Thursday, March 31, 2016

Chickpea, Pumpkin & Prawn Thai Red Curry

Yield  Serves 4;  Active Time 10 minutes;  Total Time 45 minutes
 
Ingredients

        1 small butternut squash (about 1kg/2 pounds)
        2 tablespoons peanut oil
        1/3 cup Thai red curry paste
        One 420g/15-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
        Kosher salt
        One 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
        1/3 cup fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
        500g/1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)

Preparation

        1. Peel the squash, cut it lengthwise in half, and scoop out the seeds. Cut off the top where it meets the bulbous bottom. Cut the bulb end into 3/4- inch-wide wedges. Cut the neck end into 1/2- inch-thick half-moons.
        2. Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil, then add the curry paste and stir for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the squash and stir to coat with the curry paste. Stir in the chickpeas and season with salt. Add the coconut milk and 3/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the squash just begins to soften.
        3. Stir in the cilantro and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender but not falling apart and the sauce has reduced slightly. Season to taste with salt.
        4. Divide the curry among four soup bowls, top with cilantro, and serve.
        5. Add prawn to the curry during the last few minutes of cooking.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Cous Cous with Char-grilled Mediterranean Vegetables

Israeli Cous Cous with Char-grilled Mediterranean Vegetables

02/03/2016 , 8:25 AM by Brad McCahon

Chef - Barney Burge

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

2 cups Israeli or Pearl Cous Cous
4 cups chicken stock
1 eggplant
1 red capsicum
2 tomatoes chopped into large chunks
1 small red onion finely diced
1 clove garlic finely diced
2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp olive oil


Method

1. Prepare the eggplant by cutting into thick discs, brush with olive oil and place on BBQ or under grill until golden and softened.  Cut into large chunks and set aside.
2. Cut capsicum into 4 cheeks and place skin side down on BBQ or skin side up under grill.  Remove when skin is blackened and blistered.  Pop into a plastic bag and allow to steam for a few minutes then remove skin and slice into strips.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan and saute onion and cumin seeds for 2-3 minutes until onion becomes opaque.
4. Add garlic and saute for a further minute.
5. Add Cous Cous and paprika to onion mix and stir for 2 minutes until well coated.
6. Add heated chicken stock and simmer for 8 minutes.
7. Add prepared eggplant, capsicum, tomatoes and chopped parsley.
8. Turn out onto a serving dish and garnish with a little more parsley.