KITCHEN UPDATES!

KAREN MARTINI’S hearty family dinners embrace tasty fresh produce

Melbourne-based queen of fh the kitchen Karen Martini has returned for season three of The Intolerant Cooks, but there’s even better news – she’s back with a stack of new seasonal-based dishes that cater for those of us with food intolerances. Travelling across Victoria alongside foodie Richard Barassi, Karen shows that healthconscious eating doesn’t have to be boring, sharing even more insight with us!

Who inspired your love of cooking?

My mother and both my grandmothers, as they loved food, cooking from scratch and getting the families together.

Describe your home kitchen...

My home kitchen is the heart of the house – it’s where anything and everything happens. It’s the place that is full of heaps of laughter, tears, heated discussions, good times and, of course, where delicious food is prepared and shared.

What’s always in your fridge?

Capers, olives, chilli sauce, sauerkraut, plain yoghurt, coconut water, miso paste, grana padano cheese and double smoked bacon!

What are your pantry essentials?

Flaked salt, Australian extra-virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, pasta, nori mustards, fennel seeds, coriander, black pepper and tinned tuna and tomatoes.

What gadgets couldn’t you live without?

My microplane and sharp knives.

How important is healthy eating to you?

Extremely. I believe you are what you eat, so it’s important to eat food that is vibrant and fresh, and your body and mind will behave the same way.

What do you whip up if time is tight?

Usually a pasta of some type, or a really quick Greek salad to have with a few lamb chops on the BBQ.

The Intolerant Cooks

featuring Karen Martini and Richard Barassi airs Sunday, 4pm, 7Two.