Category Archives: International Cuisine

As an experienced chef in a five-star hotel kitchen in London, I am equally comfortable with international cuisine and would like to share with you some of the French recipes I love to cook.

Melanzane

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I love this Italian vegetarian dish very much, so I came up with my own version. I’m very happy to share it with you!

INGREDIENTS 

For the tomato sauce 

3 tbs olive oil (plus more to drizzle over the aubergine)

400g tin chopped tomatoes 

1/2 cup red wine

150g red onion (chopped)

4 garlic cloves (chopped)

1 tsp crushed chilli (optional)

1 tbs brown sugar 

2 bay leaves 

1 tbs thyme leaves 

Salt and pepper to taste 

*** *** *** *** *** ***

3 big aubergines (in thick slices)

250g fresh tomato chopped (de-seeded and skinless)

150g mozzarella cheese 

150g grated parmesan cheese 

3 tbs fresh basil leaves 

1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs 

75g pine nuts (roasted)

METHOD 

Heat the olive oil, add garlic and onion and cook for around 7 minutes. Add chopped tomato, bay leaves and thyme, cook until oil appears on the surface then add the sugar and wine, cook for about 10 minutes. Check the seasoning.

Heat the oven to 180*

Arrange the sliced aubergine on a sheet pan and drizzle with some olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 15 minutes until golden brown.

In a bowl mix the chopped basil, breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.

In a baking dish pour 1/3 of the tomato sauce, then arrange the aubergine slices. Sprinkle over the chopped tomatoes, the breadcrumb mix and crumbled mozzarella cheese.

Continue layering until the ingredients are finished, end with some of the breadcrumb mixture.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Serve with a salad and bread.


© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Spicy Pork Goulash

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One of the national dishes of Hungary, I have come up with my own goulash recipe using Sri Lankan spices and pork meat. It goes very well with polenta.
INGREDIENTS
500g pork, diced
1 big red onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 big tomatoes, the skin removed then chopped (or 1 tin chopped tomatoes)
3 red peppers, sliced
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 tbs plain flour
2 tbs paprika
1 tbs crushed chilli
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tbs dry herbs
2 bay leaves
3 tbs olive oil
1 cup red wine
3 cups of stock (chicken or beef)
Salt to taste
METHOD
Sprinkle the pork with the flour, heat the pan with half of the oil, add the meat and fry until browned. Remove from pan, add the rest of the oil, then add the onion, garlic and red peppers. Mix well and cook until they soften. Add spices, tomatoes, bay leaves and the herbs, mix well. Pour in the wine and seasoning, then add the meat and stock. Cover and cook on a low flame for 30-40 minutes. Check the seasoning, then add the parsley. Serve with rice or polenta.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Coq au Vin

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This classic French chicken dish is normally made with bacon, but I decided to try without. It came out nicely, full of flavour. Serve on special occasions.
INGREDIENTS
750g chicken thighs and legs with the skin on
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 tbs tomato puree
1 cup small shallots (in Srilanka we use these a lot)
2 cups carrot, peeled and thickly sliced
250g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 tbs olive oil
2 cups red wine
1 1/2 cup chicken stock
2 star anise
Salt and pepper to taste
Bouquet garni – 3 bay leaves, 2 sprigs rosemary, 3 sprigs thyme, 5 cloves tied into a small bundle (make sure you remove it before serving).
Fresh thyme for garnish
To thicken:
2 tbs plain flour
2 tbs butter
Heat the butter in a pan, add the flour to make a puree; add into the casserole
METHOD
Heat half of the oil in a thick-bottom pan, add the chicken skin side down and cook 5-8 minutes uncovered, turning once until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a separate bowl. Heat the rest of the oil then add the garlic, onion and mushrooms, then the carrot, tomato, and tomato puree. Add red wine, chicken stock and herbs, put the chicken back into the pan and mix carefully. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the thickener. Cover and cook for 50 mins – 1hr. Remove the star anise and bouquet garni, check the seasoning. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with a potato bake.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Pork Wellington

