Soya Mince Veggie Tacos

2 garlic gloves
1/2 An onion
1/2 A fresh chilli (could use dried chilli instead)
Stick of celery
Handful of soya mince
Half a can of tinned tomatoes
1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 Teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 Dried Oregano

• I chopped the celery and onion into fairy small pieces and put into a hot heavy bottomed pan with a little bit of water. 
•  Once the water has evaporated and the onion and celery have softened, i add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and chuck the chilli, garlic and cumin seeds in to cook in the oil.
• Add the soya mince and stir for a little while.
• Next i add the tinned tomatoes, paprika and oregano (salt and pepper to taste)
• Leave to simmer on a low heat.Once the soya mince has warmed through and hopefully absorbed some of the sauce, pop taco shells in the oven for a couple mins to heat, then serve!

I like to have some fresh/raw stuff with this dish so as to liven it up abit. A tomato and onion salad type thing is always nice, also some cut up avocado goes nicely (could make a guacamole). And some grated cheese finally.

Carrot Corriander & Honey salad

2 Grated carrots
Small Bunch of fresh parsley
Half a teaspoon of djon mustard
Half a teaspoon of honey
Squeeze of lemon
Dribble of olive oil
Pinch of salt & pepper

I Popped everything in a bowl and gave it a good stir/toss, and thats it!

(It might be an idea to add the variable elements little by little so it suits your taste.)

The Store Cupboard

I guess I first really started to get into cooking when I moved away from home. I had an interest and a basic knowledge of food before I left and this seemed to intensify when I started to completely fend for myself.  The only reason I mention this is, is that when I was packed off to Uni my mum gave me a box which she called ‘The Store Cupboard'. The box contained all the herbs, spices and ingredients which you use on a regular bases.  It is also the stuff that’s going to be able to sit around for a while.

Here’s what I like to always have in my kitchen:

Tinned:

• Tomatoes
• Kidney Beans
• Chick Peas

Dried Herbs & Spices:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Mustard Seeds
• Turmeric
• Curry Powder
• Garem Masala
• Chili Powder
• Paprika
• Smoked Paprika
• Chinese Five Spice
• Bouillon/Stock Cubes
• Black Pepper
• Sea Salt

Oils & Sauces

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Sesame Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Soy Sauce
• Mustard
• Mint Sauce
• Chilli/Tobasco Sauce

Other Bits

• Dried Pasta
• Rice
• Cous Cous
• Dried Noodles
• Jarred Pesto, Olives & Sundried Tomatoes
• Tomato Puree
• Mixed Seeds/Nuts
• Creamed coconut

There’s a few ingredients on that list that are undeniably way better fresh (basil, Coriander, Chilies etc) but its nice to have a back up if you don’t have fresh. Another thing that’s nice about dried herbs and spices is that they are considerably cheaper and being on a budget this is a massive plus. 

Now I’m not saying everyone should run out and buy all the ingredients on that list, I think its better to gradually add to it as you go and eventually you will get to know what you use regularly and build your own store cupboard.