Mexican

To make italian-style subs, replace bean mix with rinsed canned cannellini beans and replace coriander with flat-leaf parsley or pesto. Change tasty cheese to mozzarella. Note

If necessary, thinly siice base of each cooked potato to sit flat. Soy cheese is sold in health food shops and some supermarkets. Make sure it’s dairy free. Note

Try using frozen peas instead of corn and fresh low-fat ricotta instead of feta. Adding vegetables to omelets provides extra vitamins and fibre content. Corn has a low GI. Note

Seed mix contains sunflower and pumpkin seeds. You can use either sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Note

Make your own meatballs; you’ll need 600g mince. Use chopped green onion or parsley instead of coriander. Note

Drain sun-dried tomato on paper towels to remove as much oil as possible. This recipe is a good source of calcium. Note

Mexican tortilla stack recipe that children will love and that takes less than 30 minutes to cook. This recipe combines chicken mince, tortillas, a tomato-based sauce, grated cheese and served with sour cream.

Look for these beans at health food stores and greengrocers. If unavailable, use canned chickpeas or kidney beans – no need to soak overnight or cook. Add finely chopped fresh chillies and coriander to salsa. Note

Mexe beans are seasoned beans in a sauce. You will find them in the international food aisle of the supermarket. You can use small tortillas instead of mini. Note

To make your own buttermilk: add 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk. Stand for 5 minutes. Note

Black beans, similar to kidney beans, are sold canned in specialty food shops, same delis and large fruit and vegetable markets. If unavailable, use red kidney beans. Note

Use salsa as a filling for tortillas; add shredded lettuce. Note

Budget tip: To turn into a main course, serve as a side with fish, meat or chicken. Make dip in a 4-cup serving bowl. Note

You can use red kidney beans instead of olives, if preferred. Note

Once opened, store oyster sauce in the fridge. For a nutty flavour, sprinkle filling with toasted sesame seeds. if cooking quesadillas in a frying pan, gently press down with on egg lifter during cooking. Note

Tasty chicken fajitas with fresh tomato salsa are great for when family is around as it makes for a very sociable communal dinner with everyone assembling their wraps at the table.

This deliciously hearty chilli con carne recipe has to be one of the best dishes to serve for a casual get together. Serve over rice with cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Char-grilled vegies are sometimes cheaper at the deli counter. Note

You can use chicken tenderloins instead of turkey. Note

Mexican chilli powder is a combination of chilli, paprika, cumin, oregano and garlic, it adds a fabulous flavour hit. You can use chicken breast instead of turkey. Note

Replace pizza cheese with grated cheddar, if desired. Pizza cheese contains grated cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. Add a little butter and milk to scooped-out cooked potato; mash. Cover and refrigerate. Use the next day. Make salsa just before serving to prevent avocado discolouring. Note

Try chicken mince instead of beef. You can also serve mince mixture in lettuce cups. Note

Use bought guacamole dip. The price will vary. Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps. For meat lovers, use 400g browned beef mince instead of kidney beans. Note

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Mexican food is hot, hot, hot! Surrender to its exotic flavours – sweet, sharp, smoky, hot, fragrant and fruity, sometimes all together on the one plate

Your friends or family won't be able to keep their hands off this hearty, all-time classic chilli con carne recipe. This tasty chilli con carne makes for great leftovers the next day.

Fresh and delicious!

Use mild, medium or hot taco sauce to taste. Note

Crepes are in the bakery and frozen food aisles of supermarkets. Note

Use canned black beans instead; add a touch of Tabasco if you like it hot. Choose any Tex-Mex seasoning. When adding the frozen veggies while rice is cooking, quickly replace the lid so the steam doesn’t escape or rice won’t cook properly. Use remaining frozen veggies in fried rice. Note

Makes 8 Note

Make Moroccan burgers instead. Swap Moroccan spice mix for Mexican chilli powder, store-bought hummus for salsa, Greek-style natural yogurt for sour cream and sliced Lebanese cucumber for avocado. Make ahead: Marinate chicken in Mexican chilli powder a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

Beef minute steak, also known as barbecue steak, is thin scotch fillet or porterhouse steak pounded to 1cm thickness. Try chicken tenderloins or lamb leg steak instead of beef. Reduce fat: Use light sour cream. Note

Use pork mince instead of leg steaks. Make ahead: You can make salsa a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

Heat tortillas as packet directs. Note

Use lemon juice instead of lime. Budget beef rump (smart-buy rump) is a cheap alternative to rump steak. Bistro salad mix is a convenient blend of butter lettuce, radicchio, pea tendrils and salanova baby red. You can use any salad mix. Use leftover Mexican seasoning in rissoles or tacos. Note

Use any type of bread or bread roll for the sandwich. Chicken breast sizzle steaks are also sold as uncrumbed schnitzels. Mexican crispy chicken seasoning is available in the international aisle. Note

Pulled pork takes time to prepare due to the long, slow cooking process. So while the grill is crowded with sausages and steaks, use the oven to prepare this.

