With Mother's Day on the horizon we wanted to share the recipes we developed which have been inspired by our Mothers. For both of us, our Mother's played a huge part in developing our love for food. Our Persian stew was inspired by a dish Sham's mother cooked for him as a child, Gormeh Sabzi, which became a family favourite and now we enjoy it each year for 'Naw Ruz' which is Persian New Year in March.
We've transformed this family classic into a vegan hearty alternative incorporating key flavours you'll find in Gormeh Sabzi. Flavours like the slightly bitter dried lime, onions, fenugreek and parsley. We've swapped the lamb for chunks of meaty tempeh that have been slowly marinated in tamari & maple syrup. The result is a comforting stew that is quickly becoming a favourite for Cosmo, our son, and among our customers.
Growing up my mum's signature dish was a Goan Fish Curry that she discovered on her gap year in India back in the 70s. She was the first person to introduce me to the wonders of Indian cuisine and used to cook this for us as a special treat. Indian cuisine will always be my number one favourite, and we were inspired by this Goan curry to produce our own vegan version so the Jackfruit nicely replaces the need for fish. The sauce is a mouth watering combination of coconut milk, ginger, tamarind, chilli, peppercorns, coriander, turmeric and cumin. I love to eat this dish when my immune system feels in need of a boost. It truly always makes me feel more energised afterwards.
Last but not least, our ever popular Mac and Cheese was inspired by my paternal grandmother who used to make the most irresistibly creamy and comforting traditional mac and cheese- hers also included bacon and juicy cherry tomatoes. She always managed to get the top to be perfectly crispy as well. Our veganised version has the most delicious sunflower and pumpkin seed crumble on top and the bacon/lardons are replaced by a delicious mushroom bacon, full of an intense smokey flavour that's incredibly satisfying.
Wishing all mums out there a very happy Mothering Sunday this weekend.
El and Sham x
