Posts Tagged With: gluten-free

Stir-fried eggs with tomato and chilli soy

Posted on March 19, 2013 by melhm

Jill says, ‘This is a simple dish of Chinese ‘scrambled’ eggs that tastes fresh, clean and light. Serve with rice and Asian greens to max it up into a bigger meal.’

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: tomatoes, coriander, eggs, chilli, spring onions
Recipe source: adapted from a recipe by Jill Dupleix
Serves: 6 as a snack or 24 tastes

Equipment:

  • Chopping boards and knives
  • Salad spinner
  • Measures – 1/3 cup, tablespoons, teaspoons
  • Bowls – 2 large, small
  • Fork or whisk
  • 2 woks
  • Serving plates & small sauce bowls
 Ingredients:

  • 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
  • A small bunch of coriander
  • 1 long red chilli (or green if you don’t want too much heat!)
  • 2/3 cup light soy sauce
  • 2 x 6 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 4 spring onions
  • Flaked salt & black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (we use vegetable or Rice Bran oil)

What to do:

  • Cut the tomatoes in half, scoop out and discard the seeds and juice, then finely chop the flesh. Set aside.
  • Wash and spin dry the coriander and pick out some juicy sprigs.
  • Slice the chilli in half lengthways and remove the seeds out by scraping each half. Slice the flesh really thinly and then mix the sliced chilli and soy sauce into 4 small sauce bowls. Set aside.
  • Wash and strip the first layer of skin from the spring onions and then thinly slice them. Crack 6 eggs each into both bowls, and then lightly beat each bowl. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil into each bowl, most of the spring onion, and some salt and pepper and combine.
  • Heat the 2 woks over high heat until hot, then add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add each bowl of egg mixture into the woks and leave for 10 seconds, then use a wooden paddle or spatula to slowly draw the outside of the egg mixture into the centre, allowing the uncooked egg to cook. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the egg is almost set, then scatter with the tomato. Lightly toss once or twice to warm through. (It’s important not to allow the tomato to cook for too long, or it will make the eggs too watery.)
  • Separate each wok mixture into 2 and then divide out between 4 serving plates. Scatter with the remaining spring onion and the coriander sprigs, then spoon over some chilli soy sauce and serve immediately.

Caution:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with chilli, as the capsaicin (the oil within the chilli) burns when it comes in contact with your eyes or sensitive skin.

Notes: Why do we discard the tomato seeds & juice in this recipe? Why do we scrape the seeds out of the chilli?

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Shanghai-style eggplant

Posted on March 18, 2013 by melhm

Chris says, ‘This is a very simple and a traditional Shanghai home-cooked dish. Every family in Shanghai has their own way to cook it and uses the exact same ingredients. The woman in Shanghai who is the best cook for this dish is very special. She is my mum. So I believe the best seasoning in the world is memories.’

Melissa says this recipe is for Grace & Estella!

ourkitchengarden.com

Fresh from the garden: eggplant, chilli, garlic
Recipe source: adapted from a recipe by Chris Yan on sbs.com.au/food
Serves: 6 or 24 tastes

Equipment:

  • Paper towel
  • Bowls – large, small
  • Scales
  • Chopping boards and knives
  • A wok
  • Slotted & wooden spoons
  • Measures – jug, tablespoons
  • Serving plates
 Ingredients:

  • 6 Japanese eggplant (also known as Lebanese) or 2 large eggplant
  • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large red chilli (or green if you don’t want too much heat!)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 200ml water
  • 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

What to do:

  • Wash and wipe dry the eggplant and cut off the stem & leaves. Weigh to make sure you have 500g. Then cut into 5cm thick pieces.
  • Wash and wipe dry the chilli and roughly cut into chunks.
  • Bruise the garlic cloves with your hand or the blade of a large knife and then peel.
  • Heat oil in wok until shimmering. Add chilli and garlic cloves and cook for 20 seconds. Remove the chilli with a slotted spoon and reserve.
  • Add the eggplant and gently stir-fry. When eggplants have soaked up all of the oil, add 1 tablespoon of the water. Keep adding water, a tablespoon at a time until eggplants are soft and you have used half of the water.
  • Stir in dark soy sauce and sugar. Stir well and add remaining water. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for 1 minute. Uncover, the liquid should have been absorbed.
  • Return chilli to wok, toss for 30 seconds and serve.
  • Eat immediately, but watch out the temperature very hot! Seriously!

