There are several cheese makers in the Barossa, making some exceptional cheeses. This dish is inspired by these and the wonderful produce for which the region is renowned. Serve the salad for a light lunch or brunch.
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
400 grams slim green beans, stem end trimmed
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
4 tablespoons nut oil, such as walnut, hazelnut or macadamia*
1 large vine tomato, diced
2 handfuls of rocket
1⁄4 cup walnuts, toasted
Toasts
1 large, firm but ripe pear, we used Beurre Bosc
small knob of butter
8 long thin slices baguette, grilled or toasted
100 grams soft white cheese such as a creamy goat cheese, ricotta or Brie
METHOD
Cook the beans in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and refresh in cold water. Drain and dry on kitchen towels.
Put the onion, garlic and vinegar in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes. Whisk in the oil and season.
Toasts: Peel, quarter and core the pear. Slice each quarter into 4. Melt the butter in a sauté pan and cook the pears until golden and tender but not falling apart.
Drain on kitchen towels. Spread the baguette with cheese and top each with two slices of pear.
To serve: Toss the beans, tomato and rocket with the dressing. Place two croutons on each plate and top with the salad. Scatter over the nuts and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
* The nut oil can be substituted with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
latest issue:
Issue #122
Our latest of dish is an absolute bumper issue, packed with over 70 recipes! We start by chatting with the MasterChef Australia judges and Kiwi contestant Ben Mcdonald before cooking up the very best of what’s in season. Then we make freezer meals easy and delicious with double-batch cooking. Next up we share some of our faves including Pretzel-crumbed Chicken Schnitty and French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese. Then we whip up warming curries, tempting dinners for two, epic sides like our Parmesan-crusted Roasted Potatoes, and crowd pleasers like our cover-star Miso French Onion Chicken. We finish up with irresistible sweet treats and a run-down of top Aussie shiraz!