Sarah Butler: These simple family staples are bursting with flavour
This week, I have two fantastic family recipes that are ideal for the summer months.
Both dishes are simple to prepare, packed with flavour, and easily adaptable for different occasions—from weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend barbecues.
Sweet chilli skewers
Sweet chilli chicken skewers are a summer favourite because they combine the ease of oven or grill cooking with bold, family-friendly flavour. The marinade of herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon creates tender, juicy chicken pieces that kids and adults enjoy.
Glazed with sweet chilli sauce and sprinkled with coriander and sesame seeds, they bring just the right balance of sweet and savoury. Best of all, they can be prepped ahead of time and cooked quickly — ideal for families on the go. Serve them with rice, salad, or tucked into flatbreads for a quick, satisfying meal.
Sweet Chilli Chicken Skewers
recipe by:Sarah Butler
Sweet chilli chicken skewers are easy to prepare, fun to grill, and packed with flavour that everyone loves. The gentle heat of sweet chilli sauce adds a tasty kick without being too spicy, making them ideal for all ages.
Servings
4
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Course
Main
Ingredients 4 metal or wooden skewers - if using wooden ones, soak in water for 10 minutes first to avoid them burning.
For the dip: 6 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp barbecue sauce
1 tsp chopped coriander (optional)
For the skewers: 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried sage
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp tomato purée
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon or lime
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
To glaze: 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tbsp chopped coriander
1 tsp sesame seeds
Method
Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan/gas mark 6.
To make the dip, mix the ingredients and refrigerate until serving.
Add all the chicken skewer ingredients to a bowl and combine well.
Season with salt and pepper.
Thread the coated chicken onto the skewers tightly.
Place the kebabs on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway. The chicken should be golden.
Remove the chicken kebabs from the oven and brush them with the sweet chilli sauce.
Garnish with coriander and sesame seeds before serving with the dip.
Sarah's Secret
If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes, but don't worry if it is not possible.
Great to cook on the barbecue, prepare these skewers in the morning and refrigerate for cooking a speedy dinner later.
Cheesy croquettes
Cheesy croquettes, on the other hand, are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that's both fun and fast to make. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, they're budget-friendly and reduce waste.
The crisp breadcrumb coating contrasts beautifully with the gooey melted cheese inside. Whether served as a snack, lunchbox filler, or side dish, they're a guaranteed hit with kids. You can even involve little hands in the shaping and coating process, turning prep time into a family activity.
Together, these dishes offer quick, delicious, and flexible options that make summer meals stress-free and enjoyable. Include them in this week's dinner plans.
Cheesy Croquettes
recipe by:Sarah Butler
Cheesy croquettes are incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients—mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning—you can whip up a batch in no time.
Servings
4
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Course
Side
Ingredients 400g cooked mashed potato
60g red or white cheddar cheese grated
2 tsp freshly chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
130g flour
2 large eggs whisked
150g breadcrumbs - I use Panko breadcrumbs
400ml vegetable oil
Method
Mix the mashed potato, grated cheese and parsley in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Place the flour into one bowl.
Put the beaten eggs into another bowl.
Finally, the breadcrumbs into a third bowl.
Allow the potato mixture to cool so they are easier to handle.
Shape the potato mixture into 2-inch log shapes - I like to use disposible gloves for this part.
Roll each log in flour first, then dip and coat entirely in egg wash, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat until the mixture is all used.
Add the vegetable oil to a deep frying pan on high heat.
Test by placing a crumb in. It should sizzle and rise to the top once hot enough.
Fry the croquette in batches for about 2 minutes per batch, turning until golden all over. keep a close eye as they can burn quickly.
Place on a raised rack until serving to allow excess oil to drip off.
Sarah's Secret
Disposable gloves are a great idea for the rolling and crumbing process. Croquettes freeze so well. Crumb them and freeze before frying, Defrost overnight and fry or bake.
