Blog

Gluten Sensitivity - The Facts

17 December 2024

TGluten-free diets are growing in popularity. Many people choose gluten-free products as part of an effort to be healthier, similar to choosing organic meat, fruit, and vegetables. They are commonly treated as a health-conscious option. 

Halal Origins Celebrates 3 Years of Excellence

5 December 2024

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Halal Origins as we celebrate three years of bringing high-quality, ethical, and delicious halal products to your tables. 

Are Free-range Chickens Worth The Price Tag? Cluck Yeah!

21 November 2024

Consumers increasingly prioritise animal welfare, health benefits, and quality over cost alone. If you're curious why people are shelling out for free-range poultry, look no further. Halal Origins will discuss the benefits of eating free-range chicken and whether they justify the price tag. 

Meal Prep To Save Time And Money

12 November 2024

Finding time to cook a wholesome meal can be challenging in today's fast-paced world. If you're a time-strapped parent, a health-conscious gym-goer, or simply someone looking to trim expenses, meal prepping might just be the game-changer you need.  

Ordering Your Meat Online Benefits Everyone

5 November 2024

We live in a fast-paced world that doesn’t appear to be slowing down. With technology constantly advancing, change is always on the horizon. Most of the time those changes benefit us if we implement them into our lives, but sometimes it’s difficult to know which changes are for the best or worse. 

Master the Art of Home Curing Delicious Meats

30 October 2024

In a world where culinary experiences are cherished, curing your meats at home has become an increasingly popular pursuit among meat enthusiasts and conscious diners. It's not just about preparing high-quality meat; it's about crafting a culinary masterpiece that tantalises the taste buds and brings a piece of history to your dining table. 

Wholesale Organic Gives You The Edge

25 October 2024

Competition among restaurants has never been greater. With the advent of online ordering and delivery services like ‘Just Eat’ and ‘Deliveroo’, ordering from your favourite venue has never been easier. So, how do restaurants distinguish themselves in a market where diners are spoilt for choice?

Underserved And Undeserved

21 October 2024

It is unsurprising that restaurant owners feel a constant need to attract new business because digital era has made everything so much more accessible and the eat-out and take-away business in the UK has become highly competitive. And, let’s be honest, once you found a place you like, you tend to repeat the experience while ignoring other options available to you

Saffron Chicken - The Persian Version

11 October 2024

Saffron chicken is a popular dish across all middle-eastern cultures. It is unsurprising considering how fragrant and delicious it is, but perhaps the most delectable and famous is that of Iran’s Morgh Saffroni, also known as Persian Saffron Chicken.

Chicken And Leek Pie - Oh My

2 October 2024

Chicken and leek pies are found in pub menus everywhere, and supermarkets make them widely available as a ready meal.

Beef Stroganoff - A Guilty Pleasure

25 September 2024

Beef stroganoff is a popular dish made with tender strips of sirloin beef sautéed with onions and mushrooms, all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream.

Beef Kebab Platter

18 September 2024

Quite possibly the UK’s favourite takeaway feast, the kebab is deeply embedded in human history. The concept of cooking meat over an open flame or grilling it on skewers dates back thousands of years to our early nomadic existence and evolved when early civilizations cooked meat over campfires.

Nose-To-Tail Eating: A Zero-Waste Concept

12 September 2024

We now live in a world that is becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint. Confronted with climate change and a lack of resources to support a growing population, it is all the more important to make conscious decisions that make our finite resources go further with minimal harm to our fragile ecosystem.

Breaded Chicken - The Kentucky Story

20 August 2024

Breaded chicken still gets people excited. It’s a dish that can easily take you back to the school canteen where you share joyous moments with friends. And, that social element is still alive as we continue to enjoy a good feast with a bargain bucket from KFC.

Meat Soup-er Power

2 August 2024

Everyone loves meat and soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially in those cold winter months. If you think back to some of your darkest days with soggy tissues, a sore nose, and enough self-pity to fill a stadium, it was always soup that saved the day.

Enjoy Your Meat The Smoky Way

18 July 2024

We have been enjoying meat ever since humans learned how to hunt. But, in the absence of refrigeration, our age-old ancestors needed to preserve their meat safely and without compromising the quality of its nutrients, especially in long and cold winters, or where hunting seasons were not so successful.

Golden Treats - Chicken Dippers!

