Only recently did I become introduced to the Hairy Biker’s after watching their latest BBC programme, ‘The Hairy Dieters’; I quickly became a big fan of the Northern Duo.
I am in agreement that good food is all about fantastic flavours and good quality ingredients however, so many celebrity chefs use vast quantities of olive oil, cream and butter in their cooking. Unfortunately, I am not someone who can eat such food on a regular basis without gaining weight; I also like to eat healthy food which does not sacrifice on taste. I was therefore very intrigued when the ‘Hairy Dieters’ was advertised and could not resist tuning in!
After finding that their love of good food did not agree with their waistlines, Si and Dave went on a mission to lose weight whilst cooking low-calorie food that was big on flavour. The Hairy Bikers successfully lost six stone between them and ‘The Hairy Dieters’ followed their progress whilst sharing some of their favourite recipes. I did not miss an episode and was keen to get the cookbook as soon as it hit the shelves!!
Last Sunday, I decided it was time to put one of the recipes featured on the programme to the test – masala-mainated chicken with minted yogurt sauce was on the menu….
My boyfriend kindly offered to joint the chicken and prepare the marinate early on Sunday morning. Although he had not previously prepared a chicken the way the recipe suggested, he found each step easy to follow and fairly straightforward so it was not an issue.
We allowed the chicken to marinate all day before I quickly prepared some vegetables to roast at the same time as the chicken.
The chicken was succulent and moist due to the spicy marinate. The spices gave the chicken a real kick and wonderful flavour; the minted yogurt complimented the dish beautifully.
Both Neil and I thoroughly enjoyed the Hairy Bikers’ twist on a traditional roast dinner and I am certain this is a recipe we will enjoy again and again. A lot of the recipes in this cookbook feature low-fat twists on classic dishes and it is certainly a refreshing change to see this from two celebrity chefs.
Go out and buy this cookbook quick before it sells out! You will not regret it and neither will your bathroom scales!