Pomegranate Molasses and Honey glazed Meatballs
Tuesday, December 27, 2022These meatballs are soft, tender and so flavourful, but what really brings them to life and sets them apart from other meatball recipes is the use of pomegranate molasses. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup of boiled pomegranate juice, and has a fruity sweetness that's countered by a lovely, sharp tart flavour. It's most commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine and often used to enhance savoury dishes, esp. red meat and game, with fruity flavours.
Ras el Hanout Spiced Mixed Nuts
Saturday, December 24, 2022Ras el hanout, literally translated as “head of shop,” is a spice mixture used in North African cooking. The mixture usually consists of over a dozen spices, in different proportions. Common ingredients include cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, dry ginger, chili peppers, coriander seed, peppercorn, sweet and hot paprika, fenugreek, and dry turmeric. I bought the spice blend in a local supermarket, but it's super easy to make your own. Here is a simplified recipe if you want to try it.
The spice blend gives extra oomph to this simple homemade nut mix. The nuts are delicious and provide the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber that help beat in-between meal blahs and also great as a homemade gift too. I have used a mixture of pecans, walnuts, cashews and almonds, but any other nut combination would work too.
Roasted Salmon with Capers and Dill
Thursday, December 22, 2022This healthy baked salmon is the easy and tasty way to feed a crowd. It's more hands-off than cooking salmon on the stovetop--everything is oven-baked in foil, making prep and cleanup a breeze and it delivers a perfect medium-cooked fillet that’s tender and flaky. Salmon is terrific with just a sprinkle of fresh herbs (thyme,tarragon, parsley or dill) and a wedge of lemon squeezed over top as you serve it with any of your favorite veggies or salad.
I added a bed of lemon slices to infuse the fish with a citrusy freshness. If you prefer a crispy skin, then try this Garam Masala Pan Seared Salmon recipe!
Smoked Salmon Black Radish Bites with Caviar
Wednesday, December 21, 2022Roasted Carrots with Pumpkin Seed Pesto and Yoghurt
Sunday, December 18, 2022Use baby carrots or heirloom carrots if you could find them. Adding pesto is an easy way to elevate the flavour of this humble root vegetable. It makes a perfect side dish or even a lunch. Swap the yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative if you have a dairy sensitivity. Leftover pesto is perfect on some pasta or served as a dip.
Ottolenghi's Tomato Salad with Ginger Garlic Dressing
Friday, December 16, 2022Eat it on its own with crusty bread to mop up those gorgeous juices, or as part of a meze-style spread. The quality of the tomatoes you use will make all the difference, so use the ripest and sweetest ones you can find. It's incredibly simple but, when made with perfectly ripe tomatoes, is a real delight. The punchy dressing, with its garlic, ginger and fish sauce, is what makes this salad so special. Use whatever mixture of tomatoes you can get your hands on, and serve alongside fish dishes or a steak.
Roasted Pumpkins with Feta, Pepita and Tomato
Wednesday, December 14, 2022Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup with Lentils
Monday, December 12, 2022Black Radish Salad with Red Cress
Saturday, December 10, 2022Black radishes have an earthy, spicy, pungent, peppery flavour reminiscent of horseradish and are great for both raw and cooked. When eaten raw, it's better grate, chop or slice the radish. It becomes so much milder and has tastes of carrots when cooked. The black skin is edible, peel if a milder taste is desired. The black radish root is composed of flavonoids, but also of many vitamins, including vitamin A, group B vitamins, including B9, and vitamin C. It is anti-infectious, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.