Monthly Archives: November 2017

Mexican Pizzas


Mexican Pizzas
 
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All the usual Mexican culprits on top a wholewheat pitta creates a pizza-like sensation.
Author:
Cuisine: Mexico meets Italy
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • Wholewheat pitta breads (we used 8 small: bonus: they all fit in the oven at once!)
  • 1 can oil free refried beans (tip Coles own brand)
  • ½ cup salsa of choice, we used Old El Paso Mild
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup Red roasted pepper / capsicum strips - from a jar or homemade
  • 2 can red kidney beans (or black beans), drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups frozen corn (not essential to defrost)
  • 1 large avocado
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • Juice of a lime
  • Extra salsa of choice
  • Chillies etc to taste as required
  • Fresh chopped coriander if liked
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 220 C
  2. In a medium bowl mix together the refried beans, the ½ cup salsa, and herbs and spices.
  3. Place your pitta breads on large oven trays (we used pizza trays with the holes) lined with baking paper.
  4. Divide the bean mixture up evenly between each pitta and smooth out evenly to the edges.
  5. Top generously and evenly with onion, capsicum, beans and corn.
  6. Bake in the oven for 10-15 or until piping hot and base is crispy.
  7. Whilst they are baking blend together the cashews and lime juice until thick and creamy.
  8. Top with dollops of salsa, cashew-lime cream and avocado, chillies, coriander etc and serve!

 

Yellow Pepper Soup with grilled Polenta Triangles


Yellow Pepper Soup with grilled Polenta Triangles
 
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A hint of turmeric lifts the colour even more in this delicious and creamy bowl of sunshine!
Author:
Recipe type: Soup
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 large yellow peppers (capsicums)
  • 2 onion 1 red 1 brown
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1tsp ginger fresh or semi-dried (see Gourmet Garden)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 2 medium white potatoes
  • 1 Litre vegetable stock
  • 3 bay leaves
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 T cashew butter
  • ½ cup soy milk or other plant milk
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Polenta triangles:
  • 1.3 cups polenta
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon mixed semi dried herbs (Garden Gourmet) or use any herbs you like.
Instructions
  1. Finely chop the peppers, onions and garlic (use a food processor to save time if you like) and put them in a large heavy bottom casserole dish along with the ginger over a medium heat and stir, adding a little dash of water or stock to lubricate and get going. Keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn't catch and burn. As it heats up natural oils from the peppers and onions will be released.
  2. Once they are steaming hot, reduce the heat to lo and place on the lid whilst you prep the other ingredients. Check at intervals that no more liquid is needed to prevent sticking or burning. If lid is left on and on a low heat it should be OK but all cook tops and pans differ so check every so often.
  3. Peel (optional) and chop the potatoes into cubes and measure out the other ingredients.
  4. After 30 minutes check the peppers and onions and garlic are completely soft and collapsed.
  5. Add the stock, bay leaves, turmeric and stir, replace lid and set timer for another 15 minutes.
  6. Add the cashew butter, soy milk and lemon juice and using a stick blender blend until super smooth and creamy.
  7. Serve! Great topped with crispy croutons if you have time to make those (stale bread, cubed, baked in oven until crispy).
Notes
To make polenta triangles:
Boil 1.3 cups polenta in 4 cups stock, whisking consistently as you pour it in.
Add lemon zest and mixed herbs.
Simmer for 10 mins then pour into a lined shallow baking tray and smooth out.
Allow to cool then slice into triangles and cook on a hot griddle pan.