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Cooking some amazing comforting meals for your family is one of the best parts of the autumn and winter seasons. Gathering around the dinner table at the end of the day is an important way to catch up with your family, and today we want to take a look at some amazing balanced meals you can make for this occasion. 

Here are some of the meals you can make for your family this year to please everyone in the family. 

Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles 

When we talk about meatballs there are so many different directions we can do. From some amazing keto swedish meatballs to zingy chilli meatballs – this simple family classic can be made fun in a number of ways. We want to share a simple recipe that when paired with a great sauce and some zucchini, will provide a comforting and low carb dish that will ensure the kids eat their veggies! 

Ingredients: 

500 lean beef mince 

1 large egg 

2 tbsp breadcrumbs 

2 tsp basil 

2 tbsp Parmesan 

4 large zucchini’s 

500ml tomato sauce 

A simple side salad 

To make your meatballs – mix the mince, egg, breadcrumbs, basil, and Parmesan in a bowl. Season. 

Form into small balls and then chill in the fridge for 1 hour. 

Heat up a frying pan and fry off your meatballs in batches until cooked through completely. 

To make the zucchini noodles you will need a spiralizer. These are super easy to find online and can be used for lots of different meals. 

Push your zucchini’s through the spiralizer until you have lots of amazing noodles. 

Boil your zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until tender. 

Heat up your tomato sauce in a pan and add the meatballs. 

Serve your meatballs and sauce on top of the zucchini noodles, and add some Parmesan. 

Chicken Tikka Masala 

Chicken Tikka Masala might not be the most traditional curry, but it is a winner with everyone and an easy Saturday night meal. 

Ingredients: 

4 chicken breasts 

1 tbsp tandoori masala

2 tbsp yogurt 

Juice of 1 lemon 

1 tbsp ginger paste 

1 red chilli 

50g ginger 

1 white onion 

1 clove garlic 

1 tsp paprika 

1 tsp cumin 

3 tsp garam masala

1 tsp coriander leaf 

1 tsp garlic powder 

1 tbsp sugar 

800ml passata

100ml double cream 

Chop your chicken into small pieces and add to a Tupperware with yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala and ginger paste. Leave for 4 hours or overnight. 

Once marinated, either skewer and cook chicken on a grill or place on a baking sheet and Broil until cooked through. Set aside. 

Add your red chilli, ginger, onion, and garlic to a food processor and pulse until smooth. 

Add to a saucepan with oil and sweat for 6-8 minutes until fragrant. 

Mix your spices in a small bowl and then add a couple of tbsp of water until a thick paste is formed. Add to the pan. 

Cook for a few minutes and then add your Passata and sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add sugar for sweetness if needed. 

Turn off the heat and add double cream and chicken. 

Serve with naan bread, poppadoms, and a creamy raita sauce. 

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This is a contributed post