Tandoori Cedar Plank Salmon served with Cucumber-Mint Raita
This new spin on a perennial crowd-pleaser celebrates BC’s cultural diversity, marrying the aromatic complexity of tandoori spices with the smoky, woody flavour of cedar plank salmon. Blue Moon Mango Wheat Ale or Gray Monk Rose make great pairings for this Tandoori Cedar Plank Salmon dish.Ingredients
Serves 4
¾ cup (180 ml) plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) neutral-flavoured oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) finely grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely grated garlic
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground coriander
2 tsp (10 ml) Kashmiri chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml) garam masala
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) ground turmeric
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
4 × 6 oz (170 g) salmon fillets
red onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Cucumber-Mint Raita, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows
optional lime wedges, to serve
Cucumber-Mint Raita
1 cup (250 ml) grated cucumber
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, plus more to taste
1 cup (250 ml) plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup (60 ml) grated carrot
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp (1 ml) cumin seeds
⅛ tsp (a pinch) freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, oil, lemon juice, water, ginger, garlic, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. Mixture should be a thick but pourable consistency.
- Add salmon to marinade and gently toss until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 48 hours.
- Submerge a food-safe cedar plank in water, weighed down with a heavy bowl, and soak for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Preheat barbecue grill to 400 F (200 C). |Remove salmon from marinade, shake off excess marinade and set salmon aside.
- Remove plank from water, pat dry and position in centre of preheated grill until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip plank and place salmon skin-side down directly on charred side. Close barbecue lid and maintain grill temperature between 350 and 400 F (175 to 200 C). Cook salmon for 10 to 12 minutes, until it flakes easily when pierced gently with a fork at its thickest point.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with red onions and mint and serve with Cucumber-Mint Raita and lime wedges.
Drink Pairings
Prawn Anticuchos served with Aji Verde
Peruvian food has been enjoying a moment in the spotlight, and for good reason. Give this quick and easy recipe a try—it’s a delicious twist on a hearty street food classic, and one bite is all it takes to see why. Serve this dish with Left Field Pinot Gris Wine or Moody Ales Pineapple Coconut Beer.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
4 dried aji panca or pasilla chilies (about 1⅓ oz/40 g), seeded and torn into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
2 tsp (10 ml) cumin seeds
½ tsp (2.5 ml) whole black peppercorns
¾ cup (180 ml) Negra Modelo
½ cup (125 ml) red wine vinegar
¾ tsp (4 ml) dried oregano
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt
5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
48 prawns (size 21/25, about 2 lbs/900 g), peeled and deveined
Aji Verde, to serve, make ahead, recipe follows
grilled corn, to serve
boiled or roasted sweet
Aji Verde
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, roughly chopped
½ small white onion, diced
¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
⅓ cup (80 ml) crumbled queso fresco, plus more for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
2 limes, zest and juice
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems included, roughly chopped
¼ cup (60 ml) loosely packed fresh mint leaves
salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine chilies, cumin seeds and peppercorns and toast, stirring often, until warm and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour in lager and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then transfer contents to a blender or food processor along with vinegar, oregano, salt and garlic. Purée until smooth, then with blender still running, slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified. Any marinade you don’t use for prawns can be served as a dipping sauce or stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- In a mixing bowl, toss prawns with enough marinade to coat generously. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours. If left to marinate longer than 2 hours, prawns may start to cure and turn rubbery. Pierce 4 prawns per skewer and set on a plate.
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- Place skewers on grill and cook until prawns are opaque and cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes per side.
- Serve with Aji Verde, grilled corn, sweet potatoes and lime wedges.
- Aji Verde
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm oil. Add garlic, jalapeños and onions and sauté until onions have softened and begin to colour slightly, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain and transfer solids to a blender or food processor, and reserve oil. Let both cool before proceeding.