3 July 2024

We have all heard the fable about the hen that laid the golden egg, but what about the chicken made into golden chicken nuggets? Well, today, we will explore these golden treats that are adored everywhere and are a popular craze amongst children everywhere - an obsession that stays with us throughout adulthood (don’t deny it)

Chicken Korma: The Backstory

24 June 2024

We have decided it’s time to give curries the credit they deserve and include them in our blog posts. Chicken Korma is a fan-favourite worldwide. This rich, creamy, and fragrant curry elegantly combines history, culture, and culinary art into one exquisite experience

The Origins Of The Infamous Chicken Shawarma

18 June 2024

The chicken shawarma has become a worldwide favourite. It’s a combination of marinated meat, aromatic spices, and savoury condiments lauded for its rich flavour. But where did this delicious dish originate, and how did it become a global phenomenon?

Is There a Sustainable Way to Eat Meat?

14 June 2024

The debate over meat eating has been around for centuries. On one side are those who argue that consuming meat is necessary for human health and that it is ethical to use Earth’s resources. On the other side are those arguing that vegetarianism is more ethical because it does not involve killing animals and has a lower environmental impact.

Beef Empanadas, A Meal Fit For A King

3 June 2024

Are you looking to add a bit of excitement to your kitchen? Look no further than homemade beef empanadas! These delicious Spanish pastries are sure to be a hit with meat eaters and foodies alike. With a crispy, flaky crust and a savoury beef filling, these empanadas are fit for Kings and Queens, but also the perfect street food dish.

Spaghetti Bolognese - The Dog’s Bollogs

Spaghetti Bolognese - The Dog’s Bollogs

29 May 2024

Mention spaghetti bolognese and it’s almost guaranteed to get your mouth watering. Friends commonly gather around for cosey nights in with ‘spag-bowl’ as their dish of choice. It’s easy to make, takes very little time to prepare, costs very little to make a lot, and it tastes so darn good.

Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr - The Close Of Ramadan 2024

20 May 2024

We are nearing the end of our Ramadan for 2024 and as we prepare to bring this spiritual journey to a close it is important to consider how we will continue to uphold our spiritual glow and values as life returns to normal.

Roast Dinner

Roll A Joint, It’s Munch Time

10 May 2024

The Sunday roast is a cornerstone of British cuisine and a comforting tradition. It’s a dish with a surprisingly long history but it has survived the ages for a very good reason – it’s delicious and brings people together.

Meatballs, Your New Party Trick

Meatballs, Your New Party Trick

3 May 2024

Meatballs are both fun and delicious. They are not only fun to eat but also to make. Every culture has its twist on this culinary delight; all of them are fan favourites at restaurants and parties, especially if kids are involved.

Piri Piri Chicken

Piri-Piri Chicken, A Cultural Fusion

29 April 2024

Piri-Piri chicken, characterised by its delicious yet spicy flavour has taken our tastebuds and the world by storm. What used to be reserved for a special treat to Nando’s, a South African food chain inspired by a cultural blend of recipes, can now be found everywhere.

Meat

Meat Substitutes: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

24 April 2024

In recent years there has been a movement that leans towards eating with more awareness about our food choices and their impact on our health and the environment. Part of that movement has seen people switch their regular diets for regimes that either include or exclude certain food types to various degrees.

Meat

Incorporating Meat For A Balanced Diet

17 April 2024

Diet gets a lot of press these days, but there is a lot of confusion around the subject with some swearing by plant-based alternatives and others clinging to a traditional meat-centric diet. It can be quite difficult to make sense of all the noise, so today we will help smooth things out.

Salami

Processed Meat: What’s The Deal?

9 April 2024

In the modern world, we too often make decisions based on convenience, especially where our diet is concerned. Our next go-to is enjoyment, which often includes fast and processed foods. We have all been told to avoid processed foods, especially meat, but are they really that bad for us?

Cooking meat

Heat And Meat: How Cooking Temperature Impacts Nutrition

26 March 2024

We all know that ‘what’ we put on our plates impacts our nutritional health, but we seldom consider ‘how’ our cooking method affects our health.

Tayyib Chicken

Tayyib Chicken Liver And Heart, A Nutritional Punch

14 March 2024

Meat brings so much goodness to the table that we often take its dietary value for granted. Bursting with aroma and flavour, it is hardly surprising that we are so distracted by our senses.

Beef Chorizo

Introducing The Beef Chorizo - Gluten Free!

8 March 2024

The Chorizo is a delicacy of the Iberian peninsula spanning Spain and Portugal, both of which have their varieties. Traditionally, the chorizo is made with pork and while it is known for its deliciousness, it has been off-limits for those following Islam - until now.

Jalfrezi

The Origin of Chicken Jalfrezi: A Taste of History

27 February 2024

If you're a foodie who loves to explore different cuisines, you may have heard of Chicken Jalfrezi. This popular Indian/Pakistani dish is famous for its spicy, tangy flavour, and unique texture.

