Roasted Sesame Brussel Sprouts

Roasting vegetables can bring the best flavour out of them and brussel sprouts no the exception. Roasted brussel sprouts have a vibrant, nutty flavour but still retain a texture. Easy and unbelievably delicious!

Prep time : 5 min

Cooking time : 20-25 min

(Serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

1 kg brussel sprouts

Olive oil

2-4 tablespoon sesame seeds

Salt, pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat oven to 200⁰C.

Cut a thin slice off the bottom of the sprouts, then cut off the dried-out part of the stem and cut the sprouts in half.

Toss the sprouts in olive oil, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Transfer to oiled baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes then turn and bake for another 15 minutes.

Oven Roasted Curried Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower has wonderfully nutty flavour and goes really well with curry seasoning.  Serve it as a side dish with rice or meat. Enjoy!

Prep time : 15 min

Cooking time : 25-30 min

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 medium size head cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

3 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon cumin

5 tablespoons olive oil

Salt, pepper to taste

Method:

 

Preheat oven to 220⁰C.

In a bowl, combine all ingredients then spread evenly in a roasting pan.

Transfer to the oven and roast for about 25 minutes or until golden. Halfway through stir the cauliflowers. 

Serve warm.

Onion Bhaji

This tasty Indian bhaji or simply onion fritters are a must as an accompaniment to curry or any other Indian meal. Can be served as a side dish or an appetizer but I love it as a snack - simply delicious!

 

Prep time : 15 min

Total time : 30 min

(Serves  4)

Ingredients: 

2 large onions, sliced or chopped

100 gram chickpea flour

1/2 cup water

Salt, pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1 green chili, deseeded and finely chopped

Oil for frying

Method:

In bowl combine onion, cumin, ginger, flour, chili; slowly add water to make thick batter. Season with salt and pepper.

In a deep pan pour in oil, it should reach about 5 cm up the sides. Heat oil to 180⁰ C ; in batches, carefully spoon batter to the oil (about size of golf-ball) and deep fry for 3-5 min, turning occasionally.

Transfer to the paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve hot with Greek style yogurt or sour-cream.

 

Loubia bil Dersa

Loubia is traditional Algerian dish made of green beans and spicy tomato sauce. Spices that are usually used are cumin, paprika, garlic and chilli powder although some cooks add also coriander, cayenne pepper or cinnamon.

Loubia is served as a side dish or can be eaten with just bread.

This is another recipe for 7th Mediterranean cooking event.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

500 gram green beans

1 l water

1 can of chopped tomatoes

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chilli powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon oil

Method:

In a large saucepan bring water to a boil; season with salt and add green beans. Simmer for about 30 minutes, drain.

In a large pan heat up oil then add garlic and all spices, sauté for a half minute. Add can of tomatoes and bring to a boil then add green beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt if necessary.

Bean salad with Lime Dressing

Healthy, colourful and delicious salad. Goes wonderfully with a BBQ or a great variation to your lunchbox.

(Serves 3-4)

Ingredients:

1 can (400 gram) red kidney beans, drained

1 can (400 gram) chickpeas, drained

1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, grated

4 radishes, sliced

For the dressing:

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons fresh lime juice

½ teaspoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Method:

In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients.

For the dressing: mix oil, lime juice and spices and place in a air tight container; shake well. Chill before serving.

Pour dressing over salad when ready to serve.