Elevating everyday meals: Janelle Bloom’s guide to cooking with fresh produce

Elevating everyday meals: Janelle Bloom’s guide to cooking with fresh produce

When it comes to creating delicious and visually appealing recipes, few chefs are as celebrated as Janelle Bloom. Having worked with Perfection Fresh for more than 15 years developing recipes, Janelle is one of Australia’s most-loved television chefs, food writers, and stylists.

She is renowned for her foolproof, easy-to-follow recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients. With a passion for fresh produce that aligns perfectly with Perfection Fresh’s mission—to provide consumers with fresh, flavourful produce for every occasion, making every meal special—we spoke to her and got her insights on the art of cooking with vegetables.

The joy of fresh produce

For Janelle, working with fresh produce is an exhilarating experience that inspires creativity in the kitchen. “Creating recipes to inspire consumers to cook is an absolute privilege,” she shares.

“It’s important to develop recipes that look good, taste better than they look, but most importantly, work and don’t let the cook down.” Her commitment to using fresh ingredients is evident in every dish she creates.

“Fresh produce is the pinnacle when it comes to recipe development,” she emphasizes, “as it often doesn’t need much to make it vibrant, delicious, and nutritious.”

Balancing flavours and authenticity

Janelle believes in maintaining the natural flavours and textures of produce while adding her unique culinary twist. “When it’s a new Perfection Fresh product, I spend days or even weeks cooking it using various methods without adding too many flavours,” she explains.

“This meticulous process ensures when I am developing recipes for Perfection Fresh the fresh ingredient remains the hero of the dish. My role with Perfection Fresh is to create and inspire the use of fresh produce while maintaining the authenticity of the ingredient,” she notes.

Seasonal selection

With more than 30 years of experience working with seasonal produce, Janelle understands the importance of staying current with what’s available.

“Weekly visits to various supermarkets, farmers' markets, and produce outlets are vital to pairing ingredients with Perfection Fresh’s offerings,” she says. Her hands-on approach ensures that she is always in touch with the freshest ingredients, allowing her to craft recipes that resonate with the seasons.

Celebrating delicious and flavourful recipes

Janelle has created countless recipes using Perfection Fresh produce, but she’s particularly fond of a few standout dishes:

1. Savoury Delight: Air Fryer Broccolini® with Chipotle Mayo is an easy, versatile side that pairs perfectly with everything from roast chicken to barbecue sausages.
   
   
2. Sweet Treat: Calypso Mango and Lychee Sorbet was born from a happy accident when Janelle discovered that the sorbet was delicious without the added yogurt. “It’s in my freezer all summer!” she laughs.
   
   
3. Fan Favourite: Kumato® Chilli Jam is a beloved recipe among her family and friends. “I always have at least three jars in my fridge. It’s perfect for stir-fries, sandwiches, and more,” she explains.

Sustainability in the kitchen

As sustainability becomes an increasingly pressing issue, Janelle is committed to incorporating seasonal availability and minimizing waste into her recipe development.

“All recipes developed use seasonal ingredients, and we strive to use full packets to reduce waste,” she states. This focus on sustainability aligns with her dedication to delivering exceptional recipes that respect both the planet and the fresh produce she loves.

Elevating everyday meals

For home cooks looking to elevate simple, fresh ingredients in everyday meals, Janelle offers straightforward advice: “Always use good quality fresh oil or butter to cook. Old or ‘rancid’ fat will ruin any dish.”

She also shares her top three tips for making fresh produce shine:

1. Focus on the Produce: Ensure it’s the centre of the plate, packed with flavour, and truly the hero of the dish.
2. Complementary Flavours: If the produce is a side, make sure any added flavours or seasonings team well with the accompanying protein.
3. Stay True to Cuisines: Avoid mixing cuisines in a single dish to maintain a cohesive flavour profile.

Janelle Bloom’s passion for fresh produce and commitment to creating delicious, easy-to-follow recipes serve as an inspiration for cooks everywhere.

Her collaboration with Perfection Fresh exemplifies their shared desire for perfection—to provide consumers with fresh, flavourful produce for every occasion, making every meal special.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, remember Janelle’s insights and elevate your meals with the vibrant flavours of fresh produce.