Main Course

Millet Congee with Chicken, Ginger and Shiitake

Winter weather can be nasty in Auckland but proper food always makes it better. Some dishes like this chicken, ginger and mushroom congee porridge will make you feel good even in stormy weather. Congee is a classic Chinese breakfast dish. It is also a staple in many other countries, including […]

 

Koji Roasted Salmon with Broccoli Gratin

Healthy weekday dinner with a Japanese twist. This delicious salmon is marinated in a magical koji salt (Shio Koji) and lemon zest, then roasted and charred to perfection. The koji marinade tenderizes the fish and makes its taste richer. The creamy broccoli gratin with a cheesy crispy crust is a […]

 

Strawberry and Tomato Panzanella Salad

What can be better than a large bowl of juicy salad for lunch on warm days! Warmer days finally came to New Zealand, we really enjoy our bountiful fresh produce. And I found out that strawberry and tomato can play nice together. Try this combo! Panzanella is a traditional Tuscan […]

 

Ajvar Shakshuka. A Quick and Easy Way.

Have you tried ajvar yet? It’s a widely available in many NZ supermarkets. Ajvar (pronounced “EYE-var) is a treasure of the Balkans, particularly the cuisines of Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania. Ajvar is a versatile roasted red capsicum sauce or spread, sometimes made with eggplant adding. Ajvar has a […]

 

Sauteed Cavolo Nero, Chorizo and Egg on Toast

Quick and easy meal that can be done in minutes. Cavolo Nero season is in full swing now. Cavolo Nero is a rich in fibre and good for health because it packed with nutrition in every bite. My neighbour Greg grows organic produce in his urban garden. I really impressed […]

 

Bucatini with Anchovy, Parsley and Sourdough Bread Crispy Crumbs

Continuing my previous pasta posts. Three my fave pasta recipes that I never shared before: Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. and Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausages. Recipe Number 3: Bucatini with anchovy, parsley and sourdough bread crispy crumbs For those who know that sourdough bread, anchovy, butter […]

 

Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausages.

Continuing my previous posts with unique pasta recipes: Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. Bucatini with Anchovy, Parsley and Sourdough Bread Crispy Crumbs Another quick and easy pasta dish made from easy to find ingredients. For the best results I would recommend to invest in good quality finishing […]

 

Chicken Sausage, Beluga Lentil and Capsicum Stew

Have you ever tried chicken sausages? I noticed that there are a lot of new brands of chicken sausages on market. We live in a very interesting time, when our food shops look like huge temples where you can be lost easily. This is great that we have a choice […]

 

Lamb Curry

A comforting winter lamb curry which bursts into flavours of rich warming spices. The key to making a great curry are the freshest whole spices, as fresh as you can find. Layering is another secret of good curry, adding the spices a few times during the cooking you will get […]

 

Homemade Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a soy sauce based Japanese dipping sauce made with adding of yuzu juice, a famous Japanese citrus that smells divine. Serve Ponzu as dipping sauce for gyoza dumplings, or sashimi. Use it as dressing for beef tataki or seared tuna or salad. When you will try this […]

 

Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

This easy black pepper beef stir fry is incredibly flavourful and easy! Chinese beef in black pepper sauce is a real guilty pleasure and takes less time than to pick up your order from the nearest takeaway shop.  Beef stir-fried in black pepper sauce is a typical Cantonese cuisine. Beautifully […]

 

Okonomiyaki

One time, our friend from Japan invited me and my family to his house and whipped up some Osaka-style okonomiyaki which is iconic Japanese street food. Okonomiyaki is a melting in your mouth savoury pancake, or giant vegetable bacon fritter, which is crispy outside and tender inside, and packed with […]

 

Soup of the Day: Potato, Chorizo and Kale Soup

Soup is my favorite winter dish. It’s warming and nutritious, and really helps me to stay in comfort during chilly winter without the nasty weight gain. I learned this secret from my grandma and my mom. All our family are collecting soup recipes. This recipe is inspired by classic Portuguese […]

 

Millet, Pumpkin and Sultana Porridge. GF, Vegan Recipe

What could be better than a bowl of delicious and nutritious warm porridge when you wake up in chilly winter morning. I have a collection of porridge recipes created especially as winter warmer. I like variety in good and prefer seasonal ingredients. Variety is the point, we have to get […]

 

Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Thick and silky smooth udon noodles and beef mince, stir fried in kimchi butter sauce, topped with runny yolk saucy egg and spring onion.This dish is full of umami flavour and it only takes 15 minutes to make from start to finish!