Thai Meatball Broth from November's BBC Good Food Magazine - mmm

A few years ago I created a ‘30 things to do before I am 30’ list and, with that deadline fast approaching and a marathon definitely not on the cards, I decided to aim for the one that had topped my resolutions list for quite some time – hit the 10 stone goal.

So a few months ago, along with the lovely Christine, I bit the bullet and joined Weight Watchers.  After a shaky start (three weeks in and I weighed more than I started!) I decided to take it seriously and started watching what I ate.

Several months and 10 pounds later (woo hoo!) I am a total convert, although I don’t think labelling the Mars Celebrations with a ‘1 PP’ Post It note went down too well with Kate…

Anyway, inspired Kyla’s blog about all the tasty food and restaurants she is trying, I decide to share some of my culinary adventures – the first of which is last night’s Fragrant Thai Meatball Broth, adapted from November’s BBC Good Food Magazine – a recipe I can HIGHLY recommend for lovers of Asian food – and it was only 7PP!!

I used turkey mince (so cheap!) in the place of the pork and also used ground coriander rather than fresh (not a fan)- I also just chucked some veg and noodles into the broth, so it was only one pan to wash up-bonus.

Here’s my simple step-by-steps (for 2 people):

1-    Dissolve a chicken stock cube in 700ml boiling water and pour into a big saucepan.  Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, some lemongrass and crushed lime leaves.  Bring to a simmer

2-    In a large bowl, mix 250g of turkey mince (£1 in The Co-operative) with a tbsp of soy sauce, some lemongrass, the white part of three spring onions (finely chopped) some finely chopped chilli (seeds removed) and about ½ tsp ground coriander

3-    Roll the mince in your hands to create walnut sized meatballs

4-    Add to the simmering water and cook for 15 minutes

5-    After 15 minutes throw in some veg (I used a pepper, mangetout and baby sweetcorn but you can use anything)

6-    After another 2 minutes add a sheet of egg noodles – cook for 3 mins (or according to pack)

7-    Roll (loosens the juice) and then quarter a lime and squeeze into the broth

8-    Serve with some more chopped spring onion and chilli sprinkled on top

Take my word for it; try it – especially if your sinuses are blocked!!