Challenging times in the kitchen at the moment and we need some snacks for staying at home that aren’t too unhealthy but easy to make too. So ditch that bag of crisps in front of the telly and be inspired with these easy snacks for staying at home.
Bagel Bites
Cut up a bagel like this, you can get at least 10 to 12 little bite size pieces and then spread with your favourite spicy tomato sauce, either homemade or shop bought and then top with a bit of grated cheese, smoked salmon and a basil leaf or anything fresh and green.
Grind on some fresh black pepper, olive oil and serve up on a plate.. lasts way longer than normal, looks pretty and good to share, stretches out limited food supplies too. Other toppings include fresh pesto and a cube of feta or halloumi cheese. If you want a recipe for a home made topping try this one for spicy red pepper dip.
Cucumber Cups
Simply cut up local cucumbers into chunks and hollow out but not to the end to make a kind of cup. We used the smaller end of an old ice cream spoon worked well. Then fill with whatever you have at home that you think works. Hummus is a good one and you could put a little crisp or piece of oven baked pita in making a little “boat” . Equally do the same with baba ghanoush or guacamole. If you want to try some fresh, homemade cauliflower hummus for you filling then we have a genuine recipe for that here. It’s vegan too.
If you don’t have any ready made fillings to hand, then just add a dollop of garlicky youghurt with salt and pepper and just one crisp!
Green Olive Paté
Olives are so easy to get in Dubai, choose some that don’t have pips though. Just a handful in a grinder, add some capers, a garlic clove, lemon juice and good olive oil and whizz up for a versatile and delicious green olive paté. I also added a spoon of fibre to mine too. Garnish with a few more capers, some coriander or basil leaves and an extra twist of pepper. You may want to add salt, but remember the olives are already salty and the capers are too. Spread generously onto bits of broken ryvita or brown bread.
You could also add anchovies if you like and a little red chilli and lemon rind. Obviously leave out the anchovies for the vegetarians.
BBQ snack ideas
I’ve used half a mushroom, a square of green pepper, a piece of halloumi and then made a knot of some Chinese chives and finished with a chunk of red onion. Make a few of these sticks, then coat them with whatever marinade you like. I use butter, garlic, salt and pepper and a little chilli, and some lemon. Have ready for when you want to bbq.
Home Made Sushi
Not as difficult as it sounds, but you do need to have the right equipment for this. So a sushi rolling mat, a couple of boards, one to roll your sushi on and one another to cut your sushi into pieces.
You need to buy ready made nori seaweed and some sushi rice. You also need store cupboard ingredients like soya sauce, wasabi if you like it hot and sushi ginger, all of which keep for a while.
Your fillings don’t have to follow the conventional raw fish, but obviously tuna and salmon work well and you need such a little bit for a whole roll. Ask your fish monger to slice you little strips and take the skin off salmon. I get mine from the Waitrose fish counter and use on the same day, always.
If you’re making vegetarian sushi, then use carrots, cucumber, white radish, avocado, or even a little raw mango! See the video on how to make below. You have to learn how to push and roll at the same time.
MOTIVATION
Plan your snacks for the weekdays, weekends and possible celebrations while at home. Use the best ingredients you can get, make an effort to make things look nice and ditch those crisps and limit the sweet treats. Especially in the afternoons!
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