Lamb Burgers with Crispy Carrot and Feta
A recipe for all those meat-lovers! We all love a good burger and this is a great twist on a lamb burger. Lamb is perfectly in season in spring and the protein everyone should be eating now.
English
Ingredients
400g minced lamb
4 brioche buns
1 large carrot
60g feta
50g sriracha
75g rocket
2 spring onions
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
Method
Preheat an oven to 200°C. Peel the carrot and using the vegetable peeler, cut into long ‘ribbons’. Finely slice the spring onions.
Season the minced lamb with the spring onions, ground cumin, sriracha, salt and pepper to taste and shape into 4 hamburgers. Place the carrot ribbons on an oven tray and mix with 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until they are crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
Place the brioche buns in the oven for 5 minutes and slice in half.
Heat a grill pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and grill the hamburgers for 3-4 minutes on each side. Crumble the feta.
Spread the remaining sriracha over the buns and place on the rocket. Lay on a burger and sprinkle the crumbled feta over. Top with the crispy carrot and close with the remaining bun half.
Nederlands
Ingrediënten
400g lamsgehakt
4 briochebroodjes
1 grote winterpeen
60g feta
50g sriracha
75g rucola
2 lenteuien
2 theelepels komijnpoeder
4 eetlepels olijfolie
zout en peper
Bereiding
Verwarm de oven voor op 200C. Schil de wortel en trek slierten met de dunschiller. Snijd de lenteuien fijn.
Kruid de lamsgehakt met de gesneden lenteuien, komijn, sriracha, peper en zout naar maak en maak er 4 hamburgertjes van. Doe de wortelslierten in een ovenschaal met 3 eetlepels olijfolie, zout en peper en rooster ze “crispie” in de oven voor ongeveer 20-25 minuten.
Doe de broodjes voor 5 minuten in de oven en snijd ze daarna overlangs in tweeen.
Verwarm een grillpan op medium vuur met 1 eetlepel olijfolie en grill de hamburgers 3-4 minuten aan elke kant. Kruimel de feta.
Verdeel de resterende sriracha over de broodjes, leg de rucola er bovenop. Leg op de rucola de hamburger en kruimel de feta er overheen. Verdeel de wortelslierten over de feta en zet de andere helft van het briochebroodje er bovenop.
Cauliflower and Fennel Salad with Preserved Lemon Dressing
This is a fantastic spring salad which is filling enough to be a complete meal. It's also completely vegan.
English
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 fennel bulbs
1 small cauliflower
60g smoked almonds
1/4 preserved lemon
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons agave syrup of coconut sugar
1 container mustard cress
1 bunch watercress
5 tablespoons olive oil
salt and epper
Method
Preheat an oven to 220°C. Cut the cauliflower into large florets and the fennel, lengthways into 6 wedges. Finely slice the garlic.
Place the cut vegetables on a roasting tray and drizzle over 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes (keep an eye on the vegetables that they don’t get too dark).
Remove the flesh from the preserved lemon and finely chop the skin. Place the garlic, agave or coconut sugar and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a container. Add a splash of water and blend to a dressing with a stick blender.
Coarsely chop the almonds and remove the tough stalks from the watercress.
Remove the vegetables from the oven and gently transfer to a serving platter. Scatter the watercress over the vegetables and spoon over the dressing. Snip the mustard cress and sprinkle over the warm salad together with the smoked almonds.
Nederlands
2 personen
Ingrediënten
2 venkel
1 klein bloemkooltje
60g gerookte amandelen
1/4 stuk ingemaakte citroen
2 teentjes knoflook
2 theelepels agave of kokossuiker
1 bakje tuinkers
1 bos waterkers
5 eetlepels olijfolie
zout en peper
Bereiding
Warm de oven voor op 220 C. Snijd de bloemkool in grove stukken en de venkel over de lengte in 6 parten. Snijd knoflookteentjes in plakjes.
Leg de gesneden groenten op een ovenplaat en sprenkel er 3 eetlepels olijfolie overheen. Bestrooi met zout en peper. Zet plaat in de oven voor 20-25 minuten (houd goed in de gaten of het niet te donker wordt).
Verwijder het vruchtvlees van de ingemaakte citroen en snijd ¼ van de citroen fijn. Doe de knoflook, citroen, agave of kokossuiker, 2 eetlepels olijfolie in een bakje. Verdun met wat water en maak er een dressing van met een staafmixer of in de blender.
Hak de amandelen grof. Haal de steeltjes van de waterkers.
Haal de groenten uit de oven en schep ze voorzichtig op een schaal. Verdeel wat waterkers over de groenten en lepel de dressing er overheen. Knip de tuinkers los en strooi deze samen met de amandelen over de warme salade en serveer.