Read More
Sarah Butler: How to make my tomato pesto chicken for dinner in under 30 minutes
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Irish Examiner
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- Irish Examiner
Sarah Butler: How to make two family-friendly meals with sausages
Sausages are a staple in many households —hearty, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-fried, they provide a rich, savoury base for countless family-friendly meals. In these two recipes, sausages take centre stage in delicious, practical ways perfect for busy lifestyles. The Sweet and Sticky Sausages recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a flavour-packed sandwich, pairing juicy pork sausages with a rich caramelised onion glaze and a tangy homemade sauce — all tucked into a crusty roll. It's quick to prepare, ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend treat. Meanwhile, the Pork and Herb Sausage Rolls offer a convenient and crowd-pleasing option. These golden, flaky bites are easy to make in batches, freeze beautifully, and reheat quickly — perfect for school lunches, snacks, or picnics. With fresh herbs and quality meat wrapped in puff pastry, they're a step above the store-bought variety. Both recipes are practical, flavourful, and designed with real family life in mind — simple enough for everyday cooking but tasty enough to feel special. Whether you're planning on feeding a crowd, these sausage-based dishes deliver on both taste and convenience. Pork and Herb Sausage Rolls recipe by:Sarah Butler Sausage rolls are a perfect family snack — tasty, filling, and easy to make in large batches. Whether it's a picnic, lunchbox, or after-school treat, sausage rolls are practical and delicious. Servings 16 Preparation Time 15 mins Cooking Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Course Main Ingredients 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry, cut into three long strips 350g high pork content sausages (80% if possible) ½ tsp thyme and sage, finely chopped 1 tbsp breadcrumbs Salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 egg, beaten Method Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Combine the sausage meat with the herbs and breadcrumbs, season with salt and pepper, and mix together with a fork in a bowl. Lay out the pastry strips. Brush egg along one side of each pastry strip. Place the sausage mixture filling into the middle of the pastry strip. Ensure the meat is tight, compact, and without gaps before rolling up, finishing with the seam side down. Brush the top with egg wash. Cut into six sausage rolls with a sharp knife. Transfer to a baking tray, evenly spaced. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Sarah's secret Placing the mixture in a piping bag can be a handy and quick way to add the filling to the pastry. Assemble the sausage rolls and freeze flat on a baking tray, then once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen for a handy snack. Sweet and Sticky Sausages recipe by:Sarah Butler These banging bangers are perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner. Juicy pork sausages are simple and scrumptious. Served in crusty rolls they make an ideal choice for family meals, weekend treats, or hearty snacks for hungry teens on the go. Servings 4 Preparation Time 5 mins Cooking Time 25 mins Total Time 30 mins Course Main Ingredients 12 pork sausages 2 tbsp butter 1 large red onion, finely sliced 2 tbsp light brown sugar 50ml water 1 tsp tomato purée 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp freshly chopped thyme 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley 4 crusty rolls or baps of your choice For the sauce 8 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tsp hot dog mustard 1 tsp pickle juice (vinegar from a jar of pickles) Method Pan-fry the sausages in one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat or oven bake for 20 to 25 minutes until thoroughly cooked — turning them through the cooking process. Once browned all over, set aside. Add one tablespoon of butter to a frying pan, then add the red onion and cook over medium heat for four to five minutes, until softened. Add two tablespoons of light brown sugar and 50ml of water and cook for one minute, until the sauce has reduced and becomes sticky. Slice the cooked sausages in half lengthways. Add to the onions and add one teaspoon of tomato purée and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season with freshly chopped thyme and parsley. Combine all the ingredients, and once the mixture bubbles, remove it from the heat. For the sauce, combine the mayonnaisse, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice. Butter your bread rolls, then add a layer of sauce followed by the sausages and sticky red onion sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and tuck in. Sarah's secret This sauce is equally delicious with chicken and beef burgers, if you have any leftover. So easy to whip up, make it part of your summer barbecue repertoire Read More Sarah Butler: These simple family staples are bursting with flavour
Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Sarah Butler: These simple family staples are bursting with flavour
