My First BBQ!

My first BBQ!

Lemon Roasted New Potatoes

On Easter Sunday I made my first ever BBQ! I have always been in charge of the food that goes on to a BBQ but never had to man the fire too. As I was with my mum and 92 year old grandma this weekend, I pulled the short straw and somehow ended up with all the responsibilities as they read their books in the gleaming sunshine. My mum was a great sous chef for a bit but she soon got bored and retreated back to the garden. My BBQ was an absolute disaster to begin with but after three hours, three attempts and three phone conversations to friend, boyfriend and brother I finally managed to keep the coal burning long enough to cook the food on top. I think I know where I went wrong and pretty sure the next BBQ i do will be a great success.  We had chicken marinated in lemon, rosemary, paprika and honey. Minted lamb kebabs, chipolatas, minted halloumi kebabs, cauliflower and lemon roasted new potatoes.

The lemon roasted new potatoes were delicious so I will share this recipe with you.

Lemon Roasted New Potatoes

2 handfuls new potatoes, halved

1/2 juice of lemon

1/2 lemon,cut into wedges

Handful parsley, finely chopped

Sprig rosemary

1 bay leaf

4tbsp vegetable stock

Olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper

Heat the oven to 200º/Gas mark 6.

Add all the ingredients together in an oven-proof dish, drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook in the oven for about 50 minutes, turning occasionally. 

Mixed bean stew: Sweet potato or Chorizo

Mixed bean stew with sweet potato

Serves: 4

1tsp paprika
1tsp cumin
1tsp ground coriander
1 red chili, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
Small bunch thyme
Small bunch rosemary 
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can borlotti beans, drained
1 can chick peas, drained

200g puy lentils
1 can chopped tomatoes
Squish of tomato puree
1 red pepper, chopped into chunks
1 green pepper, chopped into chunks
4 celery sticks, chopped into chunks
1 large onion, finely chopped 
2 cloves of garlic
1 pint vegetable stock
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
Sea salt and black pepper
Glug of olive oil
Glug of red wine (optional)


M: Chunk of chorizo, chopped
V: 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped into chunks


Heat a glug of olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion, celery and garlic until they start to soften. Add the chili, ground coriander, cumin and paprika and cook for a few minutes. Stir in the lentils, beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, stock, red wine, herbs and seasoning. Leave to simmer for about 20 minutes, adding more water if necessary (the stew should be almost covered in water at all times). Divide the stew into two adding potatoes and peppers to each dish.


V: Add the sweet potato to one dish.
M: In a pan, fry the chorizo for a few minutes. Add the chorizo to other dish.

Cook each stew for a further 20 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked. 

Serve with crusty bead and dollop of yogurt.