Vermicelli Salad with Prawns
The phrase I’ve probably used most often in the past week or so (apart from, ‘I think I’m lost’ and ‘nom nom nom’), is, ’detox schmeetox’. Yes, I have been predictably unsuccessful in making more ‘healthy choices’ after the Christmas period, I’ve just been exercising like mad instead. Which, quite frankly, works for me. I mean, if I can exercise enough, then I can eat pretty much what I want, right? OK, so I stil need to rack up the requisite portions of fruit and veg and keep the saturated fat down but, apart from that, this is a plan I can see myself sticking to.
My exercise ‘regime’ consists of this – as much cardio as I can bear (varies between 30-60 minutes), followed by weights, as often as I can manage it. My chosen cardio exercise is alternating stints on a cross-trainer with…skipping. Now, now, don’t laugh. It’s not just for kids alright? Boxers do it and everything. Apparently, it’s a massively effective cardio workout. So there. I do have a pink rope, but that’s beside the point.
It’s cold outside, I’m craving comfort food and that’s damn well what I’m gonna have. Before my ‘hardcore exercise’ decision, I’d been scorning myself for ’slipping up’ and finding myself purchasing chorizo and rocket sandwiches and having full on blow outs at the always superb New Tayyabs *sigh*. It was amazing, as usual. Myself and the blogging crew (including Chris, Lizzie, Niamh and Charles and Joel from Tipped) congregated there on Thursday for a feast. We managed to work our way through….
…(clockwise from top left) the famous Tayyabs lamb chops, grilled meats, some rather fine ales and towering stacks of puffy, warm breads, liberally doused with ghee.
I was also very pleased with how my favourite Tayyabs dish went down among my blogging mates. It could have been embarrassing. As it was, everyone loved it! The ‘Tindi Masala’ is made with baby pumpkins, highly spiced yet fresh tasting, those juicy little pumpkins are a joy. A Twitter conversation yesterday revealed that Lizzie is going to try and re-create the dish. I am crossing my fingers and toes for her.
Above is the temptingly named, ‘dry meat’. Don’t let that put you off though, it’s another must order. Meltingly tender slow-cooked lamb. It literally falls apart in the mouth. Very rich and very good.
This minced chicken dish was delicious too, I’ve not tried this before and I can’t remember what it’s called. How useful.
Masala fish - gorgeous crispy coating of spices and flaky fish within. This was another new one on me – I loved it. Can they do no wrong? Did I mention it was a mere £15 a head each? They can do no wrong.
And finally, a dessert! I’ve never tried the sweet things at Tayyabs and these ice lollies were a lovely cooling way to finish – just like mini milks but with more exciting flavours (mango and pistachio). Anyway, that was Thursday, this is today and, despite all that exercise and detox schmeetoxing, I found myself craving something light. After all, there’s only so much fat and meat one woman can eat, apparently. A quick survey of available ingredients revealed some rice vermicelli – good for a fresh and punchy noodle salad. Preferably containing prawns, most definitely with lots of lime and chilli and some thai basil, if I could lay my hands on it, which I did.
So it turns out my body doesn’t want to eat fatty foods all the time – who knew? If I let myself eat what I like, eventually I start craving lighter dishes anyway. Which begs the question why I worried about the whole thing in the first place. I’ve clearly got self-regulation all sewn up. As long as I keep really active, of course – and therein lies the challenge…
Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Prawns
100g rice vermicelli noodles
1 red chilli, finely sliced
1 handful coriander leaves
1 handful Thai basil leaves, shredded
2 fat spring onions, finely sliced
1/4 cucumber, finely diced
1 large mushroom, finely sliced
180g prawns
Handful peanuts, crushed lightly
Dressing
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 inch piece ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon sugar
- Cook the noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, drain and refresh under cold water.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl.
- Mix everything in a bowl. Scatter the peanuts on top.
Category: Fish, Healthy, Main Dishes, Restaurant Reviews, Salads 19 comments »
January 11th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Keema chicken masala! Man, that was tasty. I say detox schmeetox – let’s retox instead. Vermicelli works so well in salads, as do glass noodles.
Lizzies last blog post..Keema Curry
January 11th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Doh! How could I forget it was called that?! Too much Wrongbow methinks….
