Oh borscht! We used to wonder, how could such a humble soup require so many steps to prepare, and dirty so many pots and pans in the process?! The recipe we inherited, though delicious, used to confound us with the disjointed process and the seemingly endless need to chop and cook each ingredient in a precisely unique fashion.
It turns out, of course, Grandma never used a recipe herself. She would whip up a batch of borscht in what seemed like mere minutes, by memory, steaming and bowled for any guest who came through to visit. Here, we’ve streamlined the process as much as possible without diverging from intent of the dish.
For us, borscht has always felt like a family meal well served… so gather yours around, and enjoy!
Serve with a crusty bread for lunch, or Ukrainian Potato Pierogi for dinner.
2019 -Recipe edited for clarity.
Traditional Doukhobor Borscht
- 1 Small-Med Onion (diced and divided into 1/4 and 3/4 cups)
- 4 cups Organic Tinned Diced Tomatoes (1 liter)
- 6 Tbsp Olive Oil or Butter (divided)
- 1 Green Pepper (diced & divided into three 1/4 cup servings)
- 2 Carrots (1 grated (1/2 cup) and 1 diced (1/2 cup))
- 12 cups Water (3 liters)
- 1.5 Tbsp Sea Salt
- 5 Med Potatoes (4 halved and 1 diced (1 cup))
- 1 Small Beet (left whole)
- 1 Celery Stalk ((1/4 cup))
- 5 Cups Shredded Cabbage (divided into 2 cups & 3 cups)
- 1 Cup Cream or Coconut Cream (divided)
- 1 Small Bunch Green Onions (diced & divided into 1/4 and 1/2 cup)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill (divided)
- 1 Tbsp Cracked Black Pepper
- Set on the stove a larger stock pot (12L+), a smaller pot (8L) and set two bowls (6L) on the counter.
- Dice and divide the onion into both a 1/4 and 3/4 cup portion.
- In the smaller pot bring to a simmer all 1L (4 cups) of tinned diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced onion, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, dice and divide the green pepper and one carrot. Grate the second carrot.
- In the larger stock or canning pot, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and sauté 3/4 cup of diced onion until translucent (not brown), 1/4 cup of diced green pepper, and the grated carrot (1/2 cup). Remove, and set aside in a bowl.
- Into the large stock or canning pot, add 3L (12 cups) water, salt, the diced carrots, the halved potatoes, the whole beet, celery, and half of the simmered tomatoes from the smaller pot.
- Bring to a covered rolling boil until the halved potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Meanwhile, set aside the second half of the tomatoes from the smaller pot into the bowl where you placed the onions, green pepper and grated carrots from step 5. Rinse out the pot.
- In the newly rinsed smaller pot, sauté 2 cups of the shredded cabbage with 2 tbsp olive oil until soft and translucent.
- Once the halved potatoes are cooked through (approx 20-25 mins) remove them from the larger stock pot and place them in the second bowl to mash with 1/2 cup cream or coconut cream, 1/4 cup green pepper, 1/4 cup green onion and 1 tbsp of fresh dill.
- Add to the larger stock pot the diced potato, remaining 3 cups of raw shredded cabbage, and 1/2 cup cream or coconut cream. Bring to a boil for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the potato mash into the larger stock pot, stir. Bring back to a boil.
- Add to the lager stock pot the remainder of the simmered tomatoes, sautéed carrots and onion from the bowl, and sautéed cabbage from the smaller pot. You can now wash and put away your smaller pot and two bowls.
- To finish, add 1/2 cup green onion, remaining diced green pepper, 1 tbsp fresh dill. Remove whole beet.
- Remove from heat and let rest 10-15 minutes.
- Cracked sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve with cayenne at the table.
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
-Shredder or Grater
-5-6 small bowls for mis-en-place
-4 cup capacity measuring cup
-Large Stock or Canning Pot (12L capacity+) with lid
-Large Pot (8L capacity or so)
-Two Bowls (6 cup capacity or so)
-Potato Masher
-2 Cutting Boards
These butternut squash tacos are inspired by a little Mexican bar in Perth we used to frequent. In Australia, there is just about always a vegetarian option on the menu with pumpkin or squash in it! From salads to pizzas, burgers to tacos… roasted squash make everything more delicious. These homemade beauties are Taco-Tuesday certified, filled with sweet spiced roasted butternut squash, crunchy pickled cabbage, creamy Queso Fresco cheese & a little kick of lime. These are some of our very favorites!
