Featured Recipe
Peposo - Tuscan Black Pepper Beef Stew
Friday, September 19, 2025 |
|
Peposo, peppery in Italian, is an Italian, or rather Tuscan stew consisting of beef, lots of red wine, garlic and plenty of pepper. Not only is it amazingly delicious, it also has a strong connection to Filippo Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome in Florence.
In 1400 Filippo Brunelleschi was responsible for the design and construction of the Cathedral’s dome (Duomo) and also for the management of the workers and their working times. He took his cue from the workers of the Impruneta furnaces to optimize the times of the lunch break and, therefore, the long climbs and descents from the Duomo’s very high scaffolding. He had two canteens built on scaffolding from where workers could eat without having to get off. According to some versions of the story, it was even Brunelleschi himself who came up with the idea of adding a generous portion of pepper to the meat. So that his workers could work even better after a well-seasoned meal.
There are many variations of this dish, some starting with a base of onions, crrots and celery, others richly infused with tomato. Many recipes also use the usual additions like rosemary, bay leaf, sage or garlic to the stew. But the authentic slow cooked stew is unpretentious and down-to-earth simple--pared back to the essentials. Just for key ingredients are needed: beef, peppercorns, and a generous amount of Chianti Classico.
I have included garlic in my version, but leave them out if you are not a fan. It is important to use a ridiculously large amount of freshly crushed black pepper. I used a mixture of 20 grams of long pippali black pepper and tellicherry black pepper. Use any other types of black peppers you prefer. Ciabatta is the classic accompaniment to peposo. However, any homemade bread, polenta or mashed potatoes are also delicious. If you like pasta or dumplings, go for it!
Sumac-roasted Chicken Traybake
Monday, September 15, 2025 |
|
This middle eastern inspired sumac roasted chicken recipe is bursting with flavours. A delicious traybake that the whole family will enjoy. Don't skip the yoghurt sauce, which is is a key component of the dish, adding a cooling contrast to the well-spiced chicken. You can either drizzle the yoghurt dressing over the chicken or plate the chicken on top of the sauce and sprinkle with extra sumac if desired.
Sumac has a tangy, citrusy, and slightly sour taste with fruity undertones. It's often compared to lemon juice and zest due to its tartness, but it's a bit milder and more complex.
Güvec – Turkish Beef and Vegetable Stew
Saturday, September 13, 2025 |
|
A Güvec is a Turkish clay pot in which the Güvec stew of meat and/or vegetables the same name is prepared. This means that all the ingredients are simply layered on top of each other and cooked together in the pot. However, you can also prepare it in a slow cooker to achieve the same effect. A dutch oven works just great too. When cooking in a Güveç pot or slow cooker, use very little or no stock in the dish as it tastes better when everything cooks in their own juices. If you make this in a dutch oven, add 100-200 ml of beef stock, so it won’t dry up. There is no standard recipe for this dish as the ingredients vary according to region and taste. A typical Güveç might include tender chunks of meat such as lamb, beef, or chicken. Though there are also plenty of seafood versions or vegetarian options featuring an array of fresh vegetables, the most traditional version is made with lamb or beef. Common additions include onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, green beans and potatoes. Some variations also include legumes such as chickpeas or beans. Serve it with rice, bulgur or flatbread to mop up the sauce.
Grilled Radish Skewers
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 |
|
This tasty grilled radish recipe requires minimal ingredients: radishes, olive oil, dill, salt and pepper. Grilling radishes takes out the spicy and peppery flavour and gets them tender and sweet while leaving just a bit of refreshing crunch on the inside. Not only is it delicious and easy, it is also nutritious. Radishes are a great source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium. They make a perfect appetizer or you can serve them with some grilled chicken or your favourite protein for a satisfying meal.
Herby Pinenut Crumbed Salmon
Sunday, August 24, 2025 |
|
Tender, flavourful side of salmon with a tasty crumb made with pine nuts, macadamia nuts, and fresh dill is perfect for a party: it takes minutes to put together, can be prepared ahead, and looks really impressive. you didn't need to use pine nuts and macadamias since they are relatively expensive. Pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts are great substitutes.
