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.
I am Scottish originally…so I will say what a thoughtful and kind wee lassie you are!! xxxxx
Thanks so much Helen!! N x
Hi Nagi, given the fresh food shortages in my area of Melbourne some healthy recipes with frozen or canned veg would be good.
Hi Michelle, one of my favourites is this one: https://salesdock.info/corn-chowder-soup/%3C/a%3E or even https://salesdock.info/chilli-con-carne%3C/a%3E. I always have lentils in my cupboard too – https://salesdock.info/lentil-soup/%3C/a%3E N x
Hi Nagi and Dozer, thanks so much for thinking of us ‘virusy’ victorians. My questions relate to my obsession with perfecting Okonomiyaki ( both Osaka and Hiroshima style) and Takoyaki recipes after my first, but not last trip to Japan early 2020. I know that your recipes are always foolproof and taste fantastic. I can’t seem to recreate them myself no matter how much I research. Also would love a recommendation for online stores that sell Japanese goods – soy sauces, rice, yuzu. I have googled and tried one but not much success. Thank you 🙂
Hi Diana, try my Mother’s recipe here: https://japan.recipetineats.com/okonomiyaki-japanese-savoury-pancake/. I’l have to get back to you about online stores, I generally don’t buy Japanese goods online! N x
I second Diana’s request and also thank you Nagi for your kind words. Us virusy Vics are a little on edge and to know the rest of the country are thinking of us is like a big of a virtual hug.
Heya Nagi, from Victoria here!
I don’t have a question atm but just wanted to show you some love and let you know you and your recipes are amazing. I’ve cooked countless recipes of yours and I appreciate how you make it simple to follow. Whenever I’m stumped for ideas, you are my go to lady!
Keep up the lovely work you do, much ♡♡♡
I love hearing this Nadhirah – thanks so much! N x
Hi Nagi. I don’t have a question. I just wanted to thank you for your lovely gesture for we Victorians. It’s wonderful how Australians across the country support each other in times of crisis like fires and lockdowns. (P.S, I adore your website. I have never been able to cook Chinese and Malaysian dishes well, but you have given me the confidence to improve. Your beef rendang recipe was just delicious.)
Thanks so much for your kind words Caroline 🙂 N x
Hey so i recently came into quite a bit of saffron after my local Vic supermarket discontinued it at an amazing price. I made your biryani but am not sure what to make next. I always overlooked recipes with saffron in it because of its price. Any thoughts please?
Hi Nikki, I don’t use it a lot – but here are a couple of recipes: https://salesdock.info/persian-saffron-rice-tachin/%3C/a%3E & https://salesdock.info/persian-lamb-shank-recipe/%3C/a%3E – N x
Dear Nagi,
I’m in Bendigo and I want to say thank you for your generous offer and for sharing your care for Victorians and all we are facing.
I don’t have a food question (not yet), but for your kindness, warmth and for the valuable contribution you make to home cooks I extend a sincere thank you.
You’re so welcome Kevin, stay safe 🙂 N x
Hi Nagi, Thank you for supporting Victorian’s. I made the chicken broth yesterday to make the chicken veg and noodle soup. I want to try and use up veggies I have (the supermarket is low in fresh stuff at the moment). I have zucchini, parsnip, beans as well as the other recommended veg, My query is regarding the freezing of it. Should I make up enough to eat and then freeze the broth separately or can I freeze it with the veg (no noodles)?
Hi Michelle, I just freeze the whole soup (less the noodles) – perfect to reheat in the microwave 🙂 N x
Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness, Nagi! Times like this we feel we are not alone! We are Victorians and I have three kids. I would really like to be able to whip up some bread or dinner rolls without having to hit the stores every other day.
I need some help with baking bread. Ive tried the “soft no knead dinner rolls” twice but they turned out cakes and flat, instead of soft and fluffy like yours in the video. I’m not sure what went wrong. The yeast was frothy so it can’t be the yeast? And I’m quite confused. Some recipes I’ve read said we can’t add salt with yeast cos they kill them. But some other recipes put the salt, yeast, sugar and flour together and mix. What is it actually?
