Champagne Diet… It’s FODMAP-friendly!

Admittedly we’re on more of a cava/prosecco level, but this just about sums it up…

We have this on our fridge to remind ourselves how good we have it!!

Maple Peanut Sesame Chicken

I found this on Kate Scarlata’s blog I think she might have tweeted it, anyway, it caught my eye because: Maple, peanut, sesame – all delicious! It’s also not something I would normally cook, so that proves some good comes out of FODMAP – the chance to experiment and cook new things!

I came very (very) close to adding some chilli, but as I am often a bit* heavy handed with the chilli I managed to stop myself. Just. I do think a bit of fresh chilli would add a little something, so wil give it a go on my next attempt and let you know how it turns out!

Ingredients

• 1 lb/500g chicken thighs, boneless, skinned, chopped (I always use chicken thighs as they have more flavour, but of course use whatever you have to hand or prefer)
• 2 tbsp wholenut/natural peanut butter
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Instructions

• In medium casserole dish, add the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, ginger and maple syrup whisking to blend
• Chop chicken, if not already chopped
• Add chicken and mix to coat with mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate for as long as you have! I marinated overnight but I would say try and marinate it for at least 30mins.
• Keep chicken in marinade and place uncovered in preheated oven.

• Bake at 180 for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

With rice, green veg, or our favourite sweet potato mash! I know.. not how it probably *should* be served, but try it I dare you!

*very

 

**Update 08/09/13 I tried this with half a chilli and it worked really well – the spice offset the sweetness really well see Spicy Maple, Peanut, Sesame Chicken**

Pesto Chicken & Pasta

I know what you are thinking “Pesto? I can’t eat garlic!” Well I have recently discovered that Scala’s classic basil pesto is garlic-free! Fantastic!

I am a FODMAPper that struggles with lactose (very unfortunate that I am also a cheese lover) but I find the low levels in pesto are fine for me, and sometimes even add a sprinkling of parmesan to this.

This is one of my classic, easy to make, I have just got in from work and am starving, can’t face the shops, feed me in 10 mins dishes! All you need are a few staple ingredients and you are good to go! I make several variations of this dish, but I will start with the version we had last night:

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 x Chicken breasts – chopped (or you can use halloumi or a selection of veg for veggies, or tuna is good too)

280g Gluten-free pasta

1/2 jar scala classic basic pesto (or make your own, recipe to follow)

half a bunch of spring onions (green part only)

splash of oil

Method

1. Add the oil to a pan, and heat

2. Put a pan of water on to boil, once boiling cook the pasta according to guidelines/

3. When the oil is hot add the chicken and cook for approx 10 mins

4. Add the spring onions to the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, before adding the pesto and turning the pan down to a low simmer.

5. Once pasta is cooked, drain and add to the pan of chicken and pesto, stir.

6. Remove pasta, chicken and pesto mix from the stove and serve.

7. Enjoy!

I serve mine with a side salad and a sprinkling of parmesan

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Honest burgers – our fave & FODMAP-friendly & gluten free!

Honest burgers started out in Brixton market (if you’ve never been-go! They have all types of food, and all fantastic! And at good prices!) but they are now popping up across London, at the moment, soho, Camden and Portobello.

The burgers are, I have to say, some of the best I have ever tasted, and I confess I have eaten a lot of burgers in my time (though not as many as JM on her “famous” burger quest (I’ll let her explain that one!)).

I have always gone for the “Honest” burger, with a few important changes to make it FODMAP-friendly, and the staff are always happy to make the changes.

Firstly, a gluten-free bun-these are from the WAG free bakery, also in Brixton Market. Personally again some of the best gf baking comes from this shop, the rolls don’t fall to pieces in your hand and more than cope with the juicy burger.

Secondly, request no onion marmalade – easy!

Thirdly, and this is just my preference, blue cheese instead of cheddar.

It costs £1 more for the gf bun, but definitely worth it! A much better option than a “naked” or “skinny” bun-free version! That’s not a real burger!

The burger also comes with wonderfully crispy rosemary salted chips included in the price (£8 approx) a total bargain! You’ll never go to a chain burger joint again!

One key thing… Get there early! The restaurants are all fairly little, probably seating about 30 people and get very full very quickly, and it is devastating to miss out! The Soho restaurant will take your number and give you a call when a table is ready, so you can just nip to the pub opposite and grab a drink while you wait!