This collection of Karen Martini's inspiring recipes from her hugely popular column in Sunday Life magazine is packed with simple, wonderfully accessible and delicious ideas. An enthusiastic champion of fresh produce and a strong advocate of cooking for fun and flavour, Karen simply loves to cook.
'She has a way of reinterpreting classic dishes that is original yet simple and always delicious . . . perfect for everyday cooks who love good flavours.' Australian Gourmet Traveller
Sample Recipe (pictured) - Chicken and broken-pasta soup
This chicken noodle soup is guaranteed to ward off the chills and hit the spot on a lazy Sunday evening, or is perfect for a light dinner.80 g fresh breadcrumbs
150 g chicken mince
pinch nutmeg 3 sprigs thyme
8 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 egg
salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
100 ml extra virgin olive oil
2 brown onions, chopped
8 cloves garlic, chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
1/4 Savoy cabbage, shredded
200 g broken pasta (such as snapped spaghetti) or stelline (small, star-shaped pasta)
8 cups (2 litres) chicken stock
25 g parmesan, grated, to serve
squeeze of lemon, to serve
Place breadcrumbs, chicken mince, nutmeg, thyme, half the parsley, egg, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until mixture forms a smooth paste. Shape mixture into small balls, about the size of a 10 cent piece, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over low heat Add onion, garlic, celery and a pinch of salt and cook gently for 15 minutes. Add cabbage, pasta and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Place chicken meatballs into soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve soup topped with remaining parsley, parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
SERVES 6
About the Author
Karen Martini began her food career at the age of fifteen at Mietta's in Melbourne. She worked at various restaurants before taking the helm at the Melbourne Wine Room, which has proved a resounding and enduring success. In 2002 she moved to Sydney to take up the position of Executive Chef at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar - a meeting of Melbourne style and Sydney glamour. On her return to Melbourne, Karen and her husband Michael Sapountsis opened Mr Wolf, a chic pizzeria in St Kilda. Karen is food editor of Sunday Life magazine and food presenter on the television show Better Homes and Gardens.