Beans – the toot fruit

by Tikka Wilson
Pulses, otherwise known as beans, are a wonderful food. Beans are legumes, meaning the seeds are produced in pods and I’ll focus on dried or tinned beans. For people who eat mostly plants, beans are a great source of protein. For those who treasure their microbiome, the little guys in your gut love beans!
The gas story
Let’s do the gas bit first. Beans contain a starch called raffinose. Humans can only partially digest … Read more »

Preserved Lemons

by Georgina Adamson

Preferably use thick skinned lemons. This is another useful pantry item and great to use when cooking Middle Eastern-style food, goes well with chicken, lamb, fish, cous cous and more.

You will need large, sterilised glass jars. Prepare jars by washing and drying well and sterilising in the oven.

Wash the lemons and cut into quarters or eights, depending on size. Toss in a large basin with coarse salt and … Read more »

Trick with Peel

by Georgie Adamson

I learnt this idea from a dear, elderly, past resident of Bermagui who, when she had a freshly squeezed juice, would save her rinds and put them in the freezer, there to use when she made marmalade or candied peel.

The freezing seems to tenderise the peel. When required, put the halves in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer till tender. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, scrape out most … Read more »

The seductive promise for wonderful winter vegetables

by Angela Marshall

We’re deep in one of the coldest winters that I have experienced in the past twenty-five years in this region. So, to acknowledge this, I want to concentrate on those winter crops that revel in cold temperatures: those whose flavours improve and sweeten when the nights are genuinely cold, not just a bit nippy. Among the best winter sweeties are Brussel sprouts, fennel bulbs, parsnips and all citrus fruit. Some of these won’t even … Read more »

Pumpkin, chickpea and coconut curry

by Georgie Adamson

Ingredients:
1 kg (approx.) pumpkin peeled and cubed
1 brown onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, sliced or chopped fine
1 fresh chilli, your choice, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of finely sliced ginger
1 teaspoon each: mustard seeds, turmeric
1 bunch coriander (replace with chopped parsley and celery if you like)
20 curry leaves … or a tablespoon good curry mix with those ingredients
1 tin … Read more »

Pumpkin and Walnut Tart

Tart case:
I use a sweet short crust pastry but substitute one cup of walnuts for flour.
A blender is perfect for this, but it can be made by hand.
Blitz one cup walnuts till like it’s like breadcrumbs. Add 125 g chilled butter cubed and 1½ cups plain flour (your choice, I use gluten free).
When the mixture comes together, turn out onto a floured surface and work a little. Shape into a rectangle and chill in refrigerator till firm.
Gently roll out … Read more »