Za’atar-Roasted Eggplant Salad with Lentils, Halloumi + Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

You can find za’atar (a fragrant Middle Eastern spice mix) at Vetro, or for a simple version combine equal amounts of dried thyme, sumac and lightly toasted sesame seeds. It’s lovely over any roasted vegetable or sprinkled over salads or eggs. Serves 4 2 medium eggplants 4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp za’atar 250g cherry […]
Kūmara, Cauliflower and Fennel Citrus Salad with Seasoned Fish

The juicy flesh of fish works so well here with the zingy, citrus flavoured kūmara and cauliflower salad. As a stickler for pan-frying fish in butter, I have done so but you could use a little olive oil or a mixture of both butter and oil. Serves 4 600–700g firm-fleshed fish, such as blue cod, […]
Chilli + Soy Eggplant with Tofu

This is one of those easy chop and roast dinners that’s basically ready in the time it takes to cook some rice (aka my kinda meal!). Once roasted, the eggplant and tofu get a quick toss in a pan with the sauce to coat. So simple, so packed with flavour and a really lovely budget-friendly […]
Crudo with Citrus Ponzu, Sesame Mayonnaise, Cucumber and Chilli

Bring on Brunch with Hayes Common Brunch, possibly the best innovation in mealtimes! And what better way to spend a leisurely weekend brunch than with some friends at a great spot like Hayes Common. These guys know how to brunch! For the traditionalists who love a big breakfast, their Commoner has free range eggs, thick […]
Loaded Kūmara

You need to balance flavours in this recipe. Squeezing over lime or lemon juice adds acidity, along with the sumac, and red chilli flakes add heat, with the fresh herbs adding freshness. Adding salt will balance acidity. Serves 4 4 small-medium orange kūmara (each weighing about 200g), scrubbed olive oil for drizzling salt 1 cup […]
Marinated Green Beans

Recipe and Images Kathy Paterson The beans will lose their bright green colour after a few hours if making ahead, but there is no loss of flavour. Serves 4 400g green beans, trimmed, left whole or sliced 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely […]
Cucumber Salad

Recipes and Images Kathy Paterson Refreshing with a punchy hit from the shallots. The dressing is quite thin so use some crusty bread to mop up all the juices. Serves 4 Dressing ½ cup kefir yoghurt (I used Raglan Food Co natural kefir yoghurt smoothie) 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, or use your favourite white or […]
Harriet’s How To: The Perfect Steak

Words Harriet Boucher, Images Ashlee DeCaires I always viewed cooking steak a bit of a boy’s job. At childhood dinners with family and friends, the men all stood around the BBQ while the ladies prepared the accompaniments. That trend has continued into my adult life despite ever-changing gender roles. But watch out boys, I’m here […]
Cherry Tomato Salad

Recipe and Images Kathy Paterson A bright and cheerful salad, without the need for olive oil (in my view!). For added flavour and substance, add in some thin slices of cured meat. Pancetta is truly delicious – pan-fry slices until dark golden and crisp then crumble a little before adding to the salad at the […]
Semifreddo with Seasonal Fruits

Recipe Bar Centrale, Images Brydie Thompson This light and refreshing dessert will please kids and grown-ups on a warm sunny day. You can use any fresh seasonal fruits, but I would recommend strawberry and mint. 3 eggs 2 egg yolks ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 cup caster sugar 500g fresh strawberries, halved (or quartered if […]