Compote of salmon and cauliflower cream

August 4, 2015September 7, 2022 Belinda

This really gorgeous starter can be ideally served for both lunch and dinner. Either make it in a 4″ ring mold or make it like in this picture, in a small chilled glass.

Makes 6 portions

One side of salmon, about 2 3/4 lbs (skinned, fileted, and pin boned)
1 3/4 pints extra virgin olive oil
A bunch of dill
1 tsp rock salt

For the Cauliflower cream
1 medium cauliflower
whole milk
A handful of fresh cilantro
1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
1 tsp white peppercorns, crushed
17 fl oz heavy cream
salt and white pepper, freshly ground

Salmon
Preheat the oven to 90C/200F/Gas 1/2
Place the salmon in a suitable container lined with foil, and cover with the olive oil and fresh dill. Sprinkle with rock salt.
Fold the foil over and place the container in preheated oven, making sure that the salmon is completely immersed in the oil. The cooking time will be around 20 minutes. The salmon should then be taken out of the oven and left in the oil.

Cauliflower cream
Break the cauliflower into small florets, and place in a pan with enough milk to cover. Tie the fresh cilantro and crushed seeds and peppercorns in a small piece of muslin and place in the milk. Cook until the cauliflower florets are very soft.
Drain off and discard the milk, remove and discard the small muslin bag, then puree the cauliflower.
Leave to cool, then gently fold in the double cream. Season as required, then chill.

Gently remove the salmon from the oil, removing any dill. Drain off any excess oil, then gently flake the salmon.

To serve,
Place a 10cm ring mold (with 7cm diameter) on the first plate. Place some flaked salmon in the bottom of the mold. (or put some flaked salmon into a chilled glass)
Spoon the chilled cauliflower cream on top and garnish with a small seasonal salads, and toasted brioche.
Remove the mold and create compotes of salmon on the other plates.
You can also garnish the dish with tomato (cut into tiny cubes), coriander oil and a mixture of mushroom powder and olive oil.

Asian flavors · Dairy-free · Gluten Free · Nuts · Vegan · Vegetable sides · Vegetable-related

Mixed Beans with Peanuts, Ginger, and Lime

August 4, 2015February 8, 2016 Belinda

This is a great summer throw-together to make when there are lots of beans at the market. Mix colors and types for the full effect. Another Yotam Ottolenghi gem

Servings: 6

2 pounds mixed snap beans (such as green, wax, haricots verts, and/or Romano), trimmed
½ tsp kosher salt, plus more
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
½ large shallot, finely chopped
1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
1 lemon grass stalk, tough outer layers removed, finely grated on a Microplane
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
½ tsp ground coriander
Freshly ground black pepper
⅓ cup salted, roasted peanuts
3 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp finely grated lime zest
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
¼ tsp sugar
⅓ cup (packed) cilantro leaves with tender stems, plus more for serving

Working in batches by type, cook the beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 1–4 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl of ice water; let cool. Drain and pat dry.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small skillet over medium and cook shallot, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and coriander and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same skillet over medium-high. Cook the peanuts, tossing often, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; let cool, then coarsely chop. Set aside 1 tbsp peanuts for serving.
Whisk the kaffir lime leaves, lime zest, lime juice, sugar, ½ tsp. salt, and remaining 3 tbsp oil into the shallot mixture. Add the beans, remaining peanuts, and ⅓ cup cilantro and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with more cilantro and reserved peanuts.

Dairy-free · Gluten Free · Vegan · Whole30 compliant

Pan-fried eggplant with balsamic, basil and capers

August 4, 2015January 5, 2017 Belinda

Sweet, mild eggplant pairs with briny capers, floral basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Beautiful combination.

Serves 4
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil
2 small eggplant (about 8 oz. each), trimmed and sliced 1/3″thick crosswise.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste>
2 tbsp. capers
4 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Simmer the vinegar over medium heat in a 1-qt saucepan until reduced to a thick syrup, about 15 minutes.
Heat half the oil in a 12″ skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, fry eggplant, flipping once, until golden-brown, 5–7 minutes.
Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a platter; drizzle with balsamic.
Garnish with capers and basil.