At Patara Life, our philosophy is rooted in the simple elegance of slow living. It's about taking the time to enjoy a sun-drenched Australian day, the feel of a soft towel after a refreshing swim, and the nourishing power of a beautiful, uncomplicated meal. The Aegean region of Turkey, which inspires our brand, is the heart of this philosophy. Its cuisine is a celebration of what's fresh, seasonal, and healthy, prepared with a quiet reverence for nature's bounty.
Today, we invite you into our kitchen to share a recipe that embodies the Patara Life. It's not just food; it's a feeling—a simple salad that is vibrant, nourishing, and perfect for a slow lunch in the sun, perhaps after a morning at the beach.
Featured Recipe: Summer Aegean Salad
This salad is less about a rigid recipe and more about a feeling. The key is to use the freshest ingredients you can find. It’s perfect for the Australian summer, when tomatoes are bursting with flavour and herbs are at their most fragrant.
Makes: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
-
1 large, ripe tomato (or a handful of cherry tomatoes), roughly chopped
-
1/2 a Lebanese cucumber, sliced
-
1 green capsicum, thinly sliced (or use a smaller, sweeter capsicum if available)
-
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
-
A generous handful of fresh parsley and mint, roughly chopped
-
Optional: a few black olives (Kalamata are a great choice) and 100g creamy feta cheese
For the Dressing:
-
2 tablespoons of high-quality, Australian extra virgin olive oil
-
1/2 a lemon, freshly squeezed
-
A pinch of dried oregano
-
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Method:
-
Prepare your vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomato, cucumber, capsicum, and red onion. Add the fresh parsley and mint. Toss gently to combine.
-
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust to your preference—you want the dressing to be zesty and light.
-
Assemble and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss one final time. If you're using them, crumble over the feta and scatter the olives on top.
-
Serve immediately on a platter or in individual bowls.
How This Salad Ties to a Patara Life:
-
Mindfulness: The act of preparing this salad—chopping the fresh vegetables, smelling the herbs, and tasting the dressing—is a moment of mindfulness. It slows you down and connects you to the food you're about to eat.
-
Simple Ingredients, Rich Experience: Just like our products, which are made from simple, natural fibres, this recipe proves that you don't need a lot of ingredients to create something truly special. The quality of each element shines through.
-
Versatility: This salad can be a light main for a hot day or a perfect accompaniment to a piece of grilled fish or chicken. Similarly, our Turkish towels are not just for the beach; they are versatile pieces for your home and life.
-
Aesthetically Pleasing: The vibrant colours of the food on a simple, textured backdrop create a beautiful visual, making the entire meal a sensory experience. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the body.
Ready to embrace your own slow, coastal life?
Enjoy this taste of the Aegean, then get ready for your next adventure with one of our beautiful Turkish towels or linen totes.
