FOOD OF SRI LANKA: Vegetables

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Fennel Potato Soup with Saffron

http://schneiderchen.de | � 2011 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

Once the winter chill comes in, many of us long for some comfort food. Soups are a healthy and satisfying choice of the season.

Today I am sharing with you an easy broth-based soup filled with fennel, potato, soya cream (optional) and flavoured with saffron. If you prefer a lighter version, just leave out the soya cream at the final step.

Fennel bulb is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the body's primary antioxidant and a necessity for the proper function of the immune system. In addition to its vitamin C, fennel is a very good source of fiber and potassium.

300 g Fennel bulb, trimmed and diced
100 g Potatoes, peeled and diced
2 Small shallots, finely diced
2 tbsp Olive oil
350 ml Vegetable stock
1/8 tsp Saffron threads
1 Bay leaf
60 ml Soya cream (or heavy cream)
Salt and pepper to taste

Trim the fennel by removing the thin stalks and the thick base. Cut the bulb into 1cm pieces. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1cm pieces too. Finely dice the shallots.
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add in the diced shallots. Cook until aromatic and softened. Add in prepared fennel and potatoes. Sautee for 3 minutes. Add in vegetable stock, saffron, and bay leaf. Bring it to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and puree the soup with an immersion blender. Stir in the cream and season. Serve in hot bowls with some chopped fennel fronds on top.

http://schneiderchen.de | � 2011 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic, Honey, and Walnuts

http://schneiderchen.de | � 2011 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

Roasting is an easy cooking method that enhances the flavour of this hearty winter vegetables. Browned and crisp, those Brussels sprouts are roasted with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey, then tossed with chopped walnuts and pomegranate pearls. While this humble and versatile side dish easy enough for weeknight meals, it's also good for the dinner parties.

700 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed
1 Shallots, sliced
2 tbsp Olive oil
2-3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1/2 tbsp Honey
2-3 sprig Thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp Walnuts, roasted and chopped
1 tbsp Pomegranate pearls

Preheat oven to 200C400F. Remove the outer leaves from Brussels sprouts and trim the stems. Cut the sprouts in half. Slice the shallots and place them in a roasting pan together with Brussels sprout halves.
Combine olive oil, Balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Toss the Brussels with Balsamic mixture and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and black pepper.
Roast, tossing twice during cooking, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven. Add in chopped roasted walnuts and pomegranate pearls. Serve immediately.

http://schneiderchen.de | � 2011 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com