Mexican Cooking: Chicken and Shrimp Burritos + Black Bean Rice

by

7427B9C0-37BE-4689-94A3-E02A40672343

One of my favourite meals these days for a great balance of all the great nutrients you need, is definitely a Mexican burrito bowl. Just look at those beautiful colours! They’ve got to be good for you. Well, it was a day off, and I thought it would be a fun to have a mini burrito party for dinner.

f12e1e32-1f72-4a38-9b81-7f109cb8a052-e1531887023749.jpeg

The shrimp and chicken filling is easy enough. I sautéed the juicy shrimp with some olive oil, salt and spicy cajun seasoning. For the chicken, bake it in the oven with rosemary and thyme.

Then, we get to the absolutely essential Mexican black bean tomato rice. You can get these black beans canned, and it’s incredibly simple to prepare.

8E9B6F7E-DBF2-493B-BC62-B1E8CACBDCC5

Continue reading →

Advertisements

Travel: Must-Visit Places in Kathmandu

by

IMG_3241

Nepal is a country that will always have my heart. There’s something about its breathtaking natural beauty, deep spirituality, and the resilience and warmth of its people that I will always feel a strong affinity for. This is my second trip back to Kathmandu, and here are the places you definitely don’t want to miss!

Swayambunath

IMG_3228

But for some of the most wonderful experiences in the dusty Kathmandu, we begin with the sprawling Swayambunath complex perched on a hilltop in Kathmandu valley. Literally meaning “sublime trees”, I couldn’t think of a more apt name for a place inspiring so much peace and equanimity.

IMG_3229

The complex is made up of a stupa (above) and a collection of shrines and temples.

IMG_3230

There were many devotees who came alone or with loved ones to pray and deliver offerings. The atmosphere was just so calm and we were fascinated by the sheer colour and intricacies of the artefacts on sale at these makeshift stalls.

IMG_3225

One of the highlights for me at the Swayambunath is running into this holy man dressed head to toe in vibrant saffron.

IMG_3226

Continue reading →

Baking: Freshly-baked Baguettes

by

C0D9CC9E-4BF9-477E-9379-2BE550EA3CE2

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is a bread knife cutting into a beautiful piping hot, crispy baguette fresh out of the oven. My first attempt at these baguettes need a slight makeover, but I promise these taste absolutely heavenly. The texture is perfect! Crispy outside, moist and chewy inside. And when butter melts all over it, mmm… divine.

These are incredibly versatile. You can dip them in soups and stews, make bruschetta, garlic bread, and even use them for sandwiches. And the ingredients are super simple! You can find them in any kitchen.

4ECDCAF9-4A0C-49E0-B8A9-1166D6C58467

Ingredients: (2 baguettes)
– 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm water
– 3 cups bread flour + extra for surfaces
– 1 tsp salt
– cooking spray

Continue reading →

Italian Cooking: Basil Pesto Chicken Linguine

by

A58FE314-127D-4DD2-987A-B94B9BF4C046

Nothing quite compares to the creamy, fragrant comfort that is a good pesto pasta. It’s rich, but not overwhelmingly so. And cream pastas don’t have to be bad for health. Just swap out heavy whipping cream for a light one and use lean chicken instead of the fatty cuts. But I think these pictures just say it all.

IMG_4687

Hungry yet? Let’s get cracking!

4B01550A-90DC-48CF-9C00-4366FC914E4C

Continue reading →