Frozen

Ribs: Will You Share the Spare?

23 February 2024

Spare ribs are delectable. There is no denying it; when you see a rack of shiny glazed ribs, your mouth waters. Like a lion in the Savannah, you want to pounce on the plate being held by the waitress passing your table. If you were thinking of ordering something else, you just changed your mind.

Frozen

Don’t Waiver The Flavour: The Art of Perfectly Seasoned Meat

19 February 2024

We all know that the perfect seasoning routine can make or break a dish, particularly when it comes to meat. But how do we get that juicy, flavourful result that we all crave? The answer, my dear friends, lies in marinades, rubs, and brines.

Frozen

The Benefits of Freezing Meat

26 January 2024

When it comes to preparing meals and storing food, few things are as important as preserving the quality and safety of our ingredients, particularly meat which can spoil very quickly. The risks associated with eating meat that has spoilt can be quite bad for our health. Food poisoning is an obvious example. One of the best ways to preserve meat is by freezing it or buying it frozen.

Pho

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Pho)

12 January 2024

Here at Halal Origins, we are all about shared culture and there is no better way to embark on a cultural adventure than to indulge in a recipe of another country’s loved cuisine. Today, we explore Vietnam's beloved Pho. You can make this with or without spice, depending on what you can handle.

Meat in cuisine

Meat Consumption, How Much is Too Much?

4 January 2024

There is no denying that we love a good meat fest and for good reason, but can we be getting too much of a good thing? This article explores ways to balance out our consumption to create a more sustainable approach to eating meat by focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Meat in cuisine

The Cultural Significance of Meat in Cuisine

11 December 2023

Meat has played a significant role in the culinary traditions of cultures of the world for millennia. Beyond its delightful taste and versatile flavours, meat holds cultural significance in several areas of our lives.

Chicken burgers

Chicken Burgers, A Healthier and Flavourful Alternative To Beef

4 December 2023

Burgers have earned their place as iconic comfort food in the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. While the classic beef burger has been a staple for generations, the rise of chicken burgers has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers and foodies alike.

butcher

The Evolution of Butchery: Traditional vs. Modern Techniques

28 August 2023

Over time, the techniques and practices of butchery have evolved significantly, driven by various factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and a growing awareness of environmental impacts.

chicken

Raising Chickens at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Poultry

20 August 2023

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainable and self-sufficient living. With the cost of living rising, identifiable food shortages across supply chains, and concerns over food sustainability in a challenging economic and political environment, it is worth reflecting on how we can each take ownership of our own food supply and potentially enjoy the process.

calves head

Farm-to-Plate: Understanding the Impact of Local Meat Sourcing

14 August 2023

In today’s fast-paced and globalised world, the origin of the food we consume is often shrouded in mystery. However, a growing movement is advocating for a return to more traditional and sustainable practices, especially when it comes to meat sourcing.

steaks

A Protein Powerhouse: Why Meat is Essential for Athletes and Gym Goers

7 August 2023

Protein is the building block of muscles and it plays a vital role in supporting an athlete’s performance and recovery. While there are various sources of protein available, meat stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, providing a plethora of benefits for those that are focused on athletic performance.

pie

A Pie to Die For: Exploring the Delicious World of Beef Steak Pies

29 July 2023

Following up on our previous pie blog, when it comes to hearty and satisfying comfort food, few dishes can rival the irresistible allure of a beef steak pie. Filled with succulent chunks of beef, savory gravy, and encased in a flaky pastry, these pies have long been a favourite among food lovers.

chicken wings

The Irresistible Allure of Chicken Wings

24 July 2023

Chicken wings, those small and humble morsels of meat, have managed to capture the hearts and taste buds of people all around the world. Despite their limited size and quantity, afterall they are the smallest part of the chicken, these delectable bites have soared to incredible popularity, becoming a staple in restaurants, fast-food chains, and even finger buffets.

meat pie

Meat Pies: Rich in Flavour and History

16 July 2023

Meat pies hold a special place in British culinary tradition, encapsulating centuries of history, cultural influences, and regional variations. These delicious pastries, with their rich fillings encased in flaky pastry, have become an integral part of British cuisine.

chicken nuggets

Chicken Nuggets: The Irresistible Delight That Brings Back Childhood Memories

10 July 2023

Ah, chicken nuggets! Just the mention of these delicious bite-sized treats can send our taste buds into a frenzy and evoke a wave of nostalgic memories. From the golden arches of McDonald’s to homemade versions shared at family gatherings, chicken nuggets hold a special place in our hearts. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to explore the origins and history of these beloved nuggets.

chicken

The Dangers of Antibiotic Use in Livestock and the Health Benefits of Organic Meat

29 June 2023

The use of antibiotics in livestock farming has raised concerns regarding its impact on human health. Recently, the discovery of fluoroquinolone, a critical antibiotic used in human medicine, being used in chicken farms supplied to the Polish export company SuperDrob, has caused alarm among British consumers.

chicken thighs

Chicken Thighs, A Healthy Prize

25 June 2023

When it comes to healthy and satisfying meals or snacks, chicken thighs have emerged as a popular choice among food enthusiasts. With their perfect balance of fat and protein, along with the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of flavours.

fillet steaks

For All You Grill Seekers Out There!

