GRILLED ZUCCHINI, PEA, MINT & ‘PARMESAN’ SALAD:
I love making this salad to go with pizzas. The flavours are so yummy and fresh and complement pizza beautifully. It is also a goodie for a balmy summer night when you feel like something light yet satisfying. I love to make it when we are camping too, as the zucchini and toasted almonds take on a smoky quality over an open fire that is just scrumptious. Zucchini grows really well through summer so, if you plant it early enough, you might find you have an abundance to enjoy come the warmer months!
Serves: 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy
SALAD 2 large (200g) zucchinis, finely sliced 1/2 cup (70g) almonds 1 cup (140g) fresh peas 1/2 cup (20g) fresh mint leaves 1 tablespoon baby capers 2 teaspoons lemon zest TO SERVE 2 tablespoons coconut aminos 1/2 cup cashew ‘parmesan’
Camping: Heat a large skillet over medium fire and grill zucchini slices on both sides. Home: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius fan-forced. Line a tray with baking paper and spread zucchini over the tray, slightly spaced out so they don't overlap. Roast zucchini for 20 - 30 minutes. Roughly chop almonds and toast on a hot plate over the fire or in a non-stick frypan over medium heat. Layer grilled zucchini, peas, mint, capers, toasted almonds and lemon zest on a serving plate. Drizzle with coconut aminos and sprinkle with cashew ‘parmesan’.
CASHEW ‘PARMESAN’:
I have not missed the traditional version since discovering this delicious plant-based version of parmesan cheese. It takes next to no time to whip up and is so yummy on pizza, pasta, salads and in wraps. I like to store mine in a glass jar in the fridge to keep it fresh and ready to add to my meals. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze to store for longer periods.
Makes: 1 cup Prep time: 2 minutes Difficulty: Very easy
1 cup (140g) raw cashews 1/3 cup (35g) nutritional yeast 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt
SESAME CRUSTED ROAST PUMPKIN:
This is a little trick my Aunt taught me when I was a kid. It brings roast pumpkin to the next level and is such a good addition to any spread. The key to achieving the best taste and texture is to use organic or homegrown pumpkin and make sure it is ripe and ready to be enjoyed!
Serves: 2-4 (as a side) depending on the size of your pumpkin Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Difficulty: Very easy
1 large pumpkin (2 kg approx.) 2 tablespoons coconut aminos 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup sesame seeds Pinch of sea or celtic salt
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius fan-forced. Remove pumpkin seeds then peel and dice into chunks and add to a large bowl. Add the coconut aminos, olive oil, garlic powder and salt and mix well to evenly coat the pumpkin. Add sesame seeds and mix again. When evenly coated, line 1-2 large baking trays with baking paper and spread pumpkin evenly over both trays. Place in the oven to bake for around 45 minutes stirring once half way. Your pumpkin should be super soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Enjoy x Harry