All you need to make Sauerkraut is cabbage, salt and time. Shred 1 whole cabbage finely and place it in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt and massage the salt into the cabbage until the cellular structure breaks down, releasing liquid and making the cabbage quite limp. Pack the cabbage tightly…… Continue reading sauerkraut
blood lime and coconut ice cream
I’ve been interested in native Australian finger limes for a while so I chose to plant a blood lime as it suits the cool climate here. A cross between red finger lime and Ellendale mandarin, their colour ranges from lime to burgundy and they’re a little sweeter then standard limes. The skin and flesh can…… Continue reading blood lime and coconut ice cream
mushroom, walnut and lentil loaf
Not in the mood for meat? Here’s a high protein, gluten free loaf that everyone will enjoy. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line the base and sides of a 1.5 litre loaf tin with baking paper. Heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a saucepan and add a mirepoix of finely diced onion, celery…… Continue reading mushroom, walnut and lentil loaf
hainanese chicken rice
Adapted from early Chinese immigrants from Hainan province in Southern China, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular street food in Singapore and Malaysia. There are many different cooking methods and the dipping sauces seem to be a personal choice. I chose to follow Rosemary Brissenden’s recipe from her book South East Asian Food. The chicken is steeped…… Continue reading hainanese chicken rice
coconut and pineapple upside down cake
Wonderfully caramelised ripe pineapple crowns this coconut cake. Preheat your oven to 175ºC (350ºF) and grease a 20cm (8″) round, deep-sided cake tin. Peel and slice half a very ripe pineapple into thin slices. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the pineapple slices for 3 minutes on each…… Continue reading coconut and pineapple upside down cake
saffron cauliflower + tomato, onion and roasted lemon salad
Here are 2 salads from the master of salads, Yotam Ottolenghi. Serve them as part of a mezze selection or as side dishes. Cauliflower is so versatile. In this recipe from PLENTY it’s paired with raisins and olives. Preheat your oven to 200ºC (390ºF). Soak 1½ teaspoons of saffron strands in a little boiling water and…… Continue reading saffron cauliflower + tomato, onion and roasted lemon salad
arrachera
Hanger steak is a cut of beef (from the lower belly of a steer or heifer) prized for its flavour and tenderness. In the past it was sometimes known as butcher’s steak because butchers would keep it for themselves. In Mexico it’s known as Arrachera and is generally marinated, grilled and served with a squeeze of lime juice, accompanied by guacamole,…… Continue reading arrachera
stewed rhubarb with vanilla yoghurt
An excellent version of a classic from Jamie Oliver. Serve it for breakfast or dessert. Place 750g (1.6 lbs) of chopped fresh rhubarb in a medium-sized saucepan with the juice and zest of 1 large orange, 100g (3½ oz) of caster sugar, 2 tablespoons of water and 2 pieces of finely diced or grated fresh ginger. Bring to…… Continue reading stewed rhubarb with vanilla yoghurt
spicy stir-fried squid + cabbage and bok choy with bean paste
Now that I’m home I’m inspired to try some Korean cooking. Ojingeo bokkeum is a perennial favorite among Koreans and can be found on most restaurant menus. Like most Korean food it is hearty and spicy. This recipe is adapted from kimchimom.com. In a large bowl mix together 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of minced…… Continue reading spicy stir-fried squid + cabbage and bok choy with bean paste
traditional set lunch
Wandering around Insa-dong in Seoul, we overheard someone saying that a restaurant was her mother’s favourite. Of course, we had to try it. She recommended the traditional set lunch. It included mackerel, tiny sardines, some sort of fish floss, kimchi, tofu, pickled cucumber, pickled chayote (choko), chilli paste, soup, rice and a few other things…… Continue reading traditional set lunch
michelle picker cooks 