Home Cooked

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 lime, zest grated and the fruit cut in half

Sea salt and ground black pepper

1 tbsp sunflower oil

3 tbsp tequila

FOR THE SMOKY AVOCADO CORN SALSA

2 large corn on the cob

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing

2 large avocados, stoned and quartered

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp smoky Tabasco sauce

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped

Good handful of coriander leaves

Lime wedges, to serve

Place the chicken on a sheet of baking parchment and spread each one with the garlic. Sprinkle over the cumin, chilli flakes, dried oregano and lime zest and season with sea salt and ground black pepper. Cover with another sheet of baking parchment and, using a rolling pin, bash the breasts until they are about 2cm thick.

Place the breasts on a plate and pour over the sunflower oil, tequila and a good squeeze of lime juice. Turn to coat and then allow to marinate while you prepare the salsa. If you have time, place the breasts in a resealable bag with the sunflower oil, tequila and lime juice and leave them to sit for an hour in the fridge.

Prepare the salsa by boiling the corn in a pan of water for 8–10 minutes until tender. Heat a large griddle pan over a high heat, brush the corn cobs with a little olive oil and place them on the griddle, turning when well charred. Then griddle the avocado quarters until you get nice char marks.

While the corn and avocado cook, combine the olive oil, vinegar, Tabasco sauce, garlic and red onion in a bowl. Using a knife, slice the cooked corn kernels off the cobs and then toss in the bowl with the onion and dressing. Add the coriander and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.

Brush the griddle pan with a little olive oil and add the chicken breasts along with the marinade. Cook for about 4 minutes on either side until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a generous helping of the avocado and corn salsa and some lime wedges.

GRIDDLED BEEF & MINT SALAD WITH TOASTED RICE AND PEANUTS

On my first visit to Bangkok, it was a hot and sticky night when we arrived and this was the dish we tucked into after wandering the streets. The rather interesting addition, to what would otherwise be an ordinary beef dish, is the toasted ground rice, which adds both texture and a surprisingly smoky, nutty flavour. The original dish doesn’t feature the extra leaves, but I think it makes a wonderful healthy salad.