We have had a really tough time here lately. Savage bush fires that have affected every one of us in the surrounding areas in one way or another. Every one has a story to tell. The town literally stopped for two weeks as we watched brave and heroic fire fighters control the huge flames that threatened our homes and livelihood. The helicopters working in tandem filling their huge buckets to douse the flames while two yellow crop dusters also refilled and sprayed the area with water. There has been one jet at times too spraying the areas with a pink fire retardent and we are very grateful and admiring that so many people and homes were saved. It has had a draining effort on everyone.
Dealing with the white dusty smoke and embers every day, businesses closing early so that people can keep an eye on their own properties and volunteers helping to feed the evacuated people and house livestock. Our community has always been one to pull together and this time was no exception. People rallied to help house the homeless. The local show grounds were a place where people could take their livestock too and also stay there themselves out of harms way. Stock feed for animals and dinners were offered by volunteers to those that stayed to comfort their livestock/pets.
Now our water levels are getting low due to how much water was required to fight the fires and also the lack of rain. This time last year we had twice as much rain fall as what we have received this year. As well as the huge need for water to fight the fires, water restrictions have been brought into play and we are personally lucky that we have a huge rain tank to help us but we all have to be diligent with the usage of water. Keeping a bucket in the shower with you to collect water and saving your clothes washing water are just some of many ideas suggested to use this 'grey' water for watering the garden.
At the end of each day however, we all still need to refuel our bodies with good wholesome fuel.
This is one of those classic dishes that compliment most meals or it can be the main star with crusty bread and a fresh green salad. It is on the table in less than 20 minutes, perfect after a busy day.
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Potatoes with Capsicum, Red Onion, Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 red onion, halved then each half cut into quarters
3 cloves garlic, chopped
500g white potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2 cm cubes
1 green capsicum, seeds removed and cut into 2cm cubes
500g white potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2 cm cubes
1 green capsicum, seeds removed and cut into 2cm cubes
3 whole tomatoes, washed chopped and cut into small cubes
1/4 cup wine
1/4 cup water, as needed
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
olive oil
salt and pepper
chopped continental parsley to garnish
Heat up a large frying pan over medium heat and add onion, potatoes, capsicum and garlic. Fry for about 5 minutes then add the white wine. Fry for a further 1 minute before adding chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Add a little water and when it comes to a simmer reduce to low and place the lid on for 10 minutes.
Remove lid and check that the potatoes are tender. If not replace lid for another 5 minutes.
Take off lid and add the parmesan cheese to heat through.
Serve, in the pan sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Optional, add 1 chopped chilli with the vegetables if you like your dishes spicy.
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Have you ever had bush fire close to you and do you like chilli with your vegetable dishes?
Buon appetito, enjoy Merryn xx