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Inspired by the legendary dish, Beef Wellington, I have added my own ingredients to transform pork fillet into something special. The flavour of the apple really enhances the taste.
INGREDIENTS
750g pork fillet
300g brown mushrooms (chopped)
3 celery sticks (peeled and chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 green apples (grated)
2 garlic cloves (chopped)
30cm x 40cm puff pastry sheet
2 tbs black sesame seeds
2 tbs Dijon mustard
2 egg yolks (beaten)
3 tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper
METHOD
Heat the oven to 180*
Heat a non-stick frying pan, and seal the fillet of pork. Keep it on the side.
Using the same pan heat the oil then add garlic, onion, celery, and mushrooms. Stir together, and when the aromas come out add the apple. Remove from the heat.
Lay the pastry on a sheet pan and spread with the mushroom mixture. Then lay on the pork fillet and spread with the mustard and seasoning.
Center the fillet, fold over the pastry to wrap and seal.
Keep it in the fridge for 20 minutes
Take it out and brush with egg yolk, and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Chicken and Vegetable Quiche

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This is a delicious yet simple bake for lunch, full of flavour too. Instead of chicken you can just use vegetables.

 

INGREDIENTS 

Frozen puff pastry roll

300g skinless and boneless chicken (diced)

250g potato (boiled and diced)

150g leeks (sliced)

100g grated carrot

150g baby spinach (washed and dried)

2 garlic cloves (chopped)

2 eggs (beaten)

2 tbs olive oil

2 tbs lime juice

1/2. cup double cream

150g cheddar cheese (grated)

50g parsley (chopped)

Salt and pepper to taste

 

METHOD

Heat the oven to 175*

Line the pastry tray with the puff pastry sheet and keep in the fridge

Heat the oil in a pan, add garlic and leeks cook for about 5 minutes

Add the chicken and for cook another 15 minutes, then add salt and pepper

Remove from heat, add spinach, carrot, lime juice and half of the parsley

In bowl mix the eggs and cream

Take the pastry out of the fridge, fill with the chicken and vegetable mixture then pour the egg mixture over the top

Sprinkle with the cheese and rest of the parsley

Bake around 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown

Serve with mixed salad leaves


© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Three Flavour Risotto

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Rather than make a standard mushroom risotto, I decided to liven it up a bit by adding some fresh vegetable flavours and grated halloumi. I am very happy with the result – three dishes in one!

INGREDIENTS 

400g risotto rice

1 white onion, chopped 

3 tbs olive oil

1 tbs white wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 bay leaves 

3 sprig of thyme 

3 cups vegetable stock

1 cup white wine 

2 tbs cream cheese (or creme fraiche)

50g  Parmesan cheese, grated

150g halloumi cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Extra Flavour Ingredients

  1. 100g green peas (fresh or frozen) and 3 tbs fresh mint, chopped
  2. 1 cup oven-roasted pumpkin (seeded and peeled) with 2 tbs chives, snipped
  3. 100g cherry tomatoes (remove the skin) with 3 tbs fresh basil, chopped

 

METHOD 

Heat the pan, add the oil and then the garlic and onion. Sauté until soft.

Add the rice, stir for 5 minutes on low heat then add the wine and herbs. Mix well, then add the vegetable stock a little at a time.

When the rice is cooked add the cream, halloumi cheese and vinegar. Check the seasoning. 

Separate into three bowls and add one set of flavourings into each bowl (peas, pumpkin and tomatoes). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the top.


© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Aubergine and Courgette Bake

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The vegetables are coated with bread crumbs and shallow fried, then we add tomato sauce and finish in the oven, we get a dish that is so full of flavour.
INGREDIENTS
1 big aubergine
2 courgettes
1 white onion
3 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves and 2 sprigs of thyme
3 tbs fresh basil
1 tin chopped tomato (400g)
1tbs tomato purée
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp crushed chilli
3 tbs olive oil
150g fresh bread crumbs
2 tbs flour
2 eggs, beaten
150g grated cheddar cheese
For the béchamel
2 tbs butter
3 tbs flour
2 cups milk
1 egg
1/2 cup white wine
METHOD
Wash the vegetables, and cut the aubergine and courgettes into thick slices. Coat with flour, then dip into the egg wash and then breadcrumbs. Heat a shallow pan and sprinkle with some olive oil. Fry the vegetables until golden brown, and keep on one side.
In another saucepan heat the rest of the olive oil, sauté the garlic and onion and add chill, then add the tomato purée, sugar, bay leaves and salt and let it simmer until oil appears on the top. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems.
In a pan melt the butter, add the flour to make a roux. Then add the milk little by little until the sauce becomes a thick puree without lumps. Add the egg and wine and check the seasoning.
Heat the oven 180*. Arrange an ovenproof dish with one layer of aubergine, then a layer of tomato sauce and the béchamel. Follow in the same way with the courgettes, etc. Finish with the rest of the béchamel, cheese and chopped basil. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with a mixed leaf salad.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Sweet Potato and Potato Dumplings