Speaking of fresh, once you have tasted homemade corn tortillas you will never want to go back. They are so flavorful and easy to make. With only two ingredients, they contain no preservatives or any of the unnecessary fillers the store-bought versions contain… and as an added bonus are naturally gluten-free. The best way to make these homemade tortillas is with a cast iron tortilla press. While you could get one as souvenir on your next trip to Mexico from the local mercado, they are also available on amazon or at some specialty cooking stores.
Butternut Squash & Red Cabbage Tacos
In these tacos Australia’s love for pumpkin & squash meets the delicious taste of fresh Mexican corn tortillas. This combination is has everything you need for a delicious and healthy taco night.
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (diced (3 cups or 450 g))
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1/4 tsp each red chili powder and paprika
Pickled Red Cabbage
- 1/4 small head red cabbage (shredded (2 cups or 200 grams))
- 1/3 cup 80ml apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup 80ml water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 garlic clove (smashed)
Homemade Tortillas
- 2 cups 224g masa harina flour
- 1 1/3 cup 315 ml warm water
- 1 to rtilla press
- <em> (Or substitute 16 fresh corn tortillas</em>)
Yogurt Sauce
- 1/4 cup 245 g yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime
- 1 tbsp water (as needed)
- <em> (Or substitute guacamole</em>)
Queso Fresco
- 8-10 oz package of Queso Fresco (could substitute dry ricotta)
Roasted Butternut Squash
- Pre-heat the oven to 380 F | 190 C
- Peel and deseed the squash. Chop into 3/4 inch (2 cm) pieces.
- Place on a baking tray, and drizzle with olive oil, chili and paprika. Mix together until evenly coated.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring the squash every 15 minutes.
Pickled Red Cabbage
- Shred the cabbage into fine strips and place in a jar with one smashed garlic clove.
- Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt and sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the liquid over the cabbage, and press down with a wooden spoon or muddler. At this stage the liquid will not completely cover the cabbage. Set aside for 30+ minutes, pushing the cabbage down into the brine with a muddler, from time to time.
Homemade tortillas
- In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina flour and warm water. Knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into 16 balls, each roughly the size of a ping pong ball. Cover with a damp cloth and rest 30 minutes.
- Heat up a skillet or large pan on medium heat.
- To press the tortilla place a ball of dough in the tortilla press between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic. You can cut a ziplock bag open or use a clean plastic shopping bag.
- Press down once, open the press, and turn the tortilla 180 degrees. Press down again to make the tortilla an even thickness.
- Cook the tortillas on each side for approximately 1 minute or until golden brown.
- Keep fresh tortillas wrapped in a dishtowel, or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yogurt Sauce
- Mix together yogurt, lime, and enough water to create a good drizzle consistency.
To Serve
- Layer each tortilla with some butternut squash, pickled cabbage, crumbled queso fresco, and drizzle with yogurt lime sauce.
- Enjoy with a cold Modelo Especial or a top-shelf margarita!
Health conscious? Of course! Red cabbage is high in antioxidants & butternut squash is a great source of Vitamin A, so rest easy and plan your next fiesta around these flavorful and healthy vegetarian tacos.
Try pairing them with a Spicy Vegan Ceviche for a great Mexican meal to share with friends and family.
Let us know what you think in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
]]>
The sweet and savory of the grapefruit and salt reminds us of a grapefruit margarita served in a glass with a salted rim. Just as delicious is the smell of rosemary that transports you to the south of France when you open the oven door.
Broiled Grapefruit with Rosemary
Everything you love about a salty grapefruit margarita combined with the delicious fragrance of rosemary. This broiled grapefruit is quick and makes a delightful savory & sweet breakfast. Serve along side some toast and peanut butter or yogurt and granola for a complete meal.
- 2 grapefruit (sliced in half)
- 1 tbsp raw cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt or rock salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves (chopped)
- 4 small rosemary branches as garnish
- Combine the sugar, salt, and chopped rosemary in a small bowl.
