Mashed Sweet Potato with a twist

Ingredients700g sweet potatoes A small bunch of fresh coriander 2tbsp mango chutney Soy sauce 2 limes

Method 1. Wash the sweet potatoes, trim off any gnarly bits, then cut them into chunks and put them into a steamer with half a lime. Add water and steam them for about twelve minutes or until tender. 2.  Finely chop the coriander on a large wooden chopping board, setting a few leaves aside for the garnish. Add the mango chutney, a good splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, the juice from ½ a lime and the reserved chopped chilli. Chop and mix everything together on the board. 3. Check the sweet potato are cooked through, then use tongs to squeeze over the juice from the hot lime half and discard them. 4. Carefully tip the sweet potatoes on top of the mango chutney mixture and use a knife or masher to chop and mash everything together, including the skins. Season to taste, adding more fresh lime juice if needed.

Roasted Potato Wedges with Spicy Feta and Coriander

Ingredients1 medium potato 2 sweet potatoes olive oil 1 fresh red chilli A bunch of fresh coriander 50g (1¾oz) feta cheese

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. 2. Toss the sweet potato wedges in a roasting tray with a pinch of salt and pepper, the paprika and a lug of olive oil. 3. Cook in the hot oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. 4. Meanwhile, finely chop the red chilli and most of the coriander on a board, mixing as you go. Add the feta and keep chopping and mixing. 5. Toss the coriander, feta mix through the wedges.

Black Beans

Black beans, or turtle beans as they are also known, are a staple from Cuba to Mexico and down into South America. Black beans are full of iron and really easy to cook.  I have been able to find the raw ones in health food stores here on the peninsula.  I have also found organic tinned ones at the Blairgowrie IGA. Black beans are very versatile - lovely in a burrito, as a dip with chips and salsa, as the bean in chili con carne and just with a side of saffron rice- and they freeze well, too!  Because I soak the raw beans with vegetables and spices, they have more flavour.  I also add a piece of seaweed adding nutrients to this already nutritious protein.  If you prefer to use tinned ones, skip to #5

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked black beans (or use 2 tins of precooked) 2 medium to large red onions 1-2 capsicums - green or coloured depending on your preference 8 large garlic cloves 1 chili pepper 6 bay leaves Olive oil for frying the onions, peppers and garlic 1 large tablespoon tomato paste 3-5 medium size tomatoes 1 tbsp cumin seeds toasted and then ground zest from one lime coriander leaves and stems Salt and Pepper to taste

Method 1.  SOAKING OF THE BEANS Clean and rinse the beans several times looking for any little pebbles. Place in a stock pot with 1 onion cut into quarters, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 4 peeled garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, large piece of Kombu seaweed. 2.  Fill the pot with water about 1 inch above the bean line, cover and soak overnight for at least 12 hours…. 3. In the morning,  check the bean water line- water has been absorbed, add more, at least 1-inch above the bean line.  Bring to a high boil for about 5minutes, stir and reduce to low heat. 4.  Cook uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours.  Stir and keep checking water line and bean tenderness.  You want a bean that is tender, not mushy. You can take veggies out and puree them with the bean water and add it back in if you want a wetter bean.  For burritos, I like to drain the beans in a colander. 5. Meanwhile in a large fry pan, heat oil.  Add 3 bay leaves, 4 garlic cloves pressed, 1 large onion finely diced, 1 capsicum finely diced, chilies finely diced (optional).  Continually stir until onion is translucent. 6.  Toast cumin seeds until they start jumping and brown slightly.  Grind in a mortar and pestle. 7.  Add cumin and tomato paste to the frying pan.  Then cut your tomatoes in half vertically and grate them into the frying pan too.  After a few minutes, add the beans. 8. Taste and adjust seasoning adding salt, pepper, lime juice, tomato paste.  The cumin should not be over powering. 9.  Just before serving top with minced coriander and the zest from one lime.

For Burritos

1. Take a tortilla.  layer black beans, avocado, salsa, rice, grated cheese and a bit of mixed lettuce and roll.

2. You can add a side of sour cream and/or make the avocado into guacamole!

Tomato Salsa

This is wonderfully fresh on corn chips or with black bean burritos. You can also make it when you have a glut of tomatoes and preserve for the winter.  This is a very quick recipe that involves no peeling of tomatoes.  I use a food processor and while the texture could be a bit chunkier, it takes 5 minutes at the most to prepare! Ingredients 6 tomatoes (I use the over ripe ones) 1 capsicum - coloured or green 1 red onion 2 fresh garlic cloves 1/4 bunch coriander - mince the leaves and stems juice of one lime 1/2 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp sea salt freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Roughly divide the onion,  capsicum, garlic cloves and optional chili pepper and put into food processor.  Mince finely (you may need to scrape the side of the bowl) 2. Add 4 tomatoes and olive oil and blend being careful to keep it a bit chunky. 3. Add lime juice and mix through. 4. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Depending on your tomatoes, you may need a pinch of sugar too. 5. Once the seasoning is right, add the extra tomatoes pulsing to keep them chunky.  Add coriander. Check seasoning.  Serve! 6. The flavours will marry over time but wonderful straight out of the mixer too.

Spring Lentil, Quinoa, Green Garlic and Coriander Salad

Ingredients1 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup cooked fine green lentils 3 baby carrots cut into skinny rounds 1 cup snow or sugar snap peas cut into bite size pieces 1 green garlic finely diced mixed greens - your choice, de-stemed, washed, spun 150 grams feta 1 bunch of coriander, dice the tops 2 limes - juiced and the zest from one 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar avocado

Method 1. Cook quinoa and lentils, in separate pots, and cool completely. (This step could be done in advance.) 2. Chop up coriander, juice and zest the lime, cut peas and carrot.  Dice green garlic.  Add all, including salt and pepper, olive oil and vinegar to the quinoa and lentils. Mix well and adjust seasoning. 3. Top with crumbled feta and serve on top of mixed greens. 4. Serve avocado on the side.  The flavour complements extremely well!

Green Beans, Peas, Pink Grapefruit and Coriander

This salad was made for us for dinner by my daughter and her grandmother and then made again the next day for lunch by my daughter by herself!!  She liked it so much she wrote down the recipe and asked to use the last of the bean harvest to make it for Sunday lunch.  Food made by other people does always taste great...delicious food made by a nine year old taste absolutely terrific!!!

She did not write down any amounts...but just mixed and tasted and did everything else by eye.  She left the chilies to me to add to my plate.

Ingredients Green Beans Snow Peas or Sugar Snaps Pink Grapefruit, peeled and sectioned Spring onion, cut or a little bit of red onion, diced small Coriander, ripped coarsley Cashews, toasted Chilies, diced finely - optional Dressing Juice of a whole lime or two couple of spoonfuls of dark brown sugar couple of shakes of fish sauce

Method 1. Steam or blanch the green beans and the peas. Cool in ice water. 2. Add to the grapefruit, onions and coriander. 3. Toss with dressing. 4. Serve alone or on top of mixed greens.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients1/4 cup (60ml) butter 2 leek 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 red birdseye chilli, finely chopped (optional) 1 cinnamon stick 3cm piece ginger, peeled, thinly sliced 1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1 apple 2 carrots 1.5kg pumpkin (Buttercup varieties work well for soups.  They have a richer flavour) 1/3 cup (70g) red split peas (optional) Fresh thyme, coriander and/or parsley Salt, Pepper and Cream

Method 1. Peel, seed and cut the pumpkin into 3cm pieces.  Lightly coat with olive oil and roast in a 220 oven for about 45 minutes or until golden.  Take care to turn the pumpkin a few times while roasting. 2. Thinly slice the white of the leek. Peel and coarsely chop the carrots. 3. Put butter, leeks, carrots, garlic and thyme into a large soup pan and lightly saute for about 5-10 minutes. 5. Place a cast iron fry pan on high heat and roast the cumin seeds.  Then grind them in a mortar and pestle. 4. Peel, core and slice into 1 1/2 cm cubes the apple.  Add apple, cinnamon, cumin and ginger to the leeks. Saute for another few minutes to release the flavour of the spices. 5. Add stock and split peas and gently simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils and carrots are tender. 6. Add in the roasted pumpkin and simmer for another five minutes. 7.  Blend.  Adjust seasonings for taste.  You can add more cinnamon, more chillies, more salt and pepper, or even a dollop of honey. 8.  Serve with a dollop of double cream and a sprinkle of coriander or parsley.

Beet and Carrot Salad

This is a quick recipe (10 minute) that we make alot for farm lunches. Ingredients 2 large beets grated 2 large carrots grated 100 grams feta crumbled 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Method 1.  I use a food processor to grate the beetroot and carrot. 2.  In a bowl, crumble the feta.  Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and coriander. 3.  Add beetroot and carrot and mix roughly.  Serve over lettuce or as a side.

Herby, Peanutty Noodly Salad

A bright and zingy dressing, handfuls of herbs and crunchy peanuts pack loads of flavour into simple, easy-to-cook noodles. Taken from the River Cottage Veg Every Day! cook book and featured in the TV series. Check out the River Cottage website for more recipes. Prep Time 10-15min Cook Time 10-15 min

Ingredients 150g Thai rice noodles 150g French beans 2 Large handfuls of peanuts 2 tbs Rice wine vinegar 1 tsp Soy sauce 1 tsp Sesame oil 1 Lime, juice and zest 1 clove garlic, grated ½ Red chilli, finely chopped 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 4 Spring onions, sliced 1 ½ tbs each of Mint, coriander and basil

Method 1.  Cook the noodles and beans in boiling water for about three minutes or until noodles are cooked and beans still have some crunch. 2.  Drain in a colander and refresh under cold running water. 3.  Roast the peanuts in the oven for 8 minutes or until golden. 4.  Put the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice and zest, garlic and chilli in a large bowl and give everything a good whisk. 5.  Add the drained noodles and beans to the bowl and give everything a good stir to ensure everything is evenly coated. 6.  Add the cucumber and spring onions to noodles and toss. 7.  Add the chopped herbs and give another good stir. 8.  Crush the peanuts with the back of a spoon. 9.  Plate the noodle salad and sprinkle with the toasted nuts.

Vegetable Pakoras - from Paul Dempsey

Paul and Lisa Dempsey are the faces behind Big Blue Backyard, a local, secluded, award winning, ocean beach hideaway for couples. Designed to blend into the natural environment, this unique retreat sits perfectly between the dunes abutting the National Park at wild and often deserted St Andrews Beach. Paul is a wonderfully diverse chef who draws his inspiration from the ingredients presented to him each week.  The meals served to guests are unique, exquisite and seasonal with ingredients sourced locally. This recipe is a great example of that.  Use it as a starting point to create something from what you have in your box.

Paul makes his pakoras on the fly so there really isn’t a recipe just a list of ingredients and a methodology of sorts.

Here are the quantities he used yesterday but that made at least 180. Par cooked pakora’s freeze beautifully so you can always have them on hand for last minute dinner ideas or unexpected guests.

Ingredients 1kg chick pea flour All the vegetables you want to use— Root vegetables – grate Peas – just podded Cabbage – shredded Peppers – julienned 5 brown onions sliced The roots of the coriander bunch blended with 10 whole green chillies 12 eggs, beaten

Method 1. Mix all the vegetables, beaten eggs and blended herbs together. 2. Depending on how much liquid comes out of the vegetables, one may have to add more chick pea flour to the mix to make the batter more viscous. 3. Gently heat canola/sunflower oil in large sauce pan or wok – medium to deep – oil should get to around 165degrees Celsius.  Using a large serving spoon, spoon big dollop of mixture one by one into the oil – make sure the stay separate and then as they brown gently roll each pakora around in the oil to cook and brown on all sides. (if you want to freeze a few, just let them get to golden brown) With a slatted spoon remove each one from the oil letting excess oil drip back into the pot and then lay to rest on some kitchen paper. 4. Serve warm with a grated yogurt and cucumber mix. 5.  If freezing some, allow to cool and then pack in zip lock bags and put in freezer.

Mango Salsa

This is a great seasonal salsa, perfect on its own with chips but also wonderful with fish and chicken!  Even though mangoes are not a local fruit, they are so delicious and so abundant in December when the spring coriander is just ready to bolt, we enjoy their season. With chicken, we make chicken cutlets, bread them and lightly fry them in olive oil.  I then put them into a baking dish, cover about 1/4 inch with white wine, and layer the mango salsa over the top.  bake in a 180 for about 25 minutes (until the chicken is cooked through) and then turn up the heat to 230 for about five minutes to caramelize the salsa.

Ingredients 2 mangoes bunch of coriander juice of one lime 1 or 2 cloves of garlic 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 or 2 chillies salt Optional Green onions Chives

Method 1. Dice the chillies leaving the seeds if you like your salsa hot.  Mash the garlic with a press.  Put chillies and garlic into the salsa bowl with the lime juice, olive oil and salt. 2.  Cut the cheeks off the mangoes.  Remove skin and cut into 2 cm chunks.  Cut the remainder of the mango flesh from the pit.  Combine with the chillies. 3. Roughly chop coriander.  Combine with other ingredients and taste to correct seasoning.  You can add chives and or green onions depending on your personal preference.

Swiss Chard Fritter from Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem

"There's something pure about these fritters – they're all about the chard and herbs" - Yotam Ottolenghi Ingredients 400g /14oz Swiss chard leaves, stalks removed 30g / 1oz flat leaf parsley 20g / 3/4oz coriander 20g / 3/4oz dill 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated 1/2 tsp sugar 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 eggs 80g / 3oz feta, crumbled 60ml olive oil Lemon wedges, for serving

Method 1. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil, and simmer the chard for five minutes. Drain, squeeze dry, then whizz in a food processor with the herbs, nutmeg, sugar, flour, garlic, eggs, a third of a teaspoon of salt and some pepper. Fold in the feta by hand. 2. Pour a tablespoon of oil into a frying pan over medium-high heat and spoon in three heaped tablespoons of the mix, one per fritter. Press down gently to shape into 7cm wide, 1cm thick fritters, and cook for three to four minutes, turning once, until they take on some colour. Transfer to kitchen paper and repeat with the remaining fritter mix and oil. Serve hot with a wedge of lemon.

YIELD  About 14 fritters, 4 appetizer servings

Taken from The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/01/pickled-bream-chard-fritter-recipe-roti

Asian Cucumber Condiment

This is a recipe from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites.  If you want to enliven a dish, this relish can do the job.  It's sweet, sour and spicy all at once. Ingredients 1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeded 1/4 cup peeled and shredded carrots 1/2 fresh chilli, seeded and minced 1/4 cup fresh lime juice or 3 tbsps rice vinegar 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

Method 1.  Slice both halves of the cucumber crosswise on the diagonal to make thin crescents. 2. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, carrots and minced chilli.  Set Aside. 3. Whisk together the lime juice, brown sugar, and fish sauce or salt, and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.  Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well.  Add coriander. 4. Chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Southeast Asian Fish Rolls

This is a recipe from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites.  These little fish rolls are another lovely finger food that can be served on a platter.  Each fish roll can have a tooth pick inserted after baking to keep them together. Ingredients 8 * 50-100gram fish fillets, such as flat head, whiting or perch 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes) 2 tbsps soy sauce 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1 tsp grated fresh ginger root 3 tbsps chopped fresh coriander 1/2 tsp freshly grated lime peel

Method 1.  Preheat over to 190C. 2.  Rinse the fish fillets, pat dry and set them aside. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together the lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, basil, ginger, cilantro and lime peel. 4. Lay the filets, skin side up (if they have it), on the counter and spoon 1/8 of the filling on to one end of each fillet.  Roll up each fillet and place close together in a nonreactive baking dish. 5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Delicious served with Asian Cucumber Condiment

Kohlrabi and Apple Salad

If eaten raw, kohlrabi is an excellent source of Vitamin C.  These succulent bulbs are also high in manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin and B6. Ingredients 2 heads of kohlrabi, stems removed and pealed 2 medium sized apples, cored 1 carrot 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped 1⁄8 cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 3 tsps agave or honey 3 tsps lime juice salt to taste

Method 1. Cut the kohlrabi, apples, and carrot into matchsticks and place them in a large bowl. 2. In a small glass mix together the vinegar, sesame oil, agave, and lime juice. 3. Pour this dressing over the chopped vegetables and mix well. 4. Fold in the cilantro and salt to taste. 5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Thai Salad Dressing

I love the simplicity of ingredients that create a very fresh and exciting Thai salad.  You can use this dressing over mesclun with red onion and cucumber or lettuce with carrots, red capsicum, and cucumber cut into matchsticks or cabbage and green onions.  Eat as a side or use the salad as a base for fried calamari, chicken fingers or a noodle dish. Ingredients 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil 2 tsps fish sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoon palm sugar (you can substitute brown sugar) 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 garlic clove, finely sliced 1 red chile, seeded and finely sliced 2 tablespoons coriander, chopped 2 tablespoons basil, chopped

You can add more of any of these ingredients, to taste!

Method 1. Prepare dressing by dissolving palm sugar in lime juice and fish sauce. 2. Add freshly ground black pepper to season and whisk in soy. 3. Finally add oil, ginger, garlic and chili. Shake well to blend. 4. Add herbs and shake again. Let sit to marry 10 minutes.

Fresh Corn and Tomato Salsa

This is wonderful on corn chips or toasted mountain bread. It is also great mixed with black beans and avocado in a burrito. Ingredients 2 ears fresh corn 3 tomatoes 1/2 capsicum 1/4 tiny hot pepper 1/3 bud fresh garlic 1/3 large, red onion 1/4 bunch coriander Pinch ground cumin juice of one lime 1/2 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp sea salt freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Finely chop garlic, hot pepper, and cilantro 2. Chop onion and pepper 1/4 inch dice 3. Cut tomato into bite sized chunks 4. Remove corn kernels from cob. With a sharp, French knife, cut the base of the cob flat so it won't tip or roll.  With the cob standing up, carefully cut the kernels off the cob, from top to bottom, being careful not to get pieces of the hard cob.  It doesn't matter if the kernels are connected, as they will separate while mixing. 5. Mix all, adding bits of seasonings to taste. 6. Let sit for 30 minutes so flavours "marry."

Source - Susan and Robin Koster

Fresh Corn Salsa

This is wonderful on corn chips or toasted mountain bread. It also is a great accompaniment to marinated, grilled chicken or fish. Ingredients 2 ears fresh corn 3/4 of a large capsicum 1/4 tiny hot pepper (I use bird peppers) 1/3 bud fresh garlic 1/3 large, sweet onion 1/4 bunch coriander (cilantro) Pinch ground cumin juice of one lime 1/2 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp sea salt freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Finely chop garlic, hot pepper, and cilantro 2. Chop onion and pepper 1/4 inch dice 3. Remove corn kernels from cob. With a sharp, French knife, cut the base of the cob flat so it won't tip or roll.  With the cob standing up, carefully cut the kernels off the cob, from top to bottom, being careful not to get pieces of the hard cob.  It doesn't matter if the kernels are connected, as they will separate while mixing. 4. Mix all, adding bits of seasonings to taste. 5. Let sit for 30 minutes so flavours "marry."

Source - Susan Koster

Thai Curry Paste and Thai Baked Tofu

This is an immensely flavoured spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes.  Try it in Thai Vegetable Curry, toss some in with steamed vegetables, or add it to rice.  Tightly sealed and refrigerated, this curry paste will keep for at least a week, and it may also be frozen for extended storage. Ingredients 1/4 cup chopped spring onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander, basil or Thai basil 2 tbsps minced garlic 2 tbsps grated ginger root 1 tbsp minced inner stalk of fresh lemongrass or freshly grated lemon or lime peel 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar 1 or 2 fresh red or green chillies, minced 3 tbsps fresh lemon or lime juice 1 tbsp dried ground coriander 1 tsp dried turmeric 1/2 tsp salt

Method 1. Combine all of the curry paste ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until quite smooth.

Thai Baked Tofu

Ingredients 1 cake firm tofu 1/4 to 1/3 cup Thai Curry Paste 2 to 4 tbsps soy sauce

Method 1. Press the tofu to drain any excess water for about 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 180C.  Cover a baking dish with a light coating of oil, baking paper or foil. 3. Cut tofu cake into three slices a bit over 1 cm thick each.  Stack the slices and then cut through all three layers on the two diagonals making an X.  This will make 12 triangular pieces. 4. In the baking dish, gently toss them with the curry paste and soy sauce. 5. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring gently twice during the baking.

Source - Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites - The Moosewood Collection