Milk & Marigolds’ Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

This gazpacho (a chilled soup) is refreshing, healthy & bright in flavour.

Planting and growing cucumbers was new for us this season, so when we planted 6 seedlings, they went wild and we ended up with enough cucumbers to feed a small village!

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Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Prep: 10 minutes, plus 3-4 hours to chill             Yields:  2 small bowls
Author: Milk & Marigolds

Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers, (3 cups roughly chopped, deseeded)
1/2 avocado
1-2 limes (3 tablespoons juiced)
1/2 – 1 whole jalapeño, chopped and deseeded
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (stems and leaves) plus more for garnish
1/2 cup canned coconut milk, shaken
1 spring onion, chopped
1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup cold water or 1/2 cup ice
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Garnish Suggestions:
thinly sliced cucumber & Jalapeño
coconut milk
olive oil
fresh herbs

Equipment:
high speed blender
fine grater or microplane grater
peeler
Metal spoon
knife
cutting board

Instructions:

1. Begin by peeling your cucumbers and use a metal spoon to remove any seeds. Roughly chop your ingredients and finely grate half of a small garlic clove.

2. Deseed the jalapeño. You can wear gloves to avoid touching the hot seeds if needed. I recommend adding in a quarter of the jalapeño at a time to assess your desired level of spice. Roll (this helps to release the juices) then squeeze your limes to collect 3 tablespoons amount.

3. Shake the can of coconut milk so the coconut cream mixes with its water. Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender and pulse until smooth or until the desired texture is achieved. Chill for about 3- 4 hours, add salt and pepper to taste, garnish and serve as soon as possible. This keeps in the fridge for about 2 days.

Copyright 2015 © Milk & Marigolds

Caribbean Fruit Platter with Fresh Herbs & Lime Juice

You put the lime in the coconut & …

This simple to make fruit platter is sweet, fragrant and easily adaptable. For this recipe I used Caribbean avocados, which are lighter and sweeter than creamy Hass avocados. These Carribean varieties are similar to the texture of Papaya. If you can’t find Caribbean avocados or you’re not an avocado fan, you can substitute with papaya or any fruit of your liking.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes        Author: Milk & Marigolds.      Serves: 2

Ingredients:
1 Caribbean avocado (or papaya) cut into slices or chunks
1 large mango sliced or cubed
1 lime, zested and juiced (zest before juicing)
1 small handful of fresh basil, cilantro and/or mint
1 cup coconut yogurt or Greek (I used a vegan coconut-based yogurt)
Sprinkle of brown raw sugar or sweetener of choice

Add as little/as much of the ingredients as you’d like. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Squeeze lime juice over the ingredients right before serving.

Copyright 2015 © Milk & Marigolds

 

 

Carrot Noodles with Peanut Chili Sauce & Crispy Tofu

Carrot noodles served with crispy golden brown tofu makes for a perfect summer meal while upping your veggie intake. I recommend investing in a spiralizer if you are looking to make your own vegetable noodles. Pressed for time? Most grocery stores conveniently sell fresh or frozen spiralled noodles.

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Prep Time: 30 minutes            Total Time (including marinade): 1 hour + 15 minutes 
Author: Milk & Marigolds.      Serves: 2 large or 3 small

Noodle Sauce Ingredients:
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
1/3 cup natural peanut butter
2 tsp chilli garlic sauce (I used the brand: Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce)
1 tsp of minced ginger root
(2 limes) 2 tbsp of lime juice, reserve the remainder of the lime for wedges
1/3 cup water

Tofu Marinade Ingredients:
400 g extra firm tofu (vacuum-sealed without water if available), cubed
4 tbsp tamari (g-free soy sauce)
3 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water

Salad Ingredients:
5-6  (2 lb (900 g) large carrots, thinly spiralized
2 scallions, sliced thinly on a diagonal  
1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro (stems and leaves)

Garnish Suggestions:
crushed peanuts or cashews
lime zest
cilantro or thai basil
roasted sesame seeds
chillies or red Thai peppers

Equipment:
A spiralizer (or store-bought spiralized noodles)
Whisk
Container to hold tofu marinade
Measuring cup
Zester or microplane 
Large non-stick frying pan
Tongs or two wooden spoons

1.Begin by prepping your tofu and any other protein of choice. The tofu should be marinated for at least an hour. Cut the tofu into about 1 inch or smaller cubes. Whisk the marinade ingredients together and combine with the tofu in a container that allows the tofu to be submerged as much as possible.

2.In the meantime, wash and prep your produce. Sprialize the carrots or buy them spiralized if available. Then, thinly slice the scallions on a diagonal, mince the ginger root, zest half of the lime while reserving the other half for wedges. Juice the zested lime (you need 2 tbsp amount) and prep any desired garnishes. Set prepped ingredients aside.

3.Next, prepare the sauce for the carrot noodles. Combine all of the ingredients listed above under “Noodle Sauce”. Whisk until smooth. This sauce will yield more than enough and can be kept in the fridge for up to a week for any leftovers. Set aside.

4.Once the tofu is ready, remove it from the marinade and prepare a large frying pan by setting it to a medium heat. Place a tablespoon or more of oil (I used canola). Once hot, add the tofu and cook for about 4 – 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once the tofu is cooked, add the spiralled carrots to the pan and sauté for just a couple minutes to just slightly soften the carrot noodles. 

5.Then pour over some (not all) of the noodle sauce and gently combine. Add sliced scallions, freshly chopped herbs and garnishes. Enjoy warm or cold. Add more sauce as needed.  

Copyright 2015 © Milk & Marigolds

Milk & Marigold’s Chickpea Curry

One of the best curries I have ever tasted, was piled high with fresh and crispy garnishes. The simplest of garnishes can really transform a meal into a beautiful one, while also elevating and enhancing the recipe’s flavours. Simple pantry items such as chilli flakes or fresh produce and herbs can add texture and brighten a dish in a flash.

This comforting curry is protein-packed and is perfect as a side or as a main when served with rice or warm fluffy naan bread. Read on for garnish suggestions and ideas.

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