Down Under

IMG_1429b

I’ve been seeing quite a few fabulous food blogs from Australia.  Seems to me they’re eating pretty good, maybe better than a lot of us! It’s not just sheep, sheep, sheep, grubs, crocodiles and kangaroos.  No, we’re talking about an appetizing, inventive, interesting cuisine.  Anyway, that’s what I always see on the blog Foodisthebestshitever.  I always want his food when he posts and today I decided to make some.  Of course, as usual, these are not his recipes verbatim; I can’t help fiddling with things.  Just go to the blog site for the real thing.

IMG_1355b

I decided to begin with one of his slaw recipes and had a harrowing experience with the vegetable mandolin until I wised up and pulled out the food processor.  Apparently, I need to take a course in making julienne strips with a mandolin.

IMG_1378b

This slaw is as delicious as it sounded.  Brian and I ate some while we were waiting for the stew to be ready.  We’re having Italian sausage and peppers with this tomorrow 🙂

IMG_1405b

Well no, I didn’t have any pork fillet for the stew but I had a roasted jamboneau or ham hock and I did add some odd pieces of bell pepper from the fridge and a chilli for babies, but I like to think I was still in the spirit of the thing.  On the other hand, I should have just gone to Australia and sat at his table.  Surprise!   😀

IMG_1419b

Still, when you consider the source of the inspiration, you just can not go wrong!

IMG_1486b

Apple, Fennel and Radish Slaw

Click on title for original recipe

1/4 large cabbage, shredded

8 radishes, julienned

1 granny smith apple, julienned

1 bulb fennel, shredded

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp walnut oil

Salt and pepper

Mix everything together and there you go!

 

Lentil Stew

Click on title for original recipe

1 large roasted jamboneau or ham hock, cut into cubes

3 tbsp olive oil

1/4 piece each of green and yellow bell pepper, diced

1 onion, chopped

4 large garlic cloves, slivered or chopped

4 anchovy fillets

1 carrot diced

1 long, green chilli for babies, seeded and diced

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 handful cilantro leaves

2 rosemary sprigs

Glug of white wine

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 large can French lentils

Put 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large pot and saute the ham cubes for about 3 minutes, then remove and set aside.  Add the remaining tbsp of olive oil, bell pepper, onion, garlic, anchovies and carrot, then saute until the onion is soft.  Add the diced chilli and cook for 1 minute.

Add the cumin seeds, cilantro and rosemary, then saute for about 2 minutes.  Add the wine and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

Finally, add the tomatoes and lentils, bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes.  Eat.

About cookinginsens

An American living in Burgundy, France
This entry was posted in Australian, Cooking, Food and Wine, Main dishes, Recipes, Salad and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

41 Responses to Down Under

  1. Kome says:

    Food in Australia is great. Everything is local. I lived there for about 4 years. When I came back to the US where everything is altered/preservatives/packedandshipped across the country/world… I was literally sick to my stomach. Seven years later, I am buying organic and I refuse to out… all because I had good food in Australia.

  2. This slaw looks wonderful!

  3. yes! Aussie foodies eat really well, I can attest to that!
    And funny story….I am making this tonight as well 🙂

  4. amyh44 says:

    Looks delicious.
    Here is a link to MY favourite stew.
    It is from Antigua and Barbuda. I am cooking my way around the world in a year. 195 countries in 365 days.
    Check it out here and follow!
    http://therecipepassport.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/antigua-and-barbuda-caribbean-pepperpot-stew/

  5. I loved his lentil stew post with pork fillet and it was the best ever! Your’s looks spot on too Rosemary. And that slaw…sigh.

  6. Bahaha that’s brilliant. I am truly humbled by your kind words. I think I need to cook with lentils more often – a lot of peeps said they were going to make that dish! Might improve the ratings 🙂

  7. cecilia says:

    That sounds fantastic, we have sown our radishes! c

  8. Mary Frances says:

    That stew looks really hearty and satisfying!

  9. Gorgeous stuff! I see a lot of good food blogs from down under. Finger Fork Knife being my personal fave.

  10. My French Heaven says:

    This looks amazing and very healthy too! I’ll have to try Kangaroo one day though 😉

  11. mawarre says:

    I’m an Aussie food blogger and love that you love what we have to use here is Australia. Love fresh produce and that I can grow it in my vege patch.

  12. we have wonderful produce here – you’ll have to visit us and try for yourself! 🙂

  13. mathivaruni says:

    wow <3 beautifully done cookings

  14. Amanda says:

    OMG I had the same thought. There are a ton of really amazing food blogs from Australia and I love this dude’s blog. I always agree with your comments over at their blog. Maybe I should cook off it too. Like he and Jenny are putting out some serious good eats. Your top photo is stunning.

  15. Nomzi Kumalo says:

    It all looks positively yummy. And I do have lentils…Brilliant 🙂

    • Thank you Nomzi. Go for it!

      • Nomzi Kumalo says:

        Yippee! I am so excited. Yours is the first dish I have cooked inspired directly by a blog. The picture got my attention. I love the blogosphere. And thank you. It was delish. I soaked the lentils last night too. The rosemary is what makes the dish top of the pops! Have a fabulous weekend. 🙂

  16. Gorgeous – it’s been a few years since I was last in Australia but I do remember going to some amazing places to eat!

  17. katiebonken says:

    I love the sound of the slaw and will try it for certain. I think it would be brilliant with lots of things but I will try it first with panko crumbed flathead. Interesting what you say about Aussie food, I’ve been here for 2 years and had a fabulous experience with the food, wine and market produce, going to miss lots when I return to London.

Leave a Reply