THE festive season is a whirlwind of shopping, spring cleaning, decorating, cookie-making, food prepping, celebrations and gatherings.
It's also a time when one needs convenient and nutritious meals to fuel the gruelling physicality of the season.
Do pay attention to protein as adequate amounts are necessary to help you stay nourished and energised.
Sardines and mackerels are good sources and can be easily prepped into a variety of meals for both children and adults.
Adults and children should eat at least two servings of fish per week to get the Omega-3 needed to boost health because our bodies cannot produce the amount of Omega-3 we need to thrive.
Fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, saba and tuna are especially rich in Omega-3.
When you're pressed for time this festive season, use these nutritious sources of protein to whip up curries, pies or even appetisers.
Here are some ideas from Ayam Brand to get you started:
Mackerel and Pineapple Curry
Heat one tablespoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves, cooking until translucent. Stir in fish curry paste and one teaspoon of turmeric powder, cooking for another minute.
Add a can of pineapple chunks and cook for two minutes. Pour in 200ml coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
Finally, add Ayam Brand Sardines in Tomato Sauce to the pan. Simmer for five minutes. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed rice or bread.
Sardine and Tomato Pasta Bake
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat one
tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Stir in 200ml marinara sauce and one teaspoon of dried basil. Simmer for five minutes. Open a can of Ayam Brand Sardines in Tomato Sauce (425g), flake the sardines, and add them to the sauce. Mix well.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Combine the cooked pasta with the sardine sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with half a cup of grated mozzarella and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Sardine Curry Puffs
In a pan, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté a quarter cup of finely chopped onions until translucent. Add one tablespoon of curry powder and half a teaspoon of turmeric, cooking for another minute.
Stir in mashed potatoes and a full can of Ayam Brand Sardines in Tomato Sauce (425g). Mix thoroughly and cook for a few minutes until well combined.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Cut puff pastry sheets into squares. Spoon a small amount of filling onto each square. Fold and seal the edges to form triangles. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.