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This pure vegetarian dish is a favourite in our house! Serve with a simple salad.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup boiled and mashed potato
2 cup boiled and mashed sweet potato
1 cup flour
3 tbs chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
For sauce
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tbs flour
3 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup milk
50g grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbs chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
In a bowl mix flour, potato, sweet potato, parsley and salt. Cover and keep on the side. In a pan heat the butter and oil, then add the garlic and onion. Sauté then add mushrooms to soften. Add flour, mix well and add milk a little at a time. Remove from the heat, mix in the white wine, basil and salt and pepper. Check the seasoning.
On a chopping board or worktop sprinkle some flour and roll out the potato mixture. Cut as you like into 1 inch pieces.
Boil the water then add the dumplings a few at a time. When they float to the surface, remove from pan and place into an ovenproof dish.
Heat the sauce on a low flame, add the dumplings and sprinkle with cheese and basil. Serve immediately.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Crespelle

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Italian crespelle is often made with a tomato sauce. In my own recipe I use béchamel instead, and tasty almonds flakes. My friends are so impressed with the taste, and I am happy to share this recipe with you all.

INGREDIENTS

500g fresh spinach (washed and drained)

200g leeks (washed and sliced)

50g parsley (washed and chopped roughly)

3 garlic cloves (chopped)

200g ricotta cheese

75g Parmesan cheese (grated)

3 tbs olive oil

Salt and black pepper

 

Ingredients for Pancakes

200g plain flour

2 eggs (beaten)

3 tbs olive oil

200ml coconut milk

1 tsp dry herbs (oregano or thyme)

1/2 tsp baking powder

Salt

Method

Mix eggs, milk and olive oil together

In another bowl, mix flour, herbs, baking powder and salt

Beat both mixtures together until a thick puree without lumps

Keep on one side

 

For the béchamel 

100g butter

75g flour

350ml milk

100ml white wine

1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp mustard powder or paste

Salt

 

Method

Melt the butter in a saucepan then add flour, cook until nutty brown

Remove from the heat, add the milk and mix until silky pure without lumps, then add wine

Add mustard and nutmeg, and check the seasoning

 

METHOD

Heat the oven 180*

Heat a pan with olive oil, add the garlic and leeks and cook for around 7 minutes

Add spinach and parsley, remove from the heat and mix well

Let it cool down then add the ricotta cheese and check the seasoning

Start making thin pancakes with a nonstick pan

Sprinkle the spinach mixture in each pancake and roll it up

Arrange the pancakes in a ovenproof dish

Finish with the béchamel, sprinkle with parmesan and flaked almonds

Bake in the oven until golden brown and the pancakes have crisped slightly

 

 


© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.

Ham and Cheese Croquettes

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Here is another of my healthy lockdown creations, made with a surprising ingredient – oats! Oats are a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. I use oats as a breakfast dish for lots of customers at the hotel, but they make a very tasty and satisfying addition to these croquettes. They make a great snack or appetiser, and also work well as finger food.

 

INGREDIENTS
1 cup porridge oats
1 cup chopped cooked ham
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 vegetable stock cube
4 tbs chopped spring onion
4 tbs grated hard cheese ( any, but I use parmigiana)
5 tbs chopped parsley
3 tbs chopped onion
1 medium carrot (peeled and diced)
2 tbs olive oil
200g breadcrumbs
4 tbs plain four
2 egg whites
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Make a béchamel
2 tbs butter, 4 tbs flour, 1 cup cold milk
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, mix well and cook for a few moments. Remove from the heat and add the cold milk a little at a time until the sauce thickens. You will need 1/2 cup of béchamel for the recipe.
METHOD
Boil the water and dissolve the vegetable stock cube. Cook the porridge oats until they are cooked but not runny. Keep on one side. Heat the oil, add the onion and cook until soft. Then add the ham and raw carrot. In a bowl, mix all the rest of the ingredients together and add the béchamel a little at a time. Roll the mixture up with clingfilm (see photo) and keep in the fridge for one hour. Arrange three shallow bowls, one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and the other with the breadcrumbs.
Take out the rolled mixture and separate with a knife into even sized shapes as you like them. Coat with flour, then with egg wash, and finally with breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown. Serve with garlic mayo and mustard.

© Ajith Perera. All rights reserved.