The 1-2-3 reimagined

Reimagined the 123 by Katrina Welch

Even great chefs and those who are simply lovers of cooking will admit that there are times when cooking is a laborious process. Thus, no matter how talented you are in the kitchen, we all have moments when we simply prefer to make a meal that is as quick and easy as 1, 2, 3!

Many decades ago, in the Barbadian society a solution to the conundrum was popularised, and the speedy meal of macaroni, English potato and corned beef was branded “The 1, 2, 3”. While many still enjoy this popular local combination, Fine Cuisine took the time to reimagine this delight and identify some alternatives dishes which are equally quick, easy, cost efficient and delicious!

The Traditional 1, 2, 3

Each person adds his/her own flair and uses his/her own process to create the meal. However, the basic process involves the macaroni and potatoes being boiled together. Most people peel the potatoes and cut them into small pieces to ensure that they take just about the same time as the macaroni to cook. Then, the corned beef is prepared in various ways. While some toss it into the frying pan and make a delicious gravy, others simply add spices to the tinned meat and mix it in with the potatoes and pasta after they have been drained off.

So, how about 1, Tuna, 3?

Now, if you can’t stand the taste of corned beef, you don’t eat meat, or maybe you just can’t get the corned beef tin opened with that little key, you can recreate this dish with canned tuna. Just as the corned beef can be spiced up and mixed into the pasta and potato, the tuna can be added in the same manner. Alternatively, you can create a tuna gravy by putting the tuna in a frying pan, adding ketchup, barbecue sauce, onion, garlic and your choice of dry seasonings. Stir the fish and seasonings together before covering it and leaving it to simmer on a low heat. Other tinned fish substitutes include mackerel and salmon.

Passing on the Pasta? Try white rice.

If you’re tired of the same 1, 2, 3 combination or you’re all out of macaroni, you can create an equally delicious dish with white rice as a substitute. Since, you’re omitting peas, your cooking time will be reduced significantly. Simply use two cups of water for every one cup of rice, add your seasonings such as onion, salt, all-purpose seasoning, and your other preferred spices. Allowing the rice to cook as the water is boiling will produce a firmer rice grain; however, if you prefer your rice grains to be softer, boil the water before cooking the rice.

Potato, puh-ta-ta!

Unless they are very well flavoured, English potatoes can be quite bland, especially when paired with macaroni. So, there are a number of things you can do to add spice to a potato’s life. Turn them into garlic potatoes by adding garlic spread and baking them for about 15 minutes in the oven. If you don’t have garlic spread you can create your own using table butter and grated garlic. Melt the butter in a frying pan, stir in the garlic and voila! Then, just pour it over the potatoes before baking. If you’re not keen on English potato you can also substitute it with sweet potato, or even pumpkin.

So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and try one of these alternatives. Who knows, you might even be able to build on these ideas to create an even greater, but easy, meal in just 1, 2, 3!