5 Must-Try Recipes from Nora Goble's Cookbook

In the world of culinary delights, few names shine as brightly as Nora Goble. Known for her innovative approach to cooking and her knack for blending flavors from around the globe, Nora Goble's cookbook is a treasure trove for both home cooks and professional chefs. Here, we explore five of her must-try recipes that bring joy and simplicity to your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, these recipes promise to elevate your cooking game with their unique twists and traditional roots.

1. Sourdough Eclairs

Nora’s take on the classic éclair adds a tangy twist with sourdough starter, offering a gourmet experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful treat:

• Ingredients:
  • 250ml water
  • 100g butter
  • 150g bread flour
  • 50g sourdough starter
  • 4 eggs
  • Pastry cream for filling
  • Chocolate ganache for topping
• Steps:
  1. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat.
  2. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
  3. Let cool slightly, then add the sourdough starter and eggs one at a time, beating until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pipe onto a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 30 minutes.
  5. Once cooled, slice open, fill with pastry cream, and top with chocolate ganache.

🔥 Note: Sourdough’s fermentation process can affect baking time. Adjust accordingly to ensure the éclairs are crisp on the outside and tender inside.

2. Grilled Watermelon Salad

A fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky, this Grilled Watermelon Salad from Nora’s collection brings out the flavors of summer. Here’s the recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 seedless watermelon, cut into thick slices
  • Fresh mint
  • Feta cheese
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Arugula or mixed greens
• Steps:
  1. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush watermelon slices with olive oil, grill until grill marks appear (about 3 minutes per side).
  3. Chop the grilled watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix with arugula or mixed greens, crumble feta over the top, sprinkle with mint, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

🍉 Note: Grilling watermelon intensifies its sweetness and adds a caramelized note. Use ripe, firm watermelons for the best results.

3. Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles

With influences from Thai and Malaysian cuisines, Nora’s Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles are a hit with their creamy, spicy profile. Here’s how to whip them up:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g noodles (rice or egg)
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snap peas
  • Fresh basil
  • Lime wedges for serving
• Steps:
  1. In a wok, heat some oil, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add curry paste, stir until the oil separates from the paste.
  3. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a simmer.
  4. Add vegetables, cook until they’re just tender.
  5. Add cooked noodles, mix well, and garnish with basil.
  6. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

🌶 Note: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of curry paste to suit your taste.

4. Honey Glazed Duck with Blueberry Salsa

This recipe showcases Nora’s ability to pair unlikely ingredients for culinary magic. The sweet honey glaze complements the tart blueberry salsa:

• Ingredients for the Duck:
  • 2 duck breasts
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Orange zest and juice
• Ingredients for Blueberry Salsa:
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime juice
  • Optional: jalapeño for spice
• Steps:
  1. Score the duck skin, season, and sear skin-side down. Once crispy, flip, glaze with a mixture of honey, soy, and orange, then cook to your desired doneness.
  2. For the salsa, mix blueberries, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño if using.
  3. Rest the duck, slice, and serve with a dollop of blueberry salsa on top.

🐤 Note: Resting the duck is crucial for juiciness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

5. Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cake

Nora’s dessert revolutionizes the use of avocado, blending its creamy texture into a mousse cake. Here’s how to prepare this indulgent treat:

• Ingredients for the Cake:
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 200g dark chocolate
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut cream
  • ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ingredients for the Crust:
  • 1 cup almonds or any nuts
  • 1 cup dates
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
• Steps:
  1. Process almonds and dates until they form a dough-like crust, press into the base of a springform pan.
  2. For the mousse, blend avocados until smooth, melt chocolate and add it to the avocados along with coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour mousse over the crust, refrigerate until set.
  4. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

In summary, exploring Nora Goble’s cookbook reveals a world where traditional recipes meet innovative techniques and unexpected ingredient pairings. Each dish offers a unique culinary experience, from the tangy delight of sourdough éclairs to the summery zest of grilled watermelon salad. Whether you’re seeking comfort in the familiar or thrills in the exotic, Nora’s recipes encourage creativity and inspire you to taste the world in your kitchen. Here’s to delicious adventures and the joy of cooking!

Can I substitute sourdough starter in the Sourdough Éclairs recipe?

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If you’re out of sourdough starter or don’t have one, you can still make éclairs using the classic method with baking powder for leavening. The taste won’t be as tangy, but the texture will remain close to the original.

How can I make the Grilled Watermelon Salad vegan?

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To keep the salad vegan, simply replace feta cheese with a vegan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Make sure the balsamic glaze is also vegan.

What’s the best way to store leftover Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to maintain the dish’s consistency.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Honey Glazed Duck?

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Absolutely! Consider using a portobello mushroom or a protein-rich vegetable like eggplant for a vegetarian twist on this recipe. Glaze and serve in the same way you would the duck.

Can the Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cake be made nut-free?

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Yes, replace the almond crust with a mixture of gluten-free oat flour, coconut flour, or even ground cookies. Ensure any other ingredients like the chocolate are also nut-free.