- To blender or food processor with cooled onion mixture, add mayonnaise, queso fresco, Parmesan, vinegar, lime zest and juice, cilantro and mint. Purée until smooth, then with motor running, slowly drizzle in reserved oil until emulsified. Season to taste and garnish with crumbled queso fresco. If not serving immediately, transfer to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 1 week, though colour may start to fade. Serve with any grilled meats or fish, French fries or fresh cut veggies.
Drink Pairings
Chickpea “Tuna” Tartine
A simple yet satisfying nosh, this tartine is a quick plant-based take on the classic open-faced sandwich. To tone down the heat from the jalapeño, simply remove the inner ribs and seeds, as that is where the tongue-tingling capsaicin, the chemical that gives chilies their heat, is the most concentrated. Pair with Strathcona Big Sexy Funk IPA or Santa Margherita Rose.Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2.5 ml) maple syrup
a few dashes hot sauce of choice (optional)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 × 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 green onions, thinly sliced into rounds
1 jalapeño pepper, roughly chopped
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped, any leaves reserved for garnish
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped red onions
1 tsp (5 ml) capers, roughly chopped
¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika
4 slices sourdough bread, toasted
2 avocados, pitted and sliced
2 cups (500 ml) mixed salad greens
microgreens, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, maple syrup and hot sauce (if using) until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Add chickpeas to dressing and, with a fork, mash about half the chickpeas into a chunky paste. Add green onions, jalapeños, celery, red onions, capers and smoked paprika, then gently fold together with a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with salt and black pepper.
- To serve, divide toasted sourdough slices among serving plates. Top each slice with a quarter of the sliced avocados, some salad greens and a generous heap of chickpea salad. Garnish with celery leaves, if you have some, and enjoy.
Drink Pairings
Jalapeño Beef Tacos with Charred Corn
These tacos pack a punch of flavour in every bite. Vibrant jalapeños mellow slightly when cooked alongside beef, adding depth to this recipe without overpowering it. Feel free to swap out the jalapeños for bell peppers if you prefer a more tempered meal. On the other hand, if you are a fan of spicy fare, you can leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños when preparing them for cooking. An easy way to achieve thin slices of beef for this recipe is to freeze your cut of meat first. Thaw for 10 to 20 minutes, until just soft enough to slice, then carefully carve into thin strips with a sharp knife. Serve with Pineapple and Jalapeno Margarita cocktail.Ingredients
Serves 4
8 to 10 jalapeños
1 lb (450 g) rib-eye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) water, wine or beer
1½ cups (375 ml) fresh or frozen corn kernels
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
8 corn tortillas
1 cup (250 ml) mixed coloured
cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
½ cup (125 ml) shredded sharp cheddar
½ cup (125 ml) sour cream
Instructions
- Trim off stem end of jalapeños and discard. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds with a small spoon. Cut each jalapeño half into 3 or 4 pieces. Set aside. Place beef in a medium bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Place red onions in a separate medium bowl and add cold water to cover. Add a handful of ice cubes and a pinch of salt. Set aside. |In a large cast iron pan, warm 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until starting to colour, about 30 seconds. Add half the seasoned beef and sauté for 1 minute. Add remaining beef and continue to sauté until nicely browned, about 2 minutes. Add water and jalapeños to pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until jalapeños are just slightly softened but not mushy, about 4 minutes. Transfer steak mixture to a plate and return pan to medium-high heat (no need to clean it).
- Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and corn to hot pan and sauté until starting to char, about 3 minutes. Season with paprika, salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and stir in green onions.
- Wipe out pan and return to medium heat. Warm tortillas in hot pan, 1 at a time, and transfer to a clean tea towel to keep warm. |When ready to assemble, drain red onions and pat dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel.
- Divide steak and jalapeño mixture among tortillas. Top with corn and some red onions, then garnish with more green onions, cherry tomatoes, cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy immediately.
