Joe’s Practical Nutrition

  • Shin of Beef Casserole

    High-Calorie Low-Carb Shin of Beef (Serves 4 – Big Portions)

    A rich, oven-braised beef dish that delivers high protein and calories for recovery and strength — without the carbs.

    Ingredients

    1.2 kg shin of beef, cut into large chunks

    2 tbsp olive oil or beef dripping (for searing)

    1 large onion, sliced

    2 sticks celery, chopped

    3 cloves garlic, sliced

    1 large carrot, chunked (adds body and sweetness)

    2 tbsp tomato purée

    400 ml beef stock (low salt)

    250 ml red wine (or extra stock if preferred)

    2 tbsp butter (stirred in at the end for richness)

    1 tsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme

    2 bay leaves

    1 tbsp Dijon mustard

    1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar

    Salt & cracked black pepper

    Optional calorie boosters:

    50 g streaky bacon, browned with the beef

    Extra drizzle of olive oil or butter before serving

    Grated cheddar or parmesan on top

    Method

    • Preheat oven to 160 °C (fan 140 °C).
    • Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
    • Heat oil in a large oven-proof casserole dish until hot.
    • Brown beef on all sides in batches — take your time for a deep colour.
    • Remove beef and set aside.
    • Add onion, celery, garlic, and carrot to the same pan.
    • Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring and scraping any browned bits.
    • Stir in tomato purée and cook for 1–2 minutes to take off the raw edge.
    • Return beef to the pan with stock, wine, thyme, bay, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Bring to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to oven.
    • Cook 3–3½ hours until beef is tender and sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy consistency.
    • Stir through butter to finish. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    • Serve hot with a side of steamed greens or crisp salad to keep it low-carb.

    Nutrition (approx. per portion)

    Calories: 850–900 kcal

    Protein: 55–60 g

    Fat: 60–65 g

    Carbs: 10–12 g

  • Whole Chicken Butchery

    Whole Chicken Butchery – Basic Breakdown (8 portions)

    From a standard 2kg whole chicken, you can get:

    2 x Chicken Breasts

    Boneless or bone-in (depending on method)

    Great for pan-frying, grilling, or stir-fries

    2 x Chicken Thighs

    Juicy and flavourful, often left bone-in and skin-on

    Perfect for roasting, curries, or stews

    2 x Drumsticks

    From the lower part of the leg

    Great for oven-roasting or BBQ

    2 x Wings

    Often roasted or used for stock

    Can be seasoned for snacking or starters

    Watch the Video here:

    https://vimeo.com/1093034486/861b203e51?share=copy

  • Blanched Tenderstem Broccoli

    How to Blanch Tenderstem Broccoli:

    Boil water in a large pan

    Trim the ends of the tenderstem if needed.

    Drop into the boiling water for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on thickness.

    Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

    Once cool, drain and pat dry.

    Watch the video here:

    https://vimeo.com/1017905482/fafbbc3516?share=copy

  • Blanched & Charred Broccoli

    Bright, tender broccoli with a fresh, aromatic lift – a quick, Asian-inspired side or a perfect base for a simple salad.

    Ingredients:

    • 200grams approx of tenderstem broccoli

    • Water and ice (for blanching)

    • 1 tablespoon coconut or sesame oil

    • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

    • 1-inch piece ginger, cut into tiny matchsticks

    • Tamari soy sauce to deglaze

    Method:
    Blanch broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 mins, then cool in ice water and drain. Sear in a hot pan with oil until lightly charred. In the final minute, add garlic and ginger, toss briefly, then splash in soy sauce to deglaze and stop cooking. Serve immediately.

  • Cajun Spice Blend

    A bold, warming blend with a kick – perfect for seasoning meats, roasted veg, or mixing into marinades.

    Ingredients:

    2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

    1 tsp garlic powder

    1 tsp onion powder

    1 tsp dried thyme

    1 tsp dried oregano

    ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

    ½ tsp black pepper

    ½ tsp sea salt

    Optional Extras (for added depth):

    ½ tsp white pepper

    ½ tsp chilli flakes

    • • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • Jerk Spice Blend

    A fiery, aromatic blend with smoky heat – ideal for rubbing on meats, spicing up veg, or stirring into stews and marinades.

    Ingredients:

    2 tsp ground allspice

    2 tsp dried thyme

    1 tsp ground cinnamon

    1 tsp nutmeg

    1 tsp smoked paprika

    2 tsp garlic granules

    1 tsp onion powder

    1 tsp ground ginger

    1–2 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste – or use scotch bonnet powder if you want it

    1 tbsp brown sugar

    1 tsp sea salt

    • • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Fajitas Spice Blend

    A zesty, smoky blend with a hint of warmth – perfect for sizzling fajitas, roasted veg, or adding Tex-Mex flair to your meals.

    Ingredients:

    2 tsp paprika

    ½ tsp ground cumin

    1 tsp garlic powder

    1 tsp onion powder

    2 tsp dried oregano

    1 tsp sea salt

    ½ tsp ground black pepper

    ½ tsp cayenne pepper