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Our Recipes

Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Sometimes, the recipe will be without measurements, rather only ingredients. Sometimes, we will try to include suggested amounts to accomplish the desired flavour profile. But we must be clear that those measurements aren't meant to be taken too seriously (except in the case of vinaigrettes, classical sauces, or desserts). Please feel free to drop us a line as we will enjoy reading your feedback should you decide to try them, so please do not hesitate to let me know. Click on the links on the right to view the recipes.

MOROCCAN SPICED RATATOUILLE
INGREDIENTS
1 cup medium diced eggplant
1 cup medium diced summer squash
1 cup medium diced ripe tomatoes
1 cup medium diced red onions
1 cup quartered crimini mushrooms
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata or Green olives (rinse in water to remove excess salt)
1/2 cup Moroccan or Spanish capers (rinse in water to remove excess salt)
1/4 cup chopped dried prunes
1/4 cup dried cherries
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp minced fresh garlic
1 slice orange
1 slice lemon
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped mint
1 oz red wine vinegar
1 oz light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
extra virgin olive oil, as needed
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste

PROCEDURE
In a large shallow (saute) pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil on a medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook for a minute, Next add the eggplant and cook for a couple of minutes. Next add the mushrooms and cook for a minute. Next add the squash and cook for a couple of minutes. Note: It may be necessary to add more olive oil as needed because the eggplant and mushrooms will tend to soak up the olive oil very quickly. Also, season lightly with salt and pepper in stages to bring out the flavours. Now add the ginger and garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Now add the citrus slices. Next, add all the dry spices and stir for about a minute. Now add the tomatoes, red wine vinegar, brown sugar and dried fruit. Stir and cook on a low heat ensuring that all the vegetables hold their integrity, but are cooking through. Add the olives and capers and stir. Taste the mixture to make sure that the flavours are balanced. Adjust the seasoning if desired. Switch off the flame when the desired harmonious flavor is reached and all the vegetables are properly cooked without disintegrating to nothing. Finish with all the chopped herbs and some more high grade extra virgin olive oil.

This version of ratatouille may be served as a side dish or as an entree with some crusty baguette or flat bread like pita, naan, or injera.

Hari's Recipes