This pan-fried asparagus is finished with nutty brown butter, lightly crisp capers, toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon. An easy and elegant spring side dish ready in around 20 minutes.
Category: Vegetables
Homemade Italian Giardiniera
This homemade Italian giardiniera is a colourful mix of cauliflower, fennel, carrot, celery and red capsicum, lightly cooked in a white wine vinegar brine with garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns and mustard seeds. The vegetables retain plenty of bite while absorbing the bright, aromatic flavours of the pickle. The inspiration for making giardiniera came after a…
Nonna’s Italian Cabbage Salad
I almost talked myself out of putting this recipe on the blog. After all, it’s shredded cabbage dressed with olive oil, white vinegar and salt. Hardly groundbreaking. But then I remembered how often this bowl appeared on our family table — and how often it was one of the first things to disappear. That’s the…
Eggplant Parmigiana (Melanzane alla Parmigiana Recipe)
The first time I ate proper eggplant parmigiana in Italy, I remember thinking: what have they done to this? The eggplant was silky and rich, the tomato sauce deeply flavoured, and the cheese used with a much lighter hand than many versions I’d tried before. Instead of feeling heavy, the whole dish felt balanced —…
Crispy Smashed New Potatoes with Olive Oil & Thyme
These crispy smashed new potatoes are one of those sides I make without even thinking about it. If we’re grilling something outside or throwing together a simple midweek dinner, a tray of these usually goes into the oven while everything else is happening. They’re especially good next to my Grilled Lamb Cutlets with Herb Sauce,…
Clear-Out-the-Fridge Frittata
This is the frittata I make when I need to use things up before they go bad. A half capsicum, a few mushrooms, some asparagus that’s been sitting in the crisper a bit too long, good eggs from the markets — it all goes into one pan and gets finished under the grill. Sometimes I…
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spiced Yoghurt and Pomegranate
I’ve seen whole roasted cauliflowers popping up everywhere lately — in cookbooks, restaurants, and food magazines — and I’ve always found them so impressive. There’s something about serving a whole head of cauliflower that feels generous and a little bit theatrical, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. This version is roasted with a spiced yoghurt…
Aussie Potato Scallops (Potato Cakes)
Aussie potato scallops — also known as potato cakes — are thin slices of potato coated in a light batter and fried until crisp and golden, just like the ones from your local fish and chip shop. My family and I often go for a swim at Coogee Beach in summer and sometimes stop at…
Lebanese Stewed Green Beans (Loubieh bi Zeit)
Green beans aren’t usually the star of the show, but this Lebanese classic gives them their time in the spotlight. Known as Loubieh bi Zeit, these beans are gently stewed in tomato and olive oil until tender, creating a dish that’s simple yet full of flavour. It can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or even…
Sweet Potato with Crispy Chickpeas and Chimichurri Sauce
If you’re looking for a vibrant, hearty vegetarian dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavour, then Sweet Potato with Crispy Chickpeas and Chimichurri Sauce is a must-try! This simple yet delicious dish is packed with nutritious ingredients and is perfect for a meat-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satiety. Why I Love…