Nigella Lawson has charmed television audiences around the world not only through her engaging on-screen personality but also with her delicious and accessible recipes. Among the numerous shows she's featured on, her appearances on the Dr. Oz Show have given us some culinary gems that are both healthy and delectable. Here are five must-try Nigella Lawson recipes from the Dr. Oz Show that you can bring into your kitchen for a touch of comfort, flavor, and nourishment.
1. Greek Yoghurt Chocolate Mousse
Starting with a dessert that’s as guilt-free as it can be, this Greek Yoghurt Chocolate Mousse is a symphony of texture and flavor:
- 200 grams of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids)
- 250 grams of Greek yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
Steps:
- Chop the chocolate finely and melt it in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the Greek yoghurt and your choice of sweetener until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
This dessert is not only a treat but also full of beneficial ingredients like probiotics from the Greek yoghurt and antioxidants from dark chocolate.
2. Chicken with Lemon and Garlic
Who doesn’t love a good chicken dinner? Nigella’s Chicken with Lemon and Garlic is a flavor powerhouse:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.6 kg)
- 1 lemon
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon, garlic cloves, and a good bunch of thyme.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and place it on a roasting tray.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced with a skewer.
- Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.
This recipe is simple yet succulent, utilizing lemon and garlic to infuse the chicken with divine flavors. The natural fats from the chicken also provide healthy monounsaturated fats.
3. Linguine with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Mushrooms
For a heart-warming pasta dish, this linguine combines earthy mushrooms with fresh herbs:
- 350 grams of linguine
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely sliced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 250 grams of mushrooms (such as chestnut or button), sliced
- A handful of fresh thyme leaves
Steps:
- Cook the linguine in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until it's fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden.
- Add lemon zest, juice, and thyme, stirring well.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water, then add pasta to the pan with mushrooms.
- Toss everything together, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
This dish is full of umami and citrus notes, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week.
4. Almond Clementine Cake
Here’s a delicious gluten-free treat that’s both simple and sophisticated:
- 4-5 Clementines (around 375 grams)
- 6 large eggs
- 225 grams of ground almonds
- 225 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
Steps:
- Put the clementines in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours. Let them cool, then cut them open, remove the seeds, and blitz in a blender.
- Whisk eggs, then mix in the sugar, followed by the ground almonds, baking powder, and the puréed clementines.
- Pour into a greased and lined 21cm springform tin.
- Bake at 190°C for about 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity, making it a foolproof dessert for anyone wanting to bake something special.
5. Porchetta-Style Roast Pork
Impress your guests with this sensational roast pork inspired by the traditional Italian porchetta:
- 2 kilograms of boneless pork shoulder
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns
- Leaves from 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
Steps:
- Cut the pork open to butterfly it, and score the skin.
- Make a paste from garlic, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and rosemary, then rub this all over the pork, inside and out.
- Roll the pork up, tie with string, and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C, roast the pork for about 20 minutes, then lower the heat to 180°C and cook for another 2-2.5 hours.
- Allow the pork to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
This dish embodies the art of slow cooking, resulting in a moist, flavorful pork roast with a crisp skin.
The essence of Nigella Lawson's approach to cooking, as seen in her collaborations with Dr. Oz, is creating dishes that are both good for you and incredibly flavorful. From luxurious desserts that don't compromise on health to main courses packed with taste and nutrition, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enrich their culinary repertoire. Embrace the philosophy of easy, healthy cooking that leaves both your body and soul satisfied.
Why should I use dark chocolate for the Greek Yoghurt Chocolate Mousse?
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Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids provides less sugar and contains beneficial antioxidants, making it a healthier option for desserts.
Can I substitute the clementines with oranges in the Almond Clementine Cake?
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Yes, oranges can be used as a substitute for clementines. The flavor will be slightly different but still delightful.
What’s the benefit of marinating the Porchetta-Style Roast Pork for 24 hours?
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Marinating for such a long period allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste and tenderness when cooked.
How can I make the Linguine with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Mushrooms vegan?
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To make it vegan, simply replace the linguine with eggless pasta and ensure the Parmesan you use, if any, is vegan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
