Now that the new year has finally kicked off, (so long 2016!) people across the world will be making their resolutions from exercising more to spending more time with family and friends. Here at Furniture Village, we want to help you achieve your new year’s resolution of eating healthier and have provided a couple of tasty recipes for you to indulge and enjoy, whilst safe in the knowledge that you are working towards your goal.

Vegetable soup

This first recipe is a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a hearty and tasty way, while making sure that you easily hit your 5 a day. Be sure to invite your friends round the dining table this winter, as this serves 6 people so you’ll have plenty for everyone. So if you have 45 minutes to spare, get ready for a heart-warming and homely cooked meal.

What you need:
•    1 onion
•    2 carrots
•    3 celery sticks
•    A tin of chopped tomatoes
•    1 leek
•    80g peas
•    50g of pasta
•    1 Litre of boiled water
•    1 ½ tablespoons of tomato purée 
•    ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil
•    Your preferred dried herbs

Method:
1.    Slice the onion, carrots and celery sticks and add them to a large pan with the oil and fry until they are sizzling. Once this has been achieved, lower the heat and keep stirring.
2.    Add the tin of chopped tomatoes, the purée, peas and water and bring them all to a boil.
3.    Once the mixture is boiling add in the pasta and your preferred dried herbs. Cook until the pasta is soft. Don’t forget to stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan!

Fish pie

If you are looking for a delicious and filling dish, then this fish pie recipe is definitely a flavoursome favourite you should add to your recipe repertoire. Cod, haddock, or any kind of white fish that’s rich in Omega 3 can be included. Salmon can also be used if you are inclined to try something a little different. Fish pie can quickly become a favourite for all of the family, so why not bring out the extended dining table and invite round the in-laws for a feast.

What you need:
•    700g potatoes
•    4 fillets of your preferred white fish or salmon
•    425ml 1% milk
•    25g low fat butter
•    25g flour
•    25g reduced fat strong cheese

Method:
1.    Peel your potatoes and preheat the oven to 200ºC.
2.    Boil them until they are soft, drain and then add a little milk before mashing.
3.    Put the milk, low-fat butter and flour into a pan and warm to create the sauce. Keep stirring the mixture as it begins to thicken.
4.    Get an oven dish and place the fish in the centre (whether you wish to cut it up or keep it whole is up to you) and pour the sauce over the top. Place a layer of mash potato over the top to cover it and sprinkle on some cheese.
5.    Place in the oven for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and it is piping hot throughout.

Beef curry

This healthy recipe will certainly delight curry fans. As a dish that’s low in sodium and fat, it’s sure to be a meal to have again and again, so pull up a dining chair and get ready to tuck into a wonderful meal for two.

What you need:
•    Stewing beef
•    1 onion
•    1 pepper
•    1 carrot
•    2 garlic cloves
•    1 tablespoon of curry powder
•    1 tin of chopped tomatoes
•    1 tablespoon of tomato purée
•    1 tablespoon of mango chutney
•    130g basmati rice

Method:
1.    Begin by dicing the beef and browning it on a low heat.
2.    Dice the pepper and onion, slice the carrot, crush the garlic and add it to the meat, stirring it often.
3.    Add the tablespoon of curry powder along with the tomatoes, chutney and purée. Let all of this simmer for 20 minutes. If it is needed, add a little water to stop any sticking.
4.    Soak the basmati rice in cold water to get rid of excess starch, drain it, then add to a pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for up to 8 minutes. Let the rice stand for a few minutes to let any moisture leave the pan. 
5.    Place the rice on a plate and fluff with a fork and serve with your beef curry.