Garam Masala Mashed Pumpkin with Harissa Black Lentils
Saturday, January 14, 2023The earthy harissa-flavoured beluga lentils go so perfectly with the rich and creamy mashed pumpkin, which makes a nourishing and delicious meal to have on a cold winter day!
I prefer to make my own pumpkin puree by roasting them in oven until very soft, then simply process them into a puree. But you can use canned variety too. Black lentils are also known as beluga lentils since they resemble beluga caviar, the most prized of all caviar varieties. They hold their shape exceptionally well when cooked, very much like French lentils (aka Le Puy lentils). Feel free to use other types of lentils instead if you can't find them.
Buckwheat Salad with Chestnut Dressing
Thursday, January 12, 2023Buckwheat are the seeds of a flowering plant related to rhubarb. Contrary to the name, they are not related to wheat. Buckwheat groats are naturally gluten-free and has a low GI. They have wonderfully earthy and nutty flavour, nutritious and incredibly satisfying. You want to slightly undercook them because buckwheat tends to become mushy when overcooked. Substitute the buckwheat with millet or couscous for the recipe if desired.
Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing
Tuesday, January 10, 2023With distinctively nutty mâche, delightfully sharp and bitter radicchio, sweet mandarin, rich smoked sockeye salmon and creamy, herby lemon dressing, this keto-friendly, gluten-free salad is chock-full of fresh flavours, crunchy and juicy textures, and essential nutrients. I have also added some leftover trout caviar to the salad, but it's completely optional. Instead of mâche, you can also use arugula, baby beet greens, spinach or simply a mesclun mix.
Keto Cucumber Sandwiches with Goat Cheese and Black Olive
Sunday, January 08, 2023Looking for easy, healthy, delicious, keto-friendly and gluten free snack or lunch ideas? These breadless cucumber sandwiches have got you covered. I have cut the cucumber horizontally, but you can simply slice it into rounds. Due to the high water content, cucumbers are a real slimming treat. 100 grams of cucumber provide just 12 kilocalories. In addition, cucumbers contain the potassium, iron, zinc and fluorine and some vitamin C. And with the fresh, creamy Chavroux goat cheese, there is also satiating protein between the slices. If you don't like olives, sundried tomatoes would be a great alternative.
Lupin Salad with Black Olives and Tomatoes
Friday, January 06, 2023Lupin (aka lupine or lupini) are a legume enjoyed in the Mediterranean region and they’re also very well known in Middle Eastern countries like Jordan and Egypt. They are high in protein, fibre, potassium, magnesium and many other minerals and vitamins. Around the same size as fava beans, these yellow legumes have a sweet, nutty flavor and firm, hearty texture. They are a nutritional powerhouse with nearly double the amount of protein that's in chickpeas.
Discover the delights of lupin beans in this colourful, nourishing salad. High in protein, lupin beans and boiled eggs together, make this meal deliciously healthy and filling. You can add or substitute other beans or legumes such as white beans, chickpeas, and French lentils, but keep the boiled eggs for nutritional balance.
Omek Houria - Tunisian Mashed Carrot Salad
Wednesday, January 04, 2023Omek Houria is a Tunisian salad made with mashed vegetables, usually carrots, but zucchini or squash are equally good, and tossed with a harissa caraway dressing. The salad is usually garnished with boiled eggs, Feta, olives, capers or tuna. Spicy harissa, fresh cilantro, lemon juice and caraway seeds add an extra, wonderful layer of flavour, depth, and complexity to this simple salad that is traditionally served as an appetizer, but can equally well be an ideal accompaniment to any grilled meat or pan fried fish.
Avocado Salad with Garlicky Anchovy Vinaigrette
Monday, January 02, 2023The tangy, garlicky anchovy dressing is fantastic with creamy, buttery avocado, crispy red lettuce and tender red radish cress. The dressing really brings the boring lettuce salad to life and it packs full of flavours. Plus it just takes 15 minutes to prepare. If desired, add some prawns or smoked salmon for the protein boost.
German Cheese and Leek Soup
Saturday, December 31, 2022Cheese spread, aka Schmelzkäse in Germany, and crème fraîche add a comforting creaminess to this indulgent cheesy leek soup recipe. It's a very popular soup in cold winter days here in Germany and traditionally, this German cheese leek soup (Käse-Lauch-Suppe) is prepared with ground meat. I had chosen to leave it out as I had a huge porterhouse as the main. However, you can top the soup with some crispy bacon bites and croutons for the crunchiness or simply serve it with some warm bread or rye crackers.
Cheese spread or processed cheese (Schmelzkäse in German) is made from ripe semi-hard cheese or fresh cheese (at least 50 %) with the addition of other milk products, such as butter or cream. It thickens sauces and soups and gives the dishes a fine, savoury note. Processed cheese is also perfect for gratin. It usually has a longer shelf life.
Baked Mushrooms with Goat Cheese, Jamón Ibérico and Truffle
Thursday, December 29, 2022Easy baked mushrooms with goat cheese would make the perfect starter for any dinner party! Ready in 20 minutes - each mushroom is flavoured with pesto sauce, then top with a slice of soft goat cheese, Jamón Ibérico ham, and pine nuts, baked until cheese warm and gooey, then served with shaved black truffle and some salad leaves. This recipe can be swapped with other cheeses like blue cheese or cream cheese and Jamón Ibérico can be replaced with prosciutto.