I adore the taste of food cooked on fire, but I am not the keenest of barbecuers. It’s not going too far to say that I am actually quite scared of barbecuing. I’ve always felt it requires rather too much activity and precision for comfort, but the wonderful Melissa Thompson’s Fired Up has done an excellent job at encouraging me flamewards. Her recipes are, as ever, inviting, and her practical good sense does much to allay my nerves; together, these factors combine to push me to overcome my laziness.
It’s hard to resist the lure of her Aubergine with Miso Glaze, Tahini and Crispy Shallots; Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce and Fried Eggs; Jerk Chicken Chops; Sirloin with Smoked Peppercorn Sauce; Grilled Sardines with Tomato Carpaccio; Chargrilled Squid with Chilli, Garlic and Lemon; Lamb Burgers with Sumac Onions and Herby Yogurt; Grilled Chicken Fat Oysters; Curry Oxtail; Green Beans with Garlic and Sesame; Grilled Peaches with Honey and Mascarpone; Rum-Glazed Pineapple with Lime Crème Fraîche; Tiramisù French Toast — and so much more! One such ‘more’ is the gorgeous recipe I’m delighted to be sharing with you today: Ponzu, Pepper and Garlic Bavette Steak.
Fired Up by Melissa Thompson, £22 Carnival.
Photography Patricia Niven.
