Tomato, Angel Hair & Fior di Latte Salad
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
2 lbs (907 g) assorted small colourful cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cups (750 ml) coarsely chopped Campari tomatoes
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon zest
3 tbsp (45 ml) balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup (75 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely minced jalapeño pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely minced shallot
3 tbsp (45 ml) capers, well rinsed
1 cup (250 ml) coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 x ½ lb (227 g) ball Fior di Latte mozzarella, torn into small pieces
1 lb (454 g) dried angel hair or capellini pasta
Instructions
- On a cutting board, using a large heavy knife, mash garlic and salt into a paste, then transfer to a large serving bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, Campari tomatoes, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, oil, pepper, parsley, thyme, jalapeño, shallot, capers, basil and Fior di Latte. Mix well to combine and let sit, loosely covered, for about 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
- When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes. Drain pasta and immediately add it to tomato mixture, tossing to combine. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
Zucchini Fritters with Lemon & Herb Raita
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
Zucchini Fritters:
2 lbs (907 g) small, firm zucchinis, cut into ¼-in (0.5 cm) rounds
1 cup (250 ml) rice flour
1 cup (250 ml) chickpea flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) coarsely ground black pepper
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground turmeric
1½ tsp (7 ml) amchoor (optional)*
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
2 cups (500 ml) beer, preferably 33 Acres of Sunshine Blanche
⅓ cup (75 ml) very finely chopped cilantro leaves
1½ to 2 cups (375 to 500 ml) canola oil, for frying
Lemon & Herb Raita:
1½ cups (375 ml) full-fat yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large garlic clove, finely grated
¼ cup (60 ml) very finely chopped cilantro leaves
¼ cup (60 ml) very finely chopped mint leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) very finely minced dill
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 pinch ground turmeric
fresh curry leaves, for garnish (optional)
Italian parsley, leaves and tender stems, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with paper towel and lay out zucchini rounds in a single layer. Cover with more paper towel and press down gently to blot away excess moisture. Leave zucchini on paper towel while preparing batter and Lemon & Herb Raita.
- To make fritter batter, in a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, chickpea flour, baking soda, salt, pepper, turmeric, amchoor (if using) and cayenne. Slowly add beer and cilantro, whisking gently until smooth. Set aside.
- To make Lemon & Herb Raita, in a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, mint and dill. Season to taste with salt, pepper and turmeric, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Line another baking sheet with paper towel. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add enough oil to reach a depth of ½-in (1.25 cm). Heat oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 370 F (188 C), or until a dollop of batter dropped into oil floats and sizzles immediately. Working in batches so as not to crowd pan, dip zucchini in batter to coat both sides. Fry zucchini in hot oil, turning, until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Remove to lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining zucchini, adding more oil to pan as needed. Dip fresh curry leaves (if using) and parsley in batter to coat and fry until golden, about 20 seconds. Remove to lined baking sheet to drain.
- To serve, place Raita on a serving dish and surround with fritters. Garnish with curry leaves, if using, and parsley. Serve immediately.
- *Dried mango powder. Available at larger grocery stores or specialty markets.
Drink Pairings
Fiesta Slaw Steak Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
Ingredients
Serves 2
2 tbsp (30 ml) grainy mustard
4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1.1 lbs (500 g) flank steak
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
½ yellow onion, diced
1 cup (250 ml) uncooked brown rice
1 cup (250 ml) cooked black beans
1½ cups (375 ml) chicken stock, or as needed
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) diced red pepper
¼ red onion, diced
1½ cups (375 ml) grilled corn kernels (about 2 cobs)
1 lime, juice only
1 tbsp (15 ml) diced jalapeño, or to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
2 cups (500 ml) shredded red cabbage
Creamy Cilantro Dressing:
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
½ lime, juice only
1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
hot sauce, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together mustard, 3 minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, paprika, cumin, honey and olive oil. Add steak to bowl and turn to coat with marinade. Transfer to refrigerator and let sit for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add yellow onion and remaining garlic and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, or until soft. Add rice, beans and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until liquid is fully absorbed. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Preheat grill to high. Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade, and grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 to 135 F (54 to 57 C) for medium-rare. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut across width of steak on a slight angle into ¼-in (0.5 cm) slices. Set aside.
- To make corn salsa, in a medium bowl, mix together red pepper, red onion, corn, lime juice, jalapeño and cilantro. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, dress cabbage with 2 tbsp (30 ml) Creamy Cilantro Dressing and set aside.
- Place desired amount of rice in 2 bowls. Top with dressed cabbage, corn salsa and steak. Dollop with desired amount of Creamy Cilantro Dressing.
