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Recipe

Yuzu Citrus Polenta Cake and Chat with Bella Thomas

15 May, 2025

Words & Recipe 

Bella Thomas

Bella is a beloved, long time supporter of Provider, inspiring us since she first shopped in our store many years ago. Upon finding yuzu at her local farmer's market, she created this delicious recipe we wanted to share with you. Deliciously sweet and tangy, we know you'll love it!

01
Yuzu citrus polenta cake.
Ingredients
01.

200g room temp unsalted butter

02.

200g caster sugar

03.

200g almond meal

04.

100g polenta

05.

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

06.

3 eggs

07.

2 yuzu's (you'll use the zest and juice)

08.

1 orange 

09.

125g icing sugar 

02
The perfect slice.
03
Garnish with yuzu peel.
Method
01.

Preheat the oven to 160°C fan

02.

Line the base of a cake tin, ideally a springform. Grease the sides with butter

03.

Beat the butter and sugar till it's light and combined well. I like to use a handheld electric mixer but you could also do this by hand with a whisk. You want the butter to look whipped. 

04.

In a separate bowl mix the almond meal, polenta, and baking powder. Add a third of this mixture into the butter and sugar bowl, followed by 1 egg, beat together. Add the next  third of ingredients followed by another egg. Beat together. Repeat until it's all combined. 

05.

Beat in the yuzu zest until combined. 

06.

Pour the cake mixture into the cake tin and bake for about 40 minutes. 

07.

While the cake is cooking, make the citrus syrup by adding the yuzu and orange juice with the icing sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the icing sugar has dissolved. 

08.

When you think the cake is done, check it with a skewer- if it comes out mostly clean then you're done. The edges of the cake should have caved in a bit from the sides of the tin. 

Leave it in the cake tin and pour over the citrus syrup. Leave it to cool before taking it out of the tin. 

A chat with Bella

We see that you frequent your local farmer’s markets. Talk us through your produce buying. Do you go with a recipe in mind or do you get inspired by what you see on the day?

I do! It truly is one of my favourite times of the week. I must must must plan my meals for the week and create my grocery list before I go - if I don’t I feel overwhelmed and buy too much haha. I find when I shop this way I’m actually using everything in my fridge, no veggie is forgotten haha.

Watching your presence online, you tap into so many areas and topics, but there is often a food influence that comes through. Has food/cooking always been a love of yours, or something you've grown into? Who taught you or inspired you to cook? 

Food has always had a strong presence in my life. My mum, an incredible cook, was always thoughtful about what we ate growing up. Our long dinner table was often filled with people on the weekends - she absolutely loved to host! My dad is a doctor, so I suppose that’s where my interest in health stems from. I also have Indian roots, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve felt a deeper connection to them - especially through the rich, vibrant flavours of the cuisine. It’s been fun! 

Your instagram features a beautiful variety of different foods. What is your favourite cuisine or go-to dish?

At the moment I have been loving Sri Lankan food! The flavours are so good, I think it may actually be my favourite cuisine!! 

Talk us through your loose routine at home. What items or rituals make your house a home?

I love having pieces from our travels on display - walking past them instantly brings back beautiful memories. We also have speakers in the lounge room and kitchen, which really make the apartment feel like home. There’s always music playing, and I especially love listening while I cook. Scent is another big one - incense, flowers and candles! My favourite is actually one from Provider Store, if I remember correctly, it’s No. 9.

How do you keep home comforts when you’re traveling?

Honestly, having a kitchen to cook my own meals in brings me the most comfort. When I’m away on longer work trips, I always prioritise finding a good kitchen. Food is how I remember places - so when I cook a meal I regularly make at home, I can feel at home anywhere.

Find Bella on instagram @bellathomas or over on substack.

Further reading

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