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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Living well in the urban village

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« Bread #101: Sourdough Epi Stars and Fruit Loaves
Snippets »

The Garden That Feeds Us…

March 8, 2013 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

As we enter our third year of home vegetable gardening, it finally feels like our garden is really feeding us.

We’re now creating entire meals from our backyard produce, which means we’re eating less meat, with fewer preservatives and lower food miles.  Here are a couple of recent dishes sourced almost entirely from our garden…

Eggplants seem to do well in our garden, which is a mystery, as their cousins tomato and capsicum always seem to struggle. We recently discovered that it’s incredibly easy to grill them in a sandwich press.  I don’t know why we’ve never thought of it before – it certainly saves energy compared to heating up Bob (the oven), and the whole process took a fraction of the time normally required…

I used two-thirds of the grilled eggplant slices for dinner, and froze the remainder for another day…

The ingredients for our eggplant curry were:

  • chopped onion
  • crushed garlic
  • 2 dessertspoons of Fiji Market curry powder, mixed to a paste with a little water
  • grilled eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • beans (snake and purple), cut into 5cm/2″ lengths
  • 1 tin coconut milk
  • lime juice
  • brown sugar
  • dark sweet soy
  • salt

We fried the onion and garlic, then added the curry paste and fried it briefly before adding the chopped eggplant, beans and coconut milk.  The curry was cooked until thick, and then seasoned with lime juice, sugar, soy and salt.

. . . . .

Even though they’re finally slowing up, we’re still harvesting beans daily…

This simple omelette was a staple when I was growing up.  A little garlic and a small handful of snake beans were finely chopped…

Three eggs were beaten with a splash of Teriyaki sauce (my mother uses the ubiquitous Maggi sauce)…

The beans and garlic are fried in a little oil, and then added to the egg mix…

The mixture was ladled into the pan and cooked into flat omelettes. They’re supposed to be round. It’s worth tasting the first one, and adjusting the seasoning as required before cooking the remainder of the batter…

. . . . .

We can’t eat like this all the time, but it’s a great joy that we can do it some of the time. Someone once said to us, “It isn’t possible to be completely self-sufficient in suburbia, so why bother?” Our answer is this: it’s not a case of all or nothing, it’s simply a case of doing whatever we can.  And finding little bubbles of happiness and satisfaction and contentment in the process!

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Posted in Recipes | 82 Comments

82 Responses

  1. on March 8, 2013 at 12:05 am niasunset

    This is great I mean to have your own garden that feeds… They seem so delicious dear Celia, I am excited to have my own garden soon… There are so many things to learn about gardening. Thank you dear, love, nia


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nia, how exciting to be starting your own garden! Can’t wait to see your photos! :)


  2. on March 8, 2013 at 12:10 am lindasgarden

    awesome news Ceila


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Linda!


  3. on March 8, 2013 at 12:26 am Flo Makanai

    Oh lucky you ! In France, the weather is not yet hot enough for us to eat anything (but thyme and rosemary) from our garden, and I can’t wait for spring to be there !


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:28 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Flo, I’m sure you’re either in spring or about to be, as we’re just entering autumn. I hope you have a wonderful growing season! :)


  4. on March 8, 2013 at 12:37 am heidiannie

    You are an inspiration, Celia!
    I have hopes for a garden that provides at least some of our needs this coming summer. I think I will try eggplant- I like it -and I can hide it in meals in a way that Frank won’t notice that we are eating it. I am going to plant in the ground- and just some containers instead of all containers this year.
    Spring is coming to NE Ohio- just taking a very long time to get here!
    I love the egg pancakes- and the curry – although Frank won’t even try that. :(


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Heidi, never say never, after all, you’ve now got Frank eating Brussels sprouts! :D


  5. on March 8, 2013 at 12:47 am drfugawe

    Congrats on your very productive garden! I love those beans. Just as your garden winds down another year, ours is springing into life – just planted peas last week, but the rains may drown them out.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Doc, fingers crossed for your peas! Our can’t go in for a couple of months yet – they’re a winter crop over here!


  6. on March 8, 2013 at 1:01 am Tandy

    What a perfect blog post title! It’s so rewarding to feed yourself from vegetables you’ve grown. I am slowly getting there :)


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:30 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Tandy, we’re slowly getting there too. These things take a lot of time, but it’s incredibly satisfying, in an incremental way.. :)


  7. on March 8, 2013 at 1:20 am Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    I really miss my garden and orchard. I look at your posts and think, I’ve got water but no food. You are blessed to have your garden and your family is blessed that you know what to do with it all. :)

    I’ve used my press to grill eggplant and it works a treat.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hi M! I’ve missed you, how nice that you’re back! We are indeed blessed, and very grateful for it too!


