Cookalooks Cookery School

I’m currently training at a local retirement home. I’m introducing new recipes, putting in a costing system and training the staff.

The retirement home has a very small budget and relies heavily on the generosity of people for donations. I’m not wild about cooking on a budget but then who is. The thing is, there should be no excuse for eating bad food because with a few basic ingredients we made a seriously great pork stew with creamy mash & green beans for under R10 a person.

I’ve worked & trained in retirement homes before and for me it’s always an emotional time. If you want to put your life into perspective go and spend some time in a retirement home/establishment..Say, Do, Walk, See, Love, Eat, Laugh and drink wine because one day you might not be able to….

So with that said, go and cook your loved ones a lavish meal OR better still give my budget pork comfort recipe a go.

Budget Pork Comfort

Ingredients

2kg of pork stewing meat

1/2  bunch of celery, chopped

250g carrots chopped

1x large onions chopped

1x tin of baked beans

1x tin of chopped tomatoes

45ml paprika

4x garlic cloves finely chopped

2x bay leaves

300-450ml chicken stock (made with 2 stock cubes)

15ml cornflour to thicken sauce (if necessary)

Method:

1. Marinate the pork with the paprika, garlic & bay leaves – allow to marinate for an hour.
2.  Fry the pork to brown. Remove from the pan.
3. Add the onions, carrots, celery and cook until soft.
4. Add the baked beans & tin tomato. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the pork meat and mix well.
6. Add the chicken stock and simmer for 30minutes
7. Serve with mash and green beans

Creamy Mashed Potato

Ingredients:

2kg of Potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks

15ml of coarse salt

100g margarine or butter

250ml of milk

Salt & Pepper

Method:

1. Place the potatoes into a pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to the boil and add the coarse salt. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through completely.
2. Add the butter/margarine to the milk and heat through in the microwave for 1 minute. Drain the liquid from the potatoes and immediately add a little of the butter and milk mix to the potatoes and using a masher, mash everything together.
3. Add a little more butter and milk and continue to mash until a creamy mash is formed.
4. Season with a little salt & pepper.

Notes:

It is always important to warm the milk and butter/margarine as this makes the mash creamier.
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