BROCCOLI TABBOULEH WITH HALIBUT
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 large head broccoli
2 cups (500 ml) chopped snap peas
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
1 lemon, zest and juice, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
4 x 4 oz (125 g) skinless halibut fillets
½ English cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup (250 ml) sliced cherry tomatoes
1 cup (250 ml) chopped parsley leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) tahini
¼ cup (60 ml) water, or more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Break up broccoli into florets. Pulse in a food processor until the size of rice, or finely dice by hand.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli “rice”, snap peas, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Distribute evenly onto a large baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove and allow to cool but keep oven on for next step.
- Place halibut fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes or until opaque in centre and flaky.
- In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and mint. Add cooled broccoli mixture and juice of half a lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining minced garlic clove, tahini, water, juice of remaining half of lemon, salt and pepper. Add more water if needed to thin the dressing.
- Plate broccoli tabbouleh and place halibut on top. Drizzle tahini dressing over top and serve.
Drink Pairings
ALMOND-CRUSTED SCHNITZEL WITH APPLE SLAW
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 cups (500 ml) finely shredded red cabbage
2 cups (500 ml) finely shredded green cabbage
1 apple, julienned
½ tsp (2.5 ml) honey
1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
4 chicken breasts, butterflied (A way of preparing meat by carefully slicing in half, lengthwise, but keeping attached along one side)
1 cup (250 ml) grated parmesan
3 cups (750 ml) fried pork rinds
1 cup (250 ml) almond meal
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
2 eggs
3 cups (750 ml) sunflower oil
1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped parsley leaves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage and apple.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, vinegar, Dijon and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
- On a cutting board, place each chicken breast between 2 layers of cling wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound cutlets until about ½-in (1.25 cm) thick and as even as possible.
- In bowl of a food processor, pulse pork rinds until finely ground, or place in a plastic freezer bag and pound with meat mallet or rolling pin until finely ground.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together parmesan, ground pork rinds, almond meal and baking powder. In another shallow bowl, briefly beat eggs.
- In a large cast iron pan, heat oil to 330 F (165 C).
- Dip a chicken breast into egg mixture, coating all sides. Then dip into “crumb” mixture, again ensuring thorough coating. Shake off any excess and gently lower into hot oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). Remove to a cooling rack and immediately season with salt. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
- Plate chicken with cabbage slaw on top and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
Drink Pairings
Zucchini Ravioli
Ingredients
Serves 4
3 to 4 medium zucchinis, ends trimmed (to make 32 “noodles”)
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, finely diced
3 cups (750 ml) fresh spinach leaves, packed
1 x 15 to 16 oz (450 to 500 g) tub ricotta
1 cup + ¼ cup (250 ml + 60 ml) grated parmesan, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper chili flakes
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg
salt and pepper, to taste
1 x 22 oz (650 ml) jar marinara sauce
2 cups (500 ml) cherry tomatoes
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped basil leaves
Instructions
- Using a mandoline set to 1/8 in (3 mm to 3.5 mm), slice zucchini lengthways to make even strips: these will be your “noodles”. Lay flat on a paper towel-lined surface and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt to draw out moisture and prevent sogginess. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted down and moisture has cooked off a bit, about 2 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled spinach with ricotta, 1 cup (250 ml) parmesan, chili flakes and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread all but ½ cup (125 ml) of marinara sauce in bottom of a large casserole dish and set aside. Reserve ½ cup (125 ml) sauce for later.
- Pat zucchini dry with paper towel. To assemble ravioli, place 1 zucchini strip down on work surface, then another on top, perpendicular to the first, creating an “X”. Place 1 heaping tablespoon (just over 15 ml) of ricotta mixture in middle of “X”. Fold bottom strip up over ricotta, matching ends together, then repeat with top strip. Then take the parcel and flip it over. Place in casserole dish on top of marinara sauce and repeat with remaining zucchini “noodles”.
- Spoon remaining ½ cup (125 ml) marinara on top of parcels. Scatter cherry tomatoes around ravioli and bake for roughly 40 to 50 minutes, or until fork-tender and bubbling.
- Serve warm, topped with chopped basil and remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) parmesan.
