This Cooking Hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria who went into COVID Lockdown 2.0 last night. While everyone is welcome to use this post to ask any questions about recipes or cooking, if you mention that you are in Victoria, I will prioritise responding to your questions.
Just leave your question in the comments section of this post and I will answer it promptly!
Victoria COVID Lockdown II
Over the weekend, Victoria (the second most populous state in Australia) declared a State of Disaster due to a second wave of coronavirus. Sweeping new restrictions, including night time curfews and strict rules on movements restricted to essentials such as medical, food and 1 hour of exercise per day, came into force last night.
These Stage 4 restrictions will be in place for 6 weeks. The Federal and State government has deemed these measures necessary due to the alarmingly high rate of community transmission in the state, and getting COVID under control in Victoria has serious ramifications for the rest of Australia.
I know this is a very difficult period for Victorians. Saying that I’m thinking of you, to stay strong and positive, that we’re with you in spirit – it just doesn’t seem like enough.
So I’ve decided to offer up my services doing what I know best – personalised cooking help.
Offering up my services!
With COVID Lockdown 2.0 restrictions on movements and purchase limits back in force, and because I hope that you will stay home as much as you can, this once again creates challenges around making do with what you’ve got and menu planning so you can minimise grocery outings.
So Victorians, I’m here for you to ask me anything at all about cooking. No boundaries. Whether it’s ideas, or what to make with x, y, z, a recipe you’re after or a specific cooking question you have, drop them below and I’ll answer them as a priority over questions I get on any other recipe for the duration of your lockdown.
While this recipe hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria and I will prioritise questions from Victorians, everyone is welcome to leave general cooking questions on this post!
Victorians – sending all my love down to you. We’re thinking of you. Please stay strong – and stay home! – Nagi x
PS Dozer is still on standby for virtual hugs, 24-7.
Hi Nagi.
I’m not from Victoria but I’m with you I’m support to our friends over there. I love your recipes, your passion and your your dog. Thank you so much for your initiative and keep up with your awesome work!
Thanks so much Wal!! N x
I am not in Victoria, but still can’t go out because of my age (81) and immune system problems. I don’t have any cream, so would coconut milk or evaporated milk work in the zucchini pasta dish ? Love your recipes !
Hi Ann! Evaporated milk will work perfectly 🙂 N x
Thank you, Nagi. That’s great ! x
Hi Nagi … thank you so much for your offer to help and support us Mexicans in Victoria 😂 You’re a superstar! I live in Melbourne and to be quite frank, in these trying and in some cases tragic times, I’ve really appreciated the chance to slow down a little and cook your yummy meals for my family. The Massaman lamb shanks were a huge hit, the guacamole was to die for, the Gyros was just insanely delicious and clever (almost blew up my food processor doing that one) Charlie Brown saves the day once or twice a week and Bill Grainger’s corn fritters are a saviour for my daughter who’s vegetarian. I don’t need any advice about cooking just yet but I’m sure I will at some stage. Take care of you and yours, don’t indulge Dozer toooo much and again, THANK YOU so much for your thoughtfulness. Cheers, Geoff
There’s always a positive in times like this Geoff, I’m glad you’re staying safe! N x
Just wanted to say thanks and pls give Dozer a pat from me, Needed a cheer up as hubby now home and off work, we live in Victoria, so over all of this so many ppl affected just heartbreaking 😢
I’ll give him a big belly rub – stay safe, you’ve got this! N x
Hello! I love your site Thankyou so much! What would you serve for an Indian feast? Not too heavyIe with a salad etc and including dessert am all about not too traditional as I find it heavy ! Thankyou 🙏🏻😊
PS I’m back with some links for you! Here we go:
Tandoori chicken is one of the last heavy because it’s not saucy: https://salesdock.info/oven-baked-tandoori-chicken/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Dal lentil curry (it’s sooo good!) https://salesdock.info/dal-indian-lentil-curry/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
This Indian Tomato Salad https://salesdock.info/indian-salad-tomato-mint-dressing/%3C/a%3E Or this Yogurt Cucumber Salad https://salesdock.info/creamy-cucumber-salad-lemon-yogurt-dressing/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Sorry I can’t help with dessert, I personally find Indian desserts too sweet for my taste! But my mango ice cream is certainly on theme 🙂
PPS Have you seen my Indian recipe collection? 🙂 https://salesdock.info/category/indian-recipes/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Thanks so much! You’re a star ⭐️
Hi Nicole, I love an Indian feast! Definitely a curry of some sort, Dal, biryani, an Indian side salad like my tomato and mint salad, rice and definitely flatbread/naan & poppadoms! N x
Nagi what a lovely gesture! I’m on the Mornington Peninsula in Vic, love your recipes, your gorgeous dog and your generous heart. Thank you ❤️❤️
Thanks so much Sharon! Stay safe 🙂 N x
From Castlemaine, Victoria. No question just a huge thank you. We love your recipes and have tried heaps of them. (& passed them on to friends) Our Ollie would love to come for a play with Dozer! What would we do without our four legged friends ~ especially at the moment.