January 11th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I wish I had the same self-regulating switch you do, it’s something I’m going to have to train myself in,
I love noodle salads, I should eat more of them. This looks particularly good. As do those lollies!
Gingers last blog post..Roast Pork with Crackling
January 12th, 2009 at 5:19 am
I love noodle salads and the flavors that you have combined here, are simply scrumptious.
ninas last blog post..A Birthday Party for my son…but fun was had by all.
January 12th, 2009 at 9:10 am
After the kebabs I thought why bother eat anything else, then the dry meats came and I tought why’d I bother with the kebabs. And now I’m reliving all again. Many thanks H.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Exercise, well done! The only exercise I am getting right now is walking to the kitchen and typing but that’s got to change! Tayyab’s was fab. Lovely photos. This noodle dish looks like a keeper too. Yum!
Niamhs last blog post..My favourites and your favourites of 2008
January 12th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Isn’t it brilliant? I’ve loved the place since my first visit more than two years ago and I think it’s probably the best value for money South Asian food in London. It’s not far from my mum’s office and the staff go there quite often. Are they still doing the crystalised pumpkin on the sweet counter?
Trigs last blog post..All Tooled Up And Ready For Action
January 12th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I am so with you, Helen! I have decided that hardcore exercise is the way to go, so that I can eat like mad! I find that it is making me even more hungry!!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
oh man. i started my “detox” a day after new years and it lasted all of 2 days. but i’m with you and exercising as much as i can. this dish look beautiful and delicious. it’s one of my faves and you make it look super easy!
we are never fulls last blog post..Victory = Fish Soufflé
January 12th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I’ve seen the Tayyabs pics, looks delish. I also see you sated your seafood craving…love the noodle salad!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Ginger – well, I’v eonly noticed the switch working this once so… next time you see me I may be the size of a small whale!
Nina – Thanks, me too.
Joel – It was fab wasn’t it? Although we both had eyes bigger than our stomachs – I was stuffed afterwards!!
Niamh – Walking to the kitchen DEFINITELY counts as exercise, as does lifting your hand to your mouth.
Trig – It’s amazing isn’t it? Your mum is working in the perfect location! I work in the totally barren Camberwell. I don’t know about the crystallised pumpkin, I’ve never tried it but it sounds amazing! I will find out next time I visit.
Jenn – Yes! It is totally making me more hungry, I am probably undoing all the good work by eating more…
We are never full – thanks! Yeah, detox schmeetox!
Peter – yes I did! Even if they were just prawns from the supermarket. Such a good healthy option though
January 13th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Wowser – that is some feast..
Good luck with the keeping active. I think I’ll just skip that part and move straight to that delicious-looking noodle and prawn salad instead, if you don’t mind…
aforkfulofspaghettis last blog post..OMG! I almost missed my first birthday!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:56 am
What a delicious spread! Detox schmeetox indeed — I am very familiar!
joeys last blog post..Pickled Young Onions – hope in a bottle
January 13th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Forkful of spaghetti – fine by me!
Joey – I love how everyone is coming out of the woodwork and saying they are feeling the same! And there was me thinking everyone was sipping water and eating lettuce leaves…
January 16th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Helen – my philosophy exactly : the more I exercise, the more I can eat! But your workout puts mine to shame! This restaurant food looks amazing and I would exercise full time for a week to be able to eat this. But the noodle salad sounds wonderful and a lot lighter.
Jamies last blog post..DOG HILL KITCHEN First Anniversary Giveaway
January 16th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Hurray! I wish I could have made it, but now armed with these photos and descriptions, I can visit with a friend who is very excited about our forthcoming trip. Counting the days…
Helen Yuet Ling Pangs last blog post..Quick & Simple: Pea & Courgette Risotto Soup
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Oh no – I thought I was going to be on the guest list as Niamh and I had discussed it earlier… but apparently not
I’ve been wanting to go there for the longest time. Ah, well.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Also meant to say I’ve started an excercise programme (regime sound so… well, regimented!) in holy terror of a forthcoming ski trip…
Jeannes last blog post..Cranberry, pistachio & choc chip cookies
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
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