- Remove a thin slice from the bottom of each grapefruit, to help make them more stable and place on a baking tray.
- With a sharp pairing knife or small serrated knife, cut a circle between the grapefruit and the skin. Cut another smaller circle around the white pith in the center. Remove any seeds. Create spoon size pieces by cutting towards the center of the fruit, detaching each segment.
- Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over each half of grapefruit.
- Broil the grapefruit for 3-5 minutes, until the tops start to go golden.
- Leave to cool for a minute before serving warm.
If you are feeling adventurous try adding chili pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Chef’s Tip: trying grilling your lemons or limes before making a marinade or dressing. This will bring a grilled smokey flavor to your sauce!
What are you favorite ways to eat citrus fruit like grapefruit? We’d love to hear your comments!
]]>This recipe was created for Sails & Spices by Chef Ryan Manning of The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Center in Cancun.
Mexican Spicy Vegan Ceviche
Aguachile Sauce
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup lime juice (8-10 limes)
- 1 piece serrano chile (chopped very fine*)
- 3 tbsp Cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- <br />
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Jicama (diced)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup mango diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (split in half)
- 1 orange (segmented and split in half)
- <br />
To serve
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
- Pickled onions
- Blend all listed ‘sauce’ ingredients together to make the aquachile.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and fruit and allow to chill for at least 10 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Serve with the freshest tortilla chips and pickled onion.
*it is advised to wear gloves when chopping chili and wash hands well afterwards.
Provecho! Enjoy your meal!
Read about the authentic Mexican flavors that await you with the Chef’s Experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Center. For a great discussion on cooking authentic Mexican cuisines check out: Meet The Chef: Ryan Manning
#RCMemories #RCCancun #RitzCancun
Not only are steel-cut oats creamy and delicious, they are a great heart-healthy choice. Oats are low fat, full of fiber, omega-3, protein, and provide a slow release energy. Steel-cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, and as a result they take a little longer to cook. Making them overnight saves precious time in the morning, and you can still enjoy a delicious breakfast on a dark, cold, winter morning.
This recipe is built on a warming combination of banana, juicy pomegranate, walnuts, cinnamon and honey.
Pomegranates are incredibly healthy with many nutrients and antioxidants that help fight off inflammation, cancers, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Sails & Spices Tip: The best way to remove the pomegranate seeds is to cut off the top of the fruit, and then score 6 lines from top to bottom. From here you can crack it open, and submerge the peices in a large bowl of water to loosen the seeds. The seeds will sink to the bottom and the everything else float to the top. Keep a jar of pomegranate seeds in the fridge to sprinkle on breakfasts, salads, or any other dish for burst of sweet juicy flavor. Pomegranates are only in season October to February so eat them up while they are around!
Overnight Winter Warming Steel-Cut Oats
Creamy and nutritious steel-cut oats with a power combination of bananas, pomegranates, walnuts and honey. Make this the night before for an easy and satisfying breakfast to warm you up on the darkest mornings.
- 1/3 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 cup water
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbs superfood seeds such as hemp seeds (chia seeds, or flax seeds (optional))
- 1/3 cup of almond milk
- 1 sliced banana
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils
- 1 tablespoon of local spring harvested honey (try maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Starting the night before, combine steel-cut oats, water, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and superfood seeds in a small pot.
- Bring the water and oats to a boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat, allowing to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Cover with a lid and store oats overnight in the fridge.
- In the morning give the oats a stir, add the almond milk, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Top with sliced bananas, pomegranate seeds, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with honey and enjoy.
You can increase the recipe to make enough for the whole week as it reheats well and keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.
]]>
When we’re on the move, one of the first things we like to do is work out which will be our new favorite place to go for a quick drink and appies. This is really part of what makes a city feel like home, and once we know a few favorite landmarks it helps us settle in to new surroundings. This recipe is inspired by the Mexican street corn and margaritas that first welcomed us to Euclid’s patios.
Turns out, we aren’t alone in loving this Mexican Street Corn Dip as it is always a party favorite! I love its sweet and smoky flavor brought out by roasting the corn and charring the peppers.
