Sierras Salad Recipes

SIERRA'S SALAD

Steps:

• In a 8-10 inch frying pan over medium-high heat, stir or shake walnuts frequently until golden, about 3 minutes.
• Pour into a large bowl and add vinegar, olive oil and sesame oil.
• Pit and peel avocados, cut into 1/2 inch chunks and add to bowl.
• Add lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, olives, cheese and basil and mix well.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

SHIRAZ SALAD

Steps:

• Mix cucumbers, tomato, onion, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.

SIERRA EMPANADA

Steps:

• Put the quartered onion, tablespoon salt and 1/2 gallon water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the chicken and simmer for 40 minutes. Remove the chicken and let cool, then shred.
• Put 1/4 cup olive oil and the diced onions in a pan and cook at medium-high heat until onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, put the chipotle, garlic and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a blender; blend, making sure to leave some little chunks. Add the shredded chicken to the sauteed onions, then add the chipotle mixture and crushed tomatoes. Mix well, then add black pepper and remaining 3 1/2 teaspoons salt. Mix and add chives. Let cool completely.
• Drop tablespoon-size portions of filling in the center of each dough disc and fold so that the empanadas look like half-moons. Make sure the edges are completely sealed to prevent the filling from coming out while baking.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place empanadas on a lightly oiled sheet pan; brush with egg yolk if using, Bake until dough is nicely browned, about 15 minutes.
• Making the dough can be done by hand but it is easier in a mixer with a dough attachment. Mix the flour and salt in a mixer until well combined, about 1 minute.
• Add the butter and mix until blended, another 2 minutes.
• Add the egg and 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, adding gradually, and continue mixing until slightly rough to the touch.
• Make the dough into a ball and finish kneading by hand until soft and smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Unwrap the dough and roll out with a rolling pin until thin, but not too thin, so it doesn't break when folding.
• Create discs with a 5-inch cutter for large empanadas or a 3-inch cutter for small ones. If not using immediately, use wax or parchment paper to separate the stack and refrigerate or freeze to use later.

SIMPLE SHIRAZI SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Place diced tomatoes for a few minutes in a colander to release excess liquid. (I don't remove the seeds, so this step helps.)
• In a large bowl, place the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers.
• To flavor, add fresh herbs, dried mint, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add sumac (I started with 1 tsp). Finally, add lime juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.
• If you have the time, cover and chill this salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best taste.

ENSALADA SIERRA (ANDEAN QUINOA SALAD)

Steps:

• Wash the quinoa in cold water until it starts to run clear. Put in a saucepan, cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 mins until the quinoa is well cooked and the grain has started to unfurl. Drain, cool and set aside until needed.
• To make the sauce, put the physalis and sugar in a saucepan and add enough water to half-cover the contents. Cook slowly over a low heat for 10-15 mins until the water has reduced by two-thirds and the physalis are soft. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Transfer to a small food processor or blender and blitz until smooth.
• Next, make the dressing. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together well. Add the broad beans, coriander and chilli to the quinoa and mix well. Add 1 1/2 tbsp of the dressing, making sure you don't soak the quinoa mixture too much.
• To assemble the salad, put a deep 12-15cm ring mould on a plate (or use a large cookie cutter). Arrange the avocado in the bottom of the mould and, using the back of a spoon, press down firmly. Fill the rest of the mould with the quinoa and broad bean mix, and press down well again. Drizzle 1 tbsp of the physalis sauce around the edge, then remove the mould. Finally, mix together the onion and tomato and put 1 tbsp of this on top of the quinoa. Alternatively, simply tumble the salad onto a plate. Add more dressing if you feel it's needed.

CARROT RAISIN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine carrots, pineapple with juice, raisins, sugar, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large bowl; mix well.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving for flavors to meld for best results.