Lemon Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing
This recipe for lemon cupcakes is one that we have adapted from Martha Stewart. It produces light, tender cupcakes with a fragrant lemony flavour. Makes about 24 cupcakes.
Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
220g unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups caster sugar
4 large eggs
finely grated zest of 2 lemons and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup natural yoghurt
1/2 cup milk
Buttercream Icing
150g butter, softened
300g icing sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped chocolate or other decorations to garnish. Our favourite is to use different flavours from Tony's Chocolonely.
Method
Preheat an oven to 160C. Line a muffin or cupcake tin with paper cases. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Beat in the lemon zest and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the yoghurt, milk and lemon juice. Beat until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for about 25 minutes, rotating the tins halfway until the cakes are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Transfer to wire racks and cool completely before icing. The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container of frozen.
For the buttercream, beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth.
Add the remaining icing sugar and one tablespoon of the milk and vanilla extract and beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Beat in the remaining milk, if necessary, to loosen the mixture.
Spread the icing over the cupcakes using a knife or small palette knife. Top with the chopped chocolate or other decorations of your choice.
Easy Rhubarb Crumble
Rhubarb is in season right now and this is probably the easiest rhubarb crumble using ingredients probably everyone has in their store cupboard at home.
Serves 2
Ingredients
3 stalks rhubarb
10g butter, for greasing the ramekins
50g castor sugar (or extra to taste)
crumble topping
50g crunchy muesli
Method
Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
Cut the rhubarb into small pieces.
Transfer the rhubarb to a small pan and add 3 tablespoons sugar (or extra to taste) and cook until the rhubarb is tender, about 4 minutes.
Spoon the rhubarb into ramekins or ovenproof dishes and sprinkle generously with the muesli.
Place in the oven for 10 minutes until the crumble is heated through and lightly toasted.
Serve warm or cold with cream or ice cream.
Grilled White Asparagus with Smoked Salmon and Tarragon Sauce
It's a week until Easter and you're still probably wondering what to make? We always think of asparagus, but because of the extended cold snap this year, we'll have to be patient a little longer. Hopefully you'll be able to get your hands on some white gold, the first of the season's Dutch white asparagus just in time.
Serves 4
Ingredients
24 white asparagus
400g sliced smoked salmon
1 bunch tarragon
250 ml tub cream
2 shallots
200 g butter
200 ml white wine
6 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
1
Peel the white asparagus and cut off a 1 cm piece from the tough stalk end. Finely chop the shallots. Place the asparagus in a pan with cold water and salt, place the asparagus peelings on top and bring to the boil. Boil for 1 minute, turn off the heat and allow the asparagus to stand in the hot water for about 2 minutes.
2
Heat a pan with 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and sweat the shallots for 5 minutes. Add 200 ml white wine and simmer until reduced by three-quarters. Add the tub of cream and simmer until reduced by half.
3
Remove the asparagus from the water and discard the peelings. Dry the asparagus on a clean tea towel. Drizzle over 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and grill the asparagus until golden brown.
4
Strain the sauce to remove the shallot and return to the pan over a low heat. Cut the butter into pieces and whisk into the sauce. Pick the tarragon leaves off the stalks and chop finely.
5
Divide the grilled asparagus between 4 plates and lay the smoked salmon on top. Stir the tarragon through the sauce and spoon over the asparagus.
Rhubarb Lemonade
For 8 glasses
For the Rhubarb Syrup
1,2 kg rhubarb, peeled and diced
480 g castor sugar
450 ml water
For the Rhubarb Lemonade
sparkling water
lemon slices
mint leaves
Method
To prepare the rhubarb lemonade first combine the rhubarb, sugar, and water in a large saucepan.
Cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until the rhubarb is soft and the syrup has slightly thickened.
Strain the syrup through a fine sieve lined with muslin or cheesecloth, sat over a bowl.
Press the rhubarb against the side of the sieve with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible.
Pour the rhubarb syrup into a jar, seal well, and chill until ready to serve.
To Serve
Pour 50 ml of rhubarb syrup into serving glasses.
Top up with chilled sparkling water, stir briefly, and garnish the rhubarb lemonade with lemon slices and mint leaves before serving.
Asparagus Vichyssoise
On a hot spring or summer day, there is nothing as refreshing as a chilled soup. The classic Vichyssoise is a chilled leek and potato soup. To this recipe, we have added one of our favourite ingredients of the season, namely green asparagus. Try this recipe out for your next lunch or dinner.
