Recently, Garden-NZ editor, Helen Perry, attended the launch of Nadia’s Kitchen, a new cook book by New Zealand’s 2011 MasterChef, Nadia Lim.While Nadia confessed she wasn’t really a gardener, one could be forgiven for thinking that gardening was close to her heart – a number of recipes include backyard bounty that anyone might have growing in the veggie patch or suburban orchard.
But perhaps, more accurately it is her background as a dietician that has influenced many of the scrumptious yet wholesome recipes included in, Nadia’s Kitchen.
What’s more, in following the seasons, she provides a wealth of easy, healthy meals which, at the right time of the year, are also budget-friendly.
With its mix of contemporary flavours and old fashioned ingredients, Nadia’s Kitchen not only uses seasonal produce but also staples which are found in most pantries.
In particular, I was delighted to see semolina in the mix. Perhaps not so well known to Generation Y, nevertheless, Nadia’s version with tamarillos, is something which older generations will identify with.
And while I’m not a big oyster eater, I just loved her oysters in the shell with ponzu dressing – for once I could have downed a dozen!
Putting together the cook book was part of Nadia’s prize for winning MasterChef NZ last year and it is truly a collection of delicious-sounding, eye-catching, complete meals.
“The recipes are divided into seasons because my cooking has always been largely driven by the produce in front of me,” she said. “I pick what is freshest and then decide what to cook.”
As mentioned, Nadia’s training as a dietician is evident throughout the book and she also includes nutritional information together with tips and guidelines on how to eat well whilst also enjoying oneself.
I especially like her philosophy of “snacking from nature not the vending machine; eating your colours; cooking for yourself; slowing down and savouring food.”
And if her enthusiasm for the opportunities Masterchef has afforded her, including the writing of this book, are a reflection of her own belief in eating for enjoyment and health in balance, then it is easy to be won over.
This down to earth young woman, who describes herself simply as author, cook and dietician, seemed to have won the hearts of guests at the book launch. Now, I am sure her book will win over the stomachs of all who give it a go.
Nadia’s Kitchen
By Nadia Lim
Random House NZ
RRP: $55.00
Garden-NZ has a copy of Nadia’s book to give away to one lucky reader. Click here to enter today!
Or click here , to sample one of Nadia’s very special recipes.