18 June 2023

There’s no denying it. Grilled meat makes your mouth water. And, for good reason – It’s delicious. With summer just around the corner, there is no time to waste. Grilling, is the art of cooking over an open flame and it has captivated food enthusiasts around the world for centuries. Whether it’s the sizzle of a perfectly marbled steak, the aroma of a juicy burger, or the charred perfection of a chicken kebab, grilling brings out some of the most tantalizing flavours in meats.

lamb chops

Lamb Chops: An Underrated Relish

7 June 2023

Mention the word ‘steak’ in a conversation and you will undoubtedly conjure up images of succulent, juicy beef cuts, charred to perfection. But, how often do we talk about the humble lamb chop, an equally versatile and delectable counterpart?

minced beef

Minced Meat: A Versatile and Cost-Effective Ingredient for Family Meals

17 May 2023

Minced meat is a staple in many households due to its versatility, affordability, and ease of use in various dishes. It is a popular choice for creating delicious and satisfying family meals that can be easily scaled up to accommodate large gatherings or batch cooking. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of dishes that can be prepared using minced meat, including spaghetti Bolognese, shepherd’s pie, chilli con carne, mince pies, and skewer kebabs.

gluten free burgers

Halal Origin’s Gluten-Free Burgers and Sausages Means There Is Something For Everyone

17 May 2023

Living with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can be a challenging endeavour, often leading to a complete overhaul of one’s diet. Among the hardest hit are the lovers of traditional fast foods like burgers and sausages. But take heart, for a revolution is on the rise, and it’s all about enjoying your favourite foods – gluten-free

chicken wings

The Universal Love for Chicken Wings

17 May 2023

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few dishes can rival the humble chicken wing. It’s a staple at buffets, a favourite at parties, and the star of many a backyard BBQ. Chicken wings are a culinary canvas of sorts, taking on a variety of flavours from diverse cultures, and enjoyed by both children and adults with an unapologetic, hands-on approach.

cooked lamb chops on a plate

Lamb Chops: A Flavourful Culinary Delight

8 May 2023

Lamb chops are a delicious and prized cut of meat, known for their rich flavour, tender texture, and versatility in various dishes. They offer a unique taste experience compared to other meats and are often enjoyed for special occasions or as a gourmet treat. In this article, we will explore the qualities of lamb chops […]

chicken drumsticks

Chicken Drumsticks: A Flavorful Favorite for Kids and Adults Alike

4 May 2023

Chicken drumsticks are a beloved staple in many households around the world, thanks to their delicious taste, versatility, and kid-friendly nature. Their easy-to-eat, ‘finger food’ style makes them perfect for buffets, parties, and barbecues. Here at Halal Origins, we know how important it is for you to enjoy your food, so we leave no stone […]

burgers on the BBQ

The Prince of Mince, It’s Burger Time!

19 April 2023

It’s summertime, baby! And, you know what that means? It’s time to kick back, relax, and fire up the grill. This recipe is so good that you might just steal the crown from Burger King. I can see it unfolding, so sing along: “Now this is a story about how burgers get flipped turned up-side-down, […]

meats on the BBQ

The Eternal Charm of BBQ: Why People Love to Gather ‘Round the Grill

17 April 2023

With spring setting in and summer just around the corner, BBQ season awaits us and you can almost smell the iconic coal giving off its wondrous scent. We are no strangers to a good old barbeque, so Halal Origins wants to make sure that you get the very best quality organic meat to accompany your […]

Halal Origins

The Spiritual Journey of Ramadan: A Time of Reflection, Discipline, and Community

11 April 2023

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. Observed as a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, it is a time when the global Muslim community comes together to grow closer to God and practice self-discipline. This article delves into the significance of […]

bangers and mash

Bangers and Mash, Banging!

16 March 2023

We couldn’t give you an article about the history of sausages without sharing a recipe for one of our favourite sausage dishes, it just wouldn’t be fair.

lambs and ewes

Organic And Stunning, Is There A Conflict?

