Impressive Food with Minimal Effort

Great food doesn’t always require you devoting your entire day to the kitchen. At NetCost Market we love food, however, we love being a part of the celebrations too. We’ve been exploring dishes that are almost foolproof, don’t require all your efforts yet taste amazing and will have your guests asking just how you managed to find the time!

Blini

This mini version of the Russian classic takes almost zero effort and by switching salt for a pinch of sugar can be turned into a sweet treat. The blini is a versatile base that will keep your taste buds happy.

You Will Need:

(Makes approximately 25)

100g Buckwheat flour

70g Plain flour

1 Tsp Dry yeast

1 egg

1 Cup Milk warm

Cooking Oil

Pinch of Salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until a smooth batter is formed.
2. Cover and leave for 1 hour.
3. Heat oil in skillet. Mix the batter once more, then using a spoon form small circles of batter in the pan in a similar way to making pancakes- only smaller.
4. Cook for a couple of minutes or until you see bubbles on the top and flip to the other side and cook further for a minute or so. You can cook more than one at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
5. Once you’ve created a collection of blinis finish with your favorite toppings. We highly recommend a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of dill and a thin layer of salmon or some high-quality caviar.

Orange and Fennel Salad

At this time of year, you may feel a little overwhelmed by all the rich, heavy foods. This salad is a great side that looks colorful, tastes delicious and provides  a kick start for those healthy New Year resolutions.

You Will Need:

(Serves 2-4)

2 Cups Arugula

1 Bulb Fennel

2 Medium Oranges

½ Cup Dried Cranberries

1 Small Red Onion

1 Tbsp Orange Juice

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tsp Poppy Seeds

Pinch of Salt & Pepper

1. Slice the red onion into thin slices and leave to soak in a bowl of water.
2. Peel the skin from the oranges and cut into segments. Place in a bowl with the 2 cups of arugula.
3. Cut the fennel into thin slices and add to the bowl.
4. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, orange juice (this can be freshly squeezed or from a carton) salt and pepper and whisk together.
5. Drain the water from the onion, add to the salad mixture and toss together well.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad followed by the cranberries and toss again.
7. Finish with a sprinkle of poppy seeds and serve!

Dijon & Pecan Crusted Salmon fillet

Even the name of this dish makes it sound like a world of effort. However, between us and you, it’s really not. Your guests will definitely be impressed by this centerpiece main.

You Will Need:

(Serves 4)

24 Oz Whole Salmon Fillet

4 Tsp Honey

3 Tbsp Butter

3 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

1 Tbsp & 1 Tsp Fresh Parsley Chopped

½ Cup Breadcrumbs

½ Cup Pecans Chopped

Salt & Pepper

To Serve:

Lemon Wedges

1. Preheat the oven to 450F.
2. Melt 2 Tbsp Butter and in a bowl combine it with honey and mustard. In a separate bowl mix together the parsley, pecans, and bread crumbs.
3. Place the remaining Tbsp of butter onto the baking sheet with 1 tsp of parsley and place into the oven until the butter begins to melt.
4. Apply the honey, butter, mustard mix to your salmon fillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with dry mixture.
5. Take the baking sheet from the oven, set the salmon onto the melted butter and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Test the salmon as cooking times depend on the thickness.
6. Serve as a whole piece for an impressive center dish, add lemon wedges!

Turkish Chicken

Chicken can sometimes be a little dry and, dare we say it, boring. This Turkish-style chicken is anything but! It’s juicy and fragrant, serve with a leafy green salad, fresh flatbreads and a side of hummus for the full flavor experience.

You Will Need:

(Serves 4)

4 Chicken Breasts

1 Large Onion

¾ Cup Plain Yogurt

4 Garlic Cloves

1 Tbsp Paprika

1 Tsp Cinnamon

½ Tsp Chilli Flakes

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Pepper

1. Grate the large onion and garlic cloves together in a bowl.
2. Take grated mixture and put into a sieve and hold over a bowl. Using a spoon press the mix to release the juices from the onion and garlic. Discard the pulp.
3. Add yogurt, paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the liquid and combine to make a paste.
4. Chop the chicken breasts into chunks and add into the paste. Mix together well ensuring all the chicken is coated. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, however, the longer the better!
5. Preheat the oven to 350F and pierce chicken chunks with skewers. Arrange on a rack.
6. Place the chicken skewers in the middle of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes turn the skewers and up the temperature to 400F for 10 minutes.
8. Check the chicken is piping hot all the way through and serve!

Fig Tart

Tarts don’t need to take lots of time and effort to wow your guests! Figs make a welcome change from apple or lemon tarts and they work perfectly with a simple side of cream, or cinnamon ice cream.

1 Ready Made Puff Pastry

6 Figs quartered

⅓ Cup Brown Sugar

1 ½ Tbsp Butter

1 Tsp Cinnamon

Almond flakes

1. Line a baking tray and preheat oven to 400F.
2. Roll out pastry, prick the bottom with a fork and place in a fridge for 30 mins.
3. In a pan place butter, sugar, cinnamon and finally the figs. Cook for about 6 minutes, the sugar should begin to turn color.
4. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few moments before pouring onto the rolled pastry.
5. Sprinkle the almond flakes all over the top.
6. Cook in the oven for around 12 minutes or until the pastry is completely cooked.
7. Slice and serve with your favorite creamy side!