Favourit helps families, students and teachers put great food on the table

Back-to-school means alarm clocks ringing earlier, uniforms laid out, homework battles and that daily dilemma: “What’s for dinner?”

Northern Ireland’s oldest herbs and spices provider, Favourit, which celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, is on a mission to make mealtimes stress-free and full of flavour.

“With tighter schedules and busy routines — from parents on the school run to students starting university and teachers balancing lesson plans — cooking can quickly become overwhelming,” explained Laimis Minelga from Favourit. “We all start the week with the best intentions of a home cooked meal, but sometimes life gets in the way. Favourit can be your secret helper in the kitchen, transforming everyday ingredients into nourishing meals in minutes.”

From speedy breakfasts before the school run, to hearty dinners after a long day, Favourit’s herbs, spices, and air fryer seasonings add instant flavour and variety to any dish.

Olivia Gough, mum of two, former primary school teacher and content creator behind Liv plus 2 (https://www.instagram.com/livplustwo), knows just how hectic September can be.

Olivia said: “As a former teacher, I saw every September how families struggled to juggle school routines and mealtimes. Now, as a mum with a child going into P2 and another starting playgroup, I feel it myself. I also have ADHD, so I really need meals that are quick, simple, and tasty — or the overwhelm creeps in. That’s where Favourit is a game-changer. Their herbs and spices lift even the plainest ingredients so my kids clear their plates, and I can get dinner done without the stress. It’s a win for all of us.”

Trusted for more than a century by home cooks and professional chefs alike, Favourit’s range includes family favourites like Italian Herbs, Crushed Chillies, and air fryer essentials such as Salt & Chilli, Chip, and Chicken seasoning. Available across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the collection has been designed to help families eat well without the fuss.

Laimis concluded: “Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With Favourit, you can keep mealtimes simple, delicious, and full of togetherness.”

Visit www.favouritfood.com for food inspiration and recipes, and follow them at www.instagram.com/favouritfoods/, www.facebook.com/favouritfoods/ and www.tiktok.com/@favouritfood.

RECIPES FROM OLIVIA AND FAVOURIT

Olivia’s Favourit Spaghetti Bolognese

• Prep time:          Less than 30 mins
• Cook:                   30 mins to 1 hour
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g beef mince
• Favourit Italian Herbs – add to taste
• 1 onion, diced
• Favourit Onion Salt – add to taste
• Favourit Garlic Granules – add to taste
• 100g grated carrot
• 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
• 400ml stock (ideally beef, but any will do)
• 400g dried spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, toss in the onion, and let it sizzle. Boost the flavour instantly with a dash of Favourit Garlic Granules and Favourit Onion Salt.
2. Add beef mince and cook until golden and crumbly. Stir through Favourit Italian Herbs for a fragrant kick.
3. Throw in the carrot, chopped tomatoes, and stock. Sprinkle in Favourit Italian Herb Seasoning and let it all simmer for 20 minutes until thick and glossy.
4. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and get ready to serve.
5. Spoon the hearty sauce over the pasta and crown it with a final sprinkle of Favourit Italian Herbs.

Favourit’s Crispy Chicken Airfryer Wraps:

• Toss chicken in Favourit Chicken Seasoning
• Air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden
• Serve in warm wraps with lettuce, grated cheese, and a drizzle of yoghurt or favourite sauce
• Add Favourit Chip Seasoning wedges on the side, and dinner’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Salt & Chilli Chicken Spice Bag

Ingredients For the chicken

• 3 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 tablespoon Favourit salt and chilli seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Favourit onion salt
• 1 teaspoon Favourit garlic granules
• 4 skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 egg, whisked

For the curry sauce

• 400ml coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Favourit garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon Favourit onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Favourit Medium Curry powder
• 1 heaped tablespoon of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon mango chutney

To serve

• 400g frozen chips
• 1 tablespoon Favourit salt and chilli seasoning
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
• 4 spring onions, chopped
• A small bunch of coriander, chopped

Method

• Mix the cornflour, salt and chili, seasoning, onion salt, and garlic in a bowl.
• Dip the chicken pieces into the egg and then into the cornflour mixture, coating them well. Cook in batches in the air fryer at 200 °C for 12 minutes, until crisp and golden.
• Meanwhile, pour the curry sauce ingredients into a small saucepan and boil until thick, whisking occasionally.
• Transfer the chicken to an ovenproof dish when it is cooked and keep it warm.
• Sprinkle the chips with salt and chilli seasoning and cook for 8 minutes in the air fryer at 200 °C until almost cooked. Then add the onions and peppers and cook until crisp.
• Arrange the chips, peppers and onions onto serving plates, top with chicken, pour over curry sauce and sprinkle with spring onion and coriander before serving,