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Recipe Blog

LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD

My wish for you is to Live Better, Strive Harder, Be Bolder, Dream Bigger, Climb Higher and Seek Greater.
My vision is to help people create food that is delicious, easy to make and high in nutrition,
so that food once more becomes a vehicle to fuel your body, mind and soul.

Wild mushrooms on Kombu (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , June 30, 2018

Wild mushrooms on Kombu (Vegan, DF, GF)

Mushroom Kombu

The intensity of the smell as this is cooking will make you want to take it out every five minutes to eat it, but the longer you leave it, the more concentrated the flavor. The Kombu brings an extra savory tone to the dish giving it a smoky depth

I took this recipe from Matthew Kenney’s Plantlab, creating the future of food. I would say that this is definitely going to be a part of my future and am looking forward to try other vegetables in the same way. I will have to at least try this recipe again, as Mr B wasn’t home, so I ate it all myself. Shhh…..

Ingredients

  • 1lb of wild mushrooms (I used trumpet mushrooms)
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. thyme
  • 2 tbsp. rosemary
  • ½ tsp. garlic salt/sea salt
  • Large pieces of Kombu, pre-soaked in water

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350f
  • Wash the mushrooms and cut into roughly equal slices/sizes
  • Toss in the oil, thyme, rosemary and salt
  • Place the kombu on a baking sheet
  • Spread the mushrooms on the kombu in an even layer
  • Cook mushrooms for 30 minutes in the oven

Apricot Chutney (Vegan, DF, GF)

By , June 24, 2018

Apricot Chutney (Vegan, DF, GF)

Apricot Chutney

I saw these beautiful apricots glistening in the market and I had to get some. I love apricots, they have amazing nutrients, vitamins and minerals and taste as sweet as candy when ripe.

Since I just got the newest addition to my recipe book collection, Rasoi by Vaneet Bhatia and since I was building my second Hand in Hand, Indian Inspired Tapas menu, I decided to try a new recipe out and made these beauties into a chutney. The great thing about Chutney is that it lasts a long time in the fridge, so you can enjoy it when apricots are in season and also when not.

This chutney has a nice kick from the chilli, ginger and spices, which made Mr B and his spicy palate happy, whilst having a sweet, majestic undertone that mellows the chutney out. In the end I served it underneath my goats Sheppard’s pie parcel, which it complemented perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 100g dried apricots or 500g fresh apricots
  • 2 tsp. coconut oil
  • ½ tsp. fennel seeds
  • ½ tsp. cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp. chilli
  • 1 tsp. chopped ginger
  • 50g raw cane sugar
  • 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp. ground green cardamom

Method

  • If using dried apricots, soak in hot water for an hour, then strain reserving the liquid (original recipe)
  • If using fresh, pit and chop up (my version)
  • Heat the oil in a deep pan, add the fennel and cumin seeds
  • As they begin to crackle, add the chopped chilli and ginger and sauté for a minute
  • Add the apricots, sauté for 2 minutes and then add water to cover
  • Bring to the boil and then simmer until the apricots turn mushy and the water is almost evaporated
  • Add the sugar and white wine vinegar, simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the ground cardamom
  • Remove from the heat and leave to cool, once cooled pour into a glass jar and keep in the fridge

Easy Masala Sauce (DF, GF, Vegan)

By , June 16, 2018

Easy Masala Sauce (DF, GF, Vegan)

Masala Sauce

The classic ‘Indian’ dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, was apparently invented by a chef in Scotland as a hybrid dish for the English palate. This has since become a very popular dish both in the UK and US normally made with a decent amount of cream.

In Indian cooking, we call this cheating, anything that doesn’t take three days of you sitting next to the stove and gets it richness from dumping fat in at the end, would definitely not meet with generations of grandma’s who have passed these recipes down.

Needless to say therefore, this is not a grandma approved recipe, but since the last few weeks have been busy and Mr B loves masala, I decided to make a quick masala, which can be used for multiple dishes, vegetarian (e.g. served with charred cauliflower as above) or meat, used as a sauce for a breakfast bowl or a dip for some nachos. I make it in bulk and store it in the freezer. Coconut milk here is the vegan substitute for that added richness that my hubby loves so much!

