Ever watch TV, usually a groovy old American sitcom, and you see them whip out a TV dinner? Smiling little housewife wearing an apron wanders into the lounge room to deliver little, steaming, segmented trays to the laps of her family as they stare into the TV set. Actually, it wasn’t on their laps was it? They had those awesome tray table thingies that, quite frankly, I could us a few of now!
So, if you’re feeling like getting your retro on, find the coolest old movie ever (my vote goes to Barefoot in the Park) and sit down with this classic recipe!
You will need 4 microwave safe divided trays or 4 oven-safe and freezer safe Pyrex style glass baking dishes – you can make little dividers if needed with aluminium foil.
Once made and frozen these TV styled dinners are so funky and quick!
Ingredients
Rissoles
500gram beef mince
1 egg
1 cup bread crumbs (can use gluten free if desired)
1 egg
1 tablespoon garlic, fresh chopped.
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 small red onion, very finely chopped
1 tablespoon water, (if needed)
Mash
500gm potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Beans
500gm long green beans
Method
Combine the beef mince with all the ingredients for the rissoles. Combine really well.
Heat some oil in a frying pan.
Roll the beef mixture into balls approximately 3 cm in diameter.
Fry them a few at a time until browned on both sides and meat is visibly cooked right through when cut in half.
Set aside.
To make the mash, peel the potatoes and chop into small pieces.
Put a large saucepan on the stove top and bring to the boil.
Add in the potatoes and cook until very tender.
Mash: Place the potatoes into a bowl with the butter and milk. Mash (or hand blitz) until you get your desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Beans: Steam the green beans for 3-5 minutes or until lightly tender and just pierce-able with a fork.
Work out how you are freezing your ‘TV dinner’ e.g. clip seal bags, microwave safe trays or oven safe trays, covered and labelled.
For a “TV tray” arrange a couple of rissoles, approx. ½ cup of mashed potato and ¼ cup green beans on the tray, cover and freeze. Label.
For more freezer meals, head here!
