
Beer Pretzel Stuffing
If you are looking to give your Thanksgiving stuffing a fun and simple twist (Get it? A twist!!), look no further than this pretzel stuffing. If you have the time, let the torn pretzel pieces sit out overnight to begin drying out. This will cut down on your oven drying time, or you may not need to oven-dry at all. If no fresh herbs are available, feel free to substitute dried; just use half the amount of fresh. If serving a large crowd, this recipe easily doubles to make a 9 × 13-in (23 × 33 cm) pan. Enjoy the Beer Pretzel Stuffing with Slackwater Brewing Idleback Amber Ale.Ingredients
Serves 6
8 soft pretzels or soft pretzel buns (about 12 cups/3 L once torn)
¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
2 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
1 large stalk celery, finely diced
1 large carrot, finely diced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley leaves and tender stems
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) fresh cranberries
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 cup (250 ml) Slackwater Idleback Amber Ale
½ cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as needed
1 large egg
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated pecorino
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 F (120 C).
- Slice or tear pretzels into bite-sized pieces. Arrange in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until dry like croutons, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on pretzels. Remove pretzels from oven and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Increase oven temperature to 375 F (190 C).
- Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Crumble in sausages and cook, stirring and breaking up chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in onions, celery and carrots and sauté until onions are translucent but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add sausage mixture to pretzel pieces along with parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, pepper and cranberries. Stir until mixture is well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk mustard, beer, stock and egg. Pour over pretzel mixture and stir well to combine. Set pretzel mixture aside for 20 minutes to allow pretzels to absorb liquid. If pretzel pieces are still quite firm after sitting, add another ¼ cup (60 ml) stock and stir to mix in. Pretzel pieces should be hydrated but not falling apart.
- Butter an 8-in (20 cm) square casserole dish. Add pretzel mixture in an even layer. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, rotate casserole dish 180 degrees in oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 F (175 C). Bake until deep golden brown and crisp on top, about another 20 minutes. If stuffing seems dry, pour another ¼ cup (60 ml) stock overtop and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes. Let rest on a rack for 10 minutes, sprinkle with pecorino and serve.
Drink Pairings

Roasted Cauliflower with Red Wine & Onion Gravy
Finally, the vegetarians at the table don’t have to settle for side dishes and cranberry sauce. Move over, turkey, you’re sharing the spotlight this year. Pass the gravy! Pair this Roasted Cauliflower with Our Story Cabernet Merlot.Ingredients
Serves 4
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs/900 g)
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated garlic
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated garlic
2 tsp (10 ml) ground turmeric
1¼ tsp (6 ml) Spanish smoked paprika, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) dark soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) plant-based butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
1 tsp (5 ml) ras el hanout
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, plus more for blanching
Red Wine & Onion Gravy, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows
RED WINE & ONION GRAVY | Makes about 2 cups (500 ml)
3 tbsp (45 ml) plant-based butter
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh sage
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary
2 tbsp (30 ml) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (80 ml) Our Story Cabernet Merlot
2 cups (500 ml) mushroom or vegetable stock
1 dried bay leaf
½ tsp (2.5 ml) dark soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) red miso paste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Trim base of cauliflower and remove any discoloured leaves, making sure to leave florets intact.
- Fill a large saucepan with enough heavily salted water to cover cauliflower, but don’t add cauliflower yet. Bring water to a boil over high heat, then whisk in granulated garlic, turmeric, 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika and soy sauce. Add cauliflower and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove and air-dry at room temperature.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt plant-based butter and coconut oil. Remove from heat and stir in ras el hanout, remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) paprika and the salt. Set aside.
- Place cauliflower on lined baking sheet and brush with half the butter mixture. Loosely tent cauliflower with foil, transfer to oven and cook for 30 minutes. Remove foil, baste with remaining butter mixture and return to oven. Continue to roast, uncovered, until lightly charred and tender when pierced with a wooden skewer, 30 to 45 minutes longer.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve with Red Wine & Onion Gravy.
- RED WINE & ONION GRAVY
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, sage and rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds, then sprinkle with flour and stir well. Pour in red wine and stir until thickened, then slowly whisk in stock. Add bay leaf and soy sauce, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until gravy coats back of a spoon.
- Remove bay leaf, add miso paste, purée until smooth and season with pepper. Gravy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Drink Pairings