Hi Sally, salt does kill yeast but this amount isn’t strong enough to kill the yeast here. What type of flour are you using? Is the dough doubling in size when you leave it to rest? N x
Thanks for your reply. I’m using all purpose flour. Dough would grow a bit but I dont think it doubled…
No question, just a big thanks for thinking of us in Victoria, let’s hope we’re ‘taking one for team Australia’ and we can avoid this happening elsewhere! Also a big thanks for being my ‘recipe bible’ for the entire 5 months since I’ve been working from home. You have made me smile with your updates and have made me look SO good in the kitchen – cooking has helped me stay sane!!! Keep up your great work and big cuddle for Dozer x
That’s so great to hear Rosa, thanks so much 🙂 N x
Hi Nagi
Thank you for thinking of us here in Vic. We won the first postcode lottery as we were in a hotspot. It is very distressing but your recipes are such an awesome way to distract. I made the kebabs last week! Also Dozer is very cute and heartwarming. Hang in there fellow Melbournites. 41 days we got this!
Oh No Karin, I’m so sorry to hear this. You’ll get through this though!!! N x
Hi Nagi
I’m fine making your easy white bread in the Dutch oven. I really would like to use my wholemeal bread flour into bread as when I make it it doesn’t rise very well.
Could you please put up a bread recipe using wholemeal bread flour please. Thank you.
Hi Pauline, I find you can substitute a small amount of white flour for wholemeal but wholemeal does require more water than white flour. I’ll need to add this to my testing to create a 100% wholemeal loaf! N x
I very rarely waste food but the odd bits and pieces of veggies left in the fridge…some recipes that can use them up to make a meal. Helps to limit shopping. PS. I’m in Victoria.
Yes 100% Mary – stirfrys are great for this exact reason! You can use up any odd bits of veg in the bottom of the fridge! Or even a minestrone soup is a great way to use up left over veggies too. N x
What a thoughtful gesture. O love your recipe’s, everything we have tried has been amazing.
Thanks xx
That’s great to hear Veronica! N x
Brilliant Nagi. Agree with Sue and Lorraine that you are always thinking of others in such practical ways. My heart goes out to all Victorians. Hugs for Dozer.
Thanks so much Kath 🙂 N x
Dear Nagi,
Thank you for thinking of us in Melbourne and offering your support. It’s very kind and heart warming.I can’t tell you how grateful I am for having discovered your wonderful website. Your recipes are a gold mine of deliciousness! Charlie sauce is fantastic! There are just too many to rave about. Wishing you and Dozer all the very best and thank you so much for all your knowledge and the videos explaining how to make the yummy food.
Cheers,
Ursula.
You’re so welcome Ursula, thanks so much for the kind words! N x
Hi Nagi. Grim here in Melbourne. Homeschooling my preppie. WFH. Childcare now closing?! My toddler is insane. And haven’t seen my family in Perth since Christmas. I miss my Mum.
1) I can never cook brown rice like my Mum. Any suggestions?
2) A super easy cheesecake recipe? Without gelatine?
3) My son’s 6 birthday will be in Iso. Suggestions for a delicious cake and other party food…party of 4 🙁
Hi Rachel, sorry to hear you’re doing it tough, you’ll get through this though. Brown rice is on my list – I’ll revisit this post! If you type cheesecake into the search bar, you’ll get a stack of cheesecake recipes – I’m sure there will be one you’ll love! I also have a party food section in the categories drop down menu. You can’t go past a great chocolate cake either – this one is fab: https://salesdock.info/chocolate-cake/%3C/a%3E N x
Hi Nagi what a lovely idea. Born and bread melbournian here love your receipes and will definitely be needing inspiration in the coming weeks whilst looking at the back of the cupboard.
We will all come out of this better cooks Kristy! Stay safe 🙂 N x
Hi Nagi,
I’m a mum of a family of 5 (3 little kids) from Melbourne and am wanting to make economical and tasty meals that aren’t pasta (trying to avoid an ISO body after this lockdown). What meals do you suggest? Your cottage pie has become one of our staples already. Also do you have a braised pork belly noddle soup recipe (not a lot of meat needed for a lot of flavor)? Thanks
That soup sounds amazing Jane, I don’t have a recipe though sorry! Some meal ideas for you: soups, stir frys, curries, Mexican dishes like fish tacos, enchiladas – the options are endless!! N x
Hi Nagi, thank you so much for your support for us in Vic! It’s crazy, though, I think about food and cooking all the time, it’s 4.30pm and I still have no idea what I’m cooking for dinner but I can’t think of any question for you! If I think of anything, I’ll drop you another line. I love your blog and you’re an absolute gem. Also, just seeing Dozer’s smiling face above makes stage 4 lockdown more bearable 🙂 Thanks, Sarah x
You’re so welcome Sarah, hoping that you stay safe (and sane) during this crazy time! N x