Easy to bring together, this dip makes a great appetizer or addition to a Mexican meal. Try serving it alongside some guacamole and salsa for a lovely dip trio.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
- 1 can of organic corn
- 2 poblano peppers
- 3 tbsp mayo (I always recommend Just Mayo, which happens to be vegan and has a great flavor balance)
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Wedge of lime
- Pinch of salt
- Turn your oven onto a high broil.
- Place the peppers under the grill, watching closely, and turning every 5 minutes until the skins are blistered and charred.
- Remove the peppers, place them in a bowl, and seal tightly with plastic wrap to steam them.
- Once cool, remove the peppers, discard the seeds and the stem, and peel off the waxy skin.
- Slice the peppers into strips and then dice finely.
- Meanwhile, drain the corn and place on a baking tray.
- Broil for 10 minutes or so, stirring occasionally until it starts to char and pop.
- Combine the corn and poblano peppers in a bowl, and mix with mayo, paprika, cayenne pepper, lime and salt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve and enjoy with corn chips!
]]>
Dukkah is an aromatic spice blend originating out of Egypt. Walking the streets of Cairo you can find street vendors selling Dukkah out of paper cones along with olive oil and strips of pita bread to dip as a snack. It’s delicious and, being so easy to make, makes a great addition to your repertoire.
In Egypt each family and vendor has their own special recipe blend, however the common ingredients include ground nuts such as hazelnuts or pistachios, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and salt. Dukkah is from the Arabic word ‘to pound’ and after being toasted, the ingredients are pounded together with a mortar and pestle to release the flavor and create coarse crumbs.
Dukkah is delicious with many dishes so feel free to get creative with its uses. As a start, try it:
- As an appetizer dip warm fresh bread in olive oil, then the dukkah
- Sprinkled on top of a hummus or guacamole dip
- As a garnish on your favourite soup or salad
- Sprinkled over roast veggies
- Topped on your morning eggs
A handmade jar of Dukkah will even make a lovely gift around the holidays, or as thanks to a host.
Making your own Dukkah takes nearly no time at all and with whole fresh ingredients you will be treated to a flavor far superior to a store bought version. Find whole spices and roast them right before you need them, adapt the quantities to your taste, and enjoy serving good wholesome food, inspired from afar, to your friends and family.
Put out a small bowl of Dukkah with fresh-baked bread and olive oil next time you have guests over and we bet it will disappear in no time!
Pistachio Dukkah Egyptian Spice Mix
This aromatic spice blend is made with pistachios, seeds and spices. Use as a dip or garnish to add something special to your favorite dishes like hummus, bread and olive oil, roast veggies, avocado toast, eggs, and more.
- ½ cup pistachios
- 1 tbsp. coriander
- 1 tbsp. cumin
- 4 tbsp. sesame seeds
- ½ tsp. salt
- In a pan or the oven, toast the pistachios for 6-8 minutes, stirring them so they don’t burn. Set aside.
- Toast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and starting to darken. Set aside.
- Toast the sesame seeds for 3-5 minutes until golden, stirring constantly. Set aside.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large mortar and pestle and grind together until the nuts are roughly crushed. You could also use a food processor, but avoid over mixing into a powder or paste.
- Store in a sealed jar for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for 3 months.
]]>
The combination of garlic & parsley in this pesto brings to mind French cooking and delicious dishes like beurre à la Bourguignonne. Ooh la la.
However unlike parsley butter or beurre à la Bourguignonne, this sauce is based on a traditional Genoa pesto, and the richness in the dish comes from pine nuts, olive oil and a shaving of parmesan (optional). A handful of basil balances the flavors nicely.
Traditionally pesto is made with a mortar and pestle, and while undoubtedly this is the best option for flavor, we see no harm in cheating and using the food processor or hand blender for this one. You’re still making your own homemade pesto after all!
Parsley give the pesto a bright fresh taste, and it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Filled with vitamin K and vitamin C, parsley is good for digestion, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and so much more.
Cooking Tip: did you know you can use chopped parsley as a garnish instead of lemon juice to balance out a dish?
This pesto is easy to whip up and it goes with just about everything. Try it with: garlic bread, sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, pizzas, pastas, roast veggies, in soup, and stirred through mashed potatoes.
