STALK VEGETABLES RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
  2. Cut off and discard the aubergine stalk, then slice lengthways in half. Score a criss-cross pattern in the flesh of each half with a sharp knife. Halve the lemon (if using) and rub it over the aubergine flesh – this will stop it discolouring.
  3. Pour ½ a wine glass of water into a lidded pan on a medium-low heat. Put the aubergine into the pan, , skin-side down, and pop the lid on. Leave to steam for about 8 minutes, or until the pan is almost dry and the aubergine is starting to open up.
  4. Chop your tomatoes, halving or quartering the larger ones and leaving any small ones whole.
  5. Pound the pistachios to a crumb in a pestle and mortar, leaving a few bigger chunks for texture. Chop the coriander stalks, reserving the leaves for later.
  6. When the aubergine water has almost disappeared, add a little oil to the pan and push the aubergines flat with a spatula to crisp up the skin.
  7. Add the spice paste to one side of the pan, fry it off a little, then add the coriander stalks and tomatoes, gently turning to coat in the paste. Turn the aubergine halves over and give the pan a little shake. Scatter over the pistachios, then transfer to the oven, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Serve scattered with the reserved coriander leaves.

Steps:

• 1. Turn on the oven to 200ºC/gas 6. Carefully cut the pastry block in half with a table knife. Wrap the other half and refrigerate or freeze for later.
  2. Dust some flour onto a clean work surface and, using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry into a square, measuring 26cm x 26cm. Cut into 4 equal squares.
  3. Place the pastry squares on a baking tray, leaving a space between each.
  4. Using the back of a spoon, spread the centre of each square with pesto, but don’t spread it onto the edges.
  5. Squash the tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, then snap the asparagus spears into 3cm pieces. Keep the lovely pointy tips and a little of the stalk, but discard the end 3cm.
  6. Using a speed peeler, carefully shred the courgettes into ribbons. Tear the roasted peppers into strips and add to the bowl.
  7. Pick the basil leaves, reserving the pretty ones for later. Place the large ones in the mixing bowl.
  8. Mix the vegetables together in the bowl, adding a splash of oil. Pile a little of the mixture on each pesto-smeared tart and top with two olives (if using).
  9. Break up the mozzarella and place little bits on top of each tart – this will make it gooey like a pizza. Grate over some Parmesan (if using).
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is all bubbly.
  11. Once the tarts are ready, allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle with the reserved basil leaves and serve with a nice salad for lunch.