Category Archives: salads

Caponata

 

I discovered this recipe in River cottage-veg by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. I modified the recipe slightly, making it simpler to make and added a little more heat and vinegar by adding hot pickled banana peppers. This appetizer spread is best made a day or 2 in advance to allow the flavors to mellow . Store in covered containers in the fridge and it can last for weeks. It’s best served  at room temperature and is delicious on dried crostini’s for a dinner party. This makes approx. 2 cups.

Caponata
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: appetizer
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 large eggplant
  • 2 TBLS olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 6 chopped tomatoes or 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 2 stalks of celery finely diced
  • 2 TBLS balsamic vinegar
  • 1 TBLS honey
  • 1 TBLS dark chocolate powder
  • 2 TBLS capers
  • 2 oz. pitted kalamata olives
  • 2 large TBLS diced pickled banana peppers
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Chop eggplant into rough 1 inch cubes and add to medium size hot pot with olive oil
  2. Fry the eggplant for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until golden and tender
  3. Add onion, celery and garlic and continue to stir for another 5 minutes
  4. Add tomatoes , olives,capers, coco,balsamic,honey,olives and honey
  5. Cover with a lid and continue to cook and stir occasionally at least 30 minutes. You want to ensure all the eggplant is well cooked along with the rest of the veggies.
  6. Remove pot from the stove and use a stick blender to chop and blend a few times
  7. You don't want to over mix this as you still want texture.
  8. Add salt and pepper to taste and add chopped banana peppers and leave to cool.
  9. Once cool, place in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to serve
  10. Serve with diced parsley.

 

Black kale with parmesan and garlic

This easy salad truly represents winter as  kale and other root vegetables are still available and in season in the markets. This new variety of  black kale is tender and can be eaten fresh. Once you wash and cut the center vein away from each stalk, add lemon juice, garlic , grated parmesan with a little salt and pepper and you’ll be hooked. This is high in iron and my son even likes it now and again.

 

Black kale with parmesan and garlic
 
Author:
Recipe type: salad
Ingredients
  • Bunch of black kale
  • Juice of one lemon
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • ½ cup gluten free crutons
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Wash and de-vein kale( cut out any of the thicker stalks from the leaves)
  2. Pat dry
  3. Cut or tear up kale into 2 inch squares
  4. Add ¼ cup parmesan
  5. Add a dollop of olive oil
  6. Salt and pepper
  7. Parmesan crisps:
  8. Put a piece of parchment onto and pan and sprinkle ¼ of parmesan as a thin layer
  9. Let melt at 350 degrees
  10. Once cool, break up parmesan into pieces and add to salad
  11. Add toasted seasoned gluten free crutons for a little extra crunch if you have them.