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 […]

Hot Cross Buns

I have to confess hot cross buns are my weakness. I can’t wait each year for the Christmas decorations to disappear as it means hot cross buns will start popping up in the supermarket. I know these, often mass-produced versions, are not the best specimens, but they tide me over until Easter and local artisan […]

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 […]

Baked Pancake w/ Vanilla Custard and Apple Compote

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 […]

What a Waste

Every year the average Kiwi household sends 89kgs of edible food to landfill. This figure does not include food scraps that can’t be eaten, like egg shells and banana peels. It also doesn’t include food wasted at the source or through our supply chain i.e. what producers, distributors, supermarkets and restaurants throw away. The problem […]

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 […]