For many of us, the challenge of preparing healthy meals after a long day can be daunting. Natalia Rudin, a former private chef turned culinary influencer, understands this struggle all too well. Known to her 1.5 million Instagram followers as @natsnourishments, Natalia has made it her mission to share simple, nourishing recipes that require minimal effort. Her debut cookbook, Cooking Fast and Slow, is a testament to her belief that delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be time-consuming. Here, Natalia shares two exclusive summer recipes with British Vogue that are perfect for busy weeknights.
Sprout Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 500g Brussels sprouts
- 6 pancetta or smoked lardons
- 1 big handful cashews
- 2 tsp capers
- 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ a lemon
- Big pinch of salt
- Water
- Parmesan to serve
Method
- Shred the Brussels sprouts as finely as possible and place them in a large serving bowl.
- Fry the pancetta or lardons until crisp. Remove them from the pan and save the fatty oil. Sprinkle the crispy pieces over the sprouts.
- For the dressing, blend the cashews, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, leftover bacon fat, salt, and water until smooth. Season to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the sprouts and mix well. Season to taste and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
Creamy Tahini Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 spring onions, diced
- 1 lemongrass stick, sliced
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 300ml vegetable stock
- 300g of noodles
- A bunch of broccoli
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 150g tofu crumbles
- Drizzle of soy sauce
Method
- Boil the noodles according to the package instructions.
- Prepare all the aromatics and place them in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the vegetable oil until almost smoking, then carefully pour it over the aromatics and mix.
- Add the tahini and vegetable stock to the bowl, mix well, and then pour this mixture over the drained noodles.
- Mix well and serve with your toppings, including the soft-boiled eggs, tofu crumbles, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Natalia Rudin’s approach to cooking is all about balance—creating meals that are both quick and nourishing. Her recipes, like the Sprout Caesar Salad and Creamy Tahini Noodles, are perfect for those busy summer evenings when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With Cooking Fast and Slow, Natalia offers a collection of recipes that make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.