GoodFood
by Christian Alcones
1. Grilled & filled cumin flatbreads
1.1. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sumac, chilli and lemon zest in a medium-sized bowl. Add the feta and toss together lightly with your hands. Cover and set aside in the fridge for at least 1 hr or up to 2 days
1.2. To make the flatbreads, tip the flour into a large bowl with 1 tsp salt and the cumin seeds. Make a well in the centre and pour in the oil and 150ml warm water. Mix together well. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for a few mins until smooth. Leave to rest in a lightly floured bowl for 15 mins. Meanwhile, mix together the yogurt and dill. Season and set aside.
1.3. Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each one out on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Put on the hot grills of a barbecue and grill each side for 2 mins or until puffed up. (Alternatively, heat a griddle pan until really hot and cook the flatbreads one at a time, for 2 mins each side or until beginning to brown.
1.4. Pile up the flatbreads with the feta, onion, rocket and olives. Drizzle over the marinating oil and the yogurt. To serve, sprinkle over the pumpkin seeds and a little more chilli flakes, if you like
2. Charred baby aubergine & toasted quinoa salad
2.1. Bring a medium pan of salted water to the boil and add the leeks. Cook for 6-8 mins or until they have a slight bend to them. Drain and set aside.
2.2. Heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and tip in the quinoa. Toast for 5-6 mins or until lightly browned. Reduce the heat to low and pour in enough water to cover 1cm above the quinoa. Gently simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed
2.3. Put the aubergines and leeks directly on the barbecue and brush with oil. Cook for 3-4 mins each side until lightly charred and tender. (Alternatively, brush the aubergines with 1 tbsp oil, put in a really hot griddle pan and cook each side for 3 mins or until lightly charred. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Brush the leeks with 1 tbsp oil and cook on either side for 4-5 mins or until charred. Set aside with the aubergines.) Once cool, cut the leeks in half lengthways.
2.4. Combine 3 tbsp of the olive oil with the cider vinegar and half the herbs. Season to taste. Toss the quinoa with the dressing and spoon onto a large plate. Top with the charred aubergines and leeks, and sprinkle over the tomatoes, hazelnuts and cheese. Finish with the reserved herbs and a good glug of the remaining olive oi
3. Crispy sweet potatoes with chickpeas & tahini yogurt
3.1. Wrap each potato in foil and put directly on the hot coals of a barbecue for 35-45 mins, depending on the size of the potatoes. Insert a skewer into each one to check that they’re cooked. (Alternatively, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and put the foil-wrapped potatoes on a large baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 45 mins-1 hr or until the centre is soft. Once cooked, put under a hot grill for 3 mins until the skin is blackened and crispy.)
3.2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and fry for 2-3 mins or until softened, then stir the chickpeas into the mixture. Gently warm through for 1 min or so, then add the spinach and leave to wilt. Add the dill.
3.3. Whisk together the lemon juice, zest and remaining olive oil in a small bowl. Season to taste and stir into the chickpea mixture. Gently mash with a potato masher until the chickpeas are slightly crushed. Mix together the yogurt and tahini in another small bowl, and season to taste with salt
3.4. Split the potatoes open lengthways. Fill with the bean mixture, drizzle over the tahini yogurt and top with the pine nuts and pomegranate seeds