Category: Salad, Vegetables and Mushrooms
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Leeks in White Wine and Cream
This recipe transforms the humble leek from a supporting side dish into the undisputed star of the table. By standing the leeks upright, they bathe in a luxurious, savoury cream reduction while the tips catch just enough heat to become tender and flavourful. The secret here is the umami punch from the anchovies, which melt…
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Baked Mushrooms
These baked mushrooms are an incredibly simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any meal. Button mushrooms are gently baked with a splash of white wine, a drizzle of olive oil, fragrant minced garlic, and aromatic fresh thyme. The result is a tender, savory, and wonderfully fragrant dish that’s…
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Garlic Ginger Paste
A homemade garlic and ginger paste suitable for south Asian recipes. Ingredients 100g garlic, peeled 30g ginger, peeled 50ml water Directions Roughly chop the garlic and ginger. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend a fine paste. Tip: peel the ginger with a teaspoon. Just drag the spoon across the ginger and the peel…
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Basic Tomato Sauce
For pasta, soups, stews, pizza or anywhere you need a flavoursome tomato sauce. Ingredients olive oil butter (optional) garlic tinned tomatoes (good quality), chopped pinch of salt Directions In a saucepan, sauté the garlic and salt in the olive oil and butter until fragrant. Add the tin of chopped tomatoes. Use a potato masher to…
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Ambrosia Salad
OK, so I haven’t eaten this “salad” in about 20 years but I’m including it here so old recipes like this don’t disappear and be lost forever. Maybe I’ll have to try it again. Ingredients 2 cups miniature marshmallow pieces (the coloured ones look best) 3 sliced bananas 1 tin drained mandarin segments 2 cups…
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Vinaigrette
Before reaching for the store bought bottle of salad dressing, try making your own. Your taste buds will thank you for it. Instructions The ideal ratio for a good vinaigrette is 1 part vinegar or other acidic juice plus 3 parts flavoursome oil plus aromatics and seasonings. Experiment with different oils, vinegars and juices to…
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Roast Vegetable Bake
This dish is a vibrant and flavorful medley of roasted vegetables, sprinkled with toasted seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinegar. The vegetables are roasted to perfection, caramelized and tender, while the seeds add a delightful crunch and the feta provides a creamy, salty contrast. The balsamic vinegar ties everything together…
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Parsnip and Stilton Soufflé
This light and airy soufflé combines the earthy sweetness of parsnips with the rich, tangy flavour of Stilton cheese. Ingredients 25g unsalted butter, plus extra 300ml milk 250g parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped 3 medium eggs 25g plain flour + extra for dusting 100g Stilton cheese 2 Tbsp Parmesan, grated Directions Preheat the oven to…
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Levantine Salad
A fresh accompaniment for fish, meat, curry, yiros or enjoy just on its own. Ingredients cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion capsicum fresh mint leaves sumac lemon juice olive oil cider vinegar Directions Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capsicum and mint into small pieces and combine. Sprinkle generously with sumac. Whisk together some freshly squeezed lemon…
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Pear and Rocket Salad
A light, peppery salad ideal served with grilled meat. Ingredients sliced pear arugula/rocket leaves toasted pine nuts shaved parmesan vino cotto extra virgin olive oil Directions Toss the pear, arugula, pine nuts and parmesan together. Dress with vino cotto and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. For variation, add baby beetroot, goat cheese or…
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Roast Vegetable Frittata
This is my “go to” recipe if I’m asked to bring something to a BBQ or get together. Ingredients sweet potato red onion asparagus capsicum (bell pepper) potato 8 eggs 1 cup cream 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan fresh basil leaves Directions Prepare all the vegetables, drizzle with olive oil…
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Greens with Oyster Sauce and Sesame Oil
Blanched leafy greens with oyster sauce and piping hot sesame oil. Ingredients 1 or 2 large bunches of leafy greens such as mustard greens, choy sum, bok choy or gai lan. oyster sauce sesame oil Directions Remove the oyster sauce from the fridge and bring it up to room temperature. Wash the greens and cut…
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Mushroom Curry
This delicious and aromatic dish features mushrooms cooked in a creamy sauce. It’s packed with umami and warmth, and surprisingly simple to make. Ingredients 1 tsp chicken masala 2 tablespoons garlic ginger paste 300 grams mushrooms 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee 1 red or white onion, chopped 1/2 tomato, chopped 1/4 tsp turmeric powder…
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Shakshuka
This North African dish features soft, runny eggs nestled in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with warm spices. It’s a taste sensation that’s easy to prepare at home, perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal. Ingredients 6 eggs 3 Tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 red…
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Julia Child’s Vinaigrette
Julia Child’s vinaigrette is a classic French dressing known for its simplicity and versatility. This vinaigrette is perfect for green salads, as a marinade for meats or drizzled over roasted vegetables or grilled proteins. Ingredients 1/2 tbsp minced shallot or scallion 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/4 tablespoon salt (or to taste) juice of 1 lemon…
