Welcome to Rocklands' Recipe Book, where the kitchen becomes your playground and local Hastings ingredients take centre stage!

At Rocklands Self-Catering Apartments, we believe that one of the best parts of your holiday is the chance to cook delicious meals using the freshest local produce.

Nestled along the beautiful Hastings coastline, our self-catering apartments offer a fully equipped kitchen, providing you with the perfect opportunity to try your hand at local recipes that capture the flavour and heritage of East Sussex.

In this blog post, we’ve gathered a series of easy-to-cook recipes highlighting the best of Hastings’ local ingredients.

From seafood freshly caught off our coast to produce sourced from local markets, these recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and reflective of the region’s culinary charm. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your stove, and dive into culinary adventures!

 

1. Hastings Seafood Pasta

Ingredients:

• 300g pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
• 250g fresh white fish (cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 400g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the fish and prawns: Increase the heat slightly and add the fish pieces. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the fish is just opaque. Add the prawns and continue cooking until they turn pink, about 2 minutes.
4. Combine with tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Finish and serve: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, add the fresh basil, and mix until well combined. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice.

This dish celebrates the bounty of Hastings’ coastline, combining local seafood with fresh, vibrant flavours. It’s a perfect reminder of the town’s deep connection to the sea.

2. Traditional Hastings Fish & Chips with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 4 fillets of local white fish (e.g., cod or haddock)
• 500g potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chips
• 200g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 300ml cold sparkling water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for deep-frying
• Lemon wedges and malt vinegar for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chips: Rinse the potato chips in cold water and pat them dry. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pan to 130°C (265°F) and fry the chips for about 4-5 minutes until soft but not coloured. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth.
3. Fry the fish: Increase the oil temperature to 180°C (350°F). Dip each fish fillet into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, and carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes until the batter is golden and crispy, and the fish is cooked through.
4. Finish the chips: Return the chips to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve: Serve the crispy fish and chips immediately with lemon wedges and a splash of malt vinegar.

This classic dish, with a modern twist using locally sourced fish and freshly cut chips, is a tribute to Hastings’ fishing heritage. Enjoy this meal outdoors for that perfect seaside dining experience.

3. Sussex Harvest Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients:

• 6 large free-range eggs
• 1 small courgette, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 50g spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 100g local cheddar, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Sauté the vegetables: In an ovenproof frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, then add the courgette and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, grated cheddar, and fresh herbs.
4. Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Cook on the stovetop for 2 minutes, then transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is set and the top is slightly golden.
5. Serve: Allow the frittata to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This vibrant frittata highlights the best of local harvest produce available in East Sussex, offering a hearty and healthy meal that's simple to prepare in your Rocklands apartment kitchen.

Cooking Hacks and Local Ingredients

When staying at Rocklands Self-Catering Apartments, you have the luxury of a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips. Here are a few cooking hacks to make the most of your culinary adventures using local ingredients from Hastings:

1. Visit Local Markets: Explore Hastings’ local markets, such as the Hastings Old Town Market and the Farmers’ Market. These venues offer an array of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and artisanal products that are perfect for your recipes.
2. Seasonal Ingredients: East Sussex is known for its abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Embrace the flavours of each season—use locally caught fish in summer recipes, and enjoy root vegetables and hearty greens in autumn and winter dishes.
3. Prep in Advance: Save time by prepping ingredients the night before. Chop vegetables, marinate fish, or mix your batter early so that everything is set for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience when you're ready to cook.
4. Experiment with Local Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint grow abundantly in East Sussex. Use them to elevate the flavours of your dishes—sprinkle them on your frittata or mix them into your seafood pasta for an added burst of freshness.
5. Keep it Simple: The best recipes often rely on quality ingredients and simple techniques. Focus on bringing out the natural flavours of your local produce, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations.

Enjoy Your Stay at Rocklands

If you're looking for Self Catering Apartments in Hastings, Rocklands is the place for you. We believe that a holiday should be a complete experience—one that nurtures both your body and soul. Our apartments not only offer luxurious comfort and stunning views of the English Channel but also provide the perfect environment for cooking and enjoying local flavours.

Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just enjoy a good meal, our fully equipped kitchens allow you to create memorable dishes using the best of Hastings' local ingredients. After a day of exploring the vibrant town and picturesque countryside, there’s nothing quite like coming back to your Rocklands apartment to relax, unwind, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.