Island Herb Coconut Pan-Seared Salmon
Whether it's for lunch or dinner, salmon works well for any time of the day or almost any occasion. It's also very versatile in regards to how one can prepare it. I typically bake my salmon, marinated and wrapped in foil for 36 minutes at 350F. That is a fail-safe way to get some juicy, flavourful fish. But what if you want it lightly seared? A thin coat of crispy crust fried in butter or olive oil? That's where this recipe comes in!
You cook the salmon in a nonstick pan, add some vegetables, and finish off in coconut milk and a sauce to add your desired flavour profile. In this case, I wanted a Caribbean flare. Or, more specifically, a herb blend with vinegar, onions, garlic, ginger from one of my favorite kitchen product lines Camella's Kitchen, a Trinidadian women-owned business that makes authentic sauces and blends with flavours from the islands. The Island Herb Blend makes for quite the melody with some help from the fish sauce, soy sauce, and Worcester to bring everything together. If still available, you can get the blend as part of the summer grilling kit; that includes the Spicy Mango Chutney, Trini Roasted Garlic, Hot Pepper Sauce, and Pineapple Chow Pepper sauces. I used two sauces to make this Pineapple Chow Black Seabass with Salsa and Goat Chorizo Samosas with Tomato Mango Chutney. Or, try the fall kit, which includes the Island Herb Blend plus some autumn flavours like pumpkin and apple spice, which I've also used to make this Spicy Pumpkin Mushroom Skillet Pot Pie and Spicy Apple Muffins with a Cider Glaze.
In a short space of time, you'll get some delicious flavours that can be absorbed with some rice/grain or enjoyed as is.
Ingredients
2 salmon filets with skin
1/2 cup cononut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon Worchester sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 large red bell pepper
1/2 yellow onion
1/4 cup spring onion + extra tips for garnish
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt and pepper (steak seasoning)
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons Island Herd Blend from Camella’s Kitchen
1 cup bok choy
3/4 cup brown mushrooms
Dried or fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Add butter to a nonstick pan on medium-high heat and sear the salmon fillets skin side first for 4-5 minutes on each side. For thicker fillets, flip the fish on its sides and sear for about 2 minutes per side. Season the fish with one tablespoon seafood seasoning, salt and pepper, and garlic before flipping over.
While the fish cooks, remove the stems from the bok choy, roll, and chop the leaves into shreds. Chop the green onion, setting aside some tips for garnish.
Remove the fish and set it aside. Add the onion and pepper and sweat for about 2 minutes. Add one tablespoon seafood seasoning, basil, ginger, mushrooms, green onion, tomatoes, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Chop the cilantro and add to the pan and cook for another minute, mix well.
Nestle in the salmon, add the bok choy and coconut milk, mix everything around the fish, add the Island Herb Blend, soy sauce, and fish sauce, and make sure all the pan's contents are well combined.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring at regular intervals to ensure the sauce doesn't stick to the pan and cooks evenly. You can also check the temperature of the fish (salmon should be 145F to be safe to eat in the thickest part and firm when done).
Season to taste with extra salt, pepper and Worchester sauce if more umami is needed and cook for the appropriate additional time.
Garnish with green onion tips, parsley and lemon. Serve hot with rice or grain of choice.
Mushroom and Heirloom Tomato Quiche
This recipe is part of a six course brunch.
I don't think you can ever go wrong with quiche. It's another recipe that's super customizable and a great addition to the brunch table.
The only thing challenge with quiche is that there is a risk it will end up tasting bland. How do you avoid that? Make sure you season the egg mixture in addition to your filling well; it will make a huge difference!
If you're tired of omelettes, scrambled, or fried eggs, quiche is a great way to add different flavours and textures while getting your dose of protein and egg differently, with the addition of a delicious buttery, flaky pastry, of course. I used puff pastry because I like the extra flakiness, but you can still use regular pie crust. I also used coconut milk as a non-dairy alternative.
Add this recipe to your brunch spread, weekday breakfast repertoire (go crust-free and use a muffin tray), or any time you have folks over for lunch and need a light fare - you can serve it with a light side salad.
Ingredients
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed (10 minutes before baking)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup corn (canned or fresh from the cobb)
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon spice for rice (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
2 shallots, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 large heirloom tomato, thinly sliced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs
1/2 cup coconut milk
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
In a non-stick pan, heat the olive oil and saute the mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, spices and herbs; cook for 1-2 minutes to bring the flavours out. Add the fresh garlic, bell pepper, and scallions; cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables.
Deglaze the pan with soy sauce, then add the corn. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then a set aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, spice for rice, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until well combined.
Place the puff pastry into a 9-inch pie dish. Since the puff pastry is square, you can trim the edges or fold them slightly. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the pastry, followed by the tomato slices.
Pour the egg mixture on top, garnish with some additional dried and fresh basil if you please, and bake for 30 minutes at 350F or until the eggs are set - they should no longer jiggle if you move the pan around.
Sprinkle a little more parmesan on top, cool for about 10 minutes, and serve warm.
Baked Feta Pasta "Tik Tok Viral"
#FetaPasta or #BakedFetaPasta. Some of you may have seen it already, the Tik Tok trend that went viral for its simplicity and deliciousness (at least from a visual standpoint. Last time I saw something like this was Dalogna coffee - which to be honest, I found overwhelming and well, gross.
I'm not one to jump on bandwagons, but this certainly looks like it is worth trying. Why?