- To make creamy cilantro dressing: In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Dressing will keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container in refrigerator. Makes about ¾ cup (175 ml)
Drink Pairings
Chickpea Fritter Bowls with Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Serves 2
½ tbsp (7 ml) olive oil
2 small zucchinis, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
salt and pepper, to taste
1 x 19 oz (540 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (250 ml) fresh dill fronds
1¼ cups (310 ml) chopped fresh parsley leaves, divided
½ cup (125 ml) fresh mint leaves
2 lemons, zest only, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
½ cup (125 ml) flour
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (500 ml) cooked pearl couscous
¾ cup (175 ml) chopped pitted Kalamata olives
½ cup (125 ml) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups (500 ml) mixed greens
¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled feta, for garnish
Tahini Dressing:
¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
½ lemon, juice only
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) honey
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) water, plus extra as needed
Instructions
- In a medium frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until just soft. Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, dill, parsley, mint, ½ the lemon zest, paprika, cumin and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper and pulse until combined. Add flour and blend until mixture holds together well, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, measure out 2 tbsp (30 ml) portions and gently press and form into little balls.
- Line a plate with paper towel. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, fry chickpea balls for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside on lined plate.
- In a large bowl, mix together couscous, zucchini, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and remaining lemon zest.
- To assemble, divide greens and couscous mixture between 2 bowls. Top with chickpea fritters and garnish with feta and parsley. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing.
- To make tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. If dressing is too thick, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) water at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Makes about ½ cup (125 ml)
Drink Pairings
Cauliflower Steaks with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
Ingredients
Serves 4
1 cup (250 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes then drained
⅓ cup (75 ml) + 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove
3 tbsp (45 ml) roasted, peeled hazelnuts, plus extra for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) sherry vinegar
2 oz (57 g) Manchego cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 tsp (5 ml) warm water, plus extra as needed (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 head cauliflower, sliced into 1½-in (3.75 cm) “steaks”
pea sprouts, for garnish
Instructions
- To make pesto, in a small food processor or blender, pulse tomatoes, ⅓ cup (75 ml) olive oil, garlic, hazelnuts, vinegar and Manchego until it forms a rough paste, adding warm water 1 tsp (5 ml) at a time if mixture is too thick to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Lay cauliflower “steaks” on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, flipping pieces over to coat both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cauliflower is deep golden brown, cooked through and crispy on edges.
- Serve cauliflower with sun-dried tomato pesto and garnish with hazelnuts, Manchego and pea sprouts.
Drink Pairings
Flank Steak served with Roasted Pepper Pesto
Ingredients
Serves 4
28 oz (794 g) flank steak
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, divided
4 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
2 medium yellow peppers
¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pumpkin seeds, plus extra for garnish
1 lime, zest and juice
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper, plus extra to taste
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded (optional), or to taste
1 small handful cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
1 small handful microgreens, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate steak the night before. Combine 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, vinegar, oregano and cumin. Rub all over steak and let marinate in refrigerator, covered, overnight.
- Roast yellow peppers; this can be done over a medium to high gas flame on the stove or barbecue, or in an oven under the broiler. Roast, turning often, until skins are evenly charred and blackened all over, about 7 to 15 minutes, depending on heat source. Place peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to cool completely.
- Peel peppers and remove seeds and stems. Rinse away any remaining charred skin under running water. Dry peppers well.
- In a small food processor or blender, combine peppers, remaining garlic clove and 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, pumpkin seeds, lime zest and juice, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, ¼ tsp (1 ml) pepper, jalapeño and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside; this can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in refrigerator.
- 1 hour before cooking, remove steak from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Preheat barbecue to medium-high. Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 4 to 7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 F (51 C) for rare to 135 F (57 C) for medium-rare. Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, cilantro and microgreens and serve with roasted pepper pesto.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Nectarine & Tomato Pizza
Ingredients
Serves 6
¾ cup (175 ml) warm water
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid honey
½ tbsp (7 ml) active dry yeast
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
¼ cup (60 ml) cornmeal
¾ tsp (4 ml) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
grapeseed oil, for greasing
3 medium tomatoes, each cored and cut into 8 wedges
3 medium nectarines, pitted and halved*
4 oz (125 g) fresh mozzarella, roughly torn
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together water, honey and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow yeast to bloom. If mixture does not become frothy, like the head on a beer, yeast may be inactive; if so, repeat step with a new pack. With a wooden spoon, stir in olive oil, then stir in flour, cornmeal and salt. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes. Use as much extra flour as needed to create a smooth, firm and lightly sticky dough.
- Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, cover bowl and let rise again, another 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high, on 1 side only. Lightly oil grill with grapeseed oil.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover with a towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place tomatoes on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let stand for 15 minutes. If needed, pat dry with additional paper towel and set aside on a clean plate.
- Brush nectarines lightly with grapeseed oil. Grill over hot side of grill until tender and grill-marked, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning once. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle. Slice each half into 4 wedges.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll or stretch dough into a 14 x 10-in (35 x 25 cm) rectangle. Brush 1 side lightly with grapeseed oil. Place dough, oiled side down, onto grill directly over heat. Brush top lightly with more grapeseed oil and cook until underside has browned and bubbles appear on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until other side has lightly browned, about 1 minute. Move dough to cooler side of grill and top with tomatoes, nectarines, cheese and half the basil. Cover grill and cook pizza until toppings are warm, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove pizza to a cutting board and garnish with remaining basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let stand for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
- *Can substitute other stone fruit of choice if desired.
