foodtravelsco

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Making homemade Prawn & Sweet Potato Ravioli 😲 (at London, United Kingdom)

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A stroll through London..

What was intended as a short stroll ended being an 8.5km walk throughout the city! This is what I love about London, you can get lost in the lane-ways and streets for an entire day and still feel like you've barely scratched the surface!

I'm not a coffee drinker (Shock horror) it just doesn't agree with me and I was feeling rather flat in the morning, so I charged up with a lovely blueberry muffin from a local cafe close to the canal in north London. I justified it by telling myself I'd burn it off throughout the day.

So after admiring the serenity of the canal and wondering how some people actually live in houseboats on the freezing cold canal water (I imagine their toes look like little frozen frankfurts) I set off towards the west end, blueberry muffin in hand, selfie stick in the other.

With no intention of finding this place, I first came across the Grant Museum. Filled with really cool artifacts, specimens and animal skeletons it was an interesting find, you could spend around an hour there and there’s also interactive activities for the kiddies too! Great way to start off the day.

My navigational skills would insult Dora the Explorer and I wasn't following any kind of directional order, I sort of just went wherever the wind took me so my next stop was China Town.

Feeling pekish again after a whole 1 hour post breakfast - I live the life of a constant eating machine - I stopped at Baozi Inn for a Pork Bao Bun, yum yum. The bun was light and fluffy as it should be and the filling was satisfyingly meaty - though the ratio of filling vs bun didn't do it for me, but for £1.20 who am I to complain! For the price you pay, the quality and size of the bun which was almost as big as my face, it's hard to beat. It was a great snack for a wanderer like me.

 The streets led me through Convent Garden and pardon my expat ignorance I have only just discovered the 'n' is silent in the pronunciation of 'Convent'. Mind - blown. I stopped for a pretty picture of a little courtyard called Niels Yard, which you can find through a lane-way off Monmouth Street. There are quite a few quirky cafes, bars and restaurants with a nice outdoor seating area ideal for a sunny day.

 I find that pretty much every area in London has a market. Whether it's big or small, there's always cool trinkets, hand crafted knick knacks and unique clothing stalls. That's what I found at my next stop here at Apple Market in the heart of Convent Garden.

 Even though I've lived in London for over two years now, Piccadilly Circus still stuns me. Every building is so grandiose with beatific architecture and detailing, I think it's the most impressive spot in London - especially at night with the contrast of the lights and dark sky. Tourists must visit!

I popped into a couple of stores to get my retail therapy fix and built up an appetite again so I went to find a random restaurant to have 'dunch' - my version of dinner/late lunch.

From the street, The Grand Indian 1 on St Martins Lane looked completely packed and had a very casual and inviting ambiance as most Indian restaurants do - which suited me perfectly as I was wearing trainers and a cap! Comfort first, beauty second I always say. So I headed inside.

I ordered the Chicken Korma and Chicken Vindaloo, with a side of steamed rice and a cheeky glass of red. The chicken in both dishes was perfectly cooked. I preferred the simple but bold flavour of the Vindaloo and I enjoyed the level of heat, it had a good kick but not so much so that you feel like your tongue is bleeding. I didn't mind the Korma, but I've had better. It seemed to have one too many spices, the flavour was just too complex for me. All in all it was a pleasant meal in a very cozy restaurant and for a reasonable price of around £9-£10 for each curry.

Thank goodness my bus stop was only a few streets away because by the time I left the restaurant, the sun had set and it had become too cold for my choice of thin clothing! I was home-bound and sitting on the bus surrounded by corporate workers coming home from a long, hard days work. I pondered over what an amazing day of site seeing, discovering and eating I'd had and how lucky I am to live in the vibrant city of London!

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Lake Como was so spectacular I can't wait to go back! 🌲🍷 (at Lake Como, Italy)

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I'm exploring London on the hunt for some of the best Street Food on offer! Visit Maltby Street Market for international flavours, a buzzy atmosphere & a lovely afternoon!