Crab Cakes
Sweet Dungeness crab is the star of the show in these crab cakes, they have just enough breadcrumbs to hold them together. Buy whole crab and cook and pick it yourself, or buy pre cooked crab meat from your fish monger.Ingredients
Serves 4
1 lb (450 g) cooked Dungeness crabmeat, picked through to remove any shells and cartilage
2 eggs
1½ cups (375 ml) bread crumbs, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) creole seasoning, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon zest, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh dill leaves, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh chives, divided
3 tbsp (45 ml) mayonnaise, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) salt, divided
2 pinches pepper, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, plus more if needed
¼ cup (60 ml) crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
greens, for garnish
1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, place crab, eggs, ½ cup (125 ml) bread crumbs, 1 tbsp (15 ml) creole seasoning, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest, 2 tbsp (30 ml) dill, 2 tbsp (30 ml) chives, 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tsp (5 ml) salt and 1 pinch pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Spread remaining 1 cup (250 ml) bread crumbs on a plate.
- Form crab mixture into 8 crab cakes. Roll in bread crumbs and set aside.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add oil and butter and heat until butter foams. Fry crab cakes for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden. Add more butter if pan is dry after crab cakes have been flipped.
- In a small bowl, mix crème fraîche, lemon juice and remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) creole seasoning, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest, 1 tbsp (15 ml) dill, 1 tbsp (15 ml) chives, 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tsp (5 ml) salt and 1 pinch pepper.
- Serve 2 crab cakes per person with herb sauce, greens and lemon wedges.
Drink Pairings

Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas
Here's a classic fish and chips recipe for crispy battered fish and twice cooked chips. The mushy peas are made with frozen peas instead of the traditional dried which gives the dish a nice fresh flavour and bright colour. To make all 3 components so they’re ready to serve at the same time, start by making Double-Fried Chips through step 4. While chips are chilling in refrigerator, make Mushy Peas and keep warm until ready to serve, and prepare Fish recipe through step 3. Now do second fry of chips (step 5 of Double-Fried Chips recipe), then use same oil to fry fish (steps 4 and 5 of Fish recipe).Ingredients
Serves 4
FISH
1½ lbs (680 g) halibut or cod
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
1 tsp (5 ml) pepper, divided
1½ cups (375 ml) pale ale beer, cold
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve
tartar sauce, to serve
DOUBLE-FRIED CHIPS
vegetable oil, for frying
2 lbs (900 g) yellow potatoes, peeled, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) chips
salt, to taste
MUSHY PEAS
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 × 15 oz (425 g) can green peas, drained
½ cup (125 ml) frozen petite peas, blanched in hot water
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1 pinch pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
Instructions
- To make the fish, cut fish into 8 equal pieces, about 3 oz (85 g) each. Season with 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and let sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove excess moisture with paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup (250 ml) flour, cornstarch, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper and beer until no lumps remain.
- In a shallow dish, combine remaining 1 cup (250 ml) flour, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pepper and 2 tsp (10 ml) salt with paprika and garlic powder, and mix well.
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan one-quarter full with vegetable oil (or just use same pan and oil used to fry chips). Heat over medium-high heat to 375 F (190 C).
- When oil is hot, prepare fish. Working in batches, dredge fish in dry flour mixture, shake off excess flour, then coat in beer batter. Carefully place fish into oil, laying it down away from you. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a rack. Season with salt while fish is still hot. Repeat with remaining fish.
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, Double-Fried Chips and Mushy Peas.
- To make the chips, fill a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan halfway with oil. Heat over medium-high heat to 300 F (150 C).
- Meanwhile, rinse chips in cold water until water runs clear. Drain, then dry well with paper towel.
- Working in batches, fry chips in hot oil for about 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. They should be pale.
- Remove from oil and drain well. Cool chips to room temperature, then chill in refrigerator until cold.
- When ready to serve, heat same saucepan of oil over medium-high heat to 400 F (200 C). Fry chips in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain and toss with salt. Repeat with remaining chips, bringing oil temperature back to 400 F (200 C) before frying next batch.
- To make the mushy peas, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and green onions. Sweat until onions are soft. Add green and petite peas, salt, pepper and water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until peas are heated through.
- Transfer to a food processor and pulse until chunky. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- To make all 3 components so they’re ready to serve at the same time, start by making Double-Fried Chips through step 4. While chips are chilling in refrigerator, make Mushy Peas and keep warm until ready to serve, and prepare Fish recipe through step 3. Now do second fry of chips (step 5 of Double-Fried Chips recipe), then use same oil to fry fish (steps 4 and 5 of Fish recipe).
Drink Pairings

Thai Pork Laab
Laab is a spicy, sweet, and tangy dish packed full of umami and bright herbs. It comes together so quickly. Think of it as a meat salad or a quick stir-fry. Try it in rolls with the cabbage and rice, or take bites of it between bites of rice and vegetables. Pair this dish with Our Story Sauvignon Blanc or Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc beer.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) raw jasmine rice
2 tsp (10 ml) red pepper chili flakes (or to taste)
1 lb (450 g) ground pork
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce, plus more if needed
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
1 to 2 Thai (bird’s eye) chilies, thinly sliced (or to taste)
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lime juice
1 small cucumber, sliced, to serve
1 small cabbage, cut into 4 to 6 wedges, to serve
cooked jasmine rice, to serve
Instructions
- In a small frying pan over medium-high heat, toast raw rice until golden brown. Transfer to a spice grinder or small food processor and grind into a powder. Set aside.
- In same frying pan over medium-high heat, toast chili flakes until golden brown. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, cook pork with water, stirring constantly to break it up. Cook until no pink remains, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off heat.
- Add green onions, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, Thai chilies and toasted chili flakes. Stir to combine, then let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add mint, cilantro, lime juice and toasted rice powder. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve with cucumbers, cabbage and jasmine rice.
Drink Pairings

