zucchini and feta spiral

Instead of spinach try this zucchini (courgette) version. Impressive looking and absolutely delicious! You will need about half a packet of filo pastry, defrosted and at room temperature. Grate 450g (1 lb) of zucchini using the large holes of a grater. Place it in a colander and sprinkle with ¼ of a teaspoon of salt.…… Continue reading zucchini and feta spiral

corn fritters + sweet tomato sambal

Vegetable fritters are a popular street food in Indonesia and this sweet tomato sambal is a winner. These delectable recipes come from FIRE ISLANDS Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford. For the fritters cut 200g (7 oz) of corn kernels from the cob. In a food processor or mortar and pestle make a rough paste…… Continue reading corn fritters + sweet tomato sambal

red lentil and vegetable curry

Southern and coastal Indian curries with a combination of tomato and coconut are my favourite. The coconut balances the tanginess of the tomatoes and is commonly used with vegetables and lentils. I added some vegetables amd slightly adapted this recipe, a fan favourite by Nisha Mora from Rainbow Plant Life. In a large saucepan heat…… Continue reading red lentil and vegetable curry

vegetarian japchae

Japchae (잡채) is a Korean dish of stir-fried sweet potato glass noodles. Savoury and slightly sweet, it always has vegetables and usually meat. In this version from Seonkyoung Longest, the meat is replaced by marinated shiitake mushrooms. Just delicious! Soak 10 to 12 dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes or until softened. Squeeze all the water out…… Continue reading vegetarian japchae

smoky eggplant ragu

You won’t miss the meat in this deliciously smoky and rich Italian sauce with walnuts added for texture. I served mine with ricotta gnocchi but any pasta or gnocchi will work. Use one large eggplant (aubergine). To get that smoky flavour, prick the skin a few times and blacken all over, either on a barbecue…… Continue reading smoky eggplant ragu

roast vegetables with orzo and olives

This makes a great meal on it’s own or serve it as part of a larger menu. From the wonderful cookbook MORO easy by Sam and Sam Clarke. Preheat your oven to 220ºC (435)F). In a roasting tray or dish with some depth combine 2 sliced zucchinis (courgettes), 1 quartered and sliced eggplant (aubergine), 1…… Continue reading roast vegetables with orzo and olives

carrot fried rice + mint raita

This delicious Indian style fried rice served with fresh mint raita comes from Swasthi’s Recipes. It makes a great meal on it’s own or can be served as part of a larger spread. Cook the rice in advance if possible – good quality extra long basmati rice makes all the difference. Soak 1 cup of…… Continue reading carrot fried rice + mint raita

ricotta gnocchi with spinach, pine nuts and lemon

Spinach and lemon are a lovely fresh foil for cheesy gnocchi. Yum. To make the gnocchi, combine 340g (12 oz) of fresh full-fat ricotta with 2 whole eggs, ¾ of a cup of plain flour and ⅓ of a cup of finely grated parmesan. Mix with a pastry cutter or fork. When the mixture is well…… Continue reading ricotta gnocchi with spinach, pine nuts and lemon