This Cooking Hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria who went into COVID Lockdown 2.0 last night. While everyone is welcome to use this post to ask any questions about recipes or cooking, if you mention that you are in Victoria, I will prioritise responding to your questions.
Just leave your question in the comments section of this post and I will answer it promptly!
Victoria COVID Lockdown II
Over the weekend, Victoria (the second most populous state in Australia) declared a State of Disaster due to a second wave of coronavirus. Sweeping new restrictions, including night time curfews and strict rules on movements restricted to essentials such as medical, food and 1 hour of exercise per day, came into force last night.
These Stage 4 restrictions will be in place for 6 weeks. The Federal and State government has deemed these measures necessary due to the alarmingly high rate of community transmission in the state, and getting COVID under control in Victoria has serious ramifications for the rest of Australia.
I know this is a very difficult period for Victorians. Saying that I’m thinking of you, to stay strong and positive, that we’re with you in spirit – it just doesn’t seem like enough.
So I’ve decided to offer up my services doing what I know best – personalised cooking help.
Offering up my services!
With COVID Lockdown 2.0 restrictions on movements and purchase limits back in force, and because I hope that you will stay home as much as you can, this once again creates challenges around making do with what you’ve got and menu planning so you can minimise grocery outings.
So Victorians, I’m here for you to ask me anything at all about cooking. No boundaries. Whether it’s ideas, or what to make with x, y, z, a recipe you’re after or a specific cooking question you have, drop them below and I’ll answer them as a priority over questions I get on any other recipe for the duration of your lockdown.
While this recipe hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria and I will prioritise questions from Victorians, everyone is welcome to leave general cooking questions on this post!
Victorians – sending all my love down to you. We’re thinking of you. Please stay strong – and stay home! – Nagi x
PS Dozer is still on standby for virtual hugs, 24-7.
Runna says
Hi Nagi,
Earlier in Iso I made your Thai Red Curry Paste. It called for Shrimp Paste in Bean Oil.
What else can I use this Shrimp Paste in? Bought the jar you recommended but have heaps left over now.
Also I think I nailed your Pho recipe when I showed a picture to my local Pho shop and she tried to say I took the photo in her shop lol
Thanks
Nagi says
Hi Runna, green curry or nasi goring are great options to use the shrimp paste You can always freeze it too to extend the shelf life! N x
Runna says
Nasi Goreng sounds perfect. Thanks.
Mary says
I am attempting the lamb shanks massaman curry tmrw. First time cooking for my partner. Nervous. Can I make that in a cast iron pot with the lid?
Nagi says
100% Mary!! Enjoy! N x
Liz Raymond says
Hi Nagi, I made the strawberry cake yesterday for my sins’s birthday and it was very good. I have never had a problem with any of your recipes and I’ve made quite a few now. Thank you for an excellent website and recipes.
Nagi says
That’s so lovely to hear Liz, thanks so much! N x
Lee says
Nagi, I love so many of your recipes. The Beef Stew has become a staple, and if I never know what to cook I head here first.
A challenge for you though if you’re willing to accept it: no-mato bolognaise sauce. I’m allergic to tomatoes and miss the simple spag bol (not to mention lasagna. Salsa. Curries….)
Please help this crazy little Victorian x
Nagi says
Hi Lee, how about a bolognese with pureed roast capsicum in place of the tomatoes? I think that could be a winner! N x
Lee says
Oooh, that could definitely work I reckon! Thanks Nagi!
Nagi says
Also, I had another thought. I reckon you could make a brilliant “bolognese” using a gravy. Make the filling for Cottage Pie but stop the cooking a bit earlier so it’s still “saucy” like bolognese ie less thick than for pie filling. That would be SO delicious tossed through pasta. There’s a bit of tomato paste in it but not much, it’s not a key ingredient so just skip it.
https://www.recipetineats.com/cottage-pie/
Lee says
Thanks Nagi!
I’ve actually frozen portions of left over pot roast gravy and used it to make quick meat pies. Will have a go at this too. Thanks again! x
Davey de Mestre says
Hey Nagi, I am a total pavaholic and make many different kinds. However I find that the oven in my apartment (brand new fan force) always makes the marshmallow part of the meringue separate from the crust so there is space between the two. I’ve tried different heats (ie lower for longer) and always allow the pav to cool completely in the oven but my oven hates pav and I’m interested to know if there is a scientific reason why
Nagi says
Hi Davey, that’s frustrating – have you tried making the pav thinner? or a different setting on the oven other than fan? N x
Brittany says
I would love your take on a Beef Bourguinon! 😋
Nagi says
Oh yes – pop a request on my recipe request page as I have a list I’m working through! N x
Yu says
Hi Nagi! I live in Victoria,
I loooove your food! And I really appreciate these videos you have made! Basically we have your food at the table every night! Thank you!!!
I have so many questions and requests but for now,
Chinese braised pork belly and prawn toast please!!
Or even better yum cha collection!!
I know you have siu mai and spring roll and more, but if you can add more to them that would be great!!
Thank you Nagi for your support xx
Nagi says
Hi Yu, yes this was a project I touched on a while ago – the recipes are still being perfected though!!
Yu says
Thank you Nagi!