Sabich
This Israeli sandwich is a satisfying vegetarian choice. Packed full of vegetables, it has everything you need in a sandwich: something saucy, something pickled, something crunchy and some protein from the eggs and hummus. All components can be prepped ahead of time, making it a breeze to put together when you’re pressed for time! Pair this sandwich with Quails' Gate Rosé or Luccarelli Primitivo Puglia.Ingredients
Serves 4
2½ tsp (12.5 ml) salt, divided, plus more to taste
2 large eggplants, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) slices
2 large eggs
vegetable oil, for shallow frying
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) water, plus more if needed
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small tomato, cut into wedges
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) store-bought hummus
4 pitas, heated according to package instructions and cut in half
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) pickled turnips, drained and dried on paper towel
hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Salt both sides of eggplants with 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and let sit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, wipe off excess moisture with a paper towel.
- For the eggs, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Carefully add eggs and bring water back to a boil. Turn heat down to a high simmer and cook for 7 minutes. Remove eggs from saucepan and drop in an ice bath for 3 to 5 minutes. Peel, cut into quarters and set aside.
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat 1-in (2.5 cm) oil to 350 F (175 C). Fry eggplant slices until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix tahini, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, garlic, lemon juice and 1 tbsp (15 ml) water until smooth. If needed, add 1 tsp (5 ml) water at a time until sauce is consistency of ketchup. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- Season cucumbers and tomatoes with salt and pepper.
- To assemble, spread 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) each of tahini sauce and hummus between each pita. Divide eggplant slices, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, pickled turnips and hot sauce (if using) between each pita and top with extra tahini sauce to taste.
Drink Pairings

Tuna Spaghetti
This tuna spaghetti dish is made mainly of ingredients most folks have in their pantries. It’s light but comforting and a great addition to your weeknight meal arsenal. It’s also very flexible; you can adjust the spice, add some tomatoes, or include a green vegetable. Spinach, chopped broccolini, kale, peas, and zucchini all work well. You could also brown the garlic for some nuttiness or even use pre-roasted garlic for a sweet, mellow flavour. The possibilities are endless! Pair this recipe with Terre Di Chieti Zaccagnini Tralcetto Pinot Grigio or Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer.Ingredients
Serves 2 to 3
salt, for cooking spaghetti, plus more to taste
½ lb (225 g) spaghetti
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) capers, dried on paper towel, divided
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 anchovies packed in oil
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) jarred crushed Calabrian chilies or red pepper chili flakes, to taste
3 × 5 oz (140 g) cans tuna in olive oil (oil is used in recipe so do not drain)
1 × 15 oz (425 g) can cannellini beans, drained
1 tsp (5 ml) caper brine
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
1 lemon, zest and juice
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) capers and carefully fry until they pop. Remove capers and set aside. Turn off heat and let oil cool for 2 minutes.
- Roughly chop remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) capers and place them in frying pan along with garlic, anchovies and pepper. Let cook in residual heat until garlic is soft. Turn heat to low if needed. Once garlic is soft, add chilies, tuna and its oil, cannellini beans and caper brine. Mix, breaking tuna into large chunks.
- Once spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup (250 ml) cooking water. Drain spaghetti and add to pan with ¼ cup (60 ml) cooking water. Toss well, adding more cooking water as needed if pasta is dry. Add parsley and lemon zest and juice, and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley.
- * Tuna canned in olive oil will result in a better taste, but if you only have tuna packed in water, drain water and add an extra 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil to the recipe.
Drink Pairings

Prawn Roll
This summer, give a BC twist to the East Coast lobster roll by using prawns instead of lobster. You can use any size prawn you like; just adjust the size of the cuts. You can even use pre-cooked shrimp to make it very easy! These prawn rolls pair beautifully with 33 Acres of Ocean West Coast Pale Ale or Quails' Gate Riesling.Ingredients
Serves 4
Salt, for cooking, plus more to taste
1 lb (450 g) prawns, peeled and deveined
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 pinch lemon zest
2 tsp (10 ml) Old Bay seasoning
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh chives, finely sliced
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
pepper, to taste
4 brioche hot dog buns, unsplit
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- If using pre-cooked prawns, skip this step. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high heat and season with salt. Add prawns and cook until opaque all the way through and their internal temperature reaches 145 F (63 C); cooking time will vary depending on size of prawns. Remove from water and shock in a bowl of ice water to cool completely; time will depend on size of prawns. Drain and dry well.
- If necessary, cut prawns into bite-sized pieces, about 1-in (2.5 cm).
- In a medium bowl, combine prawns, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, Old Bay, chives, Worcestershire sauce, parsley and pepper. Mix and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Trim off lengthwise sides of hot dog buns and discard trim. Slice buns halfway down middle (from top to bottom).
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Melt butter, then add buns cut-side down. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Divide prawn mix between each bun and serve with lemon wedges.
Drink Pairings