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Duck breast, braised leek & red wine jus🍷 #foodie #homecooking #foodstagram #foodtravels

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Chicken & Pea Risotto #italian #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram #risotto

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After hiking up what seemed like a never ending mountain, we captured this beautiful shot of the lake which made the hike all the worth while 🌲 #lakecomo #italy #travel #pictureoftheday (at Lake Como, Italy)

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Here is my interview with Weekend Sunrise about the Bunnings review!

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This is my first video review which actually went viral across UK and Australia!

Bunnings Hardware stores sausage sizzles are famous all across Australia, its a big part of our culture and very much a tradition! The hardware store is more known for its BBQ snags (aussie slang for sausages) than the hardware itself!

Bunnings have just opened their first store in Hertfordshire UK, so I drove an hour out of London to check out the signature Aussie sausage sizzle and make sure they are doing us Aussies proud!

After a very long drive with bumper to bumper traffic and to my delight, the sausage sizzle was in full swing. I got myself two snags with onion and BBQ sauce (some may say BBQ sauce with a snag is a sin, the traditional condiment is tomato sauce).

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The Breakfast Club, Angel, London

http://www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com/

The queues are well worth the wait at the very popular, Breakfast Club in Angel. Once you have developed a monstrous appetite after waiting outside and settling into a cosy table inside the homely café (think Polaroid covered walls and rustic kitchenware), you can set your eyes upon a menu with lots of variety…

Keep reading

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Ristorante Abruzzi, Rome, Italy

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1012147-Reviews-Abruzzi-Rome_Lazio.html

We discovered Ristorante Abruzzi on via del Vaccaro in Rome, while wandering away from the main stretch of shops by Trevi Fountain. This is a truly authentic, family owned restaurant with Abruzzi heritage, still standing from 1969 and passed on from father to daughter and son. A classic Trattoria; unassuming and unpretentious, and judging by the fact that there were no tourists to be seen, we knew we were in for a treat..

Keep reading

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Neighbourhood Guide to Shoreditch

London. No matter how well you think you know it, there’s always somewhere new to discover. Spend a Sunday roaming one of the most unique areas in London, with our Neighbourhood Guide to Shoreditch.

Andina

A great Sunday morning starts off with Breakfast. Not just any breakfast, Peruvian inspired street food at Andina off Shoreditch High Street. Andina offers a large brunch menu with tapas style dishes using superfood ingredients native to the Peruvian Andes and a juice bar that serves pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and Peruvian coffee.

With a ground floor and a casual basement dining room, the venue has a very chilled out atmosphere. The staff are quite helpful, if you’re stuck on what to order they can recommend a few tasty Peruvian dishes to share, perhaps a breakfast dish such as the Picante de Huevos; two eggs baked in panca, amarillo, rocoto and tomatoes with a tamal Andino, followed by one of the classic Cerviches; Ceviche de Palmitos Palm hearts, quinoa, popped amaranth, avocado purée.

www.andinalondon.com

Address: 1 Redchurch St, London E2 7DJ

photo: www.quandoo.co.uk

 Boxpark

What better way to burn off those breakfast calories than a spot of shopping, sorry boys! For a touch of avante-garde retail therapy, visit Boxpark right around the corner; the world’s first pop-up mall. Fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cafés and eateries fill the unique refitted shipping containers. Name brands such as Nike, Keihls, Estee Lauder and also independent pop up stores that change weekly make this a must visit for a new and interesting shopping experience.

www.boxpark.co.uk

Address: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY

Photo: www.appearhere.co.uk

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

It’s time to unwind again after all the shopping and Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium can help you do that, just a short work down Redchurch Street. She has created a haven for cat lovers and tea drinkers alike; a Tea House with resident cats wandering around in a cozy and intimate setting. Animal lovers will be pleased to know the cats here are rescued, so while you’re relaxing and admiring the precious beauties, you’re also contributing to a new and happy lifestyle for rescued animals, nawww.

www.ladydinahs.com

Address: 152-154 Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch, London E2 6DG

Photo: katzenworld.co.uk

Brick Lane Market

Before heading to one of the best galleries in London’s east, take a detour down to Brick Lane Market for a quick bite to eat, because on a Sunday there are no limits to how many times you can eat! With an array of ethnic food stalls to choose from it is the epicenter for foodies, whether you fancy a famous curry or a gourmet burger there is literally something for everyone here.

