Monday 25 November 2019

Potatoes with Capsicum, Red Onion, Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese


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
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


14 comments:

  1. Saw the bushfire news here...just horrible! I am so glad that you are safe and sound.
    Love this potato side dish...comforting and yummy!

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    1. Thanks so much Angie, yes bushfires are a sad event that happens occasionally but this one was weeks long and so exhausting. You can never have too much potato.

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  2. I've been reading about your fires -- no fun. Sorry to have to endure that -- must be unpleasant and difficult. Anyway, this is a neat dish -- soul soothing, which you no doubt need.

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    1. John thank you, these have been tough times but the worst is now behind us and this is an excellent soothing dish indeed, what a lovely comment.

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  3. Sounds like perfect comfort food!

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    1. It is definitely comfort food, thanks for your comment Jeff :D

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear that you've all been affected by the fires. It's amazing what a community can do to overcome something like this. And you're right, having something nutritious and good for you is what you need.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Lorraine, it has been difficult but you are so right, the community spirit of one can and must do is always wonderful to experience, plus wholesome food keeps your body strong :D

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  5. I missed your blogging while you were preoccupied, and I hope that your troubled times are over and that everyone will recover successfully. Your recipe looks like good comfort food!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. What a beautiful sentiment Mae, thank you very much. Yes we are all moving forward and will continue to gain strength. Mind you, whenever a fire engine goes past now, you feel feel and anguish hoping it's not going to be anything serious :D

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  6. Sorry to hear that you have been affected by the bushfires. It is a nasty early bushfire season this year. These potatoes are a great way to refuel.

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  7. It is a very nasty bushfire season indeed and we all joke that there is nothing left to burn but even last Friday people were still seeing flames reignite in their back yards so hopefully it will be a positive Summer. Thank you for your comment and always, potatoes are a good type of energy food :D

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  8. Oh my goodness. You have been through the ringer. Sounds like California. Take care and eat lots of potatoes. They are pure comfort food to me. And hoping you get some rain..but not too much because then you might have floods. Natural disasters are so hard to deal with but it sounds like your community is a good place to be.

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    1. Yes, California has had a very tough time with the fires as well. Our Earth can always surprise us and yes it is good to have a close community. Thanks for your comment Abbe :D

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