Light and fluffy, these ricotta gnocchi are served in a rich tomato sauce. 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. I find a pastry cutter works well, otherwise use a…… Continue reading ricotta gnocchi
Category: vegetarian dishes
marinated mushrooms with tahini yoghurt
If you love mushrooms, this is for you. The recipe is from PLENTY by Yotam Ottolenghi. The original recipe uses shimeji and chestnut mushrooms but since I didn’t plan ahead, I used button mushrooms. Slice 450g (1 lb) of mushrooms and put them in a large bowl. For the marinade whisk together 75ml (2½ fl…… Continue reading marinated mushrooms with tahini yoghurt
green couscous + roasted tomatoes
A great way to eat your greens. Slightly adapted from a recipe in PLENTY by Yotam Ottolenghi. Soak 150g (5⅓ oz) of couscous in 160ml (5½ fl oz) 0f boiling water or stock. While it’s soaking, heat some olive oil in a frypan. Fry 1 finely sliced onion and ¼ of a teaspoon each of…… Continue reading green couscous + roasted tomatoes
black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot
This Chinese style vegetarian (and vegan) dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own or serve it along with other dishes as part of a banquet. A ceramic pot or tagine is ideal for this dish. In separate bowls soak the dried Shiitake mushrooms and the black (wood-ear) fungus in boiling water…… Continue reading black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot
roasted vegetable and lentil patties
Here’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. My vegetables were a very Mediterranean mix of eggplant, zucchini, onion and red pepper but this will work just as well with other vegetables. First cook some red lentils in water. Don’t add too much water and try to drain the lentil while they still have…… Continue reading roasted vegetable and lentil patties
vegetarian moussaka
This classic Greek dish is usually made with layers of eggplant and minced lamb, topped with a bechamel sauce. In this version mushrooms take the place of meat. It’s both satisfying and delicious. Slice 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) of eggplants (aubergines) into 1cm (less than ½”) slices. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and cook…… Continue reading vegetarian moussaka
baked eggs with yoghurt and chilli
A delightful brunch made with open range eggs and home-grown roquette and spinach. Adapted from a recipe by Yotam Ottolenghi from his cookbook Plenty. Preheat your oven to 150ºC (300ºF). In a large pan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook 300g (10½ oz) of roquette and spinach with a sprinkling of salt. When…… Continue reading baked eggs with yoghurt and chilli
spinach and ricotta gnocchi
Another fabulous River Café recipe. Light and airy fresh ricotta dumplings swimming in a butter and sage sauce. What’s not to like? Blanch 1kg (2¼ lbs) of spinach in boiling water until wilted. Squeeze the cooked spinach dry and chop it roughly. In a pan melt a ¼ of a cup of unsalted butter and…… Continue reading spinach and ricotta gnocchi
gado gado 2.0
My first version of gado gado is a little westernised (not such a bad thing) and makes a great meal on it’s own. This recipe, from Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford, is a lighter version with a fresher peanut dressing which is served underneath the other ingredients in the traditional manner. It makes…… Continue reading gado gado 2.0
roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce + tomato salad
Cauliflower has found new popularity for good reason. Here it’s roasted, leaves and all, with Middle Eastern flavours and served with tahini sauce. Wash and cut your cauliflower into quarters. Place them in a lightly oiled oven tray and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it all over every surface. Sprinkle with salt, ground cumin, sumac…… Continue reading roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce + tomato salad
michelle picker cooks 