Three years ago D and I bought a house in a beautiful part of Cork city. Pre recession times we probably wouldn’t have been able to even offer a glance in its direction but as luck would have it, a couple of weeks of negotiation and many many thousands below original asking price, and it was all ours. You can’t imagine the excitement I felt. I dreamed of houses my entire life, often going to show homes with my dad at the weekends. I’m the type of person who goes into a space and reimagines it how I would like it. I’m excited to go to the DIY store, I have an annual subscription to an interiors magazine, I’ve seen all the DIY programmes, and I’ve even studied interior design in my spare time.
This house needed work. I’m talking rewiring, new kitchen and bathrooms, and redecoration of every room. We were up for the challenge though. In about a month we had enough done that we could move in. Fast forward another five months and every room had been decorated. Then the fun began. I didn’t like the bathroom. I wanted to add colour to the hall. Oh the spare room could do with a built in wardrobe. Wouldn’t it be great if we added an extension…? It’s pretty much never ending! I’m good with that though and to his credit, D is accepting of my neurosis.
The list of jobs for 2015 is quite extensive and I have fixed a self-imposed deadline of the first week in June for it all to be done and dusted. Why? Well, my birthday is 10th June and I envisage myself sitting out the newly completed back garden with a Solano Mojito in hand, firmly flip-flopped feet, cool tunes on the wireless speakers, and various meats sizzling on the BBQ.
The weather is very gradually getting warmer so I’m clinging to the hope that we will have a beautiful summer to enjoy leisurely evenings outside with friends. If the sun is decidedly MIA, I will be defiant to the end. Should I have to sit under an umbrella while wrapped in a blanket, so be it. The Mojito will need to be prised from my frostbitten hands.
At this stage we’re well versed in all things meat related but what do you serve vegetarian guests at your summer soiree? Try these sensational spiced bean burgers for a start.
Spicy Bean Burgers
What You Need
1 shallot
1/2 red pepper
1 tin of red kidney beans
1 tin of cannellini beans
2 slices of wholemeal bread
1tbsp chives
Good grinding of black pepper
Small pinch of salt
1tsp cumin
1tsp cayenne pepper
1tsp smoked paprika
1 egg, lightly beaten
Plain flour
What To Do
- Slice the shallot and red pepper into small dice.
- In a food processor, whizz up 2 slices of wholemeal bread with 1tbsp chives, a good grinding of black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
- Add the chopped shallot, red pepper, and 1tsp each of cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until combined.
- Drain the beans and rinse under cold water. Pat dry.
- Place the beans into the processor with the breadcrumb mixture and blitz again. Some small chunks are fine for texture.
- Transfer the mix to a bowl and stir in one lightly beaten egg.
- Form 8 or so patties using a floured cooking ring or floured hands.
- The ring will give a more uniform look.
- Hands will give that rustic feel you expect from a homemade burger.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes then shallow fry until browned on both sides and hot the whole way through.
- Serve with shredded lettuce, garlic mayo, and a drizzle of Sriracha, or top with sliced avocado and crumbled Feta.
Soul Savour 