Ingredients

Masala Base

  • 2 onions
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 inches grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp. garam masala
  • 1 tbsp. chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp. turmeric
  • 1 tbsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. ground cloves
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • A handful of cashews

Masala Sauce

  • 5 cups of tomato puree
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ cup water

Method

  • Pulse all the base ingredients in a blender until smooth
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and scoop ¼ of the mixture into the pan. Fry gently until fragrant
  • Add the puree and water and simmer for 5-10 minutes
  • Add the coconut milk, simmer for another 10 minutes
  • Serve over grilled vegetables, use as a sauce for a rice bowl, or even over pasta

 

Easy Peanut Butter Curry (GF,DF,Vegan)

By , June 9, 2018

Easy Peanut Butter Curry (GF, DF, Vegan)

Peanut Butter Curry

This is a lovely, tasty, protein dense vegan curry and takes no time at all

I have been spending my weekends learning and adapting complex multi layered recipes to get a better understanding of Indian cooking, how to temper and mix the spices, which ones are for savory versus sweets, smell versus taste. Sometimes however I need to cook something really quickly (in a jiffy, as the British would say!) and this curry is the perfect, in a jiffy dish!

The original recipe didn’t have peanut butter, but since I have an American husband who thinking anything with peanut butter is ‘the bomb’, I thought this was a good way to get him to eat an entire bag of spinach and peas. Sneaky wife!

Ingredients

  • 1 bag of spinach
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp. curry powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • Pinch red chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp. organic peanut butter

Method

  • Mix the curry powder and two tablespoons of coconut milk, heat and then add the spinach
  • Let the spinach wilt and when reduced in size add the salt and chilli flakes
  • Add the rest of the coconut milk
  • Add the peas and peanut butter and mix in until it is merged into the sauce
  • Allow to reduce down a little
  • Serve with rice

Coconut-Lime Avocado Dressing on Kale  (GF, DF, Vegan, Raw)

By , June 2, 2018

Coconut-Lime Avocado Dressing on Kale  (GF, DF, Vegan, Raw)

Kale Lime Coconut

I adapted this recipe from Matthew Kenney’s PlantLab – creating the future of food book, which is centred on nutrient dense plant based recipes

It is a beautifully vibrant salad with the coconut and lime reminding you of the tropics as well as doing a good job at breaking down the kale

I had half of this for lunch and served the other half with my lentil tart over dinner to bring something bright and light to the dish

You can use this as a base and add anything your heart desires. I’d also recommend using the coconut-lime dressing on other salads and vegetables, as it really is sublime

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches of Kale, de-stemmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 Avocados
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • Sea Salt

Method

  • Place the coconut oil, lime and sea salt in a blender and blend until well combined, taste and add salt
  • Place the kale and half an avocado in a bowl as well as the dressing, and massage for at least a minute until well combined, add the rest of the avocado and more salt if needed
  • Garnish with anything else you like for colour or texture, I added some California walnuts for crunch

Indian Arancini (GF, Vegetarian)

By , May 26, 2018

Indian Arancini (GF, Vegetarian)

Arancini

This is a fusion of my Italian and Indian heritage. Think about it as an Indian Tikki and Italian Arancini doing a little dance with the spice from the Tikki kissing the melted cheese from the Arancini.

Mr B told me that Arancini in fact isn’t the name of the dish, but what the dish looks like, a little orange. Cute right?!

I served it at my American Classics with an Indian twist dinner party and Mr B’s classic American friends loved. Quite honestly, Mr B’s American friends, love anything with melted cheese or spice, but what better to do than combine them.

Ingredients

  • 300g potatoes
  • ½ tsp. red chilli powder
  • ½ tsp. coriander powder
  • ½ tsp. cumin powder
  • ½ tsp. minced ginger
  • ½ tsp. minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. corn or rice flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 3 tbsp. coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp. Mozzarella
  • 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Method

  • Peel and cook the potatoes until you can put a knife straight through, then leave to cool. Once cooled, grate
  • Add the spices, salt, egg white and flour, mix well
  • Put a tbsp. of the potato mixture in your palm and flatten, take a little piece of the mozzarella and place in the middle. Close the potato around it
  • Roll in the breadcrumbs
  • Place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and place in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm
  • Heat your oil to 350f and fry until golden
  • Serve with tomato or coriander chutney

Paneer/Tempeh Lollipop

By , May 19, 2018

Paneer/Tempeh Lollipop

IMG_9898

This was a canapé that I served at my Indian Fusion Tapas party

It can be made using paneer or tempeh if you want to make a vegan version. It is super easy and fun visually – we all have a little artist in us, trying to get out!

You can also increase or decrease the spice levels, depending on who is coming to dinner. Mr B likes the highest spice levels possible and if he had it his way, this dish would be just a chill pepper covered in sesame seeds!