Drink Pairings
MEDITERRANEAN TURKEY BURGER
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) sunflower oil, divided
½ yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 lb (500 g) ground turkey
½ cup (125 ml) crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, juice and zest
¼ cup (60 ml) grated cucumber
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped mint leaves
8 large leaves iceberg or curly lettuce
1 tomato, sliced
½ red onion, sliced
4 pickles, sliced
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Sauté onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, feta, mustard and paprika. Add in onion mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, then divide into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties about 4-in (10 cm) in diameter.
- To make tzatziki, in a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, remaining minced garlic clove, lemon zest and half the lemon juice, cucumber and mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add more lemon juice, if desired. Will keep for up to 1 week in refrigerator.
- Preheat a cast iron pan or barbecue to medium-high (if using cast iron, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil; if using barbecue, grease grill). Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).
- To serve, on a large platter, set out tzatziki, burgers, lettuce and burger toppings. Assemble burgers with desired toppings, using lettuce as a “bun”.
Drink Pairings
LEMONGRASS CHICKEN BÁNH MÌ FLATBREAD
Ingredients
Serves 2
1 medium carrot, julienned
¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) water
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
5 tbsp (75 ml) sugar, divided
1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 stalks lemongrass, crushed
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) fish sauce
1 lime, zest and juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 large flatbreads, make ahead, recipe follows (or use store-bought)
¼ cup (60 ml) Sriracha mayonnaise
½ English cucumber, julienned
1 Thai red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
½ bunch cilantro, leaves only
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
FLATBREAD:
2 tsp (10 ml) active dry yeast
¾ cup (175 ml) warm water
¼ cup (60 ml) plain yogurt
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
2½ cups (625 ml) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together rice vinegar, water, salt and 3 tbsp (45 ml) sugar. Pack carrot into a jar and top with vinegar mixture. Allow to sit in refrigerator overnight. Will keep, refrigerated, for up to a month.
- Combine chicken, lemongrass, garlic, remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar, fish sauce, lime zest and juice and oil. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Roast chicken in oven for about 15 minutes, or until browned, cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Transfer to a cutting board and allow chicken to cool slightly, reserving baking sheet with juices. Place flatbreads on same baking sheet, moving them around to soak up juices. Warm in oven for about 5 minutes, or until just warmed through. Cut chicken into 1-in (2.5 cm) strips.
- Remove flatbreads from oven and place dry side down on a serving platter. Spread Sriracha mayonnaise on each, then top with sliced chicken, pickled carrots, cucumber, chili and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on side.
- FLATBREAD:
- Dissolve yeast in water. Mix yogurt, salt and 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil into yeast mixture, then combine with flour. Mix just until everything comes together into a shaggy dough.
- Turn dough out onto clean counter and knead until smooth, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Place dough into lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow to rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Alternatively, allow to rise, covered, in refrigerator overnight.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 2 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then press or roll into a 10-in (25 cm) round circle.
- Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a 10 to 12-in (25 to 30 cm) heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Lay 1 pita in pan and cook until bottom has golden brown spots and it starts to puff, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until it has golden brown spots, about another 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Drink Pairings
CHICKPEA SOCCA WITH PEAS, MUSHROOMS AND CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
Ingredients
Serves 2
1/3 cup (75 ml) chickpea flour
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for cooking
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/3 cup (75 ml) water, or as needed
4 thin slices prosciutto
2 cups (500 ml) sliced king oyster mushrooms
salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) frozen peas, blanched
3 tbsp (45 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) ricotta
1 small handful baby greens
chive flowers (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a bowl, mix together chickpea flour, salt, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and garlic. Gradually whisk in about 1/3 cup (75 ml) water, or as needed, until batter is the consistency of heavy whipping cream. You may not use all the water, or you may need more. Set batter aside and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, lay prosciutto on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool, then break prosciutto into small pieces. Reserve baking sheet with prosciutto fat for next step.
- Toss mushrooms with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, season with salt and pepper and place on tray to roast in the prosciutto fat. Roast for about 15 minutes, or until golden.
- Set aside ¼ of the peas for later, then pulse remaining peas in a blender with cream until you get a chunky purée. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a 10-in (25 cm) non-stick or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil to pan (slightly more for cast iron). Pour half the batter in and let cook until golden brown and set, about 5 minutes. Edges should crisp up from oil; if looking dry, add more oil. Carefully flip socca over and cook on remaining side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, adding more oil if necessary. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Lay socca on serving platters. Top with pea purée, then arrange mushrooms, prosciutto, whole peas and ricotta on each. Garnish with baby greens and chive flowers, if using.
