Roasted Delicata Squash with Rosemary and Chicken Schmaltz
Sunday, October 08, 2023This easy Roasted Delicata Squash recipe features squash tossed with chicken schmaltz (rendered chicken fat), fresh rosemary, salt and pepper, roasted to beautifully golden, then sprinkled with crumbled feta, pomegranate arils and some more fresh herbs. If you don't have chicken schmaltz, then use clarified butter or olive oil. It makes an easy side dish in the autumn and winter and its cute ring shape makes it a perfect holiday dish.
Delicata squash, aka peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash, is naturally sweet and easy to cook. It is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so no peeling needed here.
Zucchini Tomato Casseole
Wednesday, August 09, 2023I often make this colourful summer squash casseole during summer months when they are in peak season or when I am looking for something healthy, flavourful and delicious for the family.
This classic summer meal couldn't be easier to prepare. Start by slicing the zucchini and tomatoes (about 1/4-inch thick) and place them in a baking dish. Prepare a Parmesan cheese and pork rind topping (use regular breadcrumbs if you ain't on keto) to scatter over the vegetables. Bake the casserole in oven until the crumb topping is golden and crispy. Enjoy!
Creamy Chanterelles
Wednesday, July 26, 2023With this simple recipe, the creamy chanterelles become particularly fine. The fragrant mushrooms in cream sauce taste mild yet very flavourful at the same time. The creamy chanterelle is very versatile and goes well with many dishes (pasta, dumplings, chicken or steak).
I usually use a brush and wet towel to clean the chanterelles. But if you pick them up in the woods, you might want to rinse them thoroughly under water, then use a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with towels. You can also wash the chanterelles, leave them in the fridge overnight to dry out and cook them the next day.
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Saturday, July 22, 2023These 3-ingredient Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are so delicious and addictive. A tasty addition to salads or soups or to enjoy as a crunchy snack. To avoid soggy zucchini crisps, you have to squeeze the excess moisture out of the vegetables before mixing with Parmesan and baking. It's gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Ottolenghi's Roasted Aubergine with Saffron Yoghurt
Wednesday, July 12, 2023This simple yet fantastic eggplant salad as a starter, with only minor changes, comes from one of my favourite chefs and cookbook authors, Yotam Ottolenghi.
Among all my favourite salad pairings, eggplant, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds has to be one of the tastiest. The creamy Greek yoghurt dressing uses a rejuvenating and elegant touch with the addition of saffron. With its contrasting flavours, vibrant bright colours, fresh herbs and toasted nuts, this salad is definitely bound to impress your guests and the family.
King Trumpet Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Saturday, July 08, 2023These fake "scallops" are made from the meaty, chewy King Trumpet mushroom stems and have the similar texture and appearance to the real stuff. They are first seared in a hot pan until beautifully golden brown and then drenched in a deliciously tangy lemony garlic butter sauce with fresh marjoram. It's naturally gluten-free, keto and nutritious. You can serve them with pasta, over salads or on a bed of your favourite dip.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Quail Eggs
Monday, June 26, 2023Crispy Halloumi with Zaalouk
Saturday, June 24, 2023Zaalouk is a popular Moroccan cooked salad or dip with eggplants and tomatoes seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic, and herbs. It's versatile, delicious with bold flavours and can be served warm or cold. Traditionally, zaalouk is served with crispy bread or flatbread, but to keep it low carb, I have paired it with some crispy, pan-fried Greek halloumi that works perfectly with the flavours of the well spiced eggplants and tomatoes.
Sumac Roasted Eggplants with Smoky Tahini Sauce
Saturday, June 10, 2023If you are interested in Middle Eastern food, then you will for sure enjoy this sumac roasted eggplants with pomegranate, pinenuts and smoky tahini sauce. This roasted eggplant recipe goes perfectly well with couscous, lentils or other wholegrains, and it is keto-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free. If you can't find those long slender eggplants, just use regular one.
Okra with Spicy Ginger Garlic Sauce
Friday, May 19, 2023Okra, aka Lady's Finger, is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Okra is also a good source of Magnesium and Folate. This 15-minute blanched okra recipe dressed with a spicy garlic ginger sauce is easy and great served warm or cold.
Okra often gets a bad reputation due to the slimy texture it gets if it’s not prepared properly. There are many ways to prepare this humble vegetable, but blanching / boiling okra is one of the simplest and healthiest. The best way is to blanch the okra whole without cutting it and adding cider vinegar to the boiling water also helps reduce the sliminess. You can either serve them whole after blanched or slice each okra in half lengthwise.
Tomato Mango Soup with Asparagus
Saturday, May 13, 2023A hint of mango adds a surprising subtle sweetness to this simple tomato soup. The soup is great served warm or chilled. I topped the soup with tender blanched green asparagus tips for a light and refreshing meal, but you can pair it with crispy croutons or baguette. For best result, use the ripe tomatoes and mango.
Roasted Asparagus with Pinenut Dukkah and Poached Egg
Monday, May 01, 2023Liven up your day with this fresh, fast and tasty roasted asparagus dish with dukkah, Parmesan and poached egg. These tender green spears make a perfect spring meal that will leave you feeling healthy, light, but full and satiated. You don't need vinegar to poach egg if they are fresh and don't add any salt as this may break up the egg white. The water for poaching eggs should be simmering or gently bubbling. A strong boil will cause the egg white to break apart.