A Choice of Two Exotic Spring Salads

Slide1

More wonderful fresh produce from the Gardens at Villa Bologna, served in their inimitable Ceramika Maltija dishes. Spring is in the air, and so are flavours of the Med from Mouthwatering Vegan Recipes for your joie de vivre !   Red Cabbage, Spring Onion & Roast Pecan Nut Salad, with a Sweet Toffee-Style Fruit, Maple & Balsamic Dressing ¼ fresh red cabbage, shredded or finely chopped 1 spring onion (scallion), chopped ¼ cup roasted pecan [...]

Grape & Cherry Tomato ‘Feta’ Salad

Slide1

Here is a beautiful salad, simple to make and great for the outdoors. I am making a ‘chicken-free’ Red Sweet BBQ tonight, which I am serving up with plain shortgrain crisped rice – simply fry in olive oil until some of the grains turn golden, then sprinkle with salt.  It’s an enticing combination, and I think I will have it with white grape juice, or a very chilled dry white wine.  The colours of the [...]

Aunt Polly’s Magical Eggplant Dip

Slide1

I have had this at my aunt’s house many a time, and I simply love it. I managed to extract the ‘secret family recipe’ from her, and here it is in all it’s simple glory.  You will love this – it’s just so Mediterranean and flavoursome, and goes well with fresh Mediterranean bread and crudités, and a glass of chilled white wine. A great summer treat, and so easy to make too ! INGREDIENTS 1 [...]

Zesty Zucchini & Fava Bean Garlic Dip

Slide1

Dip deep into the Mediterranean . . . A simple dish made with simple locally grown produce.  Villa Bologna has some great produce here in Malta.  I visited last week, and just couldn’t resist the produce and the pottery, simply beautiful (the Ceramika Maltija bowl in the picture is one of theirs).  Their broad beans match no other that I’ve ever laid my eyes on, and their lemons ever-so-fragrant. This is made with locally grown garlic [...]

Griddled Eggplant Steaks In A Sweet Balsamic Sauce

Slide3

I had a beautiful looking eggplant, and I really fancied making something special of it.  I kept the whole thing simple, and concentrated on the taste, colour, texture and aroma.  The result – a wonderful, wonderful dish full of juicy goodness and stunning colours. Here it is for you to be enjoyed as a side dish to either serve with pasta or rice, or as a main dish, served with hot crusty bread, and some [...]

Seafood Platter Dip

Slide1

This is the most amazing seafood dip ever.  Tasty, ‘fishy’, the sea in your mouth, for all those vegans who miss the taste of fish – this one’s truly for you !  A great sandwich filler, perfect for picnics to come, party food, or just a weekday snack filler.  Make it, enjoy it, and come back to me with your feedback.  Thanks. INGREDIENTS 1 400g can cannellini beans, or 2 cups home-cooked cannellini beans 2 [...]

My Exotic Tabbouleh (Tabbouli)

Slide1

I make my own version of Tabbouleh and I love it – it’s fresh, versatile and one handsome salad.  Loved and enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, this is a wonderful treat any time of the year – serve with hot pitta bread and my hummus or better still my Smoked Red Pepper & Garlic Bean Dip http://mouthwateringvegan.com/2013/02/27/smoked-red-pepper-garlic-bean-dip/. Enjoy ! Note:-  For a gluten-free tabbouleh use boiled millet with quinoa – follow cooking instructions for [...]

Smoked Red Pepper & Garlic Bean Dip

Slide1

This dip is simply awesome.  It’s got a little kick, and is so flavoursome.  It can be eaten on toast, you can make bruschetta with it, or have it with crudités. It’s also great in sandwiches for picnics, so mark this as a sandwich filler too –  particularly if you serve it on ciabatta bread with thinly sliced tomatoes and olives, a drizzle of oil on the tomatoes, and you have the perfect sandwich ever.  [...]

Strawberry, Avocado & Coriander Nut Salad with a Sweet Balsamic Dressing

Slide1

This salad is so tasty and moreish.  You can have it as an accompaniment with any main course, or just as it is with a dip and rice cakes – or hot pitta bread, or whatever takes your fancy ! INGREDIENTS 1 cup fresh strawberries, roughly chopped 1 avocado, sliced lengthways 3 cups lettuce of your choice, chopped up ¼ cup fresh coriander/cilantro, finely chopped 1 medium red pepper, sliced ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts [...]

Exotic Christmas Veggies & Trimmings

Slide3

I have created this wonderful assembly of veggies and exotic trimmings to accompany my “Huge Christmas Sausage Roast” (http://mouthwateringvegan.com/2012/12/06/huge-christmas-sausage-roast).  I paid special attention to getting the perfect balance of taste, texture, aroma and colour in this festive platter. It combines tradition with an extra fruity dimension, which contrasts beautifully with the sausage roast, and will leave you and your guests with that warm, familiar feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment that only a real festive dinner [...]