Next time you see a big batch of basil and parsley at the store, farmers market, or growing in your garden, don’t think twice about making this easy parsley and basil pesto!
Parsley & Basil Pesto Sauce
Fresh parsley & garlic pair together perfectly in this pesto, alongside traditional pine nuts, basil and olive oil. A quick and easy pesto that adds a delicious flavor to many savory dishes.
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp rock salt or sea salt
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley with stems
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp or more grated parmesan cheese*
- In a food processor or using a hand mixer, blend pine nuts and garlic together until they are the consistency of course sand.
- Wash, dry, and roughly chop the basil and parsley, and add to the food processor.
- Blend until you have a coarse paste with some texture.
- Stir through the olive oil into the sauce.
- Add the grated parmesan and combine.
- Serve with garlic bread, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, roast veggies, in soup, or stirred through mashed potatoes.
- Keeps 5 days in the fridge, sealed or covered with a light layer of olive oil, and freezes well in an ice cube tray.
*Leave out the parmesan to make this vegan, be sure to check if it is gluten free if necessary, or that it does not have rennet to make it vegetarian.
Have fun in the kitchen! You can try different combinations like mint, arugula, pistachios, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Or add some lemon juice to taste. Some pestos even incorporate vegetables like avocado, peas, or broccoli. Do you have any favorite pesto combinations to share with us? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.
]]>
A well prepared Pasta al Pomodoro, Italian for pasta with tomato sauce, is a timeless and delightfully light dish. Ranking as one the best vegan dishes for beginners, lip-smacking success lies in the absolute simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Only a little technique and an eye for a ripe juicy tomato is required, and thanks to the whole-grain quinoa pasta it’s delicious, healthy, and gluten free.
This is our go-to recipe for a mid-week meal when we’re short on time and have a handful of farmer’s market tomatoes reaching their peak ripeness.
Heirloom Tomato Pasta al Pomodoro
- 1 small red or yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 large heirloom or vine ripened tomatoes (or sub one pint grape or cherry tomatoes)
- pinch each of salt and pepper
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basils leaves (approx. 10 leaves)
- olive oil
- 8 oz 225g Quinoa Spaghetti (It's whole grain & gluten free!)
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups (2L) water and pinch of salt to a boil.
- Dice the onion and sauté in a large on low to medium heat with a small amount of olive oil until soft and starting to go golden, approx. 7 minutes. A cast iron pan works great for this.
- With a sharp knife, dice the tomatoes into cubes and add to the onions
- Add the crushed garlic, dried chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper
- Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat
- Crush the tomatoes with a potato masher, leaving some chunks.
- Cook the pasta based on the recommended cooking time.
- Simmer the sauce until the liquid has reduced by two thirds and the sauce is thickening, approx. 10 minutes.
- Tear up the basil leaves and stir through
- Drain the pasta and toss with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- To serve either mix the pasta and sauce, or serve the pasta with the sauce on top (chefs choice)
- Serve with garlic bread and a simple side salad
[totalpoll id=”1358″]
]]>
At one of our favourite Italian restaurants, there is a secret. The food is absolutely stunning. The only problem is that the appetizers and salads are very large and topped with meats or cheeses that we find too heavy to accompany a main course.
One evening, while contemplating a starter the waiter commented “Sir, while not on the menu, perhaps you would enjoy the Secret Salad?”. He described it as perfectly simple. Consisting of the very freshest greens of the day, a super premium olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper, he assured me it would be the perfect light accompaniment to a full main course.
We agree, and have since adopted it as a house-favourite side salad which pairs well alongside pastas, casseroles, and risottos.
Give it a try tonight, and let us know what you think of the secret… but please… don’t tell!
The Secret Side Salad
This simple “secret” side salad brings light and fresh citrus and crisp greens as a great accompaniment to a full meal.
- 3-4 handfulls of garden-fresh greens
- 1 tbsp super premium extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 lemon wedges
- 1 good pinch of sea salt
- 1 good pinch of cracked pepper
- Thoroughly wash and dry the greens, tear into pieces
- In a mixing bowl, toss the greens with the olive oil, juice of one lemon wedge, and a pinch of sea salt
- Plate, and top with cracked pepper
- Serve, and squeeze the remaining lemon to taste
