Garden Wisdom Blog

The ingredient list for this Cabbage pakoras recipe may not be immediately familiar to you, but they are all readily available these days. You may not use very much ajwain, but it is one of the essential flavours here. When it’s called for, it’s worth having on hand. Try these savoury snacks with tamarind chutney or even ketchup! ½ medium onion, thinly sliced 375 mL (1½ cups) red or green cabbage, shredded 250 mL (1 cup) besan (aka gram flour or chickpea flour) 30 mL (2 Tbsp) rice flour 15 mL (1 Tbsp) coriander powder 5 mL (1 tsp) cumin...

This dish is so colourful that it makes an excellent centerpiece to any dinner table. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, and it’s gluten free and suitable for vegan diets. It’s fast and easy to prepare – the quinoa and vegetables are prepared separately and then mixed and garnished with chopped tomato. The proportions here serve four. 250 mL (1 cup) rinsed, drained quinoa 375 mL (1 ½ cup) water 15 mL (1 Tbsp) oil 1 pinch turmeric powder 2.5 mL (½ tsp) salt 125 mL (½ cup) peas 125 mL (½ cup) corn niblets 125 mL (½...

This is an incentive recipe – be sure to include strawberries in your garden this year. This recipe makes waiting for the gems of early summer worthwhile. Prepare a couple of hours before serving as the strawberries need to soak up the honey. 124 mL (½ cup) honey (acacia or sweet clover) Juice of 1 lemon 760 g (4 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled, cleaned, dried, cut in halves 60 mL (¼ cup) heavy cream 10 mL (2 tsp) Pernod (or other licorice-based liqueur) Fresh ground black pepper In a microwave, or stove top, dissolve honey and mix well with lemon...

Our favorite afternoon snack is this  Carrot Muesli Bars recipe below. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Rolled Oats 1 cup assorted dried fruit (apples, raisins, dates are my favourite) 2/3 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup crushed assorted nuts 1/3 cup maple syrup 1 organic carrot, shredded 3 Tbs. honey 2 Tbs. sunflower seeds, crushed 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed 1 Tbs. oil 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place foil on baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, add [dry ingredients] the oats, fruit, nuts, coconut, carrots, seeds, flax, cinnamon and salt. Toss well. Add the...

I like fresh tomatoes so much that I usually grow a few more plants than I need in my home garden. In August, when a glut of ripe tomatoes need picking and quick use, I like to make this Fast and Easy  variation of “ Quick Tomato Soup ” from Irma Rombauer’s wonderful book, The Joy of Cooking. Her original recipe is good, but a touch of spice and a hint of garlic/oregano brings the soup to another level. In the food processor, whiz 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (use any kind, raw), 1 stick of celery with leaves, 1...