Category: Miscellaneous Nigella Recipes

Coffee Shortbread

A new twist on a classic – so yummy.

2 sticks plus 1 tbs. butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. instant espresso powder
20 walnut halves

Heat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and sugar, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Roll into 20 walnut-sized balls and arrange on the baking sheets. Flatten the cookies slightly, then top with a walnut half.

Put in the oven and immediately turn off the heat. Leave for 20 minutes, then remove and allow to cool on the baking sheet.

Petit Pois a la Francaise

Here is an easy side dish that complements almost anything.

3 scallions, or 2 shallots, sliced
3 tbs. butter
1/2 tsp. garlic olive oil
1 baby gem lettuce, shredded
2 cups frozen peas
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock

Cook the scallions or shallots in the butter and olive oil until softened. Stir in the lettuce until wilted, then add the peas and stock. Cook at a robust simmer until everything is tender and the liquid has reduced.

Season and serve

Basil Pesto

This classic, multi-use sauce can also be made with wild garlic or ramps when they are in season from March to June. Delish!

2 cups basil leaves, roughly chopped
4 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
7 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
squeeze of lemon juice
sea salt to taste

Put the basil and Parmesan in a small food processor and blitz to grind. With the motor running, gradually pour in the olive oil until you have a smooth sauce. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste.

Serve over cooked and drained pasta.

Pronto Pig Feast

Here is a double quick, double pork supper!

2 tbs. garlic-infused olive oil
4 thin, streaky slices bacon
6 pork escallops (medallions cut from a pork tenderloin)
1/3 cup Marsala
1 tbs. butter
2 tbs. chopped fresh chives

Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet and fry the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add the pork and cook for 4-5 minute on each side, depending on how thick they are. Remove and cover with foil. Tip the Marsala and butter into the skillet and bubble to reduce.

Pour the sauce over the pork, crumble the bacon on top and scatter with chives to serve.

Serves 2

Easy Salmon and Posh Mushy Peas

This is a marvelous way to eat salmon. The saltiness from the bacon pairs wonderfully with the simply prepared salmon and the tender mushy peas.

2 rashers bacon
2 salmon fillets
1 small clove garlic
2 cups frozen peas
2 tbs. butter
2 tbs. sour cream or creme fraiche

Put the kettle on to boil. Using scissors, snip the bacon into a skillet and cook until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Season the salmon and add to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, or to your likeness.

In the meantime, put the peas and garlic clove (unpeeled) into a jug and pour over boiling water. Leave for 3-4 minutes, then drain, peel the garlic clove and place the peas and garlic clove in a blender. Whizz until chunky, then stir in the butter, sour cream or creme fraiche and season. Serve alongside the salmon.

Serves 2

Chocol-Oat Cookies

Oats and chocolate go so well together and this easy biscuit is proof.

7 tbs. butter, softened
scant 1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
3 tbs. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Heat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and sugars, then stir in the vanilla and egg. Add the flour, oats and cocoa powder and combine well. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Roll into 1″ balls and place on the baking sheets with space between. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until flattened. Leave on the baking sheets for 1 minute, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tarragon Salmon

This retro sauce is quick to make and a delicious pairing with salmon.

60ml dry white vermouth
1 tsp. dried tarragon
1 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. unsalted butter
2 tsp. garlic-infused olive oil
2 salmon fillets
60ml heavy cream
sea salt and pepper
1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon or chives

Pour the vermouth into a cup and stir in the dried herbs, then set aside.

Heat the butter and oil in a small skillet into which the salmon with fit snugly. When it begins to sizzle, add the salmon, hump-side down, and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the salmon over, add the vermouth with the herbs and, once it comes to a bubble, cook a further 2 minutes.

Remove the salmon to 2 plates and stir in the cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir in the fresh tarragon or chives. Bubble to thicken and serve over the salmon.

Serves 2

Asparagus, Radish and New Potato Salad

This simple but sensational salad is dressed with a thick buttermilk vinaigrette. Nigella calls it, “a paean to Springtime”.

For the salad:
zest of 1/2 lemon
small bunch fresh mint
1 lb. baby new potatoes
1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 2″ pieces
1/2 tsp. sea salt flakes or 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt flakes
3 tbs. olive oil
2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
1 1/2 cups halved radishes
4 cups peas shoots, watercress or other salad green, to serve

For the dressing:
1/4 cup buttermillk
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 tbs. chopped fresh mint
2 tbs. chopped fresh chives
1/2 tsp. sea salt or a pinch fine sea salt
grinding of black papper

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Steam the potatoes with the lemon zest and 2 sprigs of mint for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the mint.

Put the asparagus in a small roasting tin and toss with the salt and olive oil. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes (6-8 minutes if they are skinny). Tumble the potatoes into the roasting tin, add the fresh tarragon and radishes.

Meanwhile, whisk all the dressing ingredients together. Toss with the asparagus and potatoes. Arrange the greens in a bowl or on a plate, then mound the salad on top to serve.

Serves 6-8

Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu

The secret in this lovely ragu is red currant jelly. It brings out the natural sweetness of the lamb.

1 1/2 tbs. garlic-infused olive oil
4 green onions, sliced
1 tsp. dried mint
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. red chili flakes
250g ground lamb
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 tbs. red currant jelly
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
250g pappardelle
fresh mint to serve, optional

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and cook the onions for a minute or two, then stir in the mint, oregano and chili flakes. Add the lamb and brown it whilst breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomatoes, red currant jelly, Worcestershire sauce and a good bit of seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes to thicken.

Cook the pappardelle in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and toss with the ragu.

Serves 2

Turkey Escallops with Mushrooms and Chives

If you need to get supper on the table in 15 minutes, look no further. The key here is to not overcook the turkey.

2 tbs. garlic-infused olive oil
3 1/2 cups chestnut mushrooms, sliced
1 small bunch chives, snipped
4 turkey escallops
1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth

Pour the oil into a large skillet and add the mushrooms. Cook over a medium heat until they soften, adding half the chives midway through. Using a slotted spoon, remove while leaving the pan juices.

Season the escallops well and add to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, then add the wine or vermouth. Allow to bubble for another 2-3 minutes, then transfer to two warmed plates. Tip the mushroom back into the skillet to warm up and spoon them over the turkey. Scatter over the remaining chives.

Serves 2