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 bunches green asparagus
40 gr butter
1 large onion
1 large leek
2 floury potatoes
1 vegetable stock cube
250ml tub cream
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
Method
1
Cut the asparagus tips into 4 cm pieces. Finely chop the remaining asparagus. Finely slice the onion and cut the leek in lengthways in half. Wash under a tap of cold water and finely slice. Peel the potato and cut into cubes.
2
Heat a pan with the butter and olive oil. Add the onion, leek, potato and sliced asparagus (keep the asparagus tips aside). Mix well through the warm butter, cover the pan and sweat for 10 minutes over a low heat.
3
Dissolve the stock cube in 1 litre boiling water. Add the stock to the pan. Bring to boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
4
Add 200 ml cream and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Blend with a stick blender (or regular blender). Thin with a little water if necessary. Cool off, place in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
5
Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add asparagus tips. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Drain off the water and cool under cold water. Drain on kitchen paper.
6
Spoon the soup into 4 bowls. Sprinkle some of the remaining cream over it and top with the asparagus tips.
This soup is also served delicious hot.
Cooking Workshops
COOKING WORKSHOPS
Monday 20 February 2017 – Desserts and Pastry Workshop
‘A meal is like a book. It needs a good ending to make it memorable.’ And so this lesson will be…. From crostata, meringue, mousse and ice cream. Pure sugary heaven!
Time: 18:30 – 23:00
Location: Amsterdam Flavours, Pazzanistraat 7, 1014 DB Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
Price: €69 per person incl. 2 glasses of wine, cup of soup, recipes and lesson materials
Monday 6 March 2017 – World Tapas
Inspired by the small bites in Spain, we’ve gathered our best bites from the around the world to share.
Time: 18:30 – 23:00
Location: Amsterdam Flavours, Pazzanistraat 7, 1014 DB Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
Price: €69 per person incl. 2 glasses of wine, recipes and lesson materials
Monday 20 March 2017 – Italian
Join us for a taste of Italy. We will be cooking some of our favourite Italian dishes. And don’t forget we’ll pair the food with our favourite Italian wines too.
Time: 18:30 – 23:00
Location: Amsterdam Flavours, Pazzanistraat 7, 1014 DB Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
Price: €69 per person incl. 2 glasses of wine, recipes and lesson materials
Monday 24 April 2017 – Fish and Shellfish
Perfectly cooked fish every time! Round and flat fish, filleting, cooking methods. Shellfish and even squid. Delicious recipes to expand your repertoire.
Time: 18:30 – 23:00
Location: Amsterdam Flavours, Pazzanistraat 7, 1014 DB Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
Price: €69 per person incl. 2 glasses of wine, recipes and lesson materials
The cooking workshops are suitable for all levels of cooking skills. We will all sit down and enjoy the food cooked during the workshop. Lessons are given in both English and Dutch.
To reserve a spot, please call or mail:
Bernadette: 06 17 35 4009 bernadette@amsterdamflavours.com
Mischa: 06 14 19 3431 mischa@amsterdamflavours.com
Making the most of Artichokes
Artichokes are a thing of beauty. When everyone else is thinking of asparagus, we're thinking of artichokes. They both namely in season at the same time.
Classically served boiled or steamed with melted butter or a vinaigrette, this most luxurious of vegetables always evokes a sense of celebration.
We particularly like the baby violet artichokes. We trim the stalks and remove the hard outer leaves, cleaning it up to be left with the beautiful heart. Keep them in a bowl of lemon water to stop them discolouring. Then halve them, remove the choke (the hairy middle bit) and you're ready to go.
We take a clove or 2 of garlic, still in the skin. Place in a pan with a good glug of white wine and boil to reduce by half. Then add a good amount of olive oil, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper and top up with some water. Add the artichokes, cover with a piece of greaseproof paper and simmer gently until tender, around 15 minutes but this depends on the size of your artichokes. Allow them to cool in the liquid. Delicious served as a vegetable accompaniment or on crostini.
Pea and Mint Soup
Make the most of seasonal fresh peas in this bright and vibrant soup. If you can't find fresh peas. frozen work just as well.
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
olive oil
850ml vegetable or chicken stock
400 g fresh or frozen podded peas
4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
salt and pepper
50 g fresh ricotta, thinned with a little milk, to garnish
pea shoots, to garnish
Method
Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil an fry the onion for about 5 minutes. Pour in the stock and add half the mint and bring to the boil. Add the peas and bring to the boil again.
Stir in the remaining mint and season with salt and pepper. Blend the soup in a liquidiser until smooth as you like. Taste and check the seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper if necessary. Return to the pan and reheat.
Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with the ricotta and pea shoots.
We, the Amsterdam Flavours chefs, hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you have any questions on how to prepare it or just want to send us your feedback, you can reach us here Contact Amsterdam Flavours