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Ursula Walsh/Instagram
food envy
'This dish is always a success with my boys': 5 midweek favourites from mum-of-three Ursula Walsh
From Mexican-style rice to pecan truffles that are healthier than they look.
EACH WEEK, WE ask a home cook about the dishes they’ve been whipping up of late – from simple suppers to lavish lunches.
This week, Offaly-based nutrition coach Ursula Walsh shared some of her recent favourite dishes with us.
Ursula started sharing food and fitness updates on Instagram four years ago, helping to keep her motivated as she worked to lose five stone following two consecutive pregnancies. Since then she’s amassed over 50,000 followers.
Ursula welcomed her third child six months ago and while she aims to eat a balanced diet overall, the mum-of-three always puts taste first when preparing food. “Being healthy shouldn’t feel like a punishment,” she says.
Here’s what Ursula has been cooking up for herself – and her young family – lately…
1. Pecan truffle treats: This healthy snack is a huge success with my boys. I love the fact that I can make these for my boys and know they’re having a snack packed with fibre and antioxidants. And for me, the truffles are great way to kill chocolate cravings in a healthy way. They’re perfect with a cup of tea in the evenings.
2. Roasted cauliflower soup: This roasted cauliflower soup is perfect for the cold weather. It has a very creamy consistency and the flavours compliment each other very well. All of the ingredients are so easy to get, too. It’s a hug in a bowl, and would also be an amazing Christmas dinner starter.
3. Mexican-style rice: This is an amazing way to cook rice and add extra flavour. It’s definitely one of my most loved recipes. I think we are all used to cooking and eating very plain rice in Ireland, but this dish is another favourite with my boys.
4. Simple salmon cakes: I often make these little patties as they can be so versatile. You can have them on their own with a nice salad and some potatoes or rice on the side or inside a bun as a burger. Trust me, you’ll be glad you made them.
5. Heavenly blueberry muffins: The beauty of these muffins is that the recipe can be adapted to be vegan, which is handy for anyone who is dairy intolerant. I use almond milk and coconut oil to make these, then freeze them and take them out as I need them.
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