Perfect for using up leftover (even frozen) over-ripe bananas, this is not your usual banana ice cream but a richer caramelised version, despite being eggless and having no cream. Adapted from David Lebovitz’s The Perfect Scoop. Preheat your oven to 205ºC (400ºF). Cut 6 medium over-ripe bananas into small slices. Put them in a baking…… Continue reading caramelised banana ice cream
tofu scramble
This Japanese dish is called iri dofu (炒り豆腐). Fragrant with ginger, it is sometimes cooked with chicken or just with tofu, this version includes eggs. First soak 4-8 dried shiitake mushrooms. While they soak place 300g (10½ oz) of soft tofu in a colander and crumble it with a fork. In a small bowl lightly…… Continue reading tofu scramble
Korean eggplant
Here’s a delicious Korean eggplant side dish (Gaji-namul 가지나물) adapted from this Maangchi recipe. I used Italian eggplant instead of the usual Korean (Japanese) eggplants. Prepare a steamer with 2 cups of water and bring it to boil, Wash and trim your eggplants and cut them into bite-size pieces. Steam over high heat for 5 minutes…… Continue reading Korean eggplant
beef, ginger and kimchi stew
A simple, spicy and hearty Korean beef stew. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan on a high heat. Add 120g (4¼oz) of shiitake mushrooms and fry for 3-4 minutes until well coloured. Remove from the pan and set aside. Now stir-fry 400g (14 oz) of thinly sliced sirloin…… Continue reading beef, ginger and kimchi stew
honey cake
All honey and no sugar as well as an added honey syrup ensure the heady flavour of honey comes to the fore in this moist dessert cake. Another delightful recipe from recipetineats. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8″) round cake tin and line with baking paper. In a bowl whisk together 1 cup of…… Continue reading honey cake
red lentil and cauliflower gratin
Comfort food. A cheesy bake of red lentils and cauliflower. Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Heat some olive oil in a pan and gently fry a chopped onion, a chopped carrot and the same amount of chopped celery until softened. Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and cook briefly before adding 1 cup of…… Continue reading red lentil and cauliflower gratin
tofu salad
This Sichuan style salad is a delicious way to eat on a hot day. The dressing is fairly authentic although the carrots I added perhaps not as much. First soak some black fungus in boiling water to soften. Meanwhile make the dressing. Mince 6-8 cloves of garlic, a similar amount of fresh ginger and finely…… Continue reading tofu salad
pork and holy basil stir fry
This ubiquitous Thai dish called pad kra pao (pad gaprao, pad krapow), is traditionally a stir-fry of ground meat (Thomas made this with pork), lots of Thai holy basil and lots of chilies. It’s always served on rice and usually has a crispy fried egg on top. In a mortar and pestle pound 4-5 hot…… Continue reading pork and holy basil stir fry
olive oil ice cream
A good quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil is a surprisingly good addition to ice cream. This eggless version is rich with a wonderfully smooth mouth feel. I’m a convert! Measure 2 cups of full fat milk, removing 2 tablespoons of the milk to make a slurry with 4 – 5 teaspoons of cornflour (cornstarch).…… Continue reading olive oil ice cream
beet greens, sweet potato, lentils and coconut
Here’s a fabulous way to eat those beet greens and stems that often go to waste. Truly delicious! In a large, heavy pot heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced brown onion and sauté until translucent and soft. Add 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes and ¾ of a teaspoon…… Continue reading beet greens, sweet potato, lentils and coconut
michelle picker cooks 