Caution:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with chilli, as the capsaicin (the oil within the chilli) burns when it comes in contact with your eyes or sensitive skin.

 Notes: What does bruising a clove of garlic mean? Where is Shanghai? What food memories do you have?

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Roasted capsicum

Posted on March 2, 2013 by melhm

A wonderful thing happens when you roast capsicum: the crunchy and slightly sour tastes make way for luscious, slippery sweetness – & when married with garlic and herbs the effect is totes delish! My favourite thing to do is gobble these capsicum strips with the marinated feta, some pesto and slices of grilled bruschetta – a perfect little antipasto snack matched with a slice or 5 of super-thin prosciutto and/or some garlic prawns in terracotta, a la Dogs Bar circa 1993… happy days!

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: capsicum, garlic, thyme, marjoram, sage
Recipe source: Melissa

Equipment:

  • Bowls – big, medium
  • Baking tray
  • Oven mitts
  • Tongs
  • Freezer bag
  • Serving bowls
 Ingredients:

  • 4 or 5 capsicums
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • A head of garlic
  • A small handful of thyme sprigs
  • A small handful of marjoram sprigs
  • Flaked salt

What to do:

  • Preheat oven to 21oC.
  • Wash and thoroughly dry the capsicum.
  • Liberally douse the capsicum with olive oil, massaging the oil into every crevice.
  • Place capsicum onto the baking tray, together with the head of garlic and the thyme & marjoram sprigs.
  • Sprinkle a sparing quantity of flaked salt onto the capsicum and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully remove from oven with oven mitts and using the tongs, turn caps onto their sides.
  • Bake a further 10 minutes, then turn them over.
  • Repeat until all 4 sides have been in contact with the baking tray.
  • Once the capsicums are blackened and soft, remove from the oven, place into a freezer bag, seal tightly and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Once cool enough to handle, put pressure on the stem end and it will pop out. Tear the capsicum in half, and remove all pith and seeds, the skins with slide off easily.
  • Repeat for remainder of the roasted capsicums.
  • Peel off each clove of garlic and squeeze from tip to base. The roasted garlic cloves are much more fragrant and milder than pan fried garlic.
  • Tear the capsicum into thin strips and mix with the herby oil and garlic.
  • Divide into serving bowls and eat with crusty bread!

Notes: What goes well with capsicum? What other vegetables can you roast? Why do we put the capsicum in a plastic bag?

ourkitchengarden.net

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Gluten-free pizza dough

Posted on January 10, 2013 by melhm

This dough is great for a coeliac’s pizza, calzone or flatbreads – just follow the instructions below and use with any of our recipes. They turn out a treat!

ourkitchengarden.net

Recipe source: Melissa
Makes: 2 large pizza or 2 calzone

Equipment:

  • Scales
  • Stand mixer, bowl & dough hook
  • Measures – cup, ½ cup, tablespoon
  • Bowls – large, medium
  • Cling film
 Ingredients:

For the magic dough:

  • 2½ cups gluten-free plain flour
  • 7g dried instant yeast (GF)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for greasing

What to do:

  • Sift flour into the bowl of the stand mixer. Add the yeast and salt and mix to combine.
  • Make a well in the centre and add measured water and oil. Mix to form a soft dough and knead for about 5-7 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with cling film. Stand in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Using your fist, punch dough the down. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and then use with your favourite pizza or flatbread recipe.

Notes: Why do we leave the dough to rise? What is this process called?

ourkitchengarden.net

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Fish-free salad Nicoise

Posted on November 22, 2012 by melhm

Hugh says, ‘Without any tuna or anchovies, I guess you might upset the good people of Nice a bit with this one, but it is an exceptionally delicious and substantial salad – with plenty going on.’