www.visitbricklane.org

Address: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR

Photo: www.ilikelondon.co.uk

Rivington Place Gallery

Afterwards, venture down to Rivington Place Gallery, shared by Iniva and Autograph ABP, to see some of the best contemporary and abstract artwork by British and international artists. There is no admission charge so you can experience a wonderful piece of the areas vibrant art scene for free!

www.rivingtonplace.org

Address: Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA

Photo: www.wsimag.com

Lounge Bohemia

Being in the heart of Shoreditch means you can’t go home without visiting a bar for a cocktail. At Lounge Bohemia around the corner, you will discover exciting cocktails all with theatrical stories behind them, told by the entertaining waitresses. Tucked away from the world, through an unmarked door, it is a booking only speakeasy bar with comfortable 60’s style furniture. The drinks are tasty and quite unique; some are served frozen, others straight up. There’s no better way to finish off a fun filled day.

www.loungebohemia.com

Address: 1e Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3EJ

Photo: www.demeter-london.com

Samuel Johnson wrote the famous words “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford”. Shoreditch is a testimony to that and if Samuel were still alive today, you would no doubt see him roaming the streets of E1!

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10 Best Cocktail Bars in London

Fancy yourself a Negroni? A Cosmopolitan? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a Bloody Mary? No matter your tipple of choice, London’s dynamic cocktail bar scene is sure to have something to quench your thirst. Here’s our list of the British capital’s 10 best cocktail bars – but don’t just take our word for it of course, try them all yourself! This list is bound to keep you busy (and happy!) for the next few weekends.

1. Nightjar

Photo: barnightjar.com

Slip on your best vintage outfit and let the Nightjar transport you back in time. Located on City Road, Nightjar is a speakeasy-style hideout bar with a soundtrack of live swing, jazz and blues. Prohibition-style speakeasies may be on the rise in London, but this one definitely speaks for itself. On entry you will emerge into a world of early 20th century, it’s clear why it was voted 3rd best bar in the world in 2014.

Nightjar exudes prohibition chic with an infusion of twenty-first-century cool, serving killer cocktails with creative garnishes (sea plankton and worms anyone?) and brave experimentation. Head on down if you’re up for table service, front row seats to live music and an array of exotic cocktails.

Address: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB

2. Nola, Shoreditch

Photo: Facebook/NOLA Bar

NOLA has been given the Seal of the Sazerac by the New Orleans Culinary Cultural Preservation Society 2013 and has been nominated in the Top 4 Best New International Cocktail Bars in 2014.

To secure a table at this New Orleans themed drinking palace you will need to book in advance. A very trendy space, with a wide range of prohibition style cocktails including familiar classics and new inventions, a terrace for smoking the many cigars on offer and live jazz music all night – a recipe for a great night out!

Address: 68 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3AY

3. 69 Colebrooke Row

Photo: theselby.com

Seek and you shall find.  Previously known as ‘The Bar with No Name’, 69 Colebrooke Row is an award winning bar tucked away in a side street in Islington. A charming and intimate venue, perfect for small groups looking for well-made Old Fashioned to take the edge off after a long week at work.

The master mixologist behind the bar, Tony Conigliaro, has created an exciting list of cocktails which you can learn for yourself through his cocktail master classes on offer.

With its talented bartenders, fabulous pianist and a lively atmosphere (without being overbearingly noisy) 69 Colebrooke Row has established itself a North London favourite. It can get overcrowded inside so to avoid disappointment, reservations are recommended.

Address: 69 Colebrooke Row London N1 8AA

4. American Bar at the Savoy, Convent Garden

Photo: vlondons.co.uk

The iconic American Bar at the Savoy Hotel was one of the earliest bars to introduce American-style cocktails to Europe, delivering elegant and classic cocktails in a swanky surrounding. The highly curated and historic menu of cocktails, left in the hands of award winning bartenders are second to none, making the above average prices all worth the while.

Aristocrats and Highfliers mingle over a perfectly frosted French Martini, brought over by the bar staff wearing their signature white coats, American bar is a place to see and be seen.