Ingredients

  • 1 block paneer/tempeh, cut into rectangles
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. organic ketchup
  • 1 tsp. Sriracha
  • ½ tsp. tamari
  • 2 tbsp. white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp. black sesame seeds
  • Hand full of bamboo skewers

Method

  • Cut the paneer/tempeh into rectangles, important for the sesame layering
  • Mix the ketchup, Sriracha and tamari, marinate the paneer in the mixture for 10 minutes
  • Heat the oil and sear the marinated paneer/tempeh on all sides
  • Let cool and place on bamboo skewer
  • Paint with leftover marinade to act as an adhesive
  • Sprinkle white sesame seeds on half the piece, turning as you go
  • Do the same with the black sesame seeds
  • Serve as a lollipop for a fun canapé

Roasted Romanesco with Garlic, Sage Crumbs (GF, DF)

By , May 12, 2018

Roasted Romanesco with Garlic, Sage Crumbs (GF, DF)

Cauliflower and Sage Crumbs

This is a stunning dish, fragrant, tasty, textured and healthy

I have a lot of fun cooking vegetables as sides to my southern Italian in-laws dishes. I can not make what would be perceived as a main dish, as it would be seen as disrespectful, even in my own house and since I don’t want to end up sleeping with the fishes, I choose to make vegetable accompliments that I think might compliment the food

This is one such dish, which I made with garlic and sage so as to stay within the Italian lane to compliment the beautiful muscles and shrimp that my in-laws made

Mr B was super happy to see everyone in the kitchen in harmony whilst he sat back and enjoyed his fathers homemade wine

You could use pretty much any cauliflower or vegetable for this recipe. I like Romanesco for its beautiful Fibonacci spirals, its nuttiness and textured crunch!

Ingredients

  • 1 head Romanesco (core and cut into florets)
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. vegan or normal butter
  • ½ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • ½ cup. minced sage
  • Sea Salt
  • Pepper

Method

  • Preheat your oven and get a casserole dish ready
  • Place the florets in a bowl with the oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper
  • Roast for 10-15 minutes until they start to brown at the edges
  • Whilst the cauliflower is roasting, add the butter to a pan on a low heat, add the breadcrumbs and garlic and stir to coat, cook for a few minutes and stir the sage in 30 seconds before finishing
  • Remove from the heat and cover the cauliflower
  • I take it straight to the table, steaming hot and serve it straight from the casserole dish

Methi Matar Malai (GF, DF)

By , May 5, 2018

Methi Matar Malai (GF, DF)

Mattar Malai

This is a beautiful fragrant vegan curry from the north of India. It is made with Methi, which is Fenugreek, Malai which is cream, which I substituted for tofu cream and Matar which is green peas

It is a beautifully balanced dish, due to the bitterness of the Fenugreek and sweetness from the onions, almond milk and sugar

Fenugreek is good for liver function, cholesterol and digestion and is therefore used a lot in Indian and Ayurveda cooking

‘When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use, when diet is correct, medicine is no need’

I served these as a canapé at my Indian inspired dinner party, but it is good with rice or a flatbread also

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups of Fenugreek/Methi
  • 1 cup cooked peas
  • 1 cup tofu cream cheese
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped coriander
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 inch ginger, chopped
  • 1 chilli, chopped
  • ¼ cup cashew nuts

Method

  • Blend the onions, cumin, garlic, ginger, chilli and cashew nuts into a smooth paste
  • Heat the oil and fry this mixture for 5-10 minutes until the raw taste is gone
  • Add the fenugreek, cook for 2/3 minutes
  • Add ½ cup almond milk, mix well and cook for 3-5 minutes
  • Add the cooked peas, tofu cream cheese, garam masala, salt, sugar, mix well and cook for 5 minutes on a low flame
  • Garnish with the coriander leaves and serve with roti, rice or in tart cups as a fun canapé

Kimchi Quinoa StirFry (GF, DF)

By , April 21, 2018

Kimchi Quinoa StirFry (GF, DF)

Kimchi Quinoa Stirfry

I saw this in Bon Appetite and it just sang to me! A recipe with tamari, sesame oil, kimchi and Quinoa, some of my all time favourite ingredients! It’s an easy recipe and has a double helping of protein with the egg and Quinoa.

Kimchi is great for your digestion, as it is fermented, another wisdom passed down through generations

I use normal Kimchi for me and mama’s extra spicy Kimchi for Mr B

Happy Spring!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Kimchi, plus 3 tbsp. of juice from the jar
  • 4 scallions/spring onions
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 cups Quinoa
  • 2 tsp. tamari
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1 tsp. black sesame seeds

Method

  • Squeeze kimchi over a small bowl to catch the juices. Top up if you need more to make it up to the 3 tbsp.
  • Chop the kimchi, set aside
  • Cut dark green tops of the onions and thinly slice, set aside
  • Thinly slice the white and pale green parts and set aside
  • Heat the coconut oil in a large non-stick frying pan
  • Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the white is solid and the egg is crispy around the middle, c. 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate
  • Add the carrot and cook until soft, c. 2 minutes
  • Add the green and white parts of the onions and kimchi and cook until golden, c. 3 minutes
  • Add grains, tamari, sesame oil and the kimchi juice, cook until well mixed
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper

To serve, top with the egg and black and white sesame seeds