My Italian background is coming out with this dish. Polenta is the meal that brings me flashbacks of family summers In northern Italy and it’s definitely considered a ‘peasant’ food because it’s just SO cheap. Corn was viewed as feed for the animals, but I definitely think the times have changed because polenta is everywhere in the mountains
Read moreOne Pan South Indian Prawn Curry
I seriously could write a cookbook on all the different ways I make curry! This technique is the best if I’m just not in the mood to wash the blender for a curry paste (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time!) and are not in the mood to do loads of dishes. This saucy dish is so creamy, zesty, absolutely bursting with flavour and spice. Bonus- it takes only 15-20 minutes to make too! Bonus #2 - You could make this vegan by omitting the prawn step here and roasting chickpeas with the aubergine/eggplant. Scrumptious!
Read moreZucchini & Ricotta 'Lasagna'
Instead of traditional lasagna pasta I used thinly sliced zucchini- I actually utilized a thick bladed peeler because I don’t yet have a mandolin to get the veggies pasta-thin! it actually worked so well and it went over as a hit! Rich- a lasagna connoisseur- said he couldn’t even tell the difference from a pasta based lasagna
As for alterations - I used a dairy based ricotta, but I actually think it would have tasted THAT much better if I used a plant based one and eggplant totally could also be used if your in a hitch on the vegetable department. Enjoy!
20 Min Pea Paneer & Cardamom Rice
I find so many people are intimidated by making their own curries from scratch/ don’t realize how easy and quick it can actually be or that you can make a paste and freeze it for later- super simple, super easy and perfect for a weekday meal. As for the rice- so flavourful and such an EASY way to level up any rice dish! Add rinsed white rice with crushed cardamom pods and salt!
Read moreNourishing Red Lentil Daal
Vegan, gluten free, nourishing goodness. If you can’t tell by my content- I’m obsessed with south Asian flavours- and the trick to ultimate flavour in these dishes- is knowing when and how to add the spice.
Daal is a dish that I find ultimately comforting. It’s easy on my tummy, super quick, warming, filling and CHEAP to make. Also- it’s a one pan meal meaning less dishes which is always a plus!
Slow Baked Indian Spiced Salmon
Slowly becoming a staple in our home, I learned the technique from the cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid & Heat and have built upon the recipe each time. I normally just buy fillets of salmon and bake them at 220C for 12-13 minutes (works without fail!) but this time I preheated the oven to 110C and cooked the salmon for 45 minutes! It was delectable. The spices make almost like a crust and is delicious to eat but also tastes amazing if removed before serving with all of the amazing flavors locked into the fish.
Read moreSaffron Rice
A super simple recipe but oh so luxurious. Luxurious because the price of real saffron is! It’s the reason why I always go into the grocery store on a budget and leave thinking ‘what did I even spend that on??’ No regrets! Some people have expensive chocolates- I have golden strands of delicate saffron.
Read moreHalloumi & Aubergine Bake
This is seriously one of the most satisfying, comforting dishes I have ever made and goes off like a hit when I’ve made it for family and friends. It’s fulfilling, scrumptious and the halloumi on top when it browns to a crispy edge and gooey inside…. drool worthy! Its also an incredibly malleable recipe, I often use whatever herbs I have on hand such as thyme instead of oregano, or harissa paste instead of tomato paste and honey or maple syrup over pomegranate molasses. The world (or pantry!) is your oyster of endless possibilities! Serve hot with rice, a chunk of fluffy sourdough bread or simply on its own- it’s so delicious it deserves to be the star of the show!
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