Noodles, Rice, Dumplings, & My Go-To Foodie Movies
The first weekly recipe round up of August!
I have eaten beans nearly every day this week…is that a bad thing?? I think I’m addicted?! There’s something so nostalgic and wholesome about beans, I don’t know what it is! I’ve eaten them on toast, had them in pasta, with rice, the lot! Beans are definitely having a moment. And I’m so happy for them, and I hope it lasts, because they deserve it.
Anyway, I hope you’ve had a fabulous week and I hope you’re ready for the first recipe round up of August aaaaand I hope you’re ready to read about my top 5 go-to foodie movies.
Okay, first up, the weekly recipe round up, let’s go…
Recipe Round Up
Easy Wagamama Chicken Ramen - This Wagamama ramen recipe will show you how to make a copycat Chilli Chicken Wagamama ramen at home using only a handful of ingredients. It's super simple to make, really delicious, and saves you money!
Green Tahini Miso Ramen - This delicious and super quick Green Tahini Miso Ramen is one of my favourite dishes to make when I only have a few minutes to make dinner! It takes less than 10 minutes and is creamy, fresh, and tasty. It also happens to be vegan, I think you're going to love it!
Aubergine Tikka Masala - This easy Aubergine Tikka Masala with chickpeas is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan! It's the silkiest, most delicious plant-based tikka masala I have ever made. With soft roast garlic, pulled roast eggplant, and creamy chickpeas.
Steamed Rice Paper Dumplings - These are vegan and gluten free! They're packed full of flavour and delicious vegetables. They take less than 30 minutes to make, and are an absolute crowd-pleaser!
My Favourite Foodie Movies
There’s something so warming about snuggling up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate and watching a film all about food. I love it. So, here are some of my absolute favourite food-related movies that I adore and would recommend to any other food fans out there!
#5 Chef
This movie is super cute and full of drool-worthy food!! Written and directed by the brilliant Jon Favreau, who also stars as the talented chef Carl Casper, it's a story of food, family, and finding your passion.
I won’t give much of the storyline away, but in a nutshell, it’s about this head chef called Carl. He ends up having a major showdown with a snobby food critic, which inevitably gets him fired from his job (oops). Anyway, instead of giving up, he decides to go solo, follow his dream, and starts a food truck business.
This movie is full of food, it’s wonderfully heart warming, and has a side of comedy to it. It’s a lovely reminder of how food can always bring people together! So, if you’re looking for a feel-good movie that’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a rumble in your belly, then “Chef” is for you!
#4 Burnt
This isn’t as heartwarming as “Chef”, no. On the contrary, it’s a more intense movie about food, but still really good. It gives you a more realistic insight into the world of high-end restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a movie that will ignite your passion for gourmet cuisine, then get this movie (starring Bradley Cooper btw) onto your screens people.
To give you a little overview, it’s all about this guy called Adam (Bradley Cooper) who was once a celebrated chef that basically went off the rails and disappeared from the food scene (some people thought he was dead). However, he returns and is determined to regain his former glory. He assembles a team of top-notch chefs to achieve success.
It’s intense, dramatic, and a must watch if you’re craving a cinematic food-filled journey.
#3 Ratatouille
Now, don’t get angry with me about Ratatouille being in 3rd place. It’s a fabulous film, but I just felt like putting it in first place is kind of predictable. And also, I do think there are a couple of films that I’d rather watch again and again.
If you haven't seen "Ratatouille"…then what is your life?! Only joking haha. But seriously, you do have to watch Ratatouille, at least one, because it’s an absolute classic and a MUST in the food world.
Set in the wonderful city of Paris, “Ratatouille” is a delightful animated story that follows the culinary adventures of Remy, a passionate and gifted rat with dreams of becoming a renowned chef. Against all odds, he teams up with Linguini, a humble garbage boy, to concoct culinary masterpieces in a prestigious Parisian restaurant. It’s a fabulous tale of friendship, ambition, and dreams.
No matter what mood you go into watching “Ratatouille” you will always come out the other side full of happiness (I guarantee it). Bon appétit and happy watching!
#2 The Hundred-Foot Journey
Oh I love this movie, so much. It’s the combination of culture clashes and the way they’re solved by the universal love language of food. It’s an absolutely stunning film that I could watch on repeat. Also, (just a little side note) on top of all the gorgeous food, fabulous acting, and beautiful scenery, Charlotte Le Bon who plays Marguerite is styled throughout the film in the most stunning dresses.
Okay, a little overview of the film: "The Hundred-Foot Journey" tells the story of the Kadam family, who are displaced from India and end up settling in a small village in the south of France. They decide to open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai, right across the street from a traditional French restaurant run by Madame Mallory, played by Helen Mirren (love her). The film revolves around the different cultures and culinary traditions between the two restaurants. Hassan Kadam, the talented young son of the Kadam family, emerges as a gifted chef, blending Indian spices with French cuisine. As the rivalry between the restaurants unfolds, Hassan's passion for cooking and his desire to master the art of French cuisine becomes the central theme of the film.
It’s honestly a delightful film and one I’d highly recommend watching.
#1 Julie & Julia
This film just films me with joy. It’s ALL about food, passion for food, and more food! Not only has it got three of my favourite actors in it: Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci (my new bestie, IYKYK), and Amy Adams, it’s also just brilliantly done. It weaves together the true stories of two remarkable women who find their passion and purpose through cooking.
The movie features two parallel storylines. The first follows the life of Julia Child, played by Meryl Streep, who is a passionate and eccentric American chef. It showcases her experiences while living in France and learning the art of French cooking, which eventually led to the publication of her groundbreaking cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking” (Vol 1 and vol 2 are absolutely brilliant cookbooks by the way!!)
The second storyline revolves around Julie Powell, portrayed by Amy Adams, a young woman living in New York City. Feeling unfulfilled in her job and seeking a challenge, Julie decides to embark on a year-long project. Her mission is to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child's cookbook and document her experiences in a popular blog.
As the film unfolds, it juxtaposes the lives of these two women from different eras, both finding purpose and fulfilment through their love of cooking and their determination to pursue their dreams.
It’s a wonderfully heartwarming story with mouthwatering food scenes and fabulous acting. I also just love the fact that it’s based on a true story! Give it a watch and let me know what you think!
Let me know if you watch any of the movies or make any of my recipes! I always love to hear from you guys!
Have a fab week and see you next Friday!
Em xx