Soak up the ambience and sit back, sip a drink and let the pianist’s magical fingers take you away. Visit the American Bar for a slice of British drinking history.

Address: The Savoy Hotel, 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

5. Bar at Sushisamba, Bishops Gate

Photo: bonvivant.co.uk

If you are looking to impress a first date, take them to the bar at Sushi Samba where one of the most spectacular views of London will certainly do the job. Bustling with the cool and beautiful, this opulent bar has spot on service standards and very knowledgeable bartenders, they will whip up a Japanese Slipper before you can say Arigato!

The cocktails come with a certain flamboyance, perfect for post dinner drinks. The food menu is equally as impressive but if you’re in the mood for just a light snack while sipping an Espresso Martini, the sushi bar is open for deliciously fresh sushi and sashimi.

Address: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

6. Experimental Cocktail Club, China Town

Photo: chinatownlondon.org

Speakeasies are known for being difficult to find and ECC is no exception. A modern speakeasy bar reached through an unmarked black door in the heart of China Town. A reservation is very much in order in this seriously laid back hideout, ECC has a distinctively upmarket and exclusive vibe but without the stuffiness.

The bar spans over two floors, though it is not overly spacious, it is elegantly designed and the service is attentive and personal, coat check at the door included.

You can rack up quite the bill here but the range and consistent quality of cocktails are impressive and well worth a few extra pounds. ECC is a great way to start or end an evening.

Address: 13a Gerrard St, Chinatown, London W1D 5PS

7. Bar Termini, Convent Garden

Photo: hotandchilli.com

Created by the master of cocktails, Tony Congiliaro (his other ventures include the infamous 69 Colebrooke Row) Bar Termini celebrates all things Italian. Named after Rome’s main train station, it brings together classic European with a touch of modern infusion, café by day and cocktail bar at night. The hole in the wall venue is reminiscent of a quaint little bar on the streets of Venice, Bar Termini successfully nails the Italian theme.

The cosy corners are filled with wooden stools and tables from which you can observe the perfectly executed cocktails being prepared at the bar. If you fancy a selection of aged Negroni’s with a delightful board of Italian cheeses, your palate will be satisfied here.

Ideal for smaller groups, the charming Bar Termini is the ultimate drinking pit stop for a dose of Italy circa 1950’s.

Address: 7 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JE

8. The Luggage Room, Mayfair

Photo: cheercity.co.uk

The luggage room in the upscale area of Mayfair certainly does not disappoint. As suggested in the name, the venue is an old luggage room in The Marriott Hotel. With a knock on the old black door you will be led into a world of decadence and a taste of charming 1920’s glamour.

There is a selection of specialty cocktails available and if you’re still not swayed, wash a cocktail down the hatch with the company of a choice of delicious charcuterie boards or sharing plates.

It could be Mayfair’s best kept secret, with everything you need for a night of sophistication and first class service.

Address: On the Corner, Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP

9. Rivoli Bar at the Ritz, Piccadilly

Photo: theritzlondon.com

Dress to the nines and prepare to be enchanted by this opulent and luxurious bar which once found, you won’t want to leave. For cocktail connoisseurs, you will find timeless classics on the menu and also modern experimentations, the Ritz 100 is highly recommended by the staff.

Everything about this establishment is incredibly elegant, making it a high society destination. The lavish décor, sublime service standards and highly trained bartenders combined, make it no surprise Rivoli Bar gets it right. A must visit for a truly one of a kind experience. Address: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR

10. The Four Sisters, Islington

Photo: Facebook/The Four Sisters, Islington

A great little down to earth bar in Islington offering contemporary mixology and an extended happy hour from 4-7pm which is sure to turn frowns upside down!  Framed mirrors and wood-panelling cover the walls and the low candle lighting adds to the romantic and quirky atmosphere of this pub style bar.

The signature cocktail menu has quite a few standouts such as the Four Sisters Breakfast Martini, mixed with Chase Marmalade Vodka, Orange Marmalade, Pink Grapefruit and fresh lemon, yum! There is a fair amount of cocktail acrobatics behind the bar to keep you entertained while waiting for a drink too.

