Spinach and basil pesto

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

1 cup basil leaves

1/2 cup grated parmesan 

1 Tbs olive oil

1 Tbs grated garlic

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 tsp dry chia seeds

Process spinach, basil and garlic.  Add olive oil, Parmesan, broth and chia and process until it forms a paste.  

Cauliflower and chickpea salad

1/2 cauliflower, cut into florets
2 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs mild and spicy curry powder - or to taste*
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp chopped chili (optional)
1 onion, chopped
1 red capsicum, chopped
1 tsp each cumin, coriander, cardamom seeds
1 cup cooked chickpeas
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup greek yoghurt
pinch of saffron soaked in 1 Tbsp water
1 tsp turmeric
salt to taste

Firstly dry roast the seeds until fragrant and then grind in a mortar and pestle, mix with the curry powder and 1 Tbs of the oil, and rub into cauliflower florets.  Sprinkle the remaining oil in a large ovenproof pan and add garlic, chili, onion, capsicum, the chickpeas and the cauliflower.  Mix well to distribute the spices - I use my hands for this.   Roast in a hot oven - 200*C for about 20 mins until the cauliflower is starting to brown on the edges.  
Meanwhile make the dressing:  Combine lime, yoghurt, saffron water (I leave in the saffron threads) turmeric and salt to taste.  Pour over the vegetales while hot, and leave to cool.  This can be eaten warm or cold and alone or over rice or greens.  It is great to take for lunch the next day, and the next (after that it was finished!)

*If you used a hot curry powder there will probably not be a need to add extra chili.

I adapted this recipe after trying several similar ones, and combining what I liked out of each of them.

Tuna quinoa patties

1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
1 large tin tuna in spring water or brine, drained
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1 tsp grated garlic
2 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbs chia seeds

Cook quinoa in 2 cups water (I used the rice cooker).  Beat eggs lightly and stir in chia seeds, set aside for about 10 minutes - seeds will swell.  Add in all remaining ingredients and form into patties.  Place on lightly oiled baking sheet and bake at 180*C for about 20 minutes.  Extras can be frozen and added to a salad for lunches.  I like to add a little greek yoghurt and a squeeze of lemon juice which drips down and dresses the salad.

Tuna and rice parcels

1 onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
2 cups cooked rice
1 400g tin tuna in brine, drained
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh herbs - parsley, basil, oregano and mint is nice
1 tsp chopped chili
1 Tbs fresh lemon or lime juice
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Saute the onion, celery and green pepper in a  little oil.  Stir in remaining ingredients and serve wrapped in lettuce cups.  It is great for lunch as well - just pack the lettuce leaves separately and wrap just before eating. 

Green Papaya salad

1 small green papaya
2 cups bean sprouts
2 tomatoes, cut into thin strips
3 spring onions, in matchsticks
1/2 cup fresh basil coarsely chopped
fresh coriander
1 red chili, chopped
1/2 cup raw peanuts coarsely chopped
Dressing
2 Tbsp fish sauce - or soy sauce
2 Tbs vegetable oil
3 Tbs lime juice
1 Tbs honey

Peel and grate papaya or slice with peeler into long strips. add other vegetables, then toss with dressing.  Taste and adjust if necessary, then sprinkle with nuts and chili

Quinoa and roasted pumpkin salad

1  cup quinoa

2 cups water

rinse quinoa and then cook in rice cooker or in pot 15 mins.  Cool

1kg pumpkin roasted and cooled

1 cup pecans, roasted

1 cup red onions, thinly sliced and lightly sauteed

1/2 cup cranberries

1/2 cup chopped parsley

Dressing

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbs cider vinegar

1 tsp orange zest

mix together and toss with dressing and serve

Soaked Oatmeal muffins

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup wholewheat flour
1 cup whey or sour milk
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 large apple, grated

Mix oats, wholewheat flour and whey and leave 1- 24 hours.  Add egg and sugar to oats, quickly stir in dry ingredients and apple.  Scoop into 12 muffin pans.  Bake at 200*C for 15 minutes.