Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk)

Summer's end may be imminent but Salads are great throughout the year,  this Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk) is a winner anytime.  An amazing starter, snack or light lunch.  Quick and easy to make, you love to hear that don't you?

Quick and easy is for me these days.  Being terminally ill I can no longer cook like I used to.  Dishes I can prepare in stages over a period of time are just what I need now.  Not all dishes need constant attention from start to finish and this is one of them, lucky me.

Mr.Grumps has been amazing though.  In every way possible from looking after me to cooking and cleaning.  I'll write a post about this amazing man soon so stay tuned.

For now though, fancy Thai Squid Salad?

Thai Squid Salad (Yam Pla Meuk)  Serves 1-2

Ingredients:-

5-10 Baby squids, cleaned

3 small shallots (finely chopped)

1 stalk of lemongrass (very finely chopped (or 1 tsp minced lemongrass from a jar)

2 large kaffir lime leaves (central vein removed and sliced finely

3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves.

Sauce:-

1 tablespoon lime juice

½ teaspoon sugar

½ - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (to taste)

2-3 bird’s eye chillies (deseeded and finely chopped)

First prepare the squid and set aside.

Prepare the sauce by combing all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix.  Taste the sauce and adjust if necessary.

Blanch the squid in boiling water until they are opaque.

Drain the squid; add to the sauce together with the remaining salad ingredients.

Give the salad a stir and serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from - With a Glass  

Halloumi and Strawberry Salad

It's been 4 weeks now since my chemo session.  I was due to have 3 months of treatment, every other Tuesday.

What time I have left I intend to be spending as quality time having fun with my family and friends.  That includes enjoying as many foodie delights as possible.

I've always had a great love for the saltiness and sqweak of a good quality Halloumi Cheese.  Paired with sweet Strawberries and you encounter the most delicious partnership. 

Having already been through several periods of illness over the past 4/half years, the medical team were unsure that I would be strong enough to accept another session of chemo, especially as this was a lot stronger dose than the treatment previously received

It transpires that my body clearly can't cope.  The first session has just about rendered me pretty much useless.  All further sessions have been cancelled under the circumstances.  This a great relief, what's the point in spending 3 months plus in a zombie like state?

Halloumi & Strawberry Salad (Serves 1 – easily doubles)

4 Strawberries, hulled and cut in half or quartered

½  tbsp Balsamic vinegar

Squirt of Lemon juice

½ tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3  x ½" thick slices Halloumi cheese (cut from a block, or more if starving)

1 tbsp Olive oil

Small handful of mint leaves (finely chopped)

2 small Cos lettuce leaves, finely chopped (or a handful of mixed leaves)

Prepare the Strawberries & dressing:-

Place strawberries into a small bowl, add the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil,. lemon juice and season with sea salt and black pepper.  Stir well to combine and leave to one side.

Prepare the Halloumi:-

Heat olive oil in a frying pan and pan fry the Halloumi slices on both sides until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).

Recipe adapted from scandifoodie