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: new potatoes, green beans, eggs, small lettuce leaves, olives, basil, garlic
Recipe source: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Veg Every Day
Serves: 4 or 24 tastes

Equipment:

  • Scales
  • Chopping board & knife
  • Saucepans – med, small
  • Colander
  • Small jar & lid
  • Measures: tablespoon, teaspoon
  • Salad spinner
  • Serving plates
 Ingredients:

  • 500g new (baby) potatoes
  • 200g green beans
  • 8 large eggs at room temperature
  • A small handful baby lettuce leaves
  • A handful small black olives
  • About 12 basil leaves
  • Flaked salt and black pepper

For the dressing:

  • ½ small garlic clove
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • A pinch of sugar

 What to do:

  • Wash the beans and potatoes – do not peel them! Tail the beans & chop into 3cm lengths.
  • You can cook small new potatoes whole, but cut any larger ones in half or smaller, so they’re all roughly the same size. Cover with cold water in the medium saucepan, add salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-12 minutes until tender, adding the beans for the last 4 minutes. Drain, tip into a bowl and leave to cool.
  • To cook the eggs, bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. Add the eggs, return to a simmer, then cook for 7 minutes. Lightly crack the shells and run the eggs under cold water for a minute or two to stop the cooking, then leave to cool. Peel and quarter the eggs.
  • To make the dressing, put all the ingredients into a screw-topped jar, seasoning with salt and pepper, and shake until emulsified.
  • Halve, quarter or thickly slice the cooked potatoes. Put them back with the beans, add some of the dressing and toss gently together.
  • Wash the lettuce & basil leaves in several changes of water. Spin-dry and then gently toss in a bowl with a little of the dressing.
  • Arrange the lettuce, potatoes, and beans on your serving plates and distribute the olives and eggs over the salad. Scatter with torn basil leaves, trickle over the remainingdressing and grind over some pepper. Serve straight away.

Notes: What does emulsified mean? What does the adjective Niçoise mean?

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Soft polenta with broad beans and spring onions

Posted on November 21, 2012 by melhm

This dish makes for a great little lunch! Feel free to shave a little parmesan over too if you want…

ourkitchengarden.net

From the garden: broad beans, onions, spring onions, parsley, lemon, garlic, sweetcorn
Recipe source: Melissa
Serves: 6 at home or 24 tastes

Equipment:

  • Chopping board & knife
  • Small paring knife
  • Garlic press
  • Scales
  • Bowls – large, med, small
  • 1 heavy-based saucepan& lid
  • 1 small saucepan & lid
  • Colander
  • Measuring jug
  • Wooden spoon
  • Non-stick frying pan & lid
  • Serving bowls
 Ingredients:

  • 1 corn cob
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 100g coarse polenta
  • 1kg broad beans in shell
  • 1 onion
  • 6 spring onions
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small bunch parsley
  • ½ tablespoon vegetable bouillon
  • 100ml boiling water
  • A lemon
  • Flaked salt and black pepper

What to do:

  • Peel the husks from the corn, then slice the corn from the cob. Peel and crush 2 cloves of the garlic with the garlic press. Add the corn and garlic to the heavy based saucepan with 500ml water and bring to the boil over a moderate flame.
  • Measure the polenta & then rain it in to the corn water, stirring. Cover & reduce to a mere simmer 15 mins, stirring every few minutes.
  • Meanwhile fill the small saucepan with water & set to boil on high heat.
  • Pod the broad beans, discarding the outer shell into the compost, and add beans to the boiling water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and have ready.
  • Boil the broad beans for 3 minutes, drain and then immediately refresh in the bowl of cold water for 30 seconds. Drain again and double-pod by slipping the outer shell off into the compost. Reserve beans.
  • Place the bouillon in to the measuring jug and carefully add 300ml boiling water, stir.
  • Peel the brown onion and finely chop. Wash the spring onions and chop into 1cm lengths. Peel the remaining 4 cloves of garlic and finely slice. Wash and spin the parsley dry, pick and chop. Zest the lemon and then cut in half and squeeze one half.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the frying pan and begin to cook the chopped brown onion for 3-4 minutes over a medium to high heat until lightly golden, then add the garlic and cook gently for a further minute.
  • Now add the podded broad beans, the chopped spring onion and the hot stock and place a lid on the pan. Turn the heat down and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  • Take the lid off and increase the heat to medium. Continue to simmer till the liquid has reduced and become slightly syrupy – about 5 minutes. Sprinkle over the parsley and lemon zest, add lemon juice to taste, and stir to incorporate.
  • When the polenta is ready, remove the lid and season well. Spoon onto serving bowls, and then add the broad beans with the juices poured over.
  • ourkitchengarden.net
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Fine herb omelette

Posted on November 21, 2012 by melhm

This appears to be an easy recipe but many top chefs are judged by their ability to execute the perfect omelette! At home you can insert a little gruyere cheese or sliced ham, but we like it simply adorned with some beautifully fragrant herbs.

