Eat

When Sweet Meets Savoury

Bring opposing flavours together, and that’s where the food magic happens.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Bring opposing flavours together, and that’s where the food magic happens. Take berries, figs, and stone fruits, and combine them with zesty and spicy notes for dishes that are bright and beautifully balanced.

"Grilled salmon with peppered strawberries over a corn, watermelon, and tomato salad"
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WHY A PEPPERY PUNCH?

The spice helps bring out the sweet flavour and aroma of summer strawberries.

GRILLED SALMON WITH PEPPERED STRAWBERRIES & TOMATO, CORN & WATERMELON SALAD

SERVES: 4

START TO FINISH: 25 MINUTES

> 1  red chilli, seeded and very thinly sliced
> 1   pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
> 2  tbsp plus 1 tsp sherry vinegar
> Kosher salt
> Freshly ground black pepper
> 2 ears corn, shucked
> 4 110g skinless salmon fillets
> 4  cups watermelon chunks (about 450g)
> 2  tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil

> 4  strawberries, hulled and very thinly sliced

1. Heat a grill to medium-high.

2. In a large bowl, toss together the red chilli, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, and a pinch each of salt and pepper; set aside.

3. Grill the corn and salmon, turning once, until the corn is blackened in spots and the salmon is just cooked through, about 12 minutes. Transfer both to a cutting board.

4. Cut the kernels off the corncobs and add to the bowl with the chilli, along with the watermelon, 2 tablespoons oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Gently fold to evenly coat, then divide among serving plates and place salmon fillets on top.

5. Gently toss the strawberries with the remaining teaspoon each of sherry vinegar and oil and a pinch of pepper; arrange over the salmon. Scatter any remaining strawberries over the salad. Grind pepper over everything and serve.
 
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"The figs and grapes release their juices, infusing the dish with fresh, fruity flavour. "

GRILLED SUMMER SQUASH SALAD WITH FIG-GRAPE DRESSING

SERVES: 4

START TO FINISH: 25 MINUTES

> 1½  tbsp white balsamic vinegar
> 1 tsp honey
> 3 tbsp olive oil
> Kosher salt
>  Freshly ground black pepper
> 6  ripe figs, trimmed and quartered
> 1½ cups seedless grapes, preferably a mix of types, halved
> 450g zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1cm planks
> 3 tbsp shelled raw pistachios, chopped
> 3 tbsp crumbled feta

> 2 tbsp torn tarragon

1. Heat a grill to medium-high.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the figs and grapes and gently fold to coat evenly. Set aside.

3. Grill the zucchini until crisptender and grill marks appear, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to serving plates.

4. Spoon the figs and grapes with their dressing over the zucchini. Top with pistachios, feta, and tarragon and serve.
 
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DOUBLE UP

Nectarines are also in the dressing for sweetness in every bite.

CHILLED SWEET & SPICY SOBA NOODLES

SERVES: 4

START TO FINISH: 20 MINUTES

> 260g soba noodles
> 2  firm nectarines or peaches, pitted
> 3 tbsp gochujang (red chilli paste)
> 1 tbsp rice vinegar
> 1 tbsp soya sauce
> 1 tsp sesame oil
> ½ seedless cucumber, cut into matchsticks
> 3 small carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
> 1  cup shredded romaine

> 2 tsp roasted sesame seeds

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well, rinse under cold water until cool, and drain again.

2. Meanwhile, finely grate half of a nectarine into a large bowl. Add the gochujang, vinegar, soya sauce, and sesame oil to the bowl and whisk until well blended. Thinly slice the remaining nectarines and reserve.

3. Add cooled noodles to the bowl with sauce and toss until evenly coated.

4. Divide the dressed noodles among 4 serving bowls. Arrange the nectarines, cucumber, carrots, and romaine on top. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve with sliced nectarines.

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