Summer’s Global Table
Ah, summer! My latest story for The Purist Magazine is a favorite. I developed and photographed this story all about classic summer dishes with a plant-based angle and a global twist— and also addressing the very real problem of food insecurity. The Purist is a Hamptons-based magazine, so I’ve highlighted local organizations, but please look at your own community to see how you can help. xoPeter
This summer, I’m enjoying the sheer variety of food that celebrates and reflects what America looks like now. Food is often the first exposure one has to different cultures, and we are so lucky for the opportunity to have such a vast array available to us. From za’atar, to hoisin, to kimchi, to dukkah, the amount of choices we have is thrilling. Layered onto that is summer’s bounty of local fresh produce and ingredients—we have so much to enjoy and appreciate. Many don’t have that opportunity, as food insecurity is a very real problem everywhere, and the Hamptons is no exception. There are some amazing local organizations that are actively helping the community (see the list on the following pages). So when grocery shopping, make thoughtful choices, support local farmers and purveyors, make healthy choices, and if you can, help out these local organizations by buying double—or extras—when you shop, to donate. Every little bit helps.
FEED the COMMUNITY
Support your local food banks, here are a few of the favorites in my area…
East Hampton Food Pantry: 159 Pantigo Rd., East Hampton; 486 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett; 2 Long Lane, East Hampton easthamptonfoodpantry.org
Hamptons Community Outreach hamptonscommunityoutreach.org
Heart of the Hamptons: 168 Hill St., Southampton heartofthehamptons.org
Living Water Full Gospel Church: 69 Industrial Rd., Wainscott livingwater.online
Montauk Food Pantry: St. Therese Parish Center, 67 S. Essex St., Montauk montaukfoodpantry.org
Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry, Inc.: 44 Union St., Sag Harbor sagharborfoodpantry.org
St. Rosalie’s Community Food Pantry: 31 E. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays saintrosalie.com/parish-life/psm/92-st-rosalie-s-community-food-pantry
Springs Food Pantry: 5 Old Stone Hwy., East Hampton springspc.org
Grilled Corn With Hoisin Parmesan Butter and Togarashi
featuring ingredients from Pike Farms & Amagansett Sea Salt Co.
Fresh corn, simply grilled and eaten with butter, is a summer classic. While it’s clear that the corn is the star, I’ve given the accompaniments a flavor upgrade. I’ve added Parmesan and hoisin into the butter for a boost of umami—the Parmesan’s salty undertones play so well with hoisin, and that hit of lemon zest adds the touch of acid to cut through the richness of the butter. A final finish of togarashi adds that taste of sweet heat. Togarashi is a blend of dried chili peppers, sesame seeds and orange peel and other ingredients that originates from Japan, where it’s widely used as a versatile everyday table condiment.
Togarashi Shichimi Spice
Amagansett Sea Salt Co. Sea Salt
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce
Grilled Tofu Dogs With Kimchi Slaw and Farmhouse Cheddar
featuring ingredients from Serene Green, Amber Waves, The Hamptons Honey Company and Mecox Bay Dairy
Tofu takes the stage for this flavor-packed take on a summer staple. Marinating tofu in mirin and hoisin and then grilling it imparts great flavor, while the kimchi slaw is a powerhouse of crunch and spice. I’ve added a slice of cheddar to melt as the buns get toasted—that earthy touch of tang adds that melty richness that’s the perfect foil for the zingy slaw.
Mother In Law’s Gochujang
The Hamptons Honey Co. Clover Blossom Honey
Kewpie Mayonnaise
Local Strawberries With Cardamom Whipped Goat Milk Yogurt and Brown Sugar Pistachio Dukkah
featuring ingredients from Catapano Dairy Farm, Amber Waves and The Hampton Honey Company
Peak-season strawberries are a treasure. Sweet, juicy with a touch of tartness—they are perfect fragrant jewels that beg to be eaten. I’ve kept things simple with this play on strawberries and cream. The fruit is macerated with honey and a touch of salt. The cream? Goat milk yogurt has a velvety tang that pairs beautifully with the fruit. And the final flourish is a spoonful of dukkah—an Egyptian traditional blend of nuts, seeds and warm spices that I’ve given a sweet spin with the addition of brown sugar. The beauty of this dessert is the simplicity of it, but feel free to add a biscuit for strawberry shortcake—I don’t think anybody will object!
Simply Organic Ground Coriander Seed
The Hamptons Honey Co. Wildflower Blossom Honey
Simply Organic Allspice