This week, I have two fantastic family recipes that are ideal for the summer months. Both dishes are simple to prepare, packed with flavour, and easily adaptable for different occasions—from weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend barbecues. Sweet chilli skewers Sweet chilli chicken skewers are a summer favourite because they combine the ease of oven or grill cooking with bold, family-friendly flavour. The marinade of herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon creates tender, juicy chicken pieces that kids and adults enjoy. Glazed with sweet chilli sauce and sprinkled with coriander and sesame seeds, they bring just the right balance of sweet and savoury. Best of all, they can be prepped ahead of time and cooked quickly — ideal for families on the go. Serve them with rice, salad, or tucked into flatbreads for a quick, satisfying meal. Sweet Chilli Chicken Skewers recipe by:Sarah Butler Sweet chilli chicken skewers are easy to prepare, fun to grill, and packed with flavour that everyone loves. The gentle heat of sweet chilli sauce adds a tasty kick without being too spicy, making them ideal for all ages. Servings 4 Preparation Time 20 mins Cooking Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins Course Main Ingredients 4 metal or wooden skewers - if using wooden ones, soak in water for 10 minutes first to avoid them burning. For the dip: 6 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tbsp barbecue sauce 1 tsp chopped coriander (optional) For the skewers: 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tbsp dried sage 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp tomato purée ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder Juice of ½ lemon or lime 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper To glaze: 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tbsp chopped coriander 1 tsp sesame seeds Method Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan/gas mark 6. To make the dip, mix the ingredients and refrigerate until serving. Add all the chicken skewer ingredients to a bowl and combine well. Season with salt and pepper. Thread the coated chicken onto the skewers tightly. Place the kebabs on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway. The chicken should be golden. Remove the chicken kebabs from the oven and brush them with the sweet chilli sauce. Garnish with coriander and sesame seeds before serving with the dip. Sarah's Secret If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes, but don't worry if it is not possible. Great to cook on the barbecue, prepare these skewers in the morning and refrigerate for cooking a speedy dinner later. Cheesy croquettes Cheesy croquettes, on the other hand, are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that's both fun and fast to make. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, they're budget-friendly and reduce waste. The crisp breadcrumb coating contrasts beautifully with the gooey melted cheese inside. Whether served as a snack, lunchbox filler, or side dish, they're a guaranteed hit with kids. You can even involve little hands in the shaping and coating process, turning prep time into a family activity. Together, these dishes offer quick, delicious, and flexible options that make summer meals stress-free and enjoyable. Include them in this week's dinner plans. Cheesy Croquettes recipe by:Sarah Butler Cheesy croquettes are incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients—mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning—you can whip up a batch in no time. Servings 4 Preparation Time 15 mins Cooking Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins Course Side Ingredients 400g cooked mashed potato 60g red or white cheddar cheese grated 2 tsp freshly chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground pepper 130g flour 2 large eggs whisked 150g breadcrumbs - I use Panko breadcrumbs 400ml vegetable oil Method Mix the mashed potato, grated cheese and parsley in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Place the flour into one bowl. Put the beaten eggs into another bowl. Finally, the breadcrumbs into a third bowl. Allow the potato mixture to cool so they are easier to handle. Shape the potato mixture into 2-inch log shapes - I like to use disposible gloves for this part. Roll each log in flour first, then dip and coat entirely in egg wash, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat until the mixture is all used. Add the vegetable oil to a deep frying pan on high heat. Test by placing a crumb in. It should sizzle and rise to the top once hot enough. Fry the croquette in batches for about 2 minutes per batch, turning until golden all over. keep a close eye as they can burn quickly. Place on a raised rack until serving to allow excess oil to drip off. Sarah's Secret Disposable gloves are a great idea for the rolling and crumbing process. Croquettes freeze so well. Crumb them and freeze before frying, Defrost overnight and fry or bake. Read More Sarah Butler: How to make my tomato pesto chicken for dinner in under 30 minutes
Irish Examiner
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Tasty catch for first time buyers at €260k townhouse beneath the goldie fish
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