Quick Summer Food

Quick Kebabs
Trim and cube 1kg of round steak purchased from a butcher that ages his meat (to ensure tenderness) - Ennis Butchers in Rialto is one example but there are many all over the country.

Rub the steak with salt, pepper, mild chilli powder (Aleppo Chilli MIx if you can find it), allspice, nutmeg and dried oregano. Add a splash of olive oil and some lemon juice, mix well and allow to marinate for at least an hour. Push onto skewers and grill on the barbecue.

Trim and cube 4 chicken breasts and place in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped chilli pepper (optional), fresh coriander or other herbs. Allow to marinate and push onto skewers and grill.

Couscous Salad
Pour 300g of couscous into a dish and pour on 300ml of hot water containing ½ - 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the couscous vigorously so that the water is absorbed evenly and leave it to swell for ten minutes. Add 100ml of extra virgin olive oil and rub the couscous between your fingers to break up any lumps and to ensure it is light and fluffy. This last step is the most important so spend a few minutes lifting and separating the grains with your fingertips. Finally add a chopped red pepper, chopped red onion, black pepper and lots of fresh mint.

Grill some merguez or lamb sausages (available in halal and fancier butchers) and add to the couscous cold or warm.