Australian

Bush tucker (bushfoods) harvested  at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Australian cuisine refers to the cuisine of Australia and its indigenous and colonial societies. Indigenous Australians have occupied Australia for some 40,000 to 65,000 years, during which they developed a unique hunter-gatherer diet, known as "bush tucker", drawn from regional Australian flora and fauna - such as the kangaroo. Australia was, from 1788 to 1900, a collection of British colonies in which culinary tastes were strongly influenced by British and Irish migrants - and agricultural products such as beef cattle, sheep and wheat became staples in the Australian diet. Post-war Australia's multicultural immigration program lead to a diversification of the cuisine of Australia, particularly under the influence of Mediterranean and East Asian Australians.British traditions persist to varying degrees in domestic cooking and the takeaway food sector, with roast dinners, the Australian meat pie and fish and chips remaining hugely popular, but there are also new elements featured in these foods. Meat is a core component of the Australian cuisine and diet, and the production of meat has historically been a significant part of Australia's agricultural economy.

RECIPES:

Rosemary and garlic lamb chops Recipe

Feed the family fast with this classic dish of rosemary and garlic lamb chops served with grilled vegetables.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons Coles Brand Italian red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 Coles lamb loin chops
• 2 zucchini, sliced diagonally
• 2 red capsicums, cut into thick strips
• 250g cherry tomatoes
• 60g mixed salad leaves, to serve

METHOD:

Step 1

Preheat barbecue grill or chargrill on medium-high. Combine the orange juice, vinegar, garlic, rosemary and half of the oil in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Add the lamb chops and turn to coat. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.

Step 2

Meanwhile, combine the vegetables and remaining oil in a bowl. Cook, turning, for 8 minutes or until tender and browned. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3

Cook lamb chops on grill for 3 minutes each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Season. Serve with vegetables and salad leaves.