Working as an Italian cookery tutor, demonstrator and food writer I tend to steer away from ‘Cheats ingredients’ within the kitchen. I enjoy making most dishes from scratch and by hand. However is this really possible seven days a week when I work full time and have a family (four children )to look after and tend too. The simple answer is ‘No Carmela, its not’.

As I have mentioned before In a previous blog, I very much enjoy using the Knorr stock pots. They provide me with the opportunity to make the most delicious mouth-watering soups as well as adding instant sparkle and flavour to my risottos.

Knorr have been busy in the kitchens and have now developed Knorr Flavour Pots. If you love cooking or equally if you cook as a means to survive then these pots of goodness will add not only flavour but also a kick, fragrance and a convenience to your day to day cooking. At a recent event I met Cameron Healy who is one of a team of dedicated professional chefs, who work to create and develop Knorrs easy and quick creations.

The flavour pots that are currently available are:

Mixed herbs – Combination of thyme, oregano, rosemary and basil
3 Peppercorns – Perfect for a steak, or added to a sauce
Curry – A combination of 13 traditional spices, add into soups of perfect for a Korma
Garlic – Packing a punch and perfect for any of my Italian dishes
Mixed chillies – A chilli kick, awaits you

Cameron has captured the fresh flavour of the herbs and spices by working them into a paste and then adding a drop of oil to retain their natural aroma, colour and flavour. All the flavour pots are gluten free and vegetarian.

Garlic prawns, using the garlic flavour pots
Curried parsnip soup
Pasta Napolitana using a herb flavour pot
Peppercorn shortbread and fresh strawberries

Try ‘Pasta Napolitana’ and see the ease and satisfaction the Knorr flavour pots provide. Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you get on.

PASTA NAPOLITANA
•       Servings: 4
•       Preparation time: 10 minutes
•       Cooking time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
•       400g penne pasta
•       2 tablespoons oil
•       2 banana shallots, diced
•       2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
•       400g cherry tomatoes, halved
•       2-3 tablespoons tomato puree
•       1 Knorr Mixed Herbs Flavour Pot
•       100ml water
•       25g freshly grated Parmesan cheese/or Parmesan curls
Method
•       Cook the pasta according to pack directions.
•       Meanwhile, heat the oil and gently cook the shallot and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the cherry tomatoes, tomato puree, Knorr Mixed Herbs Flavour Pot and water. Bring to the boil, cover then simmer for 15 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and you have a sauce. Season to taste.
•       Drain the pasta and add to the tomato sauce.

•       Serve with parmesan to garnish

Carmela x


[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]