Author: Crunch Crunch Away

Walnut Sandwich Cookies / Išleri

Crunch Crunch Away, , , Leave a comment

These cookies are, hands down, my favorite cookies. They are pretty mainstream in Croatia, but I’ve only managed to successfully make them this year. They do require a bit more work, but make such a cute edition to a holiday table that I decided to tackle with them this year again.

The first time I’ve made these cookies, my egg cream filling was a complete disaster which wouldn’t hold together, so my cookies quickly turned into a hot mess. This year, however, I opted for a thick vanilla pudding filling and that worked like a charm.

IMGP8036

IMGP8038

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields about 20-30 cookies / 3.83 EUR)

For the cookie batter:

6 tbsp butter, softened at room temperature (0.80 EUR)

4 tbsp vanilla sugar (0.27 EUR)

2 cups ground walnuts (1.07 EUR)

1 cup all-purpose flour (0.07 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

1-2 tbsp plant based milk (0.01 EUR)

For the pudding filling:

1 vanilla pudding dry mix of your choice, which normally yields 500 ml of pudding (0.53 EUR)

2 tbsp sugar (0.01 EUR)

1 and ½ cups milk (0.40 EUR)

For the chocolate glaze:

2 rows dark chocolate (0.53 EUR)

1 tbsp butter (0.13 EUR)

IMGP8041

METHOD:

Whisk together butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in walnuts, flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms and as needed add a bit of plant based milk. I opted for plant based, so the cookies would have a longer shelf life, but you are more than welcome to use dairy milk instead, if you plan on eating them up quickly. Wrap the cookie dough in cling foil and refrigerate for at least an hour, or for 2-3 days in advance.

When ready to bake, remove the dough from fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, so it’s easier to roll out. Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper and cut into desired shapes. I decided to cut mine into two sizes, for a bit of variety. Place the cut cookies on a prepared baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes.

The cookies will still be soft when they come right out of the oven, but don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on their baking tray, then gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely. At this point you can store the cookies in a cool, dark place for a couple of weeks at least, so they are great to bake in advance.

When ready to assemble the cookie sandwiches, cook a thick pudding, using only about 2/3 of the milk amount recommended on the pudding sachet. Allow pudding to cool down a bit before transferring into a piping bag. Pipe the pudding onto half of the cookies.

To make a chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate with butter. Cover the other half of cookies with melted chocolate, then place them on top of the pudding halves. Store the sandwich cookies in your fridge in an airtight container, where they will keep for up to five days.

IMGP8039

IMGP8040

Išleri su mi najdraži keksi, a iako su relativno uobičajena vrsta kolača, meni su tek ove godine prvi puta uspjeli. Oko njih možda ima malo više posla, ali su tako lijepi dodatak blagdanskom stolu da sam se odlučila ponovo sa njima uhvatiti u koštac.

Prvi puta kada sam ih radila, krema od jaja mi se nikako nije htjela stisnuti i keksi su na kraju plivali u jajima. Ove godine sam odlučila odmah smanjiti mogućnost takve katastrofe, tako da sam umjesto kreme od jaja išlere odlučila puniti sa gustim pudingom od vanilije.

SASTOJCI:

(Za oko 20-30 keksa / 28,66 kn)

Za tijesto:

6 žlica maslaca, omekšanog na sobnoj temperaturi (6,00 kn)

4 žlice vanili šećera (2,00 kn)

2 šalice mljevenih oraha (8,00 kn)

1 šalica glatkog brašna (0,50 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

1-2 žlice veganskog mlijeka (0,05 kn)

Za puding kremu:

1 vrećica pudinga od vanilije za 500 ml pudinga (4,00 kn)

2 žlice šećera (0,10 kn)

1 i ½ šalica mlijeka (3,00 kn)

Za čokoladnu glazuru:

2 reda tamne čokolade (4,00 kn)

1 žlica maslaca (1,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Miješajte maslac i šećer dok ne budu glatki i kremasti. Dodajte orahe, brašno i sol. Miješajte dok se ne formira tijesto, a po potrebi dodajte mrvicu mlijeka. Ja sam se odlučila za vegansko mlijeko kako bi mi suhi keksi mogli dulje stajati, ali vi slobodno upotrijebite obično mlijeko ako mislite kekse brzo pojesti. Tijesto umotajte u prijanjajuću foliju i ostavite u hladnjaku barem sat vremena, ili do 2-3 dana.

Kada ste spremni za pečenje, izvadite tijesto iz hladnjaka 10-15 minuta ranije kako bi malo otpustilo i da ga lakše možete razvaljati. Zagrijte pećnicu na 175°C. Obložite protvan papirom za pečenje i stavite na stranu. Razvaljajte tijesto između dva papira za pečenje i režite u željene oblike. Ja sam svoje rezala u dvije različite veličine. Izrezane kekse preselite na pripremljeni protvan i pecite 8-10 minuta.

Keksi će još biti mekani kada ih izvadite iz pećnice, ali budite bez brige jer će se stvrdnuti kako se budu hladili. Pustite da se keksi pet minuta hlade na protvanu prije nego ih nježno preselite na rešetku i tako ohladite do kraja. Ovakve gotove kekse možete čuvati na suhom, hladnom mjestu barem par tjedana, tako da ih možete ispeći unaprijed.

Kada ste spremni za zgotoviti išlere, skuhajte gusti puding, i to tako da upotrijebite oko 2/3 mlijeka od onoga što je navedeno u uputama na pakiranju. Pustite da se puding malo ohladi prije nego ga preslite u vrećicu za kreme. Puding istisnite na polovicu keksa.

Za glazuru, rastopite čokoladu sa maslacem. Preostalu polovicu keksa pokrijte glazurom, pa spojite kekse sa polovicama s pudingom. Gotove išlere čuvajte u hladnjaku u hermetički zatvorenoj posudi do pet dana.

Walnut Sandwich Cookies / Išleri

Christmas Vegan Nutella Cookies (gluten free, paleo) / Božićni veganski Nutella keksi (bez glutena, paleo)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

These cookies are super scrumptious and sweet and actually have zero Nutella in them. The secret of the famous spread’s magical flavor lies, in fact, within the toasted hazelnuts and cacao combo.

You can easily toast your own hazelnuts by throwing them into the oven at 175°C for about 15-20 minutes. Once they are fragrant and their skins are cracked, take them out and leave to cool completely. To peal the skins the easy way, just wrapped cooled hazelnuts into a kitchen towel and give them a good rub. Most skins will just slide off and you’ll have an easy time peeling off the rest with your hands.

IMGP8029

IMGP8016

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields about 50 cookies / 3.27 EUR)

For the cookie batter:

1 and ½ cup toasted hazelnuts (1.33 EUR)

1 cup pitted dates (0.67 EUR