  8. on March 8, 2013 at 1:23 am Norma Chang

    Your last quote said it all: “It’s not a case of all or nothing, it’s simply a case of doing whatever we can. And finding little bubbles of happiness and satisfaction and contentment in the process”.
    Expecting more snow tonight but I am sure spring will be here soon.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Norma, you have so many fabulous things to go in this Spring – can’t wait to see how it all goes! We’re heading into kale/chard/brassica season here!


  9. on March 8, 2013 at 1:23 am Glenda

    Hi Celia, great post. I too love to cook using what we have grown. This summer we have had quite a few meals that have come almost exlusively from the garden. It is just a wonderful feeling. We have barely been to the supermarket. Yippie!!
    BTW I used the mahlab yesterday. Post coming:)


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:32 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Glenda, you’ve grown just about enough to eat entirely from your garden!! I can’t believe how productive it’s been in your first year! You and Maus are amazing! :)


  10. on March 8, 2013 at 1:35 am Redwinger

    That will motivate me to start my eggplant seeds so they will be ready for garden planting in early May. Everything looks delish..


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Bill! How nice to be hearing from you – thanks for stopping by! Our eggplants are still going strong – eggplant lasagne on the menu tonight!


  11. on March 8, 2013 at 4:54 am Peter Bryenton (@peterbryenton)

    An achievement which is green in so many ways.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Peter.. xxx


  12. on March 8, 2013 at 5:09 am Lizzy (Good Things)

    Great way to grill the eggplant, Celia! And what a beautiful harvest. Well done.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Lizzy darling. I wish I’d discovered it years ago!


  13. on March 8, 2013 at 5:15 am cityhippyfarmgirl

    Now you know you could have fried the omelette on the sandwich grill as well right ;-) Many moons ago at my place of work we had one, and damn, that grill got a work out! Pancakes, and a whole fish were the stand out.

    Keep enjoying your beautiful garden Celia, it’s a truly wonderful thing to have.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Brydie, obviously there are many more options with the sandwich press that I’ve never even considered! A whole fish – wow!


  14. on March 8, 2013 at 5:34 am sallybr

    As you know, I think you are a Super Woman with countless talents – from bread baking to gardening, to raising a beautiful family and having such a wonderful relationship with your beloved hubby…

    Enjoy the fruits of your labor, you deserve each one of them!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:35 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      So kind of you, Sally, thank you! Not a superwoman at all, just a very fortunate one. xx


  15. on March 8, 2013 at 6:12 am hotlyspiced

    Congratulations Celia on getting to the stage of being able to make a meal purely from harvesting what you’ve grown in your backyard. That’s a huge accomplishment. I love the look of your omelettes. They sound really yummy – you’ve made me hungry because it’s breakfast time xx


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:35 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Charlie. I think the omelettes will become a staple, at least while the snake beans continue! :)


  16. on March 8, 2013 at 6:29 am tastetravel

    Keep inspiring everyone Celia, you certainly inspired me. Not only the superior flavour and freshness but knowing the vegetables do not have chemicals or are washed with chemicals is keeping me going.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:36 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Roz, that is kind of you, and you’re so right – everything we’re growing is chemical free. It’s a nice feeling! :)


  17. on March 8, 2013 at 6:53 am Promenade Claire

    Wonderful to see your garden produce doing so well. I can’t grow aubergines for the life of me, simply to warm enough – although I may try again this year…..
    And yes please to the curry, it’s a wonderful veggie to curry, and I’d never in a million years thought of using a sandwich maker to grill them. Genius!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:37 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Claire, swings and roundabouts, I guess – we can’t grow garlic or apples here! :D Can’t wait to see what Spring brings to your allotment.. x


  18. on March 8, 2013 at 7:03 am Manuela

    Frying eggplant in a sandwich grill is a neat idea. Never tried it before but I will next time we have eggplants! Do you freeze them raw too? I never tried freezing them before!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:38 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Manuela, I always freeze the eggplants roasted or grilled, and they defrost brilliantly:

      https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2012/03/11/freezing-eggplant/


  19. on March 8, 2013 at 7:22 am theintolerantchef

    Oh you clever thing Celia,I use my Squishie Machine (sandwich press) for so many things but never thought too use it for the eggplant like that- brilliant!
    It is so exciting producing a meal totally from your garden, I’m super impressed, it’s such a nice rich feeling too isn’t it? I’ll swap you some of my tomatoes for some of my beans, I wonder if I could send them individually with a stamp on them? :)


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:39 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Becca, a friend gave us the idea, and it’s a ripper, isn’t it? We grilled eggplant, zucchini and kebabs on it last week! And you know how much I would LOVE to swap with you!


  20. on March 8, 2013 at 7:34 am Miranda

    Another great post Celia. I plan to plant snake beans and purple beans in the garden next spring. Where did you buy the seeds and the brand name please?


    • on March 8, 2013 at 7:35 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Miranda, sorry, I was given both of these from a friend. Another friend buys his snake bean seeds from ebay though!


  21. on March 8, 2013 at 7:40 am Miranda

    Thank you Celia


  22. on March 8, 2013 at 7:40 am lindawoodrow

    I totally agree that you don’t have to even try to be self sufficient for gardening to be worth it. I think how you cook subtly changes towards fresh, from scratch, in season, healthy, just by having some ingredients on hand. The garden ingredients taste so good, they become stars instead of the oversalty, overfatty things you otherwise need to make food really inviting. And eggplant in curry is so good. It just seems to soak up those curry flavours so well. That one looks really delicious. And I love snake beans cooked fast and light like that.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:43 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Linda, thank you for your wise words – the *only* problem with growing your own fresh produce is that it’s hard to ever go back to store bought after that. And I do think that one of the best things is that we’ve learnt to eat seasonally!


  23. on March 8, 2013 at 7:59 am My Kitchen Stories

    Totally agreed. Its like hearing people say, why should I worry about recycling or saving animals or saving energy etc. Every bit helps. Great tip with the eggplants now, if only I could get skater to eat them


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Tania, if only! They’re so delicious – I just kept putting them on the table until the boys finally stopped complaining! :)


  24. on March 8, 2013 at 8:06 am lambsearsandhoney

    Thanks for the tip about grilling eggplant in the sandwich press – I’d never thought of it, but it’s brilliant. Certainly beats standing over a pan or a hot barbecue in the weather we’re having. And I had no idea I could freeze cooked eggplant. Must try all of the above with zucchini too. What a wealth of info you are, Celia.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:45 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Amanda, I wish we’d realised it years ago – we were either grilling or running the oven for an hour, whereas the sandwich press took less than half the time! Works with zucchs too! We’ve just defrosted eggplant and zucchini slices (both oven roasted) for lasagne tonight, and they both look completely fine.


  25. on March 8, 2013 at 8:29 am spiceandmore

    I am so impressed with your home grown snake beans and eggplant. A friend of mine grows prolific snake beans up in Queensland. I didn’t think they would grow so well here in Sydney. Maybe I should try planting some in my weed patch. I like the sound of a snake bean omelet too – must try that next time I buy some.I bought a bunch the other day that were so fresh and tender they were such a joy. I can imagine that home grown would be even better.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:46 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Darn it, if I’d known, I would have brought you some last week! xx


  26. on March 8, 2013 at 8:32 am Claire @ Claire K Creations

    I’ve never thought to grill eggplant like that either but what a brilliant idea! How wonderful that you can create entire meals from the backyard. I don’t know that I can quite do that but I did like that I picked nearly everything for a Thai noodle salad from my little balcony yesterday.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:46 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Claire, that’s absolutely wonderful! You must have been so happy to be able to do that! :)


  27. on March 8, 2013 at 9:49 am Eha

    I find it a huge thrill every time something I have not had to buy ends up on my plate: looking at your success leads one to begin making plans for the spring after the winter after the autumn . . . :) ! And those omelettes look so moreish NOT round: obviously homemade!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Eha, thank you – I think there’s a trick to making them round, but I think it involves a flat-bottom wok.. :)


  28. on March 8, 2013 at 10:07 am Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    What an inspiring post Celia! And having tasted the produce that comes from your garden, it doesn’t get any fresher and tastier!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Lorraine! xx


  29. on March 8, 2013 at 10:29 am EllaDee

    Yum! The more you can harvest from the garden for a meal the higher the ratio of deliciousness :) Great idea re the eggplant – the G.O. doesn’t eat it in original form but does eat Baba Ganoush, so this an easy method for me to prepare it, and I could make the curry for me for work lunches :) We both love asian omelettes – adding in the snake beans & garlic are a fantastic idea – so simple but tasty.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:48 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      ED, the omelettes are so widely eaten – they were the first thing my mother told me to make when we started growing snake beans. And we love baba ganoush too – haven’t gotten around to making any this season yet!

      PS. Got your email, thank you, but been a bit flat out so haven’t replied yet.. x


      • on March 9, 2013 at 5:56 pm EllaDee

        :) All in good time.


  30. on March 8, 2013 at 1:27 pm Marg Schubert

    Never considered using a sandwich press for this. How clever of you! Another trick is to always use baking paper so food is covered top and bottom. This makes cleaning even easier.
    Also didn’t realise you have only been vege growing for 3 years. Inspired by this blog I started one on a very small scale at the end of last year. Unfortunately it is now a non-event as I am still unable to weight-bear on my foot due to fracture following a fall on Christmas day. I will get back to it though.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:49 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Marg, I’m sorry to hear about your foot, I hope you’re on the mend soon! Thanks for the baking paper tip! :)


  31. on March 8, 2013 at 4:41 pm ChgoJohn

    Where would we all be if everyone thought like that person, that if you cannot be 100% successful, why try? Silly.
    Great how much your garden provides for your family, Celia. And only after 3 years? Wonderful!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:50 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      John, thank you, and what a fun few years it’s been too! Not quite to your Nonno’s scale, but we’ve certainly been enjoying it!


  32. on March 8, 2013 at 5:50 pm marcellina

    Yum! Your curry looks delicious! Yes, I too have found that the sandwich press is great for grilling eggplant. My eggplants died and couldn’t be resurrected so just this week I put a new plant in. Getting cooler here in North Queensland so I can’t wait to start on the vegies. It is a wonderful thing to pop into the back yard to pick something for dinner even if it’s just chillies and parsley. Love you blog!


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:51 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Marcellina, thank you for stopping by! I hope your eggplants come back – I’m sure you’ll have a longer growing season than we do here in Sydney!


  33. on March 9, 2013 at 2:14 am Thetoymaker (@Thetoymaker)

    That omelet looks amazing! I’m off to Tomatomania with my mother-in-law. Bring on the spring! Hugs, Maz. http://tomatomania.com/


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:51 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks love! Tomatomania sounds exciting! :)


      • on March 10, 2013 at 4:56 pm marilynscottwaters

        She bought us seven different tomato plants, I have a sungold yellow cherry, a roma for sauce, a black zebra and a plum that is a pink and yellow blush. Plus a flat of basil. Bring on the summer! :-)


  34. on March 9, 2013 at 6:37 am Karen

    It really is nice when so much of the food you eat comes from your own back yard. Not only the gratification of taking seeds and seeing them grow until they bare their fruits at harvest time but also knowing that what you are eating is healthy and delicious.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:51 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Karen, thank you, and I know you understand only too well how satisfying and rewarding it all is! :)


  35. on March 9, 2013 at 7:36 am jane muggleton

    what lovely meals celia that are bursting with vitality and flavour from your beautiful home grown produce..x jane


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:53 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, thank you! We haven’t quite reached your scale, but one day I hope we get to grow a true glut of something! :)


  36. on March 9, 2013 at 9:17 am Jan

    I think that is the secret of true happiness Celia to take delight in being able to plant little bubbles of Happiness, Satisfaction, Contentment – HSC! What’s more, you are sharing those hybrid seeds. It’s a wonderful education, thank you. Nothing worthwhile in the world would have been achieved if everyone adopted the “why bother” mantra.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:53 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, that’s so true. It’s almost always worth “bothering”, isn’t it? ;-)


  37. on March 9, 2013 at 10:10 am Joanna

    I have never attempted aubergines but I enjoy seeing yours! Excellent looking curry too xx


    • on March 9, 2013 at 2:54 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      We’re always surprised how well they grow here! And as I said, not really sure why! But they are one of my favourite veg, so I just hush and be grateful! :)


  38. on March 9, 2013 at 4:08 pm Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

    I am so impressed Celia (and just a teeny bit jealous)! You have definitely given me something to aspire to when we have more outdoor space and perhaps slightly more moderate weather too. This is such a lovely way to live and eat.


    • on March 9, 2013 at 4:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kari, thank you! It’s fabulous and simple at the same time, if that makes sense. We are very blessed! :)


  39. on March 10, 2013 at 5:40 am Debra Kolkka

    I always cook eggplant in the double sided grill, it’s quick and easy. I wish I had your garden. I am hoping to start one at Vergemoli,but I will need someone to look after it when I am not around.


    • on March 14, 2013 at 7:43 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      And it gets so cold up there, Deb! I wonder if a winter garden would survive!


  40. on March 12, 2013 at 12:34 am Norma-Platanos, Mangoes and Me!

    One day I will taste your cooking….


    • on March 14, 2013 at 7:43 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      That would be lovely, Norma..one day.. :)


  41. on March 17, 2013 at 8:26 am Liisa

    I love using he sandwich press for grilling my fresh asparagus. Takes no time at all. Thanks for the idea to try other vegies on there too .



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