Easy Chicken Cassoulet
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 |
|
A quick and healthier take on the traditional French dish Cassoulet with affordable bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks and canned black beans. The name comes from cassolle, the partially glazed earthenware dish that it is traditionally cooked in. Without typical pork, mutton or sausages, this modified version is definitely leaner but still full of flavour. If you are a food snob, a purist or a perfectionist, then please don’t feel offended because this is not an authentic cassoulet. I should have just named it Chicken with Black Beans. Anyway, it is not a traditional cassoulet per se, but makes great weeknight meals and just as rich, delicious and comforting as the original. You can use other kinds of canned beans or lentils.
Tempero Baiano Chicken - Air-fried Brazillian Chicken
Saturday, August 16, 2025 |
|
Tempero Baiano is a spice blend originating from the northern Brazilian state of Bahia. The spice blend has bold, earthy and exotic flavours that add zest to meat, seafood, legumes, vegetables, stews and many traditional Brazilian recipes. This Brazillian chicken recipe comes together in a flash, making it perfect for the last minute guests. You can cook this either in your airfryer or oven.
Chicken Bhuna
Saturday, August 02, 2025 |
|
Chicken bhuna is a thick Indian curry cooked in it's own juices. The name Bhuna means ‘fried’ and describes the technique used to prepare the Bhuna chicken. The first step is to heat up the garlic, chillies and spices in ghee. This allows them to develop a slightly smoky, particularly strong flavour. Once they are fragrant, add the onions and tomatoes and braise until they formed a thick, aromatic base. The chicken is then cooked directly in the sauce to soak up the spices. And if that doesn't sound delicious, I don't know what will. This easy, healthy chicken bhuna recipe is great for a weekend treat and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For ease and quick cooking time I have opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can definitely use bone in skin on thighs.
Thai Salmon Green Curry
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
|
Try this creamy, warming one pan salmon for your next curry night! Either use store-bought green curry paste or make your own, you'll be tucking into this delicious, flavoursome dish in no time at all. I used pak choi, but sugar peas, asparagus, broccolini, or zucchini ribbons would all work great. Sweet coconut cream tempers the fiery pungency of green chillies, but feel free to deseed the green chillies if you prefer less heat.
Keto Chicken Piccata
Sunday, July 27, 2025 |
|
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, seasoned and pan-seared to perfection until the skin is golden crispy, paired with a bright, tangy, buttery sauce. A quick and delicious meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes.
Piccata is a quick and delicious Italian-American dish with Italian roots. Traditionally, it uses veal cutlets lightly dredged in flour, pan-seared and served in a lemon butter sauce and the name reflects exactly its preparation method. I tried a less traditional recipe with chicken thighs and omitted the flour-coating. You are welcome to use chicken breast or cutlets, lightly coated with seasoned flour, if you prefer.
Coffee and Chilli Beef Koftas with Grilled Onions
Sunday, June 29, 2025 |
|
Coffee and chilli-rubbed beef koftas with a simple grilled onion and herb salad, adapted slightly from Ottolenghi, are truly a Middle-Eastern feast and perfect for a bbq or party. The rich and smoky flavour of coffee add a depth of flavour and complexity to those koftas without overpowering the natural, beefy flavour. To avoid an overly bitter flavour when cooking at 240C/475F, use instant coffee instead of coffee grinds. The caffeine is going to burn off during the cooking process, similar to cooking with alcohol. As an added bonus, the acidity in coffee helps tenderise the meat. And mild cascabel chilli adds just the right amount of heat.
Tomato Mousse with Avocado
Saturday, June 21, 2025 |
|
Elevate your appetizer game with this light and delicate tomato mousse with avocado! Made with sweet vine-ripened tomatoes, shallot, olive oil and lemon juice, this recipe is easy, packed with tomato flavour and delicious. They are ideal for summer gatherings or as a light lunch with some homemade bread. Add some cocktail shrimp or mini Mozzarella to the avocado mixture for the protein boost if desired. For a change, I have chilled the pudding in glasses at an angle, but you can simply fill some pretty glasses and top with the avocado mixture.