Drink Pairings
Lime & Parmesan Corn Ribs
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil or avocado oil
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
¾ tsp (4 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lime zest
4 corn cobs, husks removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) roughly chopped fresh
cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and lime zest until well combined. Set spice mixture aside.
- With a sharp knife, carefully cut each corn cob into quarters lengthwise. The best way to do this is to stand the cob up vertically, with the wider end against the work surface. Cut lengthwise through the cob, then lay each half on its flat side and cut lengthwise once again. If this is too difficult, chop cobs in half so that you end up with 8 pieces per cob instead of 4; if cobs are shorter, they are easier and safer to cut.
- Lay corn on prepared baking sheet and brush each piece all over with spice mixture. Bake for 15 minutes, flip pieces over and return to oven until they start to curl slightly and begin to crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes more. While warm, transfer to serving plate and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Drink Pairings
Grilled Corn Tostadas
Ingredients
Serves 12
6 x 6-in (15 cm) corn tortillas
1 cup (250 ml) canola oil, for frying
⅓ cup (75 ml) raw hulled pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
1 large pinch fine sea salt, plus extra to taste
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked Mexican chili powder, plus extra for garnish
2 large corn cobs, husks removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) best-quality mayonnaise
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced red onion
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
pepper, to taste
⅓ cup (75 ml) crumbled feta cheese
lime wedges and salsa, to serve
Instructions
- Using a cookie cutter, cut two 3-in (8 cm) rounds from each tortilla and set aside. Keep trimmings for frying and snacking on, if desired. Line a baking sheet with paper towel. In a deep heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil to 370 F (188 C). Working in batches, fry tostadas until crisp and golden brown, turning, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer fried tostadas to lined baking sheet to drain.
- In a medium frying pan over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds until fragrant and just beginning to pop, about 3 minutes, shaking pan frequently. Sprinkle in sugar and cook until it melts and caramelizes, coating pumpkin seeds, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add pinch of salt and chili powder, toss well and immediately transfer seeds to a plate. Set aside to cool, then break into small chunks.
- Preheat grill to medium. Grill corn, turning occasionally, for about 7 minutes or until cooked through and lightly charred. Let cool. Using a sharp knife, cut kernels off cob and transfer to a medium bowl. You should have about 1½ cups (375 ml). Mix in mayonnaise, onion, garlic, cilantro and lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To serve, divide corn mixture between tostadas. Top with pumpkin seeds, feta and a sprinkle of chili powder. Transfer to a serving tray and serve with lime wedges and a bowl of salsa on the side.
Drink Pairings
Miso Butter Halibut served with Bok Choy and Peas
Ingredients
Serves 4
3 tbsp (45 ml) shiro (white) miso
¼ cup (60 ml) mirin
2 tbsp (30 ml) low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely grated fresh ginger, divided
4 x 6 oz (170 g) halibut fillets, about 1-in (2.5 cm) thick, skin removed
1 tbsp (15 ml) + ½ cup (125 ml) chilled unsalted butter, divided
1 medium shallot, minced
½ cup (125 ml) + 1 tbsp (15 ml) sake, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice
kosher salt, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 heads baby bok choy, halved (or quartered if large)
1 cup (250 ml) snap peas
1 green onion, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
½ cup (125 ml) pea shoots, for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped blanched almonds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together miso, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger. Set saucepan over medium-low heat and bring just to a simmer, whisking constantly, about 4 minutes. Take care not to let mixture boil. Remove saucepan from heat, set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Arrange halibut fillets, skinned side down, on a plate in a single layer. Brush all over with miso mixture and allow to marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make Sake Butter Sauce. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger and shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add ½ cup (125 ml) sake, bring to a boil, and allow to reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Whisking constantly, begin to add in remaining ½ cup (125 ml) butter, about 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, allowing butter to melt before adding more. Once thickened and creamy, remove from heat. Whisk in remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) sake, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Taste and season with more salt as desired. Set saucepan aside at room temperature until ready to use.
- Preheat broiler with an oven rack positioned about 4- to 6-in (10 to 15 cm) away from heat source.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place halibut, skinned side down, on sheet. Broil until exterior is caramelized and centre is slightly opaque, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add bok choy and cook, turning once, until lightly browned and warm, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Set bok choy on a plate, return frying pan to heat and add snap peas. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté until warmed through but maintain some crunch, about 2 minutes. Transfer peas to plate with bok choy.
- To serve, warm sake butter over medium heat, whisking constantly, until fluid. Ladle sake butter onto warm plates. Add bok choy, peas and halibut and top with green onion, pea shoots and almonds. Serve immediately.