They keep us sane don’t they Corliss?! Give Ollie a big belly rub from me 🙂 N x
Thank you Nagi, Melburnian here. I love your recipes and recommend your site to all and sundry. No questions, just wanted to say thanks. And if you want the secret for cooking Yorkshire puddings give me a ‘hoi’. 🙂
You’re so welcome Kim – and Yorkshire pudding is on my lift of things to make! N x
Hi Nagi! Thank you so much for your lovely support. I’ve made your biryani twice in the last week and it’s so delicious. Help with sponge cake. What’s the secret to making light fluffy sponges? What’s the best way to incorporate the flour so as not to over do it?
Love your recipes.
Hi Barbara, have you tried my vanilla sponge? I like to beat softened butter into the dry ingredients to ensure a light fluffy & velvetty sponge! N x
Thanks Nagi! I will give your recipe a try. Got quite a lot of time to try all your recipes during this lockdown…Fun times cooking and trying out new things here in Melbourne. Thank you!
Thanks Nagi for your kind words to all Victorians , I wish everyone were as nice .
Only 41 days to go of stage 4 restrictions 🤞
Your recipes are wonderful and I’ll spend this challenging time cooking more of them .
Your message cheered up many of us 😊😊
Hopefully the time flies Sue – you can get through this! N x
From 3204 Vic. You’re words & thoughts were more than enough Nagi. Thankyou. Please keep those recipes (& life of Dozer) coming!! Tough new personal/business restrictions.As a small business owner – not sure what’s next. Just keep marching.
Fingers cross everything works out for you Kristen!! N x
Thank you so much 💕💕
You’re so welcome Sheryl! N x
Nagi. Huge hug for Dozer first
How can I cook vegies with my roast that 1 don’t stick to the pan. 2 still look in great fat shape and hold together. 3 how to get onions to roast well
How to use turmeric to get golden looking potatoes?? A Victorian here aiming to pull with everybody else and get this thing under control.
Bless you girl. Most of my ‘ go to ‘ recipes now are yours. 👏👏😷😷😷
Hi Elle, a good sploosh of oil and a high heat oven will ensure delicious roasted veggies without turmeric for colour. You can roast any veg this way!! See this recipe for perfect roast vegetables https://salesdock.info/vegetarian-pasta-salad/%3C/a%3E – N x
Thanks Nagi,
I’m from Victoria, and while I don’t have a question, I just want to thank you For brightening my day. I love seeing your recipes and your photos of Dozer.
Oh that’s so sweet – thanks so much Rosemary! N x
Hi Nagi,
Just want to say thanks for your kind thoughts for us in lockdown in Victoria.
Your friend Lyn Parker, is my wife’s aunt and it was Lyn who told me about your blog. It is my first port of call and your recipes have been a hit and well shared amongst all my friends.
Anyway, your thoughts please?
I make your quick pizza base every Friday night . It’s a real hit for a quick meal. I was wondering if I could substitute the 1/2 of water with half cup of natural yoghurt instead to make the base a little more interesting.
Your thoughts please
Kind regards
Alan
Hi Alan, I’m so glad you found me and are enjoying the recipes!! I honestly haven’t tried with yogurt in the pizza base – I’m not sure if this would effect how crispy it gets (it may make it softer) – would love to know if you give it a go though! N x
Hi. For your pie crust recipe (blind baking) you use a food processor. Do you have instructions for making it without a processor, please? I’m trying to do a buttery flaky crust that looks as good as yours! Thank you!
Hi Peggy! Just added a step called “Hand option” in the pie crust recipe – you just rub it in with your fingers until it looks the same as using a food processor, then mix into water with a rubber spatula. After that, it’s the same steps! N x
Thank you SO much! I love your recipes and attention to detail in the instructions. and of course Dozer who is a twin to my former best buddy!
How wonderful Nagi and Dozer such kind thoughts . I am from Melbourne and trying to improve pastry cooking ie short crust . Hopefully i will improve ! I am trying with a food processor but maybe by hand is the way to go tx
Hi Nagi and Dozer
Just love your recipes. I have made several. First thing I go to in my email inbox every morning. You give me ideas, inspiration and super recipes. I live in West Sussex, near the sea. Thank you for everything you do. Sorry to hear you are in lockdown. Please stay safe.
The photo of Dozer with the cream cheese is lovely. I have saved it in my photos. Keep up the fantastic work. Thank you so much. Jean xxx
Thanks so much for the kind words Jean, I truly appreciate it 🙂 N x
Thank you for doing what you can to help us Vics. There’s a lot of new recipes being tried while we’re stuck at home and your site is the go-to one for us. Thanks for so many yummy recipes that are easy enough for even my kids to follow, so I have nights off from cooking dinner!
You’re so welcome Bec – I LOVE hearing this! N x
Hi Nagi. I’m in the UK but well aware from the news what’s happening in Victoria and thinking of you all. We were in your beautiful country in March..Melbourne and had to cut short our trip to fly home re the virus. Hope to get back some day.
Hope my question (and the answer) may help others.
We want to cook more plant based meals ..what do you recommend for enough protein and interest so my husband still feels full? Hes a regular chicken/fish, carb and veggie on the plate! Is it just a mindset change needed?
Thank you to you and Dozer for constantly making me smile and for your brill recipes:)
Hi Erica, I love lentils, chickpeas and tofu as a meat alternative – so many health benefits and will fill you up! I think it really is mind over matter too – you can make so many plant based meals taste amazing! N x
Hi Nagi,
I don’t have any questions for you at the moment, but would like to thank you for thinking of us here in Victoria, your recipes are absolutely fabulous.
Take care
Thanks so much Helen! N x