Desert island dishes
Rob Harding
National account manager foodservice, Quorn Foods
Spicy shawarma
This is my ultimate favourite as you can mix the flavours up each time, but it always has to be spicy with fresh pickles and loads of chillis. Sometimes we’ll use chicken, sometimes we’ll use the vegan Quorn Fillets and cook them in loads of spices. Cumin, paprika, turmeric, all spice, cayenne – you name it, we’ll probably throw it in!
This is all stuffed in a warm pitta with a ‘no waste slaw’ we’ve rustled up from all the leftovers from the fridge and drizzled with chilli sauce and a cool garlic mayo. Delicious!
Treacle sponge with custard
You really can’t beat a good pudding! One of my favourite primary school classics has already stayed with me, treacle sponge and custard – which actually wasn’t lumpy in my school!
Christmas dinner
It only comes once a year but it’s unbeatable! Not only the deliciously festive Quorn Roast centreplate, but all the trimmings that come along with it. Sage and onion stuffing, sautéed sprouts, roasted carrots and parsnips, vegan pigs in blankets and, of course, fluffy roasties – one plate is never big enough!
The leftovers the next day are also epic. Having bubble and squeak on Boxing Day is a firm family tradition.
Bangers and mash
An absolute classic that always hits the spot – sausage and mash with beans or gravy, especially around Bonfire Night. Vegan sausages like Quorn’s are so succulent and flavoursome. The gravy has to be thick and rich though – and no skimping, there has to be a pool of it!
Burrito
This might be my second favourite dish, as it’s another one that we just throw everything in that we can find at home. Working at Quorn I do try to be mindful of the impact of the food we’re cooking at home, so for this dish we’ve started mixing beef mince with Quorn Mince in a warming chipotle sauce. When we’ve had friends and family around, and so many of them have said that they don’t notice the difference!
We’ll also pack it with a Mexican-style bean mix, chillis, loads of cheese and top with a lovely fresh tomato salsa. Maybe a bit of salad too, but that depends on the weather.
Stuffed peppers
This is a super-quick, tasty and nutritious dinner that is a firm favourite in our house. The fillings vary each time, from rice and other veg to meat-free mince and vegan cheese. We even use up bits of leftovers to reduce our food waste. In fact, it’s another one we just throw everything into. There’s probably a theme to my desert island dishes!
What one book would you take with you?
I’d take Shoe Dog, the memoir from the creator of Nike. Anyone who knows me will know that I am a big fan of trainers.
What luxury item would you take with you?
Brand new, clean white trainers – see above for the reason. I’d have to sneak a trainer cleaning kit in too!
If you were only allowed one dish, which would you pick?
Definitely the shawarma. It’s the one dish I could eat every day whatever the weather!
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