Our picks may or may not have been inspired by the sunshine...
There's a lot to be joyful about this week. For starters, it's only a four day working week thanks to yesterday's Bank Holiday; the sun is shining and is here to say with temperatures even rising to double digits and it's the first week of a new month.
April is the month of hope. Restrictions begin to ease ever so slightly, the days are getting longer, the sun doesn't set 'til at least 7pm and it's even warm enough to go outside with a light jacket. And it's this good weather that has us yearning for days eating al fresco.
At with that change of weather, it's likely that your weeknight dinner rotation is in need of an update. Hearty pies and warming soups just don't work as well on bright, sun shining days. We may be another few weeks away from lighting up the BBQ and eating nothing but light summer salads but thankfully, there is an in between. Keep scrolling for what's on the FOOD&WINE menu this week.
And be sure to save this post to your browser because there's going to come a night this week where you're wondering what to cook – and we've got the answers.
Beetroot-marinated salmon with horseradish cream
A classic, crowd-pleasing combination of salmon, beetroot, horseradish and new potatoes come together in this gluten-free salmon recipe for four. Try the recipe, here.
Buttermilk fried chicken
Perfecting delicious fried chicken from home can be a difficult challenge to master but with this step-by-step recipe - it really couldn't be easier. It only takes a few quick steps and uses simple ingredients you're likely to have in the cupboard and fridge: chicken, buttermilk, flour, oil and a few spices. Marinated and pan-fried to crispy, crunchy perfection. Try the recipe, here.
Mushroom enchiladas
Butter beans, zesty tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, mushrooms and cheese makes a flavourful filling for these tasty vegetarian enchiladas. Easy to make and cost-effective, what's not to love? This is a great dish for when you're craving something comforting but without that starch. Try the recipe, here.
Easy pasta with coriander pesto
If you’re used to store-bought pesto, believe us when we tell you that this homemade version will change your dinners for the better. It’s just so much more vibrant and fresh, plus - all you need is give ingredients and a food processor. Try the recipe, here.
Roasted sweet potato galette
We love this dish from The Three Qs in Greystones. It's a great make-ahead dish, as you can par-cook everything, then just finish it off in the oven with the cheese for about ten minutes. If you're not too fond of sweet potatoes, you could try to use tomatoes and peppers instead. Try the recipe, here.
Grilled Brussel Sprouts with Smoked Garlic Aioli
Grilled vegetables are great during summer, so with barbecue season coming up, we can't think of a better dish to try than this. The smoked garlic adds a real kick to the dish, enhancing the smokiness of the grilled sprouts even further. Try the recipe, here.
Beef and cabbage stir fry
Stir-frying is a quick and healthy way to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight. This beef and cabbage stir fry uses tender sirloin steak cooked in a quick homemade teriyaki sauce with whatever fresh or frozen vegetables you care to throw its way. Best served with noodles but it can also be paired with rice, or wrapped inside lettuce leaves. Try the recipe, here.
READ MORE: Una Leonard's classic brownie with cornflake crunch topping