Drink Pairings
Watermelon Poke
Watermelon is a perfect summer staple not only on its own but also when incorporated into seasonal dishes. In this recipe, it takes on the marinade’s savoury flavours beautifully and, after some time in the refrigerator, results in a very convincing version of poke. Enjoy with Salentein Portillo Malbec Rose or Old Yale Brewing Golden Peach Summer Radler.Ingredients
Serves 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
¾ tsp (4 ml) fine sea salt, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) sake
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
3 lbs (1.4 kg) seedless watermelon
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) sriracha
12 to 16 large leaves bibb lettuce, plus more if desired
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish |toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making poke marinade. In a blender, combine ginger, honey, lemon juice, cayenne, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce and sake. Blend until well combined. With blender running, drizzle in oils and blend until well incorporated.
- Slice watermelon into cubes roughly ½- to ¾-in (1.25 to 2 cm) wide. Transfer to a large bowl or container, then pour in marinade and gently toss to coat watermelon. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. Gently toss watermelon once or twice during this time.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sriracha and remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt until well combined. Thin with water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, until a thick but pourable consistency. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 5 days.
- When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer watermelon poke to a bowl, shaking off extra sauce. Reserve any remaining sauce for another use, such as a dressing. Divide lettuce leaves on a serving platter, then fill each with a generous spoonful of poke. Drizzle with the sriracha mayonnaise. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
Cold Tofu with Zucchini Noodles
This light and refreshing no-cook meal comes together in a snap. To make this more substantial, serve alongside some steamed rice. Chili crisp, which lends texture and a depth of flavour to the dressing, is a crunchy, spicy and aromatic condiment that pairs with everything from noodles and rice to eggs and grilled meats. It is readily available at most grocery stores. Matua Lighter Sauvignon Blanc and Steam Whistle Pilsner pair great with this recipe.Ingredients
Serves 4
3 medium zucchini (about 1½ lbs/680 g) |kosher salt
3 tbsp (45 ml) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
3 tbsp (45 ml) rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
1 green onion, finely sliced, plus more for garnish
3 tbsp (45 ml) chili crisp condiment*
1 × 14 oz (398 g) block silken tofu, drained
2 small radishes, thinly sliced
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped peanuts
*Chili crisp is a crunchy, spicy and aromatic condiment for noodle, rice, egg dishes and grilled meats. You can find it at most grocery stores.
Instructions
- Using a mandoline set to ⅛-in (0.3 cm) thin with julienne attachment, or using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into long, noodle-like strips, saving seedy cores for another use. Place zucchini in a colander set in a sink or over a bowl. Lightly season zucchini with salt and gently toss to thoroughly incorporate. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow excess water to drain from zucchini.
- Meanwhile, make chili dressing. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Stir in green onions and chili crisp. Set aside until ready to use. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- When ready to serve, pat zucchini dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel, then divide among 4 serving plates. Thickly slice tofu into 8 pieces and place 2 pieces over each portion of zucchini. Top with a generous spoonful of dressing and garnish with extra green onions, sliced radishes, cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve with remaining dressing alongside.
Drink Pairings
Blueberry Habanero Salsa
An unexpected blend of juicy blueberries, fiery habaneros and zesty lime, kissed with a touch of agave, ginger and fresh cilantro, comes together in this sweet and savoury salsa. Pair the Blueberry Habanero Salsa with Four Winds Light Lager or Coronitas.Ingredients
Serves 3 Cups
4 habanero peppers, halved and seeded
1 small white onion
3 cups (750 ml) fresh blueberries, divided
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) agave syrup or honey
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh ginger
¾ tsp (4 ml) dried oregano
½ tsp (2.5 ml) each salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 limes, zest and juice
½ cup (125 ml) roughly chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat barbecue grill to high and lightly oil grill.
- Place habanero peppers and onion on barbecue and grill until lightly charred on both sides.
- In a blender, combine charred habaneros and onion with 1½ cups (375 ml) blueberries, agave syrup, ginger, oregano, salt, pepper and lime zest and juice. Purée until smooth.
