Cook Without Book

Avocado Coconut Oil Tartine If you're in a pinch to find squash blossoms, slivered basil is a perfectly fine substitution. 3/4 cup toasted and chopped macadamia nuts 1 small clove garlic, finely grated zest of one medium orange 4 squash blossoms, cut into chiffonade scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste 4 slices good levain bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick 4 tablespoons pure virgin coconut oil 2 ripe avocados, halved, pits removed 4 scallions, slivered extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle Combine the macadamia nuts, garlic, orange zest, squash blossoms and salt in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Toast the bread (alternately, a broiler, or grill will work) until it's golden. Just before serving, while the bread is still warm, place 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil on each tartine and spread evenly, saturating the toast. Spoon and smash half an avocado onto each piece of toast, then evenly distribute the nut mixture equally as well. Finish with a sp...

Medu vada is a traditional favourite of south india that features not just in everyday cuisine but is also an indispensable part of the menu on festivals and puja days. Grind the batter with just enough water to make a soft but not watery dough – as it’s the consistency of the batter that determines how soft and shapely the vadas turn out, and of course how many compliments you reap! after all, ‘medu’ means soft, and the wadas must live up to the name. Take care to make the vadas as soon as the batter is made, as they will absorb too much oil if left to ferment. Also, forget not the hole in the centre for it is the defining feature of medu wadas! Soaking Time: 2 hours. Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  30 mins Makes 8 medu vadas. Ingredients 1 cup   urad dal (split black lentils) 3   green chillies  , roughly chopped 3 to 4   peppercorns (kalimirch) 8 to 10   curry leaves (kadi patta) 1 tsp   ginger (adrak) salt  to taste c...