Tag: #tomato

  • The Ultimate 15-Minute Brunch: Crispy Bacon & Egg Smoosh

    The Ultimate 15-Minute Brunch: Crispy Bacon & Egg Smoosh

    Are you looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that is incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, but comes together in just 15 minutes? Look no further.

    Say hello to the Crispy Bacon & Egg Smoosh.

    This recipe takes the classic components of a cooked breakfast—eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and toast—and elevates them into something creamy, crunchy, and completely addictive. The “smoosh” itself is a warm, savory mash of roasted cherry tomatoes, light cream cheese, and tangy feta, folded together with crispy bacon bits and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

    It’s the perfect savory indulgence for a slow weekend morning or a quick, protein-packed weekday lunch.

    Here is how to make it.

    📸 Ingredients: The Line-Up

    Before you start, let’s get everything organized. This recipe is all about having your components ready to go.

     2 thick slices of Sourdough bread (or your favorite crusty bread)

     4 large Eggs

     4 rashers of Streaky Bacon

     100g Light Cream Cheese

     50g Feta cheese, crumbled

     100g Cherry Tomatoes

     2 Spring Onions, finely chopped

     Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper

     Optional: A drizzle of olive oil for roasting and fresh thyme for garnish

    👩‍🍳 The Method: Step-by-Step

    Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Yields: 2 servings

    Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Bacon

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a small baking tray, toss the cherry tomatoes with a tiny drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Lay the streaky bacon rashers flat on the same tray (or a separate one if crowded).

    Roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting, and the bacon is perfectly crispy.

    Step 2: Cook the Eggs

    While the bacon and tomatoes are in the oven, boil your eggs to your liking. For this recipe, a hard-boiled egg (cooked for 10 minutes) works best to provide texture. Once cooked, plunge them into an ice bath to cool rapidly, then peel and roughly chop them.

    Step 3: Make the “Smoosh”

    This is the magic moment. In a medium-sized bowl, add the hot, roasted cherry tomatoes straight from the oven (include all the flavorful juices from the pan!). Add the light cream cheese and crumbled feta.

    Using a fork, mash everything together vigorously. The heat from the tomatoes will melt the cheeses, creating a warm, creamy base.

    Next, fold in the chopped, hard-boiled eggs and crumble in the crispy bacon. Don’t over-mix here; you want distinct chunks of bacon and egg. Season generously with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper.

    Step 4: Toast and Assemble

    Toast your thick-cut sourdough until it is deep golden brown and audibly crispy.

    Generously pile the warm “smoosh” mixture onto the toast. It should be mounded high and heavy.

    Step 5: Garnish and Serve

    Top the entire creation with a mountain of freshly chopped spring onions for a sharp, fresh bite. Add an extra sprinkle of black pepper and a small sprig of fresh thyme, if using.

    Serve immediately, while it’s still warm.

    💡 Tips for Success

     Don’t drain the tomatoes: When you mash the roasted tomatoes, make sure to include all the lovely liquid from the baking tray. It provides essential flavor and moisture for the “smoosh.”

     Bread choice matters: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a seeded bloomer. You need a strong base to hold the hearty topping without getting soggy.

     Make it spicy: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the “smoosh” mixture.

    This Crispy Bacon & Egg Smoosh is destined to become a new favorite in your house. If you make it, let us know in the comments below!

  • Creamy spinach & tomato One-Pot Pasta (Made from Scratch)

    Creamy spinach & tomato One-Pot Pasta (Made from Scratch)

    If you are looking for the perfect quick, comforting dinner, this one-pot pasta is a total game-changer. By making the sauce from scratch, you get a much deeper, fresher flavour than any jarred sauce, and the best part? It all cooks in one single pot

    Ingredients (Serves 3)

     340g Rotini pasta

     2 tins (approx. 400g each) chopped tomatoes

     1 pot (approx. 400g) Smooth tomato passata

     1 pack Fresh baby spinach

     1 bulb Garlic (approx. 4–6 cloves, minced)

     1 small White onion, finely diced

     2–3 tsp Italian seasoning

     700ml Chicken or vegetable stock

     120ml Double cream

     50g Fresh parmesan, grated

     1 handful Fresh basil, chopped

     To taste: Black pepper and sea salt

    Instructions

    1 Prepare the Sauce Base: Blend your tinned tomatoes until they reach a perfectly smooth consistency.

    2 Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

    3 Combine: Add the blended tomatoes, passata, Italian seasoning, and stock to the pot. Stir well to combine.

    4 Cook the Pasta: Add the dry Rotini to the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 13–15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

    5 The Creamy Finish: Lower the heat. Stir in the double cream and parmesan until the sauce is velvety and glossy.

    6 Wilt & Serve: Fold in the fresh baby spinach until wilted. Remove from the heat, stir in the fresh basil, and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan.

    This dish is truly the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the vibrant freshness of tomatoes and the silky luxury of double cream in a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you are whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing a cozy bowl with friends, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your favourite pot, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and enjoy the perfect balance of garlic, basil, and creamy parmesan in every delicious, satisfying bite!