Figs and Mascarpone Cream

Figs are in season and what better than to pair them with mascarpone cheese and honey for a nice treat after dinner. This is super easy and doesn't require a lot of tools or work! Enjoy!


Recipe:

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
2 tblsp sugar
4-8 ripe black figs (this works well with green figs as well)
1/2 cup honey
sliced baguette (optional)

1. Whisk together the mascarpone cheese and sugar. Set aside.

2. On a plate, drizzle with honey and add 1-2 figs in the centre.

3. Spoon mascarpone over the figs and garnish with fresh sprig of mint.

4. You can also top baguette slices with mascarpone cheese and fig and dress with sprig of mint.(note : this method is optional, but great if you had a low carb meal).

Eggplant - Bangan Bharta

I love Eggplant! This is a quick and easy version. You can prepare this in advance by charring the eggplant ahead of time. I made this using baby tomatoes because they are in season right now and have a nice and sweet flavour that brings some character to the dish, but any tomatoes you have will do! Enjoy!

Recipe:

1 medium sized eggplant

1 tblsp olive oil (or any other cooking oil)

1 medium sized onion, diced
8 baby tomatoes or 1 large tomato, diced
1 tsp garlic minced (or less to taste)
1 green chilli thinly sliced (or more to taste)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp brown sugar
3 tsp fresh coriander for garnish (or 1 tsp minced if available)

1. Make slits in eggplant all around and cover completely in aluminum foil. Roast eggplant in oven at 450 degrees F for 45 min or until charred. Set aside and let cool.

2. Heat oil in medium size pot, add onions until translucent and cooked through. Add green chilli and continue to sautee until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 2 more min.

3. Add in diced tomatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add all dry spices and brown sugar and cook 5 min more.

4. Scrape out eggplant and add to onion & tomato mixture. Cook uncovered for approx. 10 min.

5. When eggplant is fully mixed with the onions, tomatoes and spices, cover and cook for a further 15 min. Remove lid and add coriander and cook further 5 min until you achieve your desired consistency.