Firecracker Salmon Bowl
This salmon bowl packs a punch of flavour. We are all familiar with poke, but cooking salmon until just opaque offers a beautiful, rich, and comforting dish. Served over rice with a creamy dressing, avocados, and vegetables, it is sure to keep you satiated and satisfied. This bowl pairs wonderfully with Lago Vinho Verde Rosé and Twin Sails Dat Juice Citra Pale Ale.Ingredients
Serves 2
SPICY MAYO
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
1 tbsp (15 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
GOMA-AE EDAMAME
¼ cup (60 ml) white sesame seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) maple syrup
1 cup (250 ml) frozen shelled edamame, thawed
FOR BOWL
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
2 fillets salmon or steelhead trout (about 1 lb/450 g in total), skin removed, cubed
2 cups (500 ml) cooked black rice or sushi rice (or both)
1 large carrot, spiralized
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- To make Spicy Mayo, in a small mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha and sweet chili sauce. Set aside.
- To make Goma-ae Edamame, in a small non-stick pan on medium-high heat, toast sesame seeds for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from heat, place into a small blender or clean coffee grinder and blend into a powder. Pour contents into a medium mixing bowl. Add soy sauce and maple syrup and mix to combine. If mixture is too thick, add water, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time, until desired consistency. Add edamame and stir to coat. Set aside.
- To make Bowl, in a small mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil. Add cubes of salmon and place in refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place marinated salmon cubes on lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
- In 2 serving dishes, evenly divide rice, carrots and avocados. Add seasoned edamame and salmon and drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with cilantro, green onions and sesame seeds.
Drink Pairings

Beet Medley Bowl
Beets are delicious, but they also offer a long list of health benefits that are great to add to your diet. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and even help with blood sugar control. This dish combines a few preparations of red and yellow beets to really show off their versatility. Be sure to make some extra as they store well in the refrigerator and are a great addition to salads all week long. Pair this dish with Road 13 Honest John's Bright Rosé or Terranoble Pinot Noir.Ingredients
Serves 2
BEET HUMMUS
1 roasted red beet, chopped
1 cup (250 ml) canned chickpeas
(½ × 19 oz/540 ml can), drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
½ lemon, juice only
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
salt and pepper, to taste
ROASTED CHICKPEAS
1 cup (250 ml) canned chickpeas
(½ × 19 oz/540 ml can), drained and rinsed
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
VINAIGRETTE
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) tahini
½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika 1 clove garlic, minced
½ lemon, juice only
2 tbsp (30 ml) water, plus more if needed
salt and pepper, to taste
FOR BOWL
1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (125 ml) all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
½ cup (125 ml) bread crumbs
1 × 5 oz (140 g) package goat’s cheese (about 1 cup/250 ml)
salt, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup (250 ml) sliced English or Persian cucumbers
2 green onions, sliced
1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 medium roasted yellow beets, sliced
2 cups (500 ml) cooked pearl couscous
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped roasted pistachios
warm pita bread, to serve
Instructions
- To make Beet Hummus, in a food processor, combine roasted beets, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin and cold water. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- To make Roasted Chickpeas, preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a small bowl, mix chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, paprika and salt. Spread out on lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- To make Vinaigrette, in a small mixing bowl, mix honey, Dijon, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and water. If it’s too thick, add more water, 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time, until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- To make Bowl, in a medium pan on medium-high heat, heat oil.
- Place flour, beaten egg and bread crumbs in 3 separate dishes.
- Using your hands, gently roll about
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) goat’s cheese into a disc. Place into bowl of flour to coat, then into egg mixture and finally into bread crumbs, then place on a clean, dry cutting board. Repeat with each piece of goat’s cheese.
- Gently place coated cheese into hot oil, making sure not to crowd pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on a piece of paper towel. Season with salt and set aside while assembling bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, place cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, romaine and roasted yellow beets. Dress with desired amount of vinaigrette and toss to coat.
- In 2 serving dishes, place even amounts of cooked couscous, salad mixture and fried goat’s cheese. Add a dollop of beet hummus and garnish with roasted chickpeas, parsley, dill and chopped pistachios. Serve alongside some warm pita bread.