Making some tasty tapas dishes is a easy way to cook relaxed meal for friends. Patatas bravas or roast potatoes in spiced tomato sauce are a mainstay on the tapas scene and there are many different versions – some with a very smooth sauce, others more chunky (like ours). The potatoes should be lightly roasted so they have some colour but you don’t want the skins to be too crisp. Serve along with other dishes to make a lovely colourful table at any time of year. …
onion
Carrot Cardamom Pilaf
This is a Turkish speciality from ancient times. It makes a great accompaniment to a main dish like tagine or you could use it to stuff vegetables with. It also makes a nice alternative to plain rice with a curry or dal. …
Stuffed courgettes
onion and olive tart
We have some gorgeous fresh onions from the garden as well as a whole load of fresh thyme so it’s time for an onion, olive, thyme tart. We’ve made a gluten free olive oil pastry for this one, so it’s a bit more crumbly before cooking than normal, but it does work – you may just have to press it into the tin with your fingers – don’t worry! …
Spinach pancakes with lime & ginger salsa
These small pancakes are perfect for a summer dinner with friends and also make a great starter to a bigger feast. The ginger and lime salsa gives a great zing to the meal so don’t be tempted to leave it out! Serve them slightly warm with a collection of salads and they will disappear in no time!…
Almond, Purple Sprouting & Pepper Tart
We’re using up the last of our purple sprouting broccoli from the garden in this tasty gluten and dairy free tart. The pastry is crisp and short and the whole ensemble with the addition of the fresh thyme works a treat as a dinner for 4 or a light lunch for a few more. Serve with our spinach, orange and pea shoot salad for its crunch and interesting flavour balance….
Gluten Free Squash Ravioli
Cuddly Carrot are excited about pasta! We have invested in a pasta machine and decided it’s great fun – if a bit of effort! The results are definitely tastier than shop bought gluten free pasta and it’s pretty quick to make once you get the hang of it – but don’t attempt this recipe if you don’t have a pasta machine! Our dairy free recipe is super simple and packs a punch with strong flavours of squash, onion, chilli and a pomegranate balsamic dressing and pesto!…
Spinach Roulade
We’ve been making this recipe for years – it’s perfect for a party or a fancy meal with friends along with lots of tasty salads. This is a dairy free version with toasty almonds and pine nuts on the top which we love! We have lots of fresh spinach in the garden at this time of year so we’re making the most of it. If you don’t quite have 900g of spinach it doesn’t matter as the recipe will work with less of the good green stuff….
Farinata
Vegan recipe of the year!! Farinata is like a vegan omelette or frittata. Originally from Genoa in Northern Italy, it’s another strand of the French socca, but is a lot thicker, cooked in the oven and benefits from having extra ingredients added to vary the flavour and texture – add in or take out whatever you fancy. It makes an excellent main dish along with salad or you could serve it as an appetiser in smaller slices at room temperature. Remember to prepare the batter in advance as it sits for at least 2 hours before you can start cooking….