Sunday Specials

3.Vegetable Casserole:
To make a casserole use a clay pot with a teflon coating as the clay absorbs and retains heat which helps the gradual, slow cooking required for this dish, and the coating prevents the food from sticking and burning.A regular non-stick saucepan with a lid can also be used to make this hearty and healthy casserole.Use olive oil instead of butter as this is more healthy.Any veggies of your choice can be used for the casserole- brinjals, green double beans, snow peas etc.In this dish the veggies are layered according to the time taken to cook(the veggies that take the longer time to cook are placed at the base).Olive oil and seasonings are sprinkled in between the layers for even distribution of flavours and to keep the casserole moist and flavourful.Serve this casserole with brun pav and butter or buttered brown bread.

Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 cloves of garlic(cut into slivers), 2 green chillies, 2 bunches spring onions, 3 medium tomatoes(sliced), 3 medium potatoes(sliced with skin), 1 packet(200g) mushrooms(sliced), 1 cup baked beans, 1 cup spinach(chopped), 1 cup cheddar cheese(grated), 1/4 cups sun-dried tomatoes(sliced), 1 tbsp green tabasco, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper, 5 tbsp olive oil, sugar to taste, salt to taste.

Method:

In the clay pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil.Add the garlic, chillies, spring onions and sugar.Onions used at the base of the casserole impart a fragrant flavour to the dish when they caramalize.Spring onions or regular onions maybe used.Place the tomatoes on top and sprinkle 2 tsp olive oil and some herbs.Place the potato slices to form the third layer, followed by the mushrooms.Sprinkle some more olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes and salt.Layer the baked beans next, sprinkle a dash of tabasco, some oregano, cover the lid and allow the casserole to simmer over a slow flame for 30-35 minutes.Top with the spinach and cheese.Cover with a lid and remove from fire when the cheese melts.Serve hot with buttered brown loaf.

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4.Laksa For Leisure:
This is a Lebanese dish using lots of vegetables dipped in coconut gravy and eaten with rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

1 tsp oil, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp chilli paste, vegetables(100g carrots, 100g cabbage, 100g cauliflower and 3 capsicums-cut into bits), 150g cottage cheese(cubed), 3 cups coconut milk, salt and pepper to taste.

Method:

Pou the oil in a deep bottomed dish and put it on fire.Add the garlic paste and saute.Then, add all the above mentioned vegetables, cottage cheese and saute until cooked.Pour in the coconut milk and chilli paste.Allow to simmer for 12-15 minutes.When done, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

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