- Roughly chop remaining 1½ cups (375 ml) blueberries and add to blender along with cilantro, mint and green onions, then pulse 1 or 2 more times. Salsa will be very spicy at first but will mellow a bit if left to sit in refrigerator overnight. Enjoy with creamy, soft cheeses or grilled meats or as a table salsa with crispy tortilla chips. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Drink Pairings
Cod with Feta, Tomatoes & Olives
Dinner couldn’t get any easier. This cod dish is light tasting but so satisfying. Pair this dish with Growers Grapefruit Pomelo Cider or Birra Moretti Lager.Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 × 6 oz (170 g) cod fillets
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 oz (225 g) feta, cut into 4 slices
2 lemons, divided
1 cup (250 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
12 dry-cured black olives, pitted
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
fresh chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat barbecue grill to medium-high. Coat 4 individual cazuelas* with 1 tsp (5 ml) each of olive oil.
- Dry cod with paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper (keep in mind that feta is salty) and place 1 fillet in each cazuela. Top each fillet with a slice of feta.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix remaining oil, zest and juice of 1 lemon, tomatoes, olives and parsley. Divide evenly between cazuelas. Place on barbecue and cook, lid closed, for 12 to 15 minutes, until fish is cooked through and flakes evenly.
- Cut remaining lemon into wedges and serve with fish. Garnish with parsley.
- * A cazuela is an earthenware pan. You can substitute with cast iron or any individual-sized pans.
Drink Pairings
Roasted Tomatillo & Avocado Salsa
This creamy, tangy blend of bright tomatillos and ripe avocados is complemented by zesty lime, fresh cilantro and a hint of serrano heat. Perfect for dipping, dolloping and drizzling just about anything. Serve this appetizer with Red Truck La Strada Pilsner or Dos Equis Lager.Ingredients
Serves 3 Cups
6 to 8 tomatillos (about 9 oz/250 g), husks removed
½ white onion, cut into large pieces
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
3 serrano peppers, or to taste, whole with stem removed
1 lime, juice only, plus more to taste
1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
bottom 1-in (2.5 cm) of stems removed
3 green onions, roughly chopped
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, then add tomatillos, onions, garlic and serrano peppers. Toast until everything is lightly blackened on both sides.
- As vegetables become charred, remove from pan and add to a blender or food processor, making sure to first remove garlic skin. Purée, then cool to room temperature. Add lime juice, cilantro, green onions, avocado and salt and purée again until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with grilled fish, chicken or steak, try with eggs or use as a dip for grilled cheese sandwiches. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days before colour starts to change, but safe to eat within 5 days.
Drink Pairings
Peach Mustard Cedar Plank Pork Tenderloin
Here’s a low-maintenance recipe that’s full of flavour! Make sure to use a thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked but still juicy. Serve with Hard T Peach Vodka Iced Tea or Dead Frog Peach Lemonade Sour.Ingredients
Serves 4
1¼ tsp (6 ml) salt, divided |2 tsp (10 ml) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral-flavoured oil
½ cup (125 ml) peach preserves
2 tbsp (30 ml) wholegrain Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) balsamic vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped peaches
fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Submerge a food-safe cedar plank in water, weighed down with a heavy bowl, and soak for 1½ to 2 hours. |In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, sugar, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne. Sprinkle evenly over pork tenderloin. Let sit for 30 minutes, then coat with oil.
- Preheat barbecue grill to high.
- Place cedar plank on 1 side of barbecue. Heat for 5 minutes. Place pork on plank and cook, barbecue lid closed, for 10 minutes. Turn heat to low on side with plank and to medium on other side, and continue cooking until pork reaches an internal temperature of 130 F (54 C), about 20 minutes.
- While pork is cooking, in a saucepan, combine peach preserves, remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, Dijon and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Spread half of peach mixture over pork, close barbecue lid and continue cooking until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Add chopped peaches to remaining peach preserve mixture and keep warm.
- Remove pork from barbecue and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Place slices on a serving platter and pour remaining peach mixture overtop. Serve with a green salad.