A Culinary Journey to Uluru: Recipes from the Spiritual Heart of Australia

We’ve curated a recipe collection from our Executive Chefs and mixologists around Ayers Rock Resort so you can prepare a delicious, Red Centre-inspired feast right at home.

Friends enjoying dinner at Tali Wiru

When it comes to memorable dining in Uluru, few experiences compare to enjoying a four-course dinner beneath the stars at Tali Wiru, watching the sunrise over an Outback breakfast at Sunrise Journeys, or savouring a multi-sensory meal during the Field of Light. But if your trip to the Red Centre is still on the horizon, you can bring a taste of Uluru into your own kitchen in the meantime.

To help you stay connected to the flavours of the Outback, we’ve curated a collection of recipes from the talented Executive Chefs and mixologists at Ayers Rock Resort. These dishes and drinks are inspired by the native ingredients and bold culinary traditions of Central Australia. While the views from your window might not match the majesty of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park, the flavours just might transport you to the Red Centre. So grab your apron, and let’s start cooking your very own Uluṟu-inspired meal at home.

 

Wattleseed Hummus and Fermented Garlic Turkish Bread

This flavour-packed appetiser is the perfect addition to any meal or a delicious standalone snack when you're craving something special. Featuring hearty Turkish bread brushed with rich garlic butter and paired with creamy hummus, it's a simple yet satisfying dish that brings bold, comforting flavours to your table. Whether you're hosting a gathering or preparing a light meal at home, this easy Outback-inspired appetiser is sure to impress.

wattleseed hummus and fermented garlic turkish bread

Ingredients

Chickpeas 300g
Confit garlic 70g
Tahini 37g
Olive oil 65ml
Salt 10g
Wattleseed 10g
Lemon juice 70ml

Garlic Butter Ingredients

Butter, softened 1 cup
Minced garlic 1 Tbs
Grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup
Garlic salt 1 Tbs
Italian seasoning 1 tsp
Ground black pepper 1/2 tsp
Ground paprika ¼ tsp
Turkish bread 1 loaf

First, prepare the garlic butter

  • In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic and parmesan cheese.
  • Season with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, pepper and paprika.
  • Mix until smooth. Spread on Turkish bread. Tip: Place remainder of butter into greaseproof paper, roll into a log, twist ends of paper and store in the freezer.


Next, make the hummus

  • Drain chickpeas from tin and place into a food processor with all hummus ingredients.
  • Blitz together until required texture. Adjust seasoning if required.
  • Sprinkle wattleseeds on top of buttered Turkish bread and bake in the oven until desired crispness/colour. Once cooked, cut into 8 pieces and arrange on a plate. (If you’re having trouble locating wattleseeds, freshly ground coffee beans are a suggested substitute.)
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh micro herbs.
  • Serve wattleseed hummus on the side.

 

Lemon Myrtle Crème Brulee (serves 7-8)

Delicate, zesty, and uniquely Australian, this Lemon Myrtle Crème Brûlée offers a light and flavourful twist on the classic French dessert. Infused with the bright citrus notes of native lemon myrtle, this creamy custard is the perfect way to showcase Indigenous ingredients. Whether served as a refreshing finale to your Outback-inspired feast or enjoyed as a decadent pre-meal treat, this Australian bush food dessert is sure to impress.

Creme Brulee placed on top of a piece of bread

Serves 7-8

Ingredients
Full cream milk 500ml
Thickened cream 1000ml
Caster sugar 210g
Egg yolk 300g
Lemon myrtle powder 10g
Raw sugar 100g

Method

  • Preheat oven to 90°C
  • Combine milk, cream and lemon myrtle in a pot
  • Bring to boil, remove from the heat and leave 10 minutes to infuse
  • Mix egg yolk and sugar together by mixing vigorously with a whisk
  • Add the milk mix to the sugar mix
  • Poor the crème brulee mixture to small ramekins
  • Cook at 90°C for 1 hour
  • Let it set in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight
  • Before serving, sprinkle raw sugar and torch it until caramelised
     

Tip: The Crème Brûlée is cooked when it has a jelly texture, which you can check by shaking the ramekin. If it is still liquid, cook it longer, but be sure not to overcook it.

 

Wild Mushroom and Warrigal Green Arancini (serves 6-8)

Wild Mushroom and Warrigal Greens Arancini is a delicious fusion of Italian tradition and native bush ingredients. These golden, crispy rice balls are filled with earthy wild mushrooms and nutrient-rich Warrigal greens. Perfect as a standout entrée, side dish, or hearty snack, this modern take on the classic Italian arancini recipe brings a taste of the Australian Outback to your table.

Wild Mushroom and Warrigal Green Arancini

Serves 6-8

Ingredients
Risotto rice 1kg
Wild mushroom (dried) 300g
Mushroom stock (made from soaking dried mushrooms) 325g
White wine 150ml
Fine diced brown onion 1ea
Warrigal greens 300g
Eggs 5ea
Thickened cream 125ml
Full milk 125ml
Plain flour 1cup
Bread crumb 1cup
Vegetable oil 25ml
Parmesan cheese (grated) 50g
Minced garlic 2Tbs
Bay leaf 1ea

Method

  • Soak dried mushroom in warm water until soft texture, strain and separate mushrooms and liquid (stock)
  • Roughly chop the mushrooms
  • Chop warrigal greens and sautéed in a hot pan with oil until al dente
  • Bring mushroom stock to simmer
     

Make the Risotto

  • In a pot sauté the onions with oil until translucent – med-low heat
  • Add garlic and cook out med-low heat (you don’t want to brown or burn the garlic)
  • Add rice and sauté at low heat until the rice becomes slightly translucent
  • Add the with wine and cook until reduced
  • Add mushroom stock while gently mixing the rice
  • Once all stock is absorbed season with salt and pepper
  • Add the mushrooms and the warrigal greens
  • Add parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste
  • Cool down the rice

 

  • Once cold, shape the rice into golf ball sizes
  • Bread the rice by rolling it into flour, egg (whipped) and bread crumbs
  • Deep fry until a golden brown colour
     

Serving Tip: Traditional Italian arancini are often paired with a rich Napoli sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For an Australian-inspired twist, serve your arancini with a zesty aioli, an easy alternative that complements the earthy flavours of native ingredients.

 

Native Negroni

Slip into holiday mode with this refreshing Outback-inspired cocktail, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with a vibrant meal under the stars or enjoying it as a relaxing nightcap, this easy Australian cocktail recipe is a delicious way to unwind. Featuring bright, seasonal flavours and a crisp finish, it’s the ideal drink to capture the essence of a laid-back Red Centre getaway, no matter where you are. Shake one up at home and bring a taste of your Uluṟu adventure to your glass.

 

Native Negroni Cocktail

Ingredients and Bar Equipment
Rocks Glass
Ice
Green Ant Gin 30ml
Sweet Vermouth 30ml
Bitter Orange 30ml
Orange
Knife & Chopping Board

Method

  • Fill glass with ice
  • Measure 30ml Green Ant Gin, 30ml Adelaide Hills Bitter Orange, and 30 ml Sweet Vermouth into rocks glass
  • Slice an orange to cut a wheel
  • Sip gently

 

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