Filled with lads and ladies in their late 20’s/early 30’s, it appears to be a favourite for the locals. Join in and you will leave The Four Sisters in a very merry mood, I assure you.

Address: 25 Canonbury Ln, London N1 2AS

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Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori, Florence, Italy

Traditionally, an Osteria is an Italian wine bar that serves very simple food. Nowadays, it’s all about the food, with a side of wine. Like most Osteria’s, Vini e Vecchi Sapori offers a menu that is quite short, but the focus is on consistent, flavoursome dishes using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce.  

It is one of those places that immerses you in a homely and warm atmosphere. I can’t help but rave about it so I’m going to rattle off some of the awards they have won including the Travellers’ Choice 2012 Winner Restaurant, Top Choice 2014 & 2015 and Trip Adviser’s Certificate of Excellence…

There is so much character and authenticity in this small family run restaurant on Via dei Magazzini. Black and white photos of the owner (whom I had the pleasure of meeting) throughout his years cover the walls. He stands in the middle of the restaurant behind a small wooden counter, preparing the antipasto for all to see, to really get tongues wagging.

The antipasto itself included the freshest mozzarella I’ve ever tasted, and a variety of delicious cuts of meat with lovely home-made bread. The presentation of the dishes is not extravagant, because it doesn’t need to be, that’s the beauty of good Italian cuisine.

If I see duck on the menu, I have to have it. So I ordered the Papardelle a sugo d’Anatra (Duck Ragu Pappardelle). Perfectly Al Dente, home-made pasta with tender duck and not too much sauce as to overpower the flavours of the pasta and duck, but just enough to compliment.

Duck Ragu Pappardelle

The Beef Stew arrived at the table, with a drizzle of the good quality extra virgin olive oil that Italy is known for. The beef was slow cooked stew style; strong red wine flavour, cooked to perfection and garnished with broad green beans.

I was determined to sample as many dishes as possible, so I also tried the Grilled Lamb Cutlets with Potatoes. They were completely melt in the mouth with crispy roasted potatoes, double cooked I suspected. I was willing to wrestle with the waiter if he took my plate away too soon; it would be a sin not to dip my bread in the left over juices!

Beef Stew with Red Wine

As I undid the top button of my trousers, I reached for the dessert menu. The selection of desserts were equally as good as the mains, my particular favourite being the Raspberry Tiramisu. The cream was so silky and perfect, I could have died that night and be satisfied with my last supper.

Rasberry Tiramisu

I really could not fault my experience in any way, it was an enchanting taste of Tuscan food and culture. All the merit and awards are well deserved, so be sure not to waste time searching for somewhere to dine in Florenceand make a beeline for Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori.

Tip: Bookings are mandatory, otherwise you may be waiting outside for a little while.

Score: 10/10

Address: Via dei Magazzini 3r

Hours: Tues-Sat 9am -11pm; Sun noon-2:30pm

Phone: 055 293045

Prices: First course €6 – 8; Main course €10 – 14

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Roasted Duck Breast with Red Wine Jus, Crispy Potatoes and Broccolini

Duck is my favourite type of poultry, it’s a good source of protein and can be super tasty and succulent when cooked well. This easy 10 step recipe goes for maximum flavour of course, so we are leaving the skin on the duck breast and serving with a lovely red wine jus. Enjoy it with double cooked crispy potatoes, broccolini and a glass of vino to finish off the ‘red wine’ theme.

Prep time: 20 Minutes Cooking time: 40 Minutes Serves: 4 people

Ingredients • 4 duck breasts, skin on • 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 45ml water • 15g unsalted butter • 1 bag of fresh broccolini

For the red wine sauce • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, finely sliced • 400ml red wine • 200ml chicken stock • 1 sprig rosemary • 1 bay leaf

