Scallops are one of those ingredients that seem fussy but are actually wonderfully straightforward with the right technique. The key is a very dry scallop and a very hot pan — from there, a golden crust forms in under two minutes, and a quick garlic basil butter pulled together in the same pan takes them […]
Three classic tapenades from a well-loved recipe clipping in Aisha’s cookbook — olive with almonds and poached apricots; a punchy green olive with sun-dried tomatoes; and a simple Niçoise with anchovies. All three come together in minutes in a food processor. Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks. ✦ ✦ ✦ Olive, Almond & Apricot […]
The classic party dip — thawed spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and two full cups of Parmesan, baked until bubbling. Serves a crowd. Goes fast. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients 10 oz (280 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 14 oz (1 can) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped ⅔ cup sour […]
Aisha’s go-to Thai salad — cucumber, pineapple, papaya, cashews, and herbs with a zingy chilli-lime dressing. Best made with whatever tropical fruits you have; the proportions are just a starting point. Play around with the raw materials. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients Salad cucumber, diced 1 cup canned pineapple ½ cup diced papaya ¼ cup […]
A big tray of leeks, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, and Asian eggplant, roasted at high heat until sweet and caramelised, then blended with stock into a silky soup. Finished with fresh basil, lemon, and a spoonful of sundried tomato pesto stirred in at the table. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients Soup 2 leeks, finely chopped 4 […]
A smooth, chilled soup of roasted-flavoured tomatoes and red peppers with a whisper of chipotle chile in adobo. Puréed until silky, passed through a sieve, and served cold with a dollop of sour cream. A summer soup worth making ahead. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients 3 tbsp olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 6 large […]
Warm baby potatoes tossed in a punchy balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with shavings of Asiago. A side dish that doubles as a salad — serve warm or at room temperature. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients 2 lbs (1 kg) unpeeled small potato nuggets (baby potatoes) 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 […]
A warm, bubbling dip that disappears faster than it takes to make. Cream cheese, two kinds of grated cheese, artichoke hearts, and spinach — baked until golden and irresistible. Serve straight from the oven with crackers or crusty bread. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients 8 oz cream cheese, softened ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup grated […]
A deeply warming Eastern European borscht — stewing beef, cabbage, leeks, carrots, and earthy beets in a tomato-rich broth, finished with red wine vinegar and brown sugar for that characteristic sweet-sour balance. Gets better the next day. Serve with sour cream and warm bread. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients 6 beets, trimmed 3 tbsp olive […]
Low and slow is the whole game here — four large red onions and leeks, coaxed down to a deep caramel over 45 minutes, then simmered in beef stock with white wine and thyme. Ladled into flameproof bowls and gratiné under the broiler with thick baguette slices and melting Gruyère. ✦ ✦ ✦ Ingredients Ingredients […]