barley, lentils and mushrooms with fried onions

Once again Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe imparts amazing flavours to a vegetarian meal. In a small bowl cover 20g (¾ oz) of dried porcini with 1¾ cups of boiling water and leave to stand for an hour. After an hour, remove the mushrooms and strain the liquid through a very fine sieve to remove any grit, then return…… Continue reading barley, lentils and mushrooms with fried onions

zucchini, peppers and chèvre

Here’s an attractive and impressive way to bring a lovely combination of flavours together. Place 1 or 2 red peppers either directly over a gas flame or on a barbecue and cook until quite blackened and soft. Remove to an airtight container or plastic bag to cool. Meanwhile slice your zucchinis lengthways into very thin slices (preferably with a mandolin)…… Continue reading zucchini, peppers and chèvre

stuffed zucchini and peppers

Thanks to Thomas for this delicious meal. Cut the red peppers in half (remove all the white membranes and seeds) and cut the zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out the centre of the zucchinis with a melon baller, chop the centres finely and set aside. In a frypan heat some olive oil and fry a finely chopped small onion, a…… Continue reading stuffed zucchini and peppers

cauliflower pilaf + fried root veg + spinach and yoghurt

This vegetarian meal is loosely based on a Jordanian Maqluba which normally includes meat, rice, and fried vegetables placed in a pot, which is then flipped upside down when served. The recipe is adapted from one by Henry Dimbleby and Jane Baxter which appeared in The Guardian.  Preheat your oven to 200ºC (º400F). Heat 1 litre (34 fl oz)…… Continue reading cauliflower pilaf + fried root veg + spinach and yoghurt

butternut ravioli

Filled with a sweet and savoury butternut filling, this pasta is enhanced with crisp sage, golden hazelnuts and butter. Cut the butternut pumpkin into large wedges and place in a baking dish with 1 finely diced red onion. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, a grating of fresh nutmeg and some dried chilli flakes to taste.…… Continue reading butternut ravioli

mushroom barley casserole + baked peppers with walnut and feta

Here’s a hearty vegetarian meal to satisfy eaters of all persuasions. Finely dice 2 onions and fry them over low heat in some olive oil until wilted. Add 450g (1 lb) of chopped fresh mushrooms and 7g (¼ oz) of finely chopped dried porcini mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have wilted then add 1 cup…… Continue reading mushroom barley casserole + baked peppers with walnut and feta

buffalo cauliflower and butternut

Vegetarian and spicy, this dish uses the fabulous flavours normally reserved for chicken wings. Preheat your oven to 230ºC (450ºF). Cut half a cauliflower into florets and some butternut pumpkin (squash) into chunks. Melt some ghee (clarified butter) and toss the vegetables in the ghee, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven until…… Continue reading buffalo cauliflower and butternut

leek, brussel sprout and stilton tart + roasted beets and carrots

A lovely combination of flavours improved by being encased in Maggie Beer’s sour cream pastry. Make the pastry according to the recipe (it works very well with light sour cream too). Roll the pastry out and cut a circle for the bottom of a springform cake tin and some strips for the sides and line the tin making sure there…… Continue reading leek, brussel sprout and stilton tart + roasted beets and carrots

roasted beetroot and chèvre stack with walnut crumb + roasted leek

Fresh chèvre and beetroot are a great match. Paired with the walnut crumb and roasted leeks this dish has a wonderful combination of flavours and textures. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Peel and slice 2 large beetroots and lay them onto baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast until soft. Wash…… Continue reading roasted beetroot and chèvre stack with walnut crumb + roasted leek