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: eggs, chives, oregano, parsley, marjoram
Recipe source: Melissa
Makes: 4 omelettes

Equipment:

  • Salad spinner
  • Bowls – 1 large, 1 small
  • Mezzaluna or scissors
  • Fork, butter knife
  • 2 x 23cm non-stick  frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Serving plates
 Ingredients:

  • 8 eggs, at room temperature
  • A large handful mixed herbs: chives, oregano, parsley and marjoram
  • Flaked salt & black pepper
  • 60g butter

 What to do:

  • Wash and carefully dry the herbs, picking off the leaves and discarding the stalks.
  • Using the mezzaluna or scissors, gently & carefully chop the herbs without mashing them.
  • We are going to cook the omelettes two at a time, using 2 eggs for each.
  • Break the first two eggs into the small bowl and whisk lightly with a fork.
  • Add the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper.
  • Weigh the butter & cut off a quarter.
  • Heat that quarter of the butter in the 1st frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Once the foam dies down, pour in the egg mixture and gently rotate the pan to distribute. Cook for 20 seconds or so, until it begins to bubble, then draw the egg into the centre with the wooden spoon and rotate the pan again to redistribute the uncooked egg.
  • Break the next two eggs into the bowl and continue as for the first lot.
  • The omelettes are cooked when the base is set, but are still slightly runny in the middle.
  • Remove the pans from the heat and fold 2 sides of each omelette into the middle and slide out onto your serving plate. Repeat.

Notes: What does redistribute mean? Why do we leave the omelette slightly runny in the middle? Where does the word omelette come from?

 

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Globe artichokes with lemon vinaigrette

Posted on November 21, 2012 by melhm

Artichokes are such a prehistoric-looking plant, with huge leaves and forbidding-looking flower buds… but they are truly delicious once you know what to do with them!

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: artichokes, lemon, thyme, lemon thyme
Recipe source: Melissa
Serves: 4 or 24 tastes

Equipment:

  • Stainless steel stockpot & lid
  • Measuring tablespoon
  • Mortar & pestle
  • Measuring 1/3 cup
  • Lemon juicer
  • Balloon whisk
  • Teaspoon
  • Chopping board & knife
  • Tongs & colander
  • Soup plates to serve
 Ingredients:

  • 4 globe artichokes
  • A couple of sprigs of thyme or lemon thyme
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Cooking salt
  • Flaked salt & black pepper

 

What to do:

  • Fill the stockpot with water & set to boil on high heat.
  • One by one, hold each artichoke on the edge of the counter with the stem overhanging, and quickly snap it off the head. Pull the straggly & older leaves off and check that the artichoke will sit up straight, trimming the base if needed.
  • Add a tablespoon of cooking salt to the water when boiling and add the artichokes. Wash your hands to remove the bitterness!
  • Cook for about 10 minutes (a little longer for the big ones) and then check the base with a skewer to see if tender. Remove when done using the tongs and drain upside-down in the colander.
  • Meanwhile, peel the garlic clove and put it in the mortar with a large pinch of salt. Pound to a paste. Juice the lemon and add the juice to the mortar (without pips) then stir the lot with the teaspoon and scrape it into the large bowl. Stir in the oil and grind some pepper, then whisk the dressing lightly.
  • Wash, dry and pick the thyme leaves and then add to the vinaigrette.
  • Place each artichoke in the centre of each soup plate and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top.To eat, pull each leaf away from the artichoke and dab in the vinaigrette. Scrape the bottom part between your teeth, and then discard the leaf. Once you near the middle and the super-tender leaves, you can remove them in a clump to expose the ‘choke’ – scrape this off carefully with a teaspoon and discard to reveal the best of all – the heart, soaked in all the left-over juices! Yum yum. 

Notes: What sort of plant is this? How else could you eat it? Why don’t you eat the choke? What makes your hands bitter? What else can be made from artichokes?

