Mushroom

Each of the topping recipes here makes enough to cover four mini pizza bases. You can buy prepared pizza bases from the supermarket, they can be found in the refrigerated, freezer or bakery sections. Note

These char-grilled vegetables are healthy, delicious and pack a real spicy punch.

Basil can be substituted for parsley. Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

You could use beef sirloin or rib eye (scotch fillet) instead of the rump steak. Sukiyaki beef is available fresh and frozen from Asian grocery stores and selected supermarkets. A traditional sukiyaki pan is available from Japanese stores. Note

Use chipolata sausages if you prefer them. Cook the tomatoes until the skins begin to shrivel and split, then add the spinach and stir until wilted. Push the mixture slightly to the side of the frying pan to make four holes for the eggs to slide into. Crack the eggs, one at a time, into […]

Pink and yellow oyster mushrooms are available at selected farmers’ markets, grocery stores and online. Choose mushrooms as described by variety. Avoid slimy looking caps and those that look shrivelled. Store mushrooms as described by variety, otherwise, store in a paper or calico bag in the refrigerator. They generally last for up to 3 days […]

Packaged fried tofu is available from most supermarkets. Note

We used a large (25cm diameter) thick-based packaged pizza base for this recipe. Pizza can be prepared and frozen in its unbaked form. Place frozen pizza in hot oven; allow about 10 minutes extra cooking time. Note

Polenta tends to become firmer as it stands; stir in a little extra boiling water if you prefer a softer texture. Note

These golden mushroom fillo triangles are the perfect cocktail party snacks.

Tender lamb backstraps with a spiced shiitake mushroom crust and a crunchy Asian salad.

A rich and warming casserole that is perfect for cold winter nights.

Yellow rock sugar is available from Asian supermarkets. It’s mainly used in braises and sauces as it gives them a lustre and glaze. To freeze; pour stock into freezer-proof containers, leaving a 2.5cm space to allow for expansion. Seal, label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a […]

Italian-style slow-cooked osso bucco that will melt in your mouth.

This recipe is best made close to serving. Note

Cook ½ cup (100g) white short-grain rice for this recipe. Note

Flat-leaf parsley can be substituted for the basil. A simple covered cooking method replaces the usual labour-intensive non-stop stirring required in more traditional risottos. Best results will be achieved by using arborio rice, but you can use any medium-grain rice, such as calrose. Note

Pies will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They can be frozen uncooked or cooked. Uncooked pies can be baked from frozen. Thaw pies before re-heating. Note

Try this healthy and simple Asian noodle stir fry for a midweek dinner.

Warm risoni pasta creates a perfect base to let the vegetables shine in this dish fresh and easy dish that only takes 30 minutes to make.

An exquisite and morish Mediterranean-style mushroom and polenta dish with roasted tomatoes.

You can use gravy beef for this recipe, if you prefer. Note

Recipe can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, covered. Note

Kalonji seeds are also known as nigella or black onion seeds. Tiny, angular seeds, black on the outside and creamy within, with a sharp nutty flavour that can be enhanced by frying briefly in a dry hot pan before use. Kalonji can be found in most Asian and Middle-Eastern food shops. Note

A French main-dish stew with tender veal and creamy mushrooms from Australian Women's Weekly.

It is fine to use just 1 x 300ml carton of cream for this recipe. Porcini, also known as cèpes, are the richest-flavoured mushrooms. Though expensive, they are so strongly-flavoured only a small amount is required for any particular dish. They are available from specialty food stores and some supermarkets. Pancetta is an Italian salt-cured […]

Try using a variety of mushrooms such as flat, cup, button, portobello, oyster and enoki, keeping small mushrooms halved or whole and large types sliced. Cooking the potatoes whole with the peel on keeps the potatoes dry and fluffy-doing this helps to create lightly textured pillows of gnocchi. Note

Porcini, dried Italian mushrooms, are available from delicatessens, gourmet food stores and some supermarkets. Some butchers sell a pork and veal mixture, this is fine to use here. Buy 625g. Note

Remember that when you put food onto skewers, not to squash everything together. Leave a little space between each item to allow the heat to circulate and to ensure everything cooks through. If you have time, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning during cooking, or cover the ends […]

Derived from an Italian word meaning `garden’, giardiniera is an Italian dish of pickled vegetables. Note

Prepare the mushrooms ready for grilling the day before; keep covered in the fridge. Mushrooms can be grilled up to 30 minutes before serving. Note

This recipe is best made close to serving. Not suitable to microwave. Not suitable to freeze. Note

Raid the delicatessen shop to create this exquisite French platter.

Dry sherry can be used instead of mirin. Note

Swiss brown mushrooms, also known as roman or cremini, are light-to darkbrown in colour with a full bodied flavour. Store on a tray in a single layer, covered with damp, absorbent paper and keep where cool air can circulate around them. Note

Use crisp, crunchy fresh water chestnuts for this recipe if they are in season; frozen fresh water chestnuts also can be found in many Asian grocers. About 5-medium sized chesnuts are needed for this soup. Note

We used a greek feta, which crumbles well and has a sharp taste. Note

A bright, colourful and healthy modern Asian dish.

Fried noodles, also known as crispy noodles, are used in sang choy bow and chow mein. They can be found in supermarkets, usually in 50g or 100g packets, already deep-fried. Note

This recipe is inspired by the Russian passion for kasha, cooked grains such as buckwheat, millet or oats. Buckwheat kernels or groats are available from health-food stores. Note

You will need about 1⅓ cups (265g) of uncooked rice for this recipe. Note

You need 12 skewers; if using bamboo skewers, soak them in water 1 hour before use to prevent splintering or scorching. Note

This Asian-style sesame noodle salad is sticky, sweet and utterly delicious.

Coq au vin is a traditional French dish of chicken braised in red wine, mushrooms, garlic and shallots.

You could poach or fry the eggs, if you like. Note

The perfect Asian starter dish; homemade spring rolls.

You may use any type of mushrooms for this recipe, we used a combination of oyster, swiss brown, shiitake and button mushrooms. Note

Teppanyaki is traditionally cooked on a grill plate on or near the table, and is eaten in batches.

Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce and is often used for dipping in Japan. It is readily available from Asian food stores and some major supermarkets. Note