The preperation of a buffet is often a lot of work in advance, but so lovely to serve several little dishes, even for 2-4p. Kuku, garden bean spread, baba banoush of courgettes (instead of eggplant), rocket salad with red onions will be more than enough. Leftovers are perfect the following day. Preheat the oven at … More Weekend : mezze buffet, inspired by Ottolenghi’s ‘Plenty more’
Polpette di sarde is a traditional dish in Sicily. I’m sure the Sicilians will not disapprove the variant based on mackerel. For 3p mix 600 grams of mackerel filets(with skin), 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 50 grams of bread crumb, salt, pepper, a handful fresh parsley and some mint leaves in a blender (roughly). Add … More Mackerel balls joined by a little salad
-Eggplant can be served in many variations. Repeat the procedure of 21/7. The marinade today is olive oil, 1 table spoon of sumak, 1 table spoon of dried basil, pepper and salt. Spread the marinade on the predrained eggplant slices (3 small eggplant for 3 persons as appetizer). Bake in the oven as explained on … More Kisir and eggplant in another variation
Some greens and cheese hidden in a crispy dough is called ‘erbazzone’ in Italy. Instead of pancetta, I used smoked salmon for a vegetarian version. For 2-3 persons blanch 500 grams of fresh spinach (or similar vegetable)and drain thoroughly. Fry 4 chopped 4 garlic cloves, 2 chopped spring onions and 1 chopped small spicy little … More Erbazzone, a recipe from Emilia Romagna
Buy good quality chicken, with skin. Chop a handful of fresh parsley and a few mint leaves. Mix with lemon zeste. Put the herbal mixture just in between the skin and the meat of the chicken, but fold the skin back on the meat. Add pepper and salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake … More Crispy chicken and beet root couscous
Most ingredients in Italy are of a superb quality, and this includes the meat. Certain days I really crave for a piece of perfect meat. The’ pick of today’ is ‘suino italiano’, italian pork. This succulent piece of meat is perfect in combination with a pasta in Greek style. Chop 1 red onion, 4 garlic … More Lucious pork and Greek pasta salad
Slice 2 medium sized eggplants and put the slices in a colander with salt. After 30-60 mins, rinse the eggplant, and dry. In the meanwhile mix 2 table spoons of chopped fresh mint, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, pepper, salt and some olive oil. Put the slices eggplant on baking paper. Marinate the eggplant in … More Outside temperature around 35°, oven temperature 180°, that’s hot!
I have a confession to make : certain days I would prefer not to cook but, never ever, I would decide not to eat a warm meal in the evening ;-). This recipe is an ideal ‘in between’. Start by heating the oven at 160°. Put 250 grams halved cherry tomatoes on baking paper. Add … More Pasta caprese
Although grapefruit is a winter ingredient, it’s a perfect to use in a summer dish. Green beans, or asparagus beans (less work to cut the ends of ;-))are at their best in this season. Cut 400 grams of green beans in pieces of 3-4 cm. Add 4 chopped garlic cloves, 1 spicy little pepper and … More Grapefruit and salmon in a lovely summer recipe
Orange lentils don’t need pre-soaking time and are quickly cooked. Boil 200 grams of orange lentils until they are al dente, max 10-15 mins. Drain. Add 1 big avocado (ready to eat), 3 chopped garlic cloves, 1 spicy little epper, 1 slice of old bread, 2 chopped shallots, 1 table spoon of fresh mint, 1 … More Avocado lentil burgers
Doc V's Healthy Kitchen 