Monday, 5 October 2015

Jungle Fever




06/10 JUNGLE FEVER


Jungle fever is something I usually associate with the image of an animalistic Grace Jones, growling from inside a cage. Today her spirit possesses me. I find myself prowling the kitchen, knowing that nothing can be done about the hell-on-earth heat outside. I feel that if there is something cooling to eat, then eventually the world will calm down. We can hope.

Staying in the jungle, my fridge is overgrown with vegetables so whats been created is a great green bowl. Something close to foraging a meal from under a leafy canopy. The only rule to follow is keep everything green, and that broccoli-avocado are a perfect match - natural selection really. Keep it chilled for when appetite hits and it should be cooling, light and punchy enough to tame a wild beast in heat. I am a leo after all.


Ingredients (all approximate) -

1-2 Avocado
2 Heads of Broccoli
Lots of rocket or any leafy green
6 spring onions (or to taste, but be wary of onion strength)
2 large lemon
Large bunch of Coriander
50g goats cheese (had less than desired so substituted with caper berries)
Pinch of chilli
Salt+Pepper
Olive oil

What I did - Gin & Tonic on the side

First and lastly prepared the broccoli.  Cut all the smaller heads off the stem and steam for no longer than 3-4 minutes, make sure they stay crunchy or it will make the salad soggy and heavy.

In that time (and I promise is won't take longer) prepare the other ingredients. Tear up the rocket/leafy green with your hands so that no knives will be needed when served. Add to large salad bowl. Using kitchen scissors chop the coriander and spring onion over the bowl - ensuring that the slimy outer skins have been stripped from the spring onion.

Halve and forcefully squeeze the lemons over the green mix, letting out all the heat induced frustration. Using a spoon scoop out curls of avocado and crumble the goats cheese over the bowl. By this stage the broccoli is more than ready, may need to check beforehand if you feel they are cooking too fast. Shake them over the sink to release any excess water and add them to the bowl.

Give the green bowl a solid mix with tongs (I use my hands if I'm not in distinguished company). The heat from the broccoli should soften the avocado and cheese which coheres all the ingredients. Add any oil/salt/pepper to taste. Last flourish is a sprinkle of chilli, not for heat, to pair with the lemon juice and give the greens new life.

The lion will sleep tonight.

JG




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