Budget-Friendly Gourmet Delights

Chef and cooking school teacher, Chef Mel Alafaci, is sharing her secret recipes for preparing delicious and impressive meals without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy gourmet flavors without spending a fortune. Chef Mel’s culinary expertise and innovative techniques make it possible to create stunning meals without compromising on taste or quality.

Quickie Tuna Salad Stack:

• 1 tin of drained tuna
• 1 cup of diced red onion
• 1 cup of diced apple
• 100ml of mayo or plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of grainy mustard
• 1 tin of drained chickpeas or butter beans
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 packet of rocket
• Balsamic Glaze
• Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO) to dress the leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients (except the greens, glaze, and oil) and season to taste.
2. Use a stacking ring to neatly arrange the tuna salad in the middle of a plate.
3. Add rocket leaves around the stack or place them on top.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and fresh EVO.
5. Enjoy!

Ultimate Broccoli Stack:

Ingredients:

• 200g of smoked or cooked chicken breast filets, thinly sliced (alternatively, use smoked salmon, rare roast beef, or tinned tuna)
• 50ml to 100ml of plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped mint and/or basil
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and finely sliced
• Half a cup of julienned fennel (or use shredded cabbage)
• 1 cup of finely chopped broccoli
• Lots of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of grainy or Dijon mustard
• 1 cucumber, made into ribbons using a peeler (or slightly roasted zucchini ribbons)
• Rocket or cress for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, yogurt, mint, fennel, and apple.
2. Place a tablespoon of the mixture in the center of each plate or use a stacking ring for a neat arrangement.
3. Wrap the filling with cucumber or zucchini ribbons to create a stack.
4. Garnish with ground black pepper and fresh rocket or mustard cress.
5. Drizzle with herbed oil, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Involtini:

Ingredients:

• 500-600g of chicken breast filets
• 12 thinly shaved slices of Prosciutto or streaky bacon
• Salt and pepper to season
• 80g of sliced or grated mozzarella cheese
• 24 fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons of pesto

Involtini Quick Sauce:

• 700g jar of passata
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• A large pinch of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
• Fresh cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise and tenderize with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place 3 slices of bacon or prosciutto on a chopping board and top with a thin chicken breast, cheese, and basil leaves or pesto.
3. Roll up the chicken to create a parcel and place it in a greased oven dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
4. In a jar of passata, combine all the ingredients for the quick sauce and shake well.
5. Pour the sauce around the base of the rolled chicken involtini and add a few cherry tomatoes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic, then stir through. Drizzle with fresh EVO.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at approximately 200°C for 25-30 minutes until the bacon/prosciutto is browned and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Adjust the seasoning of the sauce if needed, then serve and enjoy!