Drink Pairings
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER AND BLUE CHEESE FLATBREAD
Ingredients
Serves 2
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
2 tsp (10 ml) seasoning salt, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled blue cheese, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced chives
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ medium lemon, zest and juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) Louisiana-style hot sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, melted
2 large plain flatbreads
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C)
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, onion and garlic powders, 1 tsp (5 ml) seasoning salt and paprika
- Lay cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Keep oven on for heating flatbreads later.
- While cauliflower is roasting, make a blue cheese sauce. Set half the blue cheese aside for later, then in a bowl, combine remaining blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, Worcestershire sauce and lemon zest and juice. Mix and adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix hot sauce and butter together and set aside.
- Warm flatbreads in oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
- To assemble, spread 2 tbsp (30 ml) blue cheese sauce on each flatbread. Arrange cauliflower evenly on top. Drizzle each flatbread with hot sauce butter and remaining blue cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining blue cheese and parsley and serve.
Drink Pairings
CAST IRON CHERRY CLAFOUTIS
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, for greasing
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2/3 cup (150 ml) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75 ml) all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
¾ cup (175 ml) whipping cream
¾ cup (175 ml) whole milk
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated orange zest
2 tbsp (30 ml) Grand Marnier
1¼ lbs (625 g) fresh cherries, stemmed, pitted and halved
icing sugar, for garnish
lightly whipped cream or crème fraîche, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium. Add butter to an 8-in (20 cm) cast iron skillet and place on grill to melt butter. Remove from grill and swirl pan to coat bottom.
- In a blender carafe, bowl of a large food processor, or by hand, combine vanilla, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, cream, milk, orange zest and Grand Marnier. Blend until smooth. Pour batter into preheated skillet and immediately arrange cherries on top
- Place skillet back on grill. With barbecue lid closed, bake until batter puffs up around cherries and turns golden brown, about 30 minutes. Transfer skillet to a rack to cool for 10 minutes, then dust with icing sugar. Serve warm, with whipped cream or crème fraîche, if desired.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Pork Tenderloin served with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
PORK TENDERLOIN:
2 x 1 lb (500 g) pork tenderloins
2 tsp (10 ml) smoked paprika
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) dried oregano
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili flakes
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
olive oil, for grilling
salt and pepper, to taste
pickled red onions, to serve (optional)
CHIMICHURRI SAUCE:
1 small shallot, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced jalapeño, or to taste
6 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup (125 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped cilantro
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped parsley
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh oregano
¾ cup (175 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Place pork and all but ½ cup (125 ml) chimichurri into a large plastic freezer bag; reserve ½ cup (125 ml) sauce for serving. Refrigerate for 4 hours, turning bag once or twice to evenly distribute marinade.
- In a shallow bowl, combine paprika, cumin, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt and pepper.
- Grease grill and preheat to medium. Remove tenderloins from marinade and coat in spice mixture. Grill, about 4 minutes per side or until just cooked through and lightly charred and reaches an internal temperature of 160 F (71 C). Season with salt and pepper and allow to rest before slicing. Serve with pickled red onions, if using, and reserved ½ cup (125 ml) chimichurri on the side or spooned over top.
- For the chimichurri sauce, in a medium jar, combine all ingredients. Seal and shake well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Will keep, refrigerated, for up to 5 days.
Drink Pairings
GRILLED COCONUT CURRY PRAWNS
Ingredients
Serves 6
1¼ cups (310 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup (60 ml) Thai red curry paste
½ tsp (2.5 ml) sea salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili flakes
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lime zest
1/3 cup (75 ml) fresh lime juice
2 lbs (1 kg) jumbo prawns, shell on (about 18 to 20)
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems chili flakes and lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, curry paste, salt, pepper, chili flakes, coriander, cumin, lime zest and juice. Add prawns and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Grease grill and preheat to medium. Remove prawns from marinade and place directly on grill. Cook, turning once or twice, until prawns are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving plate, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with cilantro, chili flakes and a generous squeeze of lime juice, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side.