SALMON BURGER

If you are looking for a non-beef burger, this is it. Fresh and light perfect for your summer bbq. Don't let the salmon throw you - this is so damn good I could have eaten five of them.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 raw salmon fillet, finely diced
• 1/4 cup sprouts
• 1 red pepper, big chunks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons capers
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• good pinch Kosher salt
• 4 grinds fresh black pepper
• 2 burger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce: 

• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 2 tablespoons mayo or Japanese mayo

DIRECTIONS

1. In hot skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil, cook peppers, 2 minutes each side until charred and blackened, put to one side
2. Mix in bowl: raw salmon, lemon juice, mustard, capers, mayo, panko, Kosher salt and pepper - form into patties, chill minimum 1 hour, but could do overnight
3. Heat skillet or flat griddle to high, add oil, cook patties 2 minutes each side or until golden and crispy
4. Butter and grill buns until golden
5. Get layering: bun, sauce, red peppers, sprouts, burger, bun top. OMG!

WATCH ME MAKE IT>>>

Chicken Piccata

This is full of flavor, and one of the most simple meals, worth a try.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken breast, flattened with rolling pin or buy boneless & skinless filets

• 1/2 cup plain flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

• pinch ground cayenne pepper

• 3 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup dry vermouth or white wine

• 1/2 lemon, juice

• 3 tablespoons capers

• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (keep some for garnish)

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix flour, salt, cayenne and pepper 

2. Dust the chicken in flour mix, on both sides

3. In large skillet, on medium heat 1 tablespoon butter and add oil, when butter is turning golden add chicken, cook 3 minutes each side, remove and cover with foil

4. In same skillet, deglaze the pan with vermouth, add lemon juice, capers, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, cook for 2 minutes, throw parsley at the end

5. Serve the chicken filet covered in sauce, garnish with chopped parsley

WA TCH SAM MAKE THIS>>>

Lox & Bagel

Serves 2

The food of my people doesn't get much better - unless you change it up a bit and go with an inspired yogurt/dill/caper thing instead of the usual cream cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 tablespoon dill (dried or fresh)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• Pinch of Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
• 2 whole wheat bagels
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces lox
• 1 large, beautifully ripe tomato, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds

Directions

1. Put yogurt, capers, dill, lemon juice, salt & pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine
2. Slice bagels in half and either toast, then butter - or butter first then grill on a non-stick surface until golden brown (grilling is better)
3. Spread yogurt mix on 2 of the bagels, then add tomato, some onion, season with a little more pepper, lots of lox and finish with bagel top
4. Slice and eat

Pasta Puttanesca

Serves 6

This dish was named after Italian prostitutes, who would come into restaurants late after a long night of work. The chefs would prepare a simple meal of leftovers. Obviously the ladies liked it, and the dish is now a common item in many restaurants. Don't worry, eating it won't cause you to buy extra high heels and install a streetlamp in front of your house.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon anchovy paste - don't leave this out!
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 5 ounces Kalamata (Greek) Olives, coarsely chopped
• 28 oz can Italian tomatoes, chopped
• Any fresh pasta
• Fresh grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan
2. Add anchovy paste and garlic and saute for about one minute
3. Add tomatoes, capers, olives and red pepper and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes
4. Using a fork or big spoon, mash the tomatoes in the pan - you want the sauce thick and chunky
5. Serve over pasta and top with fresh parmesan