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Cornersmith’s winter bouillon

Posted on November 5, 2012 by melhm

This recipe is a ‘sister recipe’ to the Cornersmith Salad. The aim of this recipe is to use up the excess vegetable parts – carrot tops, fennel tops, spinach stems, parsley stems etc. The recipe can be varied with the seasons by adding what you have on hand.

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: leeks, fennel, carrots, parsley, mint, coriander, onions
Recipe source: Alex and Jamie at Cornersmith Café, Marrickville
Makes: about 20 medium to large jars

Equipment:

  • Jars and lids
  • Large oven tray
  • Paper towel
  • Scales
  • Chopping boards& knives
  • Large bowls
  • Wooden spoons
  • Food processor
  • Funnel
 Ingredients:

  • 1kg brown onion
  • 1kg leeks
  • 1kg fennel, including tops
  • 1kg Dutch carrots
  • 1kg celery
  • Carrot tops
  • 4 bunches parsley
  • 2 bunches mint
  • 2 bunches coriander
  • 200 sundried tomatoes
  • 2 heads garlic
  • 1kg fine cooking salt

What to do:

  • Preheat the oven to 140C.
  • Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, rinse well and drain upside down.
  • Place all the jars onto an oven tray, right side up, and slide into the oven to sterilize for 15 mins.
  • Dry lids with a clean piece of paper towel.
  • Wash (and scrub if needed) all the vegetables and herbs. Peel the onion & garlic, and carrots if needed.
  • Using the large knife, chop all ingredients into medium sized chunks.
  • In a large bowl, mix the ingredients thoroughly with the salt so it is mixed in evenly.
  • In batches if necessary, add the ingredients to the food processor.
  • Process into a thick paste.
  • Put the funnel into the top of the sterilized jars.
  • Fill the jars and seal tightly.

Notes:This is used as a replacement to stock: one or two teaspoons dissolved in 500ml boiling water. It can be added to stews and soups or any meals that need a boost of flavour.

Bouillon will last for 6 months unopened and stored in a cool dark place. Once opened,it will last for 3 months in the fridge.

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Wild rocket, broad bean, radish & Reggiano salad

Posted on October 30, 2012 by melhm

This salad is a beautiful celebration of Spring, with lots of lovely contrasting textures and flavours.

ourkitchengarden.net

Fresh from the garden: wild rocket, lettuces, broad beans, radishes, marjoram, edible flowers
Recipe source: Melissa, kitchen specialist Bondi PS

Equipment:

  • Saucepan & lid
  • Bowls – 2 large, 2 med, 1 small
  • Colander
  • 2 salad spinners
  • Paper towel
  • Mandoline
  • Potato peeler
  • Measuring – 1/4 cup, tablespoon, teaspoon
  • A small jar with lid
  • Plates or bowls to serve
 Ingredients:

  • 2 large handfuls of wild rocket
  • A handful lettuce leaves
  • 500g broad beans in pod
  • 4 radishes
  • 2 sprigs marjoram
  • 50g parmigiano-reggiano
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • A teaspoon of honey
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Flaked salt & black pepper
  • Wild rocket or nasturtium flowers

What to do:

  • Fill the saucepan with water & set to boil on high heat.
  • Pod the broad beans, discarding the outer shell into the compost and add beans to the boiling water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and have ready.
  • Boil the broad beans for 3 minutes, drain and then immediately refresh in the bowl of cold water. Drain again and double-pod by slipping the outer shell off into the compost. Reserve beans.
  • Wash the rocket & lettuces really well and spin dry in sections, reserving in a large clean, dry bowl. Wash & dry the marjoram sprigs, picking the leaves and leaving whole.
  • Using the potato peeler, shave off thin slices of parmesan into the small bowl.
  • Scrub the radishes clean, wipe dry and using the mandoline or a peeler, carefully slice into thin discs.
  • For the dressing, measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar and honey and pour them into the jar. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and then put the lid on & give the jar a good shake.
  • Drizzle the dressing around the large lettuce and rocket bowl and gently turn the leaves with your fingers.
  • Place the leaves in the serving bowls, scatter the broad beans and radish slices and then sprinkle over the marjoram leaves and parmesan shavings.
  • Finish by carefully placing the wild rocket flowers on top of the bowls of salad. Serve immediately!

Notes: Where does parmigiano-reggiano come from? Why do we use honey vinaigrette here instead of the lemony dressing? What do the wild rocket flowers taste like?

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