Protein for breakfast? Hell yeah!

People seriously don't give enough thought to breakfast. Throwing down a glass of juice and some cereal just won't do the trick.
I was fortunate enough during last year to be in a job where I started late morning. Grilled meat and veg at 10am became my kick starter. And I felt the difference.
Consider this - would you drive your car to Melbourne on an empty tank? Of course not. You fuel up before you go!
We can't all stomach meat etc in the early hours, so, being back in my regular job with a 5am start, I have adapted. We need protein. We need veg. I have found that within an hour of starting work I am ready to eat. I bet you are too. Most people get a "smoko" break at about this time, so here are three recipes for you. Chuck them in your office microwave and watch your workmates salivate at the smell!

CHOW MEIN/CHOP SUEY/SUKIYAKI - WHATEVER YOUR MUM CALLED IT!!

1 carrot sliced

2 celery stalks  finely chopped

2 onions sliced

½ red capsicum, diced roughly

500 g beef mince

1/4 cabbage shredded

½ cup frozen corn (or peas and corn.)

1 tbs rice

1 tbsp curry powder

Pack of chicken noodle soup

½ tsp sesame oil

2 tbs oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

STEP 1 Heat the oil in a pan and soften all veg except cabbage and corn.

STEP 2 Add meat and brown well.

STEP 3 Remove from heat. Add all remaining ingredients, and 3 cups water.

STEP 4 Stir well and return to the heat. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 mins, stirring occasionally.

CURRIED EGGS

45 g pack chicken noodle soup

1 1/2 cup boiling water

30 g butter (about 1 tbsp)

1 tbsp curry powder

2 tbsp plain flour

1 cup milk

4-6 egg hard-boiled

1 tbs parsley chopped

METHOD

STEP 1 Simmer soup in water for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

STEP 2 Melt butter in saucepan and stir in curry powder and flour.

STEP 3 Add milk gradually and bring to boil stirring constantly.

STEP 4 Add soup and bring to boil again. Add sliced eggs and parsley.

STEP 5 Reheat and serve with rice.

FREEKEH WITH SHREDDED CHICKEN

(also works with rice or Quinoa.)

1 chicken breast fillet, poached or pan fried.

2 cups cooked freekeh*

1 small onion, sliced

Fresh veg of choice – Brussels sprouts, caulie, carrot are a good mix. About 1 cup diced.

METHOD

*Cook freekeh according to packet directions, adding a teaspoon of either olive or coconut oil, a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of turmeric – I use the microwave method. (If you do that, open the micro immediately after initial cooking is done – there is a lot of condensation…)

While the freekeh cooks, stir fry your veg in a bit more oil.

Use a couple of forks to “pull” the chicken into shreds.

Stir everything together and enjoy.

(You can do this without meat, but I prefer the protein, or substitute chopped egg.)

All of these are really easy, give you a great shot of protein and will keep for a few days in the fridge. Yummy enough to have every day (though I have a 3 day rule here at home!)

Enjoy!1