I'm a huge fan of feta cheese, I love all the bold Italian flavours that one can incorporate into this recipe - I'm talking, basil, tomato, garlic, olive oil, and of course pasta. The pesto was to add another layer of flavour, and the chilli flakes some heat.
Also, it's easy. For a lot of people with busy schedules, this is all you want from a recipe.
Make this if you are looking for a filling dish or something vegetarian that still packs a flavour punch. I will note that I have seen comments and articles mentioning that tomatoes aren't currently in season, so this will probably taste better between May and October. Still worth trying in the means to see what the hype is about!
Ingredients
1 block feta cheese
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
4-5 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked pasta
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a baking pan, toss the tomatoes half the salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and half the dried basil.
Place the feta in the centre, and the garlic cloves around the pan. Drizzle the cheese with more olive oil and remaining seasoning, and sprinkle with chilli flakes.
Bake at 400F for 35 minutes.
(Cook your pasta in the meantime if you haven't already).
Remove from heat. Crush the baked feta and garlic cloves, then stir in the fresh basil and pasta.
Serve immediately!
Tomato Bruschetta with Guava Balsamic Glaze
This is the second of six plates I would serve if asked to make a 6-course meal or string of small plates/tapas based on Zimbabwean cuisine. I used ingredients that are commonly eaten or are considered a cornerstone of our cooking, but with a modern twist. The first was a bowl of sweet potato soup.
Sometimes simplicity is best, especially when you need a quick appetizer.
This works well when it comes to Zimbabwean cooking. I wouldn’t say there are any complicated techniques used in the every day Zim kitchen. Most people use fresh ingredients in the least convoluted way possible. Some could argue it borders on bland in certain instances, however, focus on one or two-star ingredients can help bring attention to and appreciate the food in its purity, for what it is. Perhaps adding tweaks to enhance the flavour so that it has simple, bold. flavours. I think of Italian food in this way which is likely why it is one of my other favourite cuisines!
Bruschetta is a great way to celebrate the tomato, which I have said is a quintessential fruit in the Zimbabwean kitchen, as is the onion.
The guava, on the other hand, is a commonly eaten fruit I believe, is underutilized. I don’t even recall jam being made from them, most people eat the fruits as they are. We had a tree in my back yard I used to climb just to pass the time, and would often pick them myself. Similar to passionfruit, there is nothing quite like the sweetness from the pink-fleshed, tropical fruit.
I decided to use some guava nectar to make an enhanced, fruity glaze to drizzle over the fresh tomato and onion. on top of a crunchy piece of garlic-rubbed baguette. This makes for a delicious snack or starter.
Ingredients
1/2 French baguette
1/2 large tomato
1/4 yellow onion
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter + extra for bread
1/3 cup guava nectar
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 teaspoons olive oil + extra for bread
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder + extra for bread
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
Dice the tomato and onion, then toss in 3 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper. Taste to make sure it is to your liking, set aside!
Slice the baguette, butter one side, then rub or brush each piece with olive oil, minced garlic and garlic powder. Toast directly on the stovetop for a few seconds. You can also broil but take care not to burn!
In a small pot, melt the tablespoon of butter with the balsamic vinegar. Add the guava nectar, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and stir, frequently, until the glaze begins to caramelize and thicken. Season to taste if desired.
Assemble your bruschetta. Top the toasted baguettes with the tomato and onion, drizzle with glaze, then top with fresh basil.
Jollof Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes and Mushrooms
If you haven't had jollof rice yet, you're missing out. It's a cornerstone of West African food. Each country that does make it a central aspect of their cuisine have particular methods of preparing the rice. I’m not going to get into the nuances because I’m from Southern Africa and not really in a position to get into the specifics and get it exactly right! I will say though, that some people might say it my rendition is closer to the 'Ghanaian way', due to the spiciness and lack of bay leaf (common in some Nigerian recipes I've seen). I seasoned the tomato stew the rice cooks in to my liking, and the result is pretty delicious.
You can eat the jollop rice as it is, with beans, fish, plantains, or do what I did and stuff some juicy vegetables! Stuffing veggies with rice (and sometimes a protein) is nothing new. It’s usually an easy and delicious meal, and quick if you have precooked your rice.
This method is something fun to do year-round with whatever is in season.
I was going to get brave and try and stuff some grapes leaves and cabbage, but this kept it simple since tomatoes and mushrooms lend themselves well to stuffing/topping, are easy to find and relatively affordable.
Hope you find this as tasty as I did!
Ingredients
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 small habanero pepper, chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon curry
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic and herb blend
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon coriander
3-4 large tomatoes
Fresh thyme
Garlic powder
Olive oil
3-4 portobello mushrooms
Instructions
Blend the onion and olive oil into a paste and set aside.
Clean out the blender and repeat this step with the pepper, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
In a large pot, melt the butter with the vegetable oil. Add the onion paste and garlic and cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Add the spices, salt, pepper, and bouillon cubes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the onion paste looks drier and the water content is reduced.
Add the tomato sauce and continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Finally, add the rice and frozen peas. Top with water, cover with foil and a lid, and steam cook for 30 minutes until the rice is done. You can check from time to time to make sure the bottom isn’t burning. Note - the foil will help to keep all the flavours in!
Prepare your vegetables for stuffing. Hollow out the insides carefully with a knife, and drizzle with olive oil. Dust with garlic powder, salt, pepper, then top with fresh thyme.
In a 400F oven, bake your vegetables for about 25 minutes, until they have softened (but don’t overcook).
Remove your vegetables and let them cool for about 5 minutes, then using a teaspoon scoop the rice into the tomatoes and mushrooms. Serve hot!