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. 2. To start the red wine jus, heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the shallots for a few minutes until soft. Add the wine, bay leaf, rosemary and the stock, bring to the boil then reduce to simmer until the liquid has reduced by two thirds (around 40 minutes). Take out the bay leaf and rosemary sprig. 3. While the red wine jus is simmering, in a separate large frying pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over a medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes and season with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. 4. Turn the heat up to high, add the water, stir, and cover the pan with a lid. Steam the potatoes until the water evaporates, around 3-4 more minutes. 5. Lower the heat to medium, and sauté another 1- 2 minutes until all traces of water are gone. Toss in the butter and stir to coat the potatoes. 6. Spread the potatoes on a baking tray and roast in the oven until they are crispy and brown, about 15-25 minutes. 7. For the duck, use a knife to score the skin of the duck breasts and season well with salt and pepper. Put the duck breasts skin-side down onto an ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the oven and cook for a further 5-6 minutes for medium rare or 8-10 minutes for well-done. 8. Take the duck out of the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes to tenderize. 9. While the duck is resting, Film a skillet with oil and set over high to medium-high heat. Add the broccolini and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat with oil. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Transfer to serving plate. 10. Remove the crispy potatoes from the oven. Serve the duck breast drizzled with red wine jus and a side of crispy potatoes and broccolini.

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Il Palazzo, Prague, Czech Republic

http://www.ilpalazzo.cz/

A hidden gem in Prague; Il Palazzo. A former historic underground wine cellar where King Charles IV used to store his precious wine, now serving refined Italian food. There is a very unique atmosphere inside, with beautiful architecture and lovely staff. You would not expect to find such a high standard Italian restaurant in Prague, but Il Palazzo really delivers..

The pièce de résistance of the menu is the Tagliolini with Black Truffle. I was about to witness Dalla Forma preparation, tableside. This method of serving pasta is seen mostly in Italy and parts of the East Coast, the perfection of this preparation lies in its simplicity.

The waiter arrived with a cooking station featuring a full wheel of Gran Padano Parmesan cheese and a couple of ingredients on the trolley. He started by lightly scraping the inside of the cheese wheel to gather shavings of Parmesan, he then poured a delicate white wine and flambéed the parmesan to release all of the wonderful flavour. Hot freshly cooked Tagliolini pasta was quickly brought out from the back of the kitchen, which the waiter tossed into the wheel along with truffle oil, creating an infusion of flavours. Black truffle shavings sprinkled over the dish as the plate was set in front of me, at this point my tongue was hanging out of my mouth; the aroma really was out of this world.

Tagliolini with Black Truffle

The melted parmesan throughout the pasta with the exquisite truffle flavor created so much body and aftertaste, I will be dreaming about this dish for a while! Though the serving size is not overly generous, it is a very indulgent and rich dish which can be quite heavy, so be prepared for some strong flavours.  

I ordered the Crème brûlée for dessert which was actually a bit of a let-down as the custard was overcooked. Thankfully I also sampled my partners Panna Cotta, which was really light and creamy with a lovely subtle flavour.

Il Palazzo has very reasonable prices for such personalized service, lovely food, outstanding atmosphere and extensive wine lists. This was an elegant and unique experience for me, I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Prague, you will not be disappointed!

Score: 9/10 Price: Average 500 Kč Per Person

Panna Cotta

Crème brûlée

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Vegetarian Lasagne

This vegetarian main is a quick and easy source of vitamins and iron and a simple way to get your daily intake of vegetables.

Prep time 15 mins Cooking time 30 mins Serves 4 people

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil 2 aubergines sliced 150g mushroom sliced 4 jarred roasted red pepper, sliced 700g canned tomato 1 onion 2 cloves garlic Dollop of tomato paste 8-10 lasagne sheets 400g cooked and dried spinach 25g grated Parmesan 100g mozzarella

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Fry the aubergine for 5 mins until softened, then tip into a bowl. Fry the mushrooms in the remaining oil for a few mins until golden. Wilt the spinach In a fry pan and set aside to dry in a paper towel.

Fry the onions and garlic until soft, then add the tomato paste and canned tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.

Spoon half of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 20 x 30cm baking dish. Arrange a layer of aubergines and sliced pepper, with a layer of lasagne sheets on top.

Cover with a thin layer of mozzarella, followed by a layer of mushrooms, aubergine and spinach topped with the remainder of the tomato sauce and a final layer of lasagne sheets with mozzarella and parmasan cheese on top to create a crispy and golden top layer.

Cover with foil, bake for 20 mins, uncover, then bake for another 10 mins until browned. Serve with a crisp green salad.