Can’t wait to see it xx
Jo says
Victoria based – Mornington Peninsula.
Thanks so much for your kind words and for thinking of us all down here in Victoria! Looks like meat may well be in shorter supply, so any suggestions for vegetarian options, other than the beautiful cannelloni with spinach and ricotta (family got sick of me making it!)) would be great. I always have capsicum, carrot, butternut pumpkins and spinach so all/any ideas would be great. Thanks xx
Nagi says
Hi Jo, take a look through the vegetarian section on my website – I guarantee you’l get some inspiration! N x
Annie-Rose says
What’s the best way to chop an onion?
Nagi says
Hi Annie-Rose – totally depends on the recipe but I think I’ll have to do a detailed post explaining this with photos! N x
Natalie says
Hi Nagi,
In Melbourne, bracing for the next 6 weeks. Do you have a lamb and lentil soup recipe you can share?
Nagi says
Hi Natalie, I have the most amazing lentil soup here: https://www.recipetineats.com/lentil-soup/ and this fab lamb soup – https://www.recipetineats.com/lamb-shawarma-chickpea-soup/ – N x
Hasta says
I’m in vic and due to give birth to my second child in less than 4 weeks and having no help at all due to border closures, we are so stuffed! Any recipes with chicken mince (or with anything vegetarian) we can freeze would be so Handy! Thank you!!
Nagi says
Hi Hasta, take a look here for vegetarian recipes: https://www.recipetineats.com/category/vegetarian-recipes/. If you type chicken mince into the search bar, all recipes using this ingredient will show up. Stay safe! N x
Toni says
Im making your Rogan Josh Curry, my supermarket does not have cardoman pods or fennel powder. I do have ground cardoman and fennel seeds. Can i use these as subs and how much?
Nagi says
Hi Toni, you can use 1 tsp of cardamom powder and grind 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds to produce 1/2 teaspoon of powder. I hope you love it! N x
Pauline says
Hi Nagi!
Thanks so much for doing this, love your recipes! Was just wondering if you have any specific FODMAP friendly recipes out there/willing to create a few? thanks!! 🙂
Nagi says
Hi Pauline, sorry I’m not a nutritionist/dietician so I don’t like to advise on certain diets like this! N x
Addi says
Wallan Victoria-l would love a cheeseburger spring roll recipe, l know a butcher in Sydney make them but can not get them in Melbourne.🙏🍽️
Nagi says
I have had this request before Addi – pop a request on my recipe request page so I can add it to the list! N x
Claire says
Hi Nagi, do you have a good recipe for vanilla slice? Such an Aussie classic and I have a craving for it!
Nagi says
No but I definitely should – I’ll add it to the list! N x
Stacey says
Hi Nagi, thank you so much for providing us all with such fantastic recipes! Since discovering your website I have a new found love for cooking. I love making all the different cusine! I would love to see you add some more. German recipes and British recipes! Every single recipe I have tried of yours has been a great success, I can’t wait to try more! Thanks son much!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Stacey, thanks so much for the feedback, I truly appreciate it! N x
Kate says
Rural Victoria – looking for chickpea recipes please! Meat is so expensive and may eventually run out. Chickpea curries haven’t turned out well. Thanks Nagi!
Nagi says
Hi Kate, if you type “chickpeas” into the search bar, a stack of recipes will pop up for you. Enjoy! N x
Rachel says
I’m south east vic based and looking for a great veg or meat stretching recipe for a hungry man (who is rarely satisfied by soup). Frozen veg options also appreciated!
Ps, you are a beautiful soul, thank you xx
Nagi says
Hi Rachel, what about this one: https://www.recipetineats.com/mexican-ground-beef-casserole-with-rice/ or even this one: https://www.recipetineats.com/one-pot-chicken-enchilada-rice-casserole/ guaranteed to satisfy! N x
Rachel says
Yum! I had seen these months ago and of course forgotten about them!!
Thank you x
Ky says
Hi Nagi
Been a fan of your recipes. I am based in Melbourne. I recently lost my grandma last week, and her favourite dish was yam rice (similar to claypot chicken rice style). Can you teach me how to make this please? I want to recreate this dish to remember her. Thanks 🙂
Nagi says
I’m so sorry to hear that Ky, I’ll pop this on my list. Stay safe, sending all my love! N x
kate says
Hi Nagi,
Firstly I love your recipes, thank you.
Secondly….silverbeet! I get a farmers market box of seasonal veggies and this weekend it came with a massive bunch of silverbeet however I couldn’t find a recipe on your website with silverbeet, help!
Nagi says
Hi Kate, you could use it as a substitute for any dish with spinach too! Try one of my latest – Rotolo! N x
Gabby says
Hi Nagi, thanks for your kind offer. I bought some pork scotch/ neck from my local pork producer last week. Wanted to support them but have not cooked with this cut before. I know you will have some wonderful recipe up your sleeve 😊. Thank you. Gabby from Victoria
Nagi says
Hi Gabby, you could always slow cook for carnitas, or use it in a recipe like this: https://www.recipetineats.com/brown-sugar-garlic-butter-roast-pork/ N x
Gabby Bate says
Thanks Nagi! Will try your pork carnitas recipe tonight….sounds yum!