Recipe
HARISSA SQUID WITH GRILLED CAPSICUM SALAD
I like to make my own harissa when I have time – it’s perfect for keeping in the fridge until required. I was inspired to use sun-dried tomatoes in the harissa after reading Ana Sortun’s delightful Spices: Flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Recipe
CHERMOULA-MARINATED FISH WITH CAULIFLOWER TABBOULEH & DATE SYRUP
There is a bit of preparation here, but most of it can be done ahead. I’ve taken to making a vegan version of mayonnaise using aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, instead
of egg. Here I’ve added some preserved lemon too. There are infinite variatons on chermoula, with all kinds of spices and combinations, but I like to add fresh coriander to the mix. This recipe will make more chermoula than you need for the fish, but it’s good for another meal – it pairs well with lamb,
or use it to marinate some haloumi or firm tofu. The date syrup adds a little sweetness to the dish and it’s also
delicious drizzled over a fruit salad or muesli.
PRESERVED LEMON VEGAN MAYONNAISE
Depending on how you like your mayonnaise, you could also use all olive oil here, which will result in a stronger flavour. This will keep well in the fridge for ages.
Recipe
FERMENTED GARLIC & TURMERIC PROBIOTIC PICKLES
Fermented vegetables are easy to make, and you can use absolutely any combination you like – this recipe is just a basic guide. Carrots and cauliflower are my favourite, with a few added spices such as a clove of garlic and some coriander seeds. Fermented radishes are good, too, as are plain carrot sticks – great for kids. Fresh turmeric can be found at farmers’ markets and Asian food stores, as well as in some supermarkets these days, but if you can’t find any, just use the dried powder or leave it out.
Recipe
EARL GREY CHILLI CHOCOLATE CLOUD CAKES WITH MANDARIN CREAM
This recipe is one of my French husband’s family recipes – whipped up literally in a dash, the chocolatey, velvet softness of this cake is champion in our Franco-Kiwi household. Since meeting the effervescent Merrill J. Fernando of Dilmah last year I have been spellbound by the powers of tea and I am using it far less carelessly than before. The addition of bergamot citrus notes from Earl Grey tea touched with a smack on the tongue from fruity ground Guajillo chillies make these darling little cakes jaunty and voguish. Partner them with the perfect, pillowy mandarin cream.
