Monthly Archives: June 2016

Beet Root Risotto

Serves 4

If you’re in the mood for some sensational color on your plate, I think Beet root Risotto is the way to go. For me, it just doesn’t get prettier than this.

This one is not as heavy as some Risottos since there is no cheese or butter in the rice but just on top.

The Beet gives the Risotto a certain earthy sweetness that I have balanced with Gorgonzola.

When the Gorgonzola melts it emulsifies with the rice creating a sweet and salty creaminess. I haven’t added any extra butter, because the fat in the cheese is enough for me, but you can add some at the end if you like.

*Vegan option below.

Ingredients:

1 Large Beet, peeled and grated (use gloves)

1 1/2 C. Arborio rice

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 small red onion, peeled and diced fine

1 garlic clove, peeled and grated

1 tsp. Himalayan salt

1/2 C. dry white wine

4 C. organic Chicken or Vegetable stock

1 tsp. Fresh Thyme leafs, removed from stalks

2 Sage leafs, crumbled up (if dried) or very thinly sliced, Chiffonade.

7 oz. Gorgonzola to put on top.

*For Vegan version substitute for some Soy Yoghurt and chopped Pistachios.

Method:

Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a large pot. Glaze the onion for five minutes before adding the garlic. Now add the rice and salt, stir for a minute or so. Add the herbs and the white wine. Stir constantly throughout the entire procedure. It will take approximately 20 – 25 minutes. But the stirring is was creates the creaminess of the Risotto.

Now add one cup of the beetroot. Reserve the remainder for decoration.

Keep on stirring. Adding half a cup of stock as you go. Let all the liquid evaporate each time before adding more stock.

When the rice is al dente. Turn off the heat, add a bit more stock to keep it moist. Serve straight away, with a heaped spoonful of raw beet and Gorgonzola. Or Pistachios and some Soy Yoghurt for Vegans.

NOTE: If you don’t like Blue cheese you can substitute it with a good Parmigiano.

Turkey Meatballs

4 Replies

Turkey or Chicken meatballs can become a little dry sometimes, but if you add some olive oil to the ground meat they become really nice and juicy.

This is my go to dinner when I feel I have over indulged a little too much. It is very low in calories, fat, and carbs. I serve these over Zucchini noodles but you can serve them over rice or pasta for a more substancial meal. They are also good as an appetizer or in a baguette for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs;

1 lbs. ground organic Turkey
1 egg
2 tbsp. chopped onion
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tbsp. chopped Parsley
1 tsp dried Oregano
1/4 tsp Sage
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
1/4 C. dried breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp. salt (the Parmesan is quite salty)

For the tomato sauce:

1 small onion, peeled and chopped fine
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
1 12 oz. can peeled plum tomatoes
a pinch of sugar or a little bit of agave syrup, about 1/2 a teaspoon
salt and pepper to taste.
Some Basil leafs (optional)
Chopped Parsley for serving

Method:

Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs using only one tablespoon of the olive oil. With slightly damp hands shape into balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Heat a frying pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When it’s hot add the meatballs one by one. Cook them over medium heat for about 10 minutes moving them around so they brown all over, be careful not to break them and use two spoons to turn them over if necessary.

Now add the chopped onion to the pan, stir around a few times before adding the garlic. Frying and stirring gently as you go. Now you can add the canned tomatoes. Breaking up the tomatoes with your cooking spoon while you mix it around gently. Add the sugar and season to taste. Cook for about 10 more minutes.

Sprinkle with more parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

Whole roasted spicy Cauliflower

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Forget florets, whole roast Cauliflower is what it’s all about now!

There is something so spectacular about serving a roast Cauliflower whole. It looks amazing, it has a beautiful golden crust that makes you hungry just by looking at it.

The Yoghurt sauce is full of spices and goes very well with any kind of meat or fish. I serve mine just with some rustic oven fries with the skin still on. Give it a go at you next dinner party, it will be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 head of Cauliflower, washed and leafs removed

1 C. thick Yoghurt, regular or soy

1 Garlic clove, peeled and grated

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

1 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Onion powder

1 tsp. Curry powder

1 tsp. Cumin

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Bring a large pot with water and salt to a boil. Add the whole Cauliflower head and simmer for 15 – 20 min. You should be able insert a wooden skewer but still feel some firmness.

While the Cauliflower is boiling combine the Yoghurt with the spices and seasoning, set aside.

Using 2 slotted spoons, transfer cauliflower to a rack and let it steam off a bit.

When it has cooled a little bit put the Cauliflower head on a baking tray covered with parchment paper and rub all the Yoghurt marinade evenly over its surface. If it is too hot you can use a spoon.

Place into the hot oven and cook for about 20 minutes until a crust has formed.

Pierce with a wooden skewer again to check for doneness. It should pierce thru easily.

Serve straight away. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, cold or warm.

Light Mash with semi sun dried Tomatoes and Zucchini

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The sour cream gives the mash lightness and freshness. With added zucchini you’ve got your veggies covered too.

Ingredients;

Serves 4

2 lbs. Yukon potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 tsp. salt
1/4 C. milk of choice
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 C. Sour cream
2 tbsp. Semi sun-dried tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp. chopped chives
2 tbsp. chopped dill
1 large Zucchini, diced in 1/2″ cubes.

Method;

Put the potatoes in a pan and add cold water and half way the potatoes with the salt. Bring to a boil, turn the heat lower and boil for about 15 min, or until soft when pierced with a fork. Drain. Return to the pan and let them steam off. Add the milk and mash the potatoes. Check seasoning and add more salt if needed.

Keep warm.

Meanwhile wash the Zucchini and dice. Heat a frying pan and add the olive oil. Sautée the Zucchini for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to fry for two more minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the Zucchini to the mashed potatoes, together with the sour cream, the herbs and chopped semi sun-dried tomatoes. Carefully stir together, do not over mix. (you don’t want to end up with glue). Serve straight away.