Jamie Oliver’s best mate shares affordable and healthy family dinners for Aussies
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Whipping up a healthy, tasty family dinner that won't break the bank seems daunting.
Luckily, celebrity chef Tobie Puttock has generously shared some of his go-to dinner recipes that are both kind to your budget and beneficial to your health.
Melbourne-based Puttock, also called Chef Tobie, carries an impressive resume, having spent much of his career cooking alongside culinary superstar Jamie Oliver.
Sharing some of his cherished recipes, Chef Tobie points out that several of them are not just trashless (utilising vegetable scraps) but also tongue ticklers.
He proudly shared his dumpling recipe as being virtually free; the filling made from leftover vegetable scraps.
To prepare this recipe, Chef Tobie starts by chopping fresh vegetables and ginger.
'I have a bucket in the fridge where all the off-cuts go. Whatever veggie off-cuts, mushroom pumpkin, whatever it is, it doesn't matter,' he said.
Next, he then sautés them in a pan until tender.
'I cook that out for a minute or two, buy those gyoza wrappers and make dumplings—it's my daughter's favourite thing in the world,' Tobie said.
'That is almost a free meal because you're making it with off-cuts. It's a fantastic way of getting veggies into the kids.'
Chef Tobie also makes sure to craft a flavourful chilli vinegar sauce by mixing garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, herbs (basil, coriander, or chives) and chilli.
He simply mixes the ingredients in a small bowl and pours hot oil on it (peanut or olive oil would do) to quickly cook the mixture.
With the sauce done, the next step is to fill dumpling wrappers with the vegetable mixture and fold them into delightful parcels. Cook the dumplings in a covered pan with sliced onions and a dash of water until they become crispy.
Finally, plate your crispy dumplings and drizzle them with the mouthwatering chilli sauce. These dumplings are a fantastic and budget-friendly way to enjoy a savoury treat with a touch of spice. Perfect for seniors looking to savour a home-cooked delight.
Tobie employs smart methods to ensure that important nutrients are not lacking in his family’s meals. This includes featuring key protein-rich foods (such as eggs) in most meals and conserving a batch of minestrone soup loaded with fresh greens in the fridge.
‘I make a base and do it simply with onion, carrot, celery, whatever herbs I've got kicking around, parsnip and pumpkin, a tin of tomatoes and water,' he said.
'I cook that out a freeze it. When I thaw it, I get whatever other green vegetables I have in there, frozen peas are fantastic or broccoli.'
The 49-year-old chef stresses that using fresh herbs is a simple and affordable way to bring any dish flavourful. He says ingredients like rocket leaves, mint, basil and much more can add spark and zing to even the simplest meals.
Yet Tobie is well aware that not every Aussie family can afford fresh herbs, or even basic meals, especially given the rising costs of living.
And what about the growing food waste problem? Chef Tobie showcases that by making smart choices in the kitchen, we can cut back on waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
His commitment to using every part of a vegetable, like topping pizzas with broccoli stalks, or turning off-cuts into a sumptuous filling for dumplings is truly inspiring.
Shocking data from Foodbank Australia reveals that more than 2 million households in Australia have run out of food due to financial constraint.
In response to this crisis, Tobie is lending a hand to Bulla and Coles’ Three Million Meals Campaign.
Working as an ambassador for this campaign, Tobie is helping raise funds for SecondBite, a national food rescue organization working to reduce food waste and help those who are food-insecure.
Until October 24, 2023, each Bulla product sold at Coles will contribute 20 cents directly to providing three million meals for Australians in need.
So, whether you're a fan of Jamie Oliver, intrigued by food waste reduction or are simply looking for delicious new recipes to try, Tobie Puttock has something to offer. Not only does he provide practical tips on how to eat frugally and healthily, but he's also proving it's possible to make a real difference in tackling Australia's food insecurity crisis. It’s quite the food for thought!
Have you made any simple yet healthy and affordable family dinners at home? Let us know in the comments!
Luckily, celebrity chef Tobie Puttock has generously shared some of his go-to dinner recipes that are both kind to your budget and beneficial to your health.
Melbourne-based Puttock, also called Chef Tobie, carries an impressive resume, having spent much of his career cooking alongside culinary superstar Jamie Oliver.
Sharing some of his cherished recipes, Chef Tobie points out that several of them are not just trashless (utilising vegetable scraps) but also tongue ticklers.
He proudly shared his dumpling recipe as being virtually free; the filling made from leftover vegetable scraps.
To prepare this recipe, Chef Tobie starts by chopping fresh vegetables and ginger.
'I have a bucket in the fridge where all the off-cuts go. Whatever veggie off-cuts, mushroom pumpkin, whatever it is, it doesn't matter,' he said.
Next, he then sautés them in a pan until tender.
'I cook that out for a minute or two, buy those gyoza wrappers and make dumplings—it's my daughter's favourite thing in the world,' Tobie said.
'That is almost a free meal because you're making it with off-cuts. It's a fantastic way of getting veggies into the kids.'
Chef Tobie also makes sure to craft a flavourful chilli vinegar sauce by mixing garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, herbs (basil, coriander, or chives) and chilli.
He simply mixes the ingredients in a small bowl and pours hot oil on it (peanut or olive oil would do) to quickly cook the mixture.
With the sauce done, the next step is to fill dumpling wrappers with the vegetable mixture and fold them into delightful parcels. Cook the dumplings in a covered pan with sliced onions and a dash of water until they become crispy.
Finally, plate your crispy dumplings and drizzle them with the mouthwatering chilli sauce. These dumplings are a fantastic and budget-friendly way to enjoy a savoury treat with a touch of spice. Perfect for seniors looking to savour a home-cooked delight.
Tobie Puttock proudly shares his dumpling recipe online. Credit: @tobieputtock / Instagram
Tobie employs smart methods to ensure that important nutrients are not lacking in his family’s meals. This includes featuring key protein-rich foods (such as eggs) in most meals and conserving a batch of minestrone soup loaded with fresh greens in the fridge.
‘I make a base and do it simply with onion, carrot, celery, whatever herbs I've got kicking around, parsnip and pumpkin, a tin of tomatoes and water,' he said.
'I cook that out a freeze it. When I thaw it, I get whatever other green vegetables I have in there, frozen peas are fantastic or broccoli.'
The 49-year-old chef stresses that using fresh herbs is a simple and affordable way to bring any dish flavourful. He says ingredients like rocket leaves, mint, basil and much more can add spark and zing to even the simplest meals.
Yet Tobie is well aware that not every Aussie family can afford fresh herbs, or even basic meals, especially given the rising costs of living.
And what about the growing food waste problem? Chef Tobie showcases that by making smart choices in the kitchen, we can cut back on waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
His commitment to using every part of a vegetable, like topping pizzas with broccoli stalks, or turning off-cuts into a sumptuous filling for dumplings is truly inspiring.
Shocking data from Foodbank Australia reveals that more than 2 million households in Australia have run out of food due to financial constraint.
In response to this crisis, Tobie is lending a hand to Bulla and Coles’ Three Million Meals Campaign.
Bulla launches the Three Million Meals Campaign with Puttock as an ambassador. Credit: SecondBite
Working as an ambassador for this campaign, Tobie is helping raise funds for SecondBite, a national food rescue organization working to reduce food waste and help those who are food-insecure.
Until October 24, 2023, each Bulla product sold at Coles will contribute 20 cents directly to providing three million meals for Australians in need.
So, whether you're a fan of Jamie Oliver, intrigued by food waste reduction or are simply looking for delicious new recipes to try, Tobie Puttock has something to offer. Not only does he provide practical tips on how to eat frugally and healthily, but he's also proving it's possible to make a real difference in tackling Australia's food insecurity crisis. It’s quite the food for thought!
Have you made any simple yet healthy and affordable family dinners at home? Let us know in the comments!
