March 2019 WEB

26 MEREDITH and DISTRICT NEWS
COOK
I’m no Vegan ……But …..
Steve Duffy
In February I had a visit from two of my
nephews. They called in late on a Saturday
afternoon. Victor 27, and Sebastian 25 were off
on a BIG adventure. They had set off from
Melbourne the previous morning on their well
equipped bicycles, packed with tents, sleeping
bags, water bottles and lots of other gear. They
were heading for Perth! Yes Perth on bicycles!
They were going to stay the night, before setting
off for Rokewood in the morning.
The older one, Victor, had travelled extensively,
but his riding, like his brother’s, had up to now
been just recreational. But, the thing is that he is
a Vegan, not just vegetarian. So if I was to give
them their last home cooked meal in a while, I
had a challenge of my own. So I was about to
prepare a meal for the travellers, a cousin and
girlfriend, and two uncles and two aunts,
including me. So………I prepared several
dishes.
Scalloped Potatoes
4 or 5 Large washed potatoes, chopped in half
then sliced in 5mm slices. The half potatoes are
then placed chopped side down in a suitable
baking pan. Fill the tray to near the top with the
potatoes, sprinkle with Olive oil , 2 teaspoons of
Za’atar and salt. Roast for 55minutes
Roast Pumpkin
Slice several slices of peeled pumpkin smeared
with a mix of Pomegranate Molasses and Roast
Pepper Paste, Roast for 40 minutes.
Ratatouille
Halve several Lebanese Eggplant, Yellow
Squash and large Mushrooms. Grill on a hot
plate till lightly browned. Meanwhile, chop a
large Brown Onion then fry with some garlic,
then add the other vegetables. Finish over a low
flame with a few Cherry Tomatoes and a little
tarragon and salt.
Garlic Broccoli
Take one large head of Broccoli and steam
whole. In a small pan cook several cloves of
Garlic, chopped, in 6 tablespoons Olive Oil, then
add 6 tablespoons of Panko Breadcrumbs.
When the garlic is ready smear the breadcrumbs
over the Broccoli and serve whole in a bowl.
Baked Tomatoes
Slice several large Tomatoes in half horizontally.
Chop some Garlic cloves and fresh Rosemary and
sprinkle over the Tomatoes, then drizzle with Olive
Oil. Salt and bake for 10- 15 minutes.
Green Salad
I picked some Radicchio, Lettuce and cucumber.
Wash and toss with fresh Basil, oil, and Balsamic
Vinegar.
Fresh sour Dough Bread
As I planned the meal I made sure I had chosen
dishes which would be prepared by differing
methods, even if there were over 10 types of
vegetables. Remember this whenever entertaining. It
certainly means the meal can come to table at the
good time.
My guests did enjoy the fuss we went to. A nice
memory for them as they are pedalling off into the
Westerly Wind which they will face over the next
couple of months.
And it’s not that hard to be Vegan!
Happy Cooking and Pedalling!
Steve