Mindy Woods is a chef, author and proud Bundjalung woman who is best known for her native foods inspired restaurant, Karkalla, and starring on Masterchef.
From an early age Woods’ connection to Country was nurtured and guided by the knowledge and wisdom of her elders. She grew up harvesting yugari and collecting karkalla on the beaches of Bundjalung Country (northern NSW).
Her latest cookbook Karkalla at Home is a celebration of native foods and invites readers to explore native ingredients, Indigenous culture, and connect to the land.
The book is easy to navigate and is divided into two main parts. The first section provides an in-depth look at native ingredients from kelp (Muran) hybiscus (Wyrrung), to bush tomato (Akudjura, Kutjera). Additionally, the language names and origins of each ingredient are provided where available. Importantly the book also includes a dedicated list of Indigenous-led businesses or corporations to source your ingredients from.
The second part of the book includes over 110 recipes across different categories: breakfast, everyday meals, celebrating seafood, breads and spreads, desserts and native pantry. Some of my favourite recipes include the macadamia butter chicken with lemon myrtle flatbreads, crumbed saltbush fish sando with native tartar sauce, and chocolate mousse tart with quandongs.
While native foods and recipes are some of the oldest in the world, it’s only in the last few decades that they have become more widely used in mainstream cooking. It’s Woods’ hopes that by making these ingredients more accessible, that the Indigenous diet will be incorporated into people’s homes
and everyday meals.
Karkalla at Home is an informative and visually beautiful cookbook. I loved how easy these recipes were to follow.
Reviewed by Sarah Martin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mindy Woods is a chef, restaurateur and proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan.
You might recognise her as a finalist from MasterChef Australia in 2012, but she’s now the owner of Karkalla restaurant in Byron Bay. Featuring locally-sourced seasonal produce and native ingredients, Karkalla is a nod to Mindy’s indigenous heritage and allows her to help both indigenous and non-indigenous people to connect with Aboriginal culture, art and stories through food.
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