16 March 2023

Over recent years there has been a lot of controversy surrounding whether stunning an animal before slaughter makes it haram.

sausages

Sausage, Mmmmmm

14 March 2023

There is no denying, everyone loves a good sausage. A full-English breakfast is incomplete without it; they put the hot into dogs, and they put the banger into mash.

a brief history

Humans And Meat Consumption, A Brief History Of

12 March 2023

The consumption of meat represents an interesting period in our history. It is believed that consuming meat significantly contributed to our ancestor’s development, causing them to evolve bigger brains and smaller guts, which made us more efficient problem solvers.

rack of lamb

All You Need to Know About Dry-Aged Meat

10 March 2023

When you visit your favourite restaurants you will notice that their menus brag about the length of time their meat is dry-aged. You will also notice that your local market will charge a premium for meat that is dry-aged, and the longer the duration, the higher the price.

free range chicken

Are Free Range Chickens Worth The Price Tag?

28 February 2023

Have you ever wandered into your local supermarket and felt drawn to a glorious-sized chicken that seemed to have more colour than your regular cluck?

roast lamb

Roast Lamb Sunday, Everyone’s Favourite

28 February 2023

Everyone looks forward to their Sunday roast. If you choose any other day of the week you couldn’t predict what someone will be having for dinner, but not on Sundays. Sunday roasts are a sacrosanct staple in most households, one that we both revere and guard well.

stew in pot

The Art of Slow-Cooking

24 February 2023

Slow cooking is an age-old method of simmering food over low heat for several hours. This slow and gentle cooking process has many benefits that include tenderizing tougher cuts of meat to infusing dishes with more flavour than classical cooking methods.

calves

Animal Fat; Friend, Not Foe

17 February 2023

Animal fats have played a central role in our diets throughout history, but they have been demonised as health enemy number one ever since we entered the era of indulgence. Somehow, in all of this discussion, sugar has sweet-talked its way into our meals and can be found in almost any food product that you buy, and not in small quantities.

cooked beef

Classic Roast Beef Sirloin With Béarnaise Dauphinoise

19 January 2023

When it comes to food, the French make a big fuss over the quality of their menus. French restaurants are always a favoured choice for romantic celebrations if you are looking to splash out.

beef on chopping board

Beef Cuts: A Comprehensive Guide

12 January 2023

Everyone has been to the supermarket and seen the countless options of meat cuts available. You will likely recognise some of the cuts from your favourite dishes and menus, but do you really know what you’re buying?

beef steak in frying pan

Quality At Steak: What’s The Beef?

12 January 2023

Previously in part one of our guide we delved into the different steak types, where they come from, and how to best cook them. This week we continue the learning with even more steak options.

chop

Quality At Steak: The Best Of The Best

11 January 2023

Steak is one of the most popular dishes at fine dining restaurants. It is considered by many a delicacy – a luxury that we use to treat ourselves.

lamb tagine

Chicken or Lamb Tagine – A Moroccan Delight

6 January 2023

Morocco is famous for many things: its sandy beaches, the Sahara desert, marvellous rugs, and historical architecture. But, there is one thing that is often overlooked in Morocco – its cuisine.

baby sleeping

The Blessing of Aqiqah

6 January 2023

An Aqiqah is a culturally significant tradition in Islam. It involves the slaughter of a livestock animal such as a sheep or a goat, to celebrate a baby’s birth.

lambs and ewes

Lamb, Sheep, and Mutton. What’s the difference?

3 January 2023

Lamb is a popular dish on the menu and you occasionally hear of mutton (dressed as lamb), but have you ever seen a sheep dish? Most people don’t know the difference between the three and there is great confusion over the quality of each.

organic chickens in field

The Rise Of The Organic Meat Movement

23 December 2022

Organic meat is food that is produced in a way that works in harmony with nature, without relying on harmful synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones, antibiotics, or other chemical inputs.

woman cooking

Choose The Right Diet For You

19 December 2022

We live in a world that is leaning towards being healthy. There are lots of questions and often debates about how to best live for well-being and longevity, and diet is always one of the leading factors being considered.

beef dish

Organic Meat vs Non-Organic Meat, Is There A Difference?

30 November 2022

There is a lot of debate surrounding organic meat vs non-organic meat. Some people swear by the quality of organic meat, including the flavour, but is there a meaningful difference?

cow grazing

Is Corn and Grass Fed Meat Really Better For You?

18 November 2022

We’ve said it before and we will say it again: the quality of your meat depends on the quality of its diet.

meat buffet

What is Halal?

31 October 2022

Given the name of our website is Halal Origins, we thought we would start our blog page with some background information about Halal meat.