Serve bread warm or cold with soups and casseroles. Note

A cut above: A minute steak is a thinly sliced, boneless steak usually beef. For perfect results, choose steak that’s an even thickness and colour, and has no dark patches. Make it tender: To help tenderise minute steaks and retain moisture during cooking, pound them with a meat mallet until 5mm thick. Easy to cook: […]

Whether you’re relaxing at the bach or pottering around at home on your holidays, this summer recipe from Julie Biuso is designed to be light on effort and big on taste

This flavoursome and scrumptious taco beef salad served on a bed of crisp, fresh shredded lettuce, is a delicious salad and is perfect enjoyed for a quick yet satisfying lunch

Vegetarian: Replace bacon with 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips. Replace jalapenos with 1 finely chopped fresh long green chilli. To make buttermilk Place 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice in a measuring jug. Add enough reduced-fat milk to make 1 cup; stir. Mixture will thicken slightly. For 1 1/2 cups, place 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon […]

To reheat scones, wrap in foil and place in an oven preheated to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for 10 minutes or until warmed. Note

When mangoes are not in season, use a 425 gram can mango slices. Drain before finely chopping. Note

You can serve this salsa as a dip with corn chips, or as a side to barbecued fishand barbecued chicken. Try it also in a Mexican wrap with grilled beef. Note

Make ahead: Prepare mince mixture up to 2 days ahead; keep, covered, in fridge For great party food, try chat (baby) potatoes; cooking time will vary. Which potato? Floury potatoes are best for roasting. Check package details or ask your greengrocer. . Save time: You can microwave potatoes. Pierce with a skewer before cooking. Microwave […]

Make it a main: To turn salad into a main meal, add a protein-rich food, such as leftover chicken, beef or lamb, canned salmon, drained canned beans, tofu, cheese or boiled eggs. Note

You’ll find basil paste in the chilled part of the fresh produce section. Or use basil pesto. To keep sausages moist, don’t pierce them before cooking. Drain full-fat sausages on paper towels after cooking. Or choose lean sausages. Note

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice. Cook this cut of meat quickly and serve rare. Use minute steak if you prefer well done. Make salsa close to serving time. A very hot pan prevents tough, grey, stewed steak. Turn only once to prevent tough, dry steak. Note

Add 50 grams shaved ham chicken. Note

Use bought marinara mix instead of prawns. Cooking time will vary. Leftovers: Use canned tomatoes in soups and casseroles. Note

You can use brown onion instead of red. Make ahead: Cook soup (up to the end of Step 1, but omit coriander) up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place soup in a large saucepan; cook and stir over low heat for 5 minutes or until heated. […]

Serve salsa with char-grilled or pan-fried pork steak, cutlet or chop, beef steak or fish fillet. Note

These beef and bean burritos topped with creamy guacamole are easy to make, and they are definitely delicious! They're easy to prepare, take practically no time, and are always a treat.

Make your own guacamole by mashing 2 peeled and seeded avocados with 1 small, diced red onion, juice of 1 lime and 1/2 cup chopped coriander. Season to taste. Note

With delicious homemade tzatziki, chunky salsa and smooth pumpkin, this trio of dips with crusty mountain bread would make the perfect starter for any dinner party or special occasion.

Microwave tortillas according to packet directions before filling them; this ensures they are soft and pliable. Note

You can use leftover ham or another meat of your choice in the quesadillas. Cook these just before serving. If preferred, you can use a prepared guacamole dip to accompany the quesadillas. Note

Whenever you have friends or family over, this healthy snack or lunchtime dish will be a real hit. It’s best made and served as fresh as possible and can be put into take-home packs.

Refried beans have many uses in Mexican cookery – think of them as potatoes or rice with the wonderful health benefit of protein.

This chilli recipe should ideally be made with stewing steak, not mince. Serve with polenta, re-fried beans or crisp taco shells with salad.

If liked, flake a 185g can tuna through bean mixture, or simply use some leftover bolognese sauce topped with mashed avocado and tasty cheese. Note

This simple chilli con carne recipe is a must-try for cooler months!

If you prefer, you can use lebanese bread and other fillings such as salsa, barbecue chicken or sliced brie. Note

The size of your barbecue will determine how many quesadillas can be cooked at the same time. Note

You can also use refried beans with the chicken. Note

Add a drizzle of sweet chilli or a dollop of sour cream to the guacamole, if you like. Note

Try topping with a salsa of chopped tomato, avocado, chives and a squeeze of lemon. Note

If you prefer, or if you’re rushed for time, use ready-made corn chips. You could use a chopped chilli in place of the chilli sauce. Note

If preferred, top the tacos with chopped tomato, avocado,cucumber and onion. This also makes a delicious filling for tortillas. Note

Pumpkin can be used in place of kumara. Note

These spicy fish tortillas by Woman's Day hit the spot � they�re quick and easy to cook and they appeal to everyone from teens to grandparents as they're simply delicious!