Food Fact of the Day

For those of you city folk, who are probably sick to death of Christmas being rammed down your throats, here are some completely unseasonaly relevant Food Facts... About Tomato Ketchup.
Courtesy of The Metro!

* Originally, Ketchup didn't contain tomatoes at all- it was first made in China in the late 17th Century, from a mix of anchovies, walnuts, mushrooms and kidney beans.

* Heinz ketchup must leave the bottle at 0.028 mph- any faster and it won't be leaving the factory- at any speed.

* The fear of tomato ketchup is called Mortuusequusphobia.

650, 000 000 bottles of ketchup are sold around the world, in more than 110 countries. So if you want a change from cranberry sauce this Christmas...

xxx

Dinner 27.06.11

.

Griddled Courgette and Aubergine
With butterbeans, red onion and tomato
.

Opening my fridge tonight, I was faced with a slightly sad looking aubergine, and, as usual, an abundance of tomatoes and courgette. Deciding they needed using, I spent a while flicking through the nearest cookbooks I had to hand before giving up and doing what I always do: winging it.

The result got the job done. A healthy pile of butter beans, tomato and griddled veg, the smoked paprika and garlic I through in gave it a smokey, rich flavour.
This took no time at all. Fry two small red onions with some crushed garlic and a little freshly chopped chilli. Once they are soft, tip in four or five chopped tomatoes and simmer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, tip a tin of butter beans into the pan and mix in.
Whilst this is reducing slightly, slice your aubergine and courgette and griddle till cooked through and nicely scored.
Spoon the tomato and bean base onto a plate and top with the grilled vegetables.

This is a nice summery recipe, not only rich in vitamins but won't leave you feeling heavy or sluggish. Perfect with a glass of white wine and a sun lounge!

xxx