the side to mop up the juices.

What’s The Difference Between Plum And Canned Chopped Tomatoes?

Canned tomatoes are picked at their ripest and retain more texture than passata because they are less processed. Canned cherry tomatoes are highly prized because of their wonderfully sweet flavour, while whole peeled ‘plum’ tomatoes are generally favoured over chopped tomatoes because they are the most versatile and fuller in flavour.

It is true that you get what you pay for, so try and seek out the best quality tomatoes to produce a richer and more flavourful sauce.

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Chicken Caesar Salad
ChickenDinnerLunchRecipeSalad

Garlic chicken and bacon Caesar salad

by Michael Catling 5 June 2025

A lighter twist on the classic chicken Caesar salad with a roasted garlic and yoghurt dressing.

I’m not a big salad eater, but I make an exception where chicken Caesar salad is concerned. I remember eating it every day on holiday when I was a teenager, so I’m closer than most to becoming a connoisseur.

I like to go hard on the bacon, croutons and chicken, which is griddled until you get some fierce char marks.

Where I go rogue is by roasting a couple of garlic cloves and blending them into the Caesar dressing with Greek yoghurt rather than mayonnaise. It’s not traditional, I’ll grant you, but your tastebuds and waistline will thank you for it.

How To Make Garlic Chicken And Bacon Caesar Salad

  • Chef Catling’s recipe notes
  • Recipe: Garlic chicken and bacon Caesar salad
  • Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

  • Dress lightly, toss gently: Add the Caesar dressing gradually, just before serving, and toss with care to avoid soggy leaves and over-saturation.
  • Balance the dressing: Taste as you go. Too tangy? Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Too rich? A touch more lemon juice will brighten it up.

Chicken Caesar Salad

Garlic chicken and bacon Caesar salad

Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 15 mins 15 mins
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Ingredients

For the dressing
1 garlic clove, skin on
75ml Greek yoghurt (0% fat)
2 anchovy fillets in olive oil
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp parmesan cheese, shaved

For the salad
Avocado oil, for roasting and grilling
1 ciabatta roll, cut into small chunks
2 skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
2 rashers smoked back bacon
1/2 iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 small red onion, finely sliced
1 tbsp parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180C. Toss the ciabatta chunks with a drizzle of avocado oil and spread out on a baking tray.

Step 2
Place the garlic clove in a foil parcel and drizzle with avocado oil. Place next to the ciabatta chunks and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until the croutons are golden and crisp and the garlic has softened.

Step 3
Pop the garlic clove from its skin and add to the blender with the Greek yoghurt, anchovies (with a drizzle of olive oil), Dijon mustard, lemon juice and half a tablespoon of parmesan. Blitz until smooth. Season to taste and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.

Step 4
Heat a grill pan over a medium-high heat on the hob and rub the chicken breasts with avocado oil. Season with salt and pepper and char the chicken for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and slice into thin strips. Keep warm.

Step 5
Meanwhile, lay the bacon out on a lined baking tray and place under a hot grill for 3 minutes on each side or until crisp and cooked through. Cut into small chunks and set aside.

Step 6
In a large bowl, toss the iceberg lettuce with the sliced red onion and a little of the dressing. Divide between two plates. Top with the sliced chicken, croutons and bacon. Drizzle over the rest of the dressing and garnish with the shaved parmesan before serving.

Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag me on Instagram at @Chef_Catling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If The Chicken Is Cooked Through And Safe To Eat?

The juices should be pale gold and clear. if there are traces of blood, return to the pan for a couple of minutes before checking again.

If you have a digital thermometer to hand, simply stick the probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should be at least 73ºC (165ºF). This handy guide will help.

Chicken or TurkeyInternal temperature
Breast73ºC / 165ºF
Thigh79ºC / 175ºF
Drumstick79ºC / 175ºF
Wing79ºC / 175ºF
Whole bird73ºC / 165ºF (at breast)
79ºC / 175ºF (at thigh)

Are Anchovies Really Integral To A Caesar Salad?

This is always a point of contention whenever I make a Caesar salad for my fiancée because anchovies are the primary reason a Caesar salad tastes so good.

Yes, they can smell particularly pungent, but they add a salty, umami flavour bomb that will give your Caesar salad that marvellous depth of flavour and richness. I’ve tried using Worcestershire sauce as an alternative, but it is a poor imitation.

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Chef Catling

Chef Catling

About me

Welcome to Fuel My Plate. My name is Michael Catling and I am an award-winning editor, recipe developer and private chef. This is my online kitchen, which is home to more than 100 recipes with a healthy twist to help improve your eating habits and meal planning for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each recipe has been triple tested by family and friends to guarantee the best results. Happy eating!

What to make today

Caramelised apple, walnut and yoghurt parfait

Vegan blueberry and banana pancake stack

Shakshuka

Chocolate orange overnight oats

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

It’s been a while! Thought I might show off some It’s been a while! Thought I might show off some Yorkshire puddings from yesterday. Credit to my wonderful sous chef, @lauren.caruana 

#sundaylunch #yorkshirepudding #roastdinner
Pancake day is nearly here!!! Who doesn’t love a Pancake day is nearly here!!! Who doesn’t love an excuse to eat copious amounts of pancakes, crepes or whatever you want to call them? These are five of my favourite recipes for you to try tomorrow. Which one are you choosing?

1️⃣ Banana bread pancakes with raspberry coulis
2️⃣ Masala vegetables with turmeric dosas 
3️⃣ Gingerbread pancakes with date caramel sauce 
4️⃣ Popeye pancakes with smoked salmon and cream cheese 
5️⃣ Cinnamon and chocolate crepes 

⬆️ RECIPE LINKS IN BIO ⬆️
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#pancakeday #pancakes #pancake #pancakestack #pancakeslover #pancakerecipe #crepes #crepe #crêpe #dosas #dosa #pancakeporn  #gingerbread #bananabread #smokedsalmon
INSANE GARLIC & CORIANDER NAAN I can categorically INSANE GARLIC & CORIANDER NAAN
I can categorically say I have perfected the art of making naan breads without using a tandoor oven! These garlic and coriander beauties are the perfect accompaniment to any curry! 

My trick is to pop the yeasted dough in a bowl covered with a tea towel and to place it in the oven on the top shelf with a jug of boiling hot water below. The steam ensures you get a good rise and creates little air bubbles which are vital to achieving that fluffy texture when you tear the naan apart. As always, you can find the full recipe on my website: www.healthykitchendiaries.co.uk (link in bio)! 

#naan #naanbread #baking #bakingfromscratch #homemade #homemadefood #homemadebread #yeast #breadmaking #breadporn #breadbaking #bread #indianfood #garlicbread #garlicnaan
Every night is curry night! Given the choice, I wo Every night is curry night! Given the choice, I would happily eat a curry every night. It can be expensive ordering from your favourite curry house, so it’s good to have a selection of fakeaway recipes up your sleeve. These are two of my favourites… which one are you choosing? ⬇️⬇️

1️⃣ KING PRAWN GOAN CURRY WITH THAI STICKY RICE
2️⃣ PRAWN TIKKA MASALA WITH ONION BHAJIS AND CARROT & MINT RAITA

➡️ RECIPE LINKS IN BIO ⬅️ 

#curry #currynight #kingprawns #prawns #prawncurry #tikkamasala #goan #indianfood #fakeaway #homemadefood #homemadecurry #onionbhaji #raita #recipeshare #recipes #bbcgoodfoodtogether
Introducing my next level Lancashire hotpot! A who Introducing my next level Lancashire hotpot! A whole lamb shoulder slow cooked with red onion, garlic, rainbow carrots and plenty of herbs for 4 hours in the oven. The meat is then shredded and sandwiched between sliced potatoes, topped with a little grating of parmesan. The bottom layer soaks up all the juices from the supercharged lamb jus, while the top layer turns golden and crisp. 

It’s a proper crowd pleaser and a few clever hacks help to cut the saturated fat and ramp up the fibre content. As always, you can find the full recipe on my website: www.healthykitchendiaries.co.uk (link in bio). According to my 67-year-old (soon to be) father in law, it’s one of the best meals he’s ever had! 

Have a great Sunday everyone!!

#lambshoulder #lamb #hotpot #lancashirehotpot #sundaylunch #slowcooking #slowcook #bestever #recipeideas #sundaydinner #mealideas
PULLED PORK & CARAMELISED RED ONION PIZZA Who else PULLED PORK & CARAMELISED RED ONION PIZZA
Who else is celebrating #nationalpizzaday? I went all out with this recipe, making the base, caramelised onions and tomato sauce from scratch. I even slow cooked a whole pork shoulder for 8 hours. Shop bought pizzas don’t even come close to making your own! This is comfort food at its best.

⬆️ RECIPE LINK IN BIO ⬆️
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#pizza #pizzalover #pizzalove #pizzagram #pizzaporn #pulledpork #porkshoulder #instantpot #slowcookerrecipes #slowcooker #tomatosauce #homemadefood #homemadepizza #foodporn
CREAMY ARTICHOKE RISOTTO WITH BABY PARSNIPS Need s CREAMY ARTICHOKE RISOTTO WITH BABY PARSNIPS
Need some inspiration to take your meat free Monday to next level? This rich and oozy risotto is the perfect winter warmer and heroes two underrated root vegetables, Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips. 

Both are bang in season right now and are so incredibly versatile. Here, I’ve roasted baby parsnips, baked some artichoke crisps, and whipped up an artichoke purée which is stirred into the risotto. It’s a little time consuming (show me a risotto recipe which isn’t!) but it’s so worth the time and effort. 

⬆️ RECIPE LINK IN BIO ⬆️
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#risotto #meatfree #meatfreemonday #meatless #meatlessmonday #meatlessmeals #artichokes #parsnip #artichoke #jerusalemartichoke #comfortfood #foodphotography #foodstagram #vegetarian #vegetarianfood #vegetarianrecipes
SLOW COOK LAMB SHANK RAGU WITH PAPPARDELLE What’ SLOW COOK LAMB SHANK RAGU WITH PAPPARDELLE
What’s not to love about using a slow cooker? Chuck all the ingredients in before you start work and then you’ve got a readymade dinner for when you clock off!

Ok, so I had to do a bit to bring it all together (the parmesan & thyme crisps are a must try) but it takes the stress out of cooking everything from scratch when you’ve planned ahead. Btw, fresh egg pasta tastes so much better than dried pasta. It also takes less time to cook which is a bonus! As always, you can find the full recipe on my website (link in bio)!

#lamb #lambshank #pappardelle #pasta #pastarecipe #pastalover #slowcookerrecipes #slowcooker #instantpot #instantpoteats #comfortfood #mealideas #mealplanning
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