Roasted onion and beetroot dip is so easy to make, and it makes a very pretty appetiser. A painter, who did some work at our place once, noticed how much I loved cooking. He would bring me culinary treats - pomegranates from his garden, halva and a jar of pomegranate molasses. Pomegranate molasses is a Middle Eastern reduction of pomegranate ... Read More
Dips
Romesco Sauce with Smoked Paprika
Romesco sauce with smoked paprika is one of the most delicious sauces I've ever eaten. There is something about the sweet capsicums, the tart tomatoes, the caramelised garlic, all blended together with roasted nuts, smoked paprika and sharp vinegar that makes it irresistible! Did you know that the sauce originates from Catalonia in Spain? It was ... Read More
Edamame Dip with Coriander, Lime and Sesame
This edamame dip with coriander, lime and sesame is easy to make. It uses both the stems and the leaves of the coriander, and the zest and juice of the lime. Did you know that edamame are actually whole, immature soy beans? They're a good plant-based source of protein and fibre, and also a good source of folate and Vitamin K. Edamame are an ... Read More
Caramelised Onions with Coriander
A jar of caramelised onions is a very handy thing to keep in the fridge. It can be used in so many different ways - to spoon on top of sausages and mashed potato, to combine with a sharp cheddar cheese in a toasted sandwich, to use as topping on pizza with goat's cheese or gorgonzola, to add to a frittata with spinach and leftover roasted pumpkin, ... Read More
Chimichurri Sauce with Parsley, Coriander and Rocket
Chimichurri sauce with parsley, coriander and rocket is an excellent condiment for grilled meat. It goes well with lamb cutlets, chicken thighs and skirt steak, It's also delicious with roasted pumpkin if you prefer a vegetarian option. Originally from Argentina, Chimichurri is thought to have derived from the Basque word, Txmitxurri, meaning ‘a ... Read More
Purple Carrot and Cranberry Jam
I had planned to make this purple carrot and cranberry jam for a cheese platter in preparation for a girls' dinner at my place this weekend. However, I cancelled the dinner when I realised that we would not be able to maintain our social distance from each other. We've all bunkered down with our families for the foreseeable future. ... Read More
Walnut and Rocket Pesto
This walnut and rocket pesto is a great way to use up rocket leaves that are just past their prime, and it's a cinch to make! Pesto originated in Genoa, in Northern Italy. Its name actually originates from the Genoese word pestâ, meaning to pound or to crush. I sadly don't have a mortar and pestle large enough for the quantity of ... Read More
White Bean Dip
I usually spend a bit of time in the kitchen at the weekends, making a few things for the week ahead so that mealtimes are not such a rush. My kids love hummus, either to have in their sandwiches, or as a dip for chopped vegetables. Did you know that hummus means chickpea in Arabic? However, I digress because I had no chickpeas on hand. I used a ... Read More