Here are some easy Australian recipes you can use to teach your kids geography and give some inspiration for cooking while you are home. Find out more about this series, or jump right in with part 7 of ‘Suppers from Around the World’ brings you easy Australian recipes that your family will love. Each day we will have a new continent of family dinner recipes until all 7 continents are done.
AUSTRALIA
The Commonwealth of Australia consists of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and other smaller islands including New Guinea. The largest country in Oceania, it is also the world’s sixth largest country in area. With big urban areas the largest city is Sydney, and other city areas include Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and my favorite, Melbourne. Like Asia and Africa, Australia is surrounded by water and the oldest, flattest and driest inhabited continent in the world. It is also a multiverse of landscapes including deserts, rainforests, mountain ranges and more.
If I am being honest Australia is one of my favorite countries. No question! Other than throwing an egg on everything (sandwiches, salads, burgers and more), everywhere in Australia you will find cafes and coffee shops on every corner. I do have to admit I am not a fan of vegemite, but I do love their lamingtons, meat pies and of course their wine! Here are some of great Australian recipes.
Sausage Roll
Sausage rolls are something I bought at Costco or grocery stores and I never knew they originated in Australia. It’s really a simple food to make and tasty to enjoy. You make a spiced sausage mix and wrap it in puff pastry. To make them easy to eat you cut them in smaller pieces and you can serve them with whatever dips or sauces you would like. Rachel Ray shares Curtis Stone’s easy sausage roll recipe.
Vegemite
Perhaps it’s the popular Men at Work song, but when I first went to Australia, I thought it would be fun to have a ‘Vegemite Sandwich’. For those of you who have not tried Vegemite… I have to say learn from me… for beginners Vegemite is not meant to be spread on thick like jam or peanut butter. It is meant to be a small thing spread. Vegemite is a bitter, thick, dark brown spread made from yeast extract with spices and vegetables added. It kind of tastes like a salty thick reduced bouillon. Australians put it on everything, sandwiches, toast, crackers and fillings in pastries.
Here is a recipe for Cheese Vegemite pinwheels that is a bit easier for non locals to eat.
Shrimp on the Barbie
I know it’s cliché, but I love all the 80’s movies like Corcodile Dundee. Australia has a lot of freshwater prawns, where in North America we get saltwater shrimp. Although in Australia they call them prawns and not shrimp, you can use whichever you can find at your local grocery store. ‘Shrimp on the Barbie’ is slang for ‘prawns on the Barbeque’. Prawns with mango are a great Australian pairing and a healthy choice. Try this recipe with parsley, thyme, cilantro and shallot marinade.
Meat Pie
Meat Pies are very Australian and not to be confused with American or other versions. It’s also great that they are easy to make. These meat pies can be found in any shop, home and coffeeshop throughout Australia. The flaky pastry pies are great filled with roasted lamb.
Try these mini meat pies ones you can make in muffin tins.
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Barramundi
Barramundi is a large-scaled river fish. This fish is a traditional aboriginal meal and can be served grilled, fried, seared or battered. You will likely not be able to have Barramundi, so you can use your favorite white fish. Try this garlic basil barramundi skillet with tomato butter sauce. There is also this simple garlic basil barramundi skillet recipe.
Lamb
Many Australian recipes include lamb. Australians generally eat lamb on Australian Day. When it comes to recipes, there is no end to the varieties. Barbeque, bake, broil… you name it and they have a recipe. Although many include lamb shanks like this lamb shanks and eggplant stew, if you are looking for an easy recipe, try this slow cooker lamb recipe.
Lamington
The Lamington or ‘National Cake of Asutralia’ may be my favorite Australian recipe! It’s really quite simple. It’s a sponge cake cut into a cure, covered in chocolate frosting and rolled in coconut. There are some varieties with a layer of cream or jam in the middle, but the classic is my favorite. This cake is also durable, since it’s cut smaller, it can handle the heat better cut into smaller squares and covered in coconut. Joy of Baking has a great lamington recipe. You can also try this healthier lamington recipe.
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are a sweet cookie that has simple ingredients that gave it a durable shelf life. It is claimed these biscuits were sent by wives and mothers to soldiers abroad during World War I in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), hence the name. They are still used for the National day of Remembrance in Australia today. Anzac biscuits are great to make with kids or just to enjoy and of course they freeze very well.
If you don’t feel like baking, you can always pick up some TimTams, which are sold worldwide.
Check out the other continents:
Do you have any Australian recipes you’d like to share?
