Sunday August 3, 2025
3 minutes to read
Volker Marecek
Executive Chef
Ingredients
Burnt (Charred) Eggplant
- 2 medium eggplants (around 600g total)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: pinch of cumin or smoked paprika
Whipped Macadamia Cream
- 100g raw macadamias (soaked in boiling water for 1 hour or overnight in cold water)
- 60ml water (add more if needed for texture)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 tsp white miso (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- Salt to taste
Kawakawa Oil
- 10–15 kawakawa leaves (or 5g dried kawakawa)
- 100ml neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or rice bran)
- Optional: small handful parsley or spinach for vibrant green colour
Instructions
Burnt (Charred) Eggplant
(Option 1: Gas Hob or BBQ – best for flavour):
- Char whole eggplants directly over a gas flame or BBQ, turning often, until completely blackened and collapsed (10–12 mins).
- Cool slightly, peel off burnt skin, and tear flesh into strips or chunks.
- Season with salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of spice if using.
(Option 2: Oven-Roasted):
- Halve eggplants lengthwise, score, drizzle with olive oil and salt.
- Roast cut-side down at 220°C for 30–40 mins until soft and deeply golden.
- Scoop out flesh gently or serve halves directly.
Whipped Macadamia Cream
- Drain macadamias. Blend all ingredients on high until silky smooth.
- Adjust salt, lemon, and water for texture — should be like a soft whipped cheese or hummus.
Kawakawa Oil
- Blanch kawakawa (and parsley/spinach if using) for 10 secs in boiling water, then plunge into ice water.
- Pat dry thoroughly.
- Blend leaves with oil in a blender until vibrant green. Strain through fine sieve or muslin.
Volker is a distinguished Executive Chef hailing from Germany, and has been at the forefront of culinary excellence since 2009. With a rich tapestry of international experience spanning Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Estonia, Volker has been instrumental in elevating culinary standards and crafting exceptional menus for prestigious hotels worldwide…
If you would like to learn more about Volker, see Expert: Volker Marecek.
