Is there anyone like me who is always running out of fresh ideas on what to cook at home? I mean the same pasta dish can only go so far! Meal-kit deliveries in 2022 are definitely not a new idea anymore, and in fact there are countless companies to choose from. I’m sure by now whether it may be yourself or a friend, you know someone that’s currently enrolled in a meal-kit delivery program. I was before as well with various companies that I tried, but would often cancel the subscription because for the most part I just got tired of the same old recipes that were being offered week after week.
Having tried many meal-kit delivery services, I’m usually on the hunt for one that is of great value, but I’ve also learned that you need to pick a company that doesn’t always just recycle the same old recipe. In today’s culinary climate, I need more than just the convenience factor. I need innovation and excitement. I want to learn new techniques and be exposed to different flavours and combinations of ingredients that I didn’t think would go well together, yet can be pleasantly proven wrong once I took that risk of trying a recipe out of my comfort zone.
That’s why I’ve always gravitated towards Chef’s Plate, one of the very first meal-kit delivery companies in Canada, and in my opinion the very best one when it comes to a combination of value, service, and meal variety. However, there are probably still people out there who have never heard of Chef’s Plate before or know what this type of service is, so if that is you, here’s a quick run down of what Chef’s Plate is all about.
Chef’s Plate is a meal-kit delivery service where you order off a weekly menu from their website, pick various recipes you want to try and make for yourself, and within a few clicks of your mouse you’ll have set up a drop-off time where a box of all the necessary ingredients needed for your recipes will be picked out and delivered straight to your door! You can skip going to the grocery store and have a full meal prepared in a fraction of the time because the ingredients are also pre-portioned. Just follow the simple laid-out steps in the accompanying recipe cards and have a delicious home-made meal prepared in 15 to 30 minutes!
As I mentioned earlier, one of the strengths of Chef’s Plate is they don’t have just generic recipes. The revolving door of weekly recipes to try are always innovative and delicious, that touches upon every cultural cuisine possible. You’ll never get bored because there’s always something new and unique you haven’t seen before.
For example, take one of the most popular dishes out there - Butter Chicken. Most people have eaten Butter Chicken before or at least have heard of the dish, but the great thing about Chef’s Plate is they often times love to put their own unique spin on a classic dish. Now of course there are times where you need to stick with the classic formula, but when you’re at home and want to experiment and get exposed to new flavours and ingredients, why not choose something that you probably would have never made yourself. And it’s fool proof when you have step-by-step instructions in your recipe card to follow.
And for those reasons that’s why I was immediately drawn to their “Indian Style Butter Halloumi with Basmati Rice” recipe. A vegetarian twist on Butter Chicken (and I’m not even vegetarian!), but I do love me some Halloumi cheese! If you’re just as intrigued as me, I’m here to share one of my favourite Chef’s Plate recipes I’ve come across. And the great thing about ordering from Chef’s Plate is you get to keep those recipe cards and re-make the dish again and again for friends and family. Have a try for yourself and let me know if you like this Butter Chicken recipe - with a twist!
Indian-Style Butter Halloumi with Basmati Rice
Ingredients
Halloumi Cheese - 200 g
Sweet Bell Pepper - 160 g
Garlic Cloves - 1 unit
Crushed Tomatoes - 200 ml
Tomato Sauce Base - 2 tbsp
Cream - 56 ml
Basmati Rice - 3/4 cup
Yellow Onion - 113 g
Indian Spice Blend - 1 tbsp
Cilantro - 7 g
Mild Curry Paste - 2 tbsp
Directions
1) Gather all your tools, wash and dry all produce and then start the recipe. To a medium pot, add rice and 1 1/4 cups water (double for 4 portions). Season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 min, until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Stir in 2 tbsp butter (double for 4 portions). Set aside for 5 min, off heat and still covered.
2) Meanwhile, rinse halloumi, then pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Peel, then cut onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel, then mince or grate garlic. Finely chop cilantro.
3) In a large non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add halloumi. NOTE: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook halloumi in 2 batches for 4 portions, using 1 tbsp butter per batch!) Cook for 1-2 min per side, until golden-brown. Transfer halloumi to a plate and set aside.
4) To the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil (double for 4 portions), onions and peppers. Cook for 2-3 min, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Add Indian Spice Blend, curry paste and garlic. Cook for 30 sec-1 min, stirring often, until fragrant.
5) To the same pan, add tomato sauce base, crushed tomatoes, cream and 1/2 cup water (double for 4 portions). Bring to boil over high. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 3-4 min, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
6) To the curry, stir in halloumi. Season with salt and pepper. Serve rice with halloumi and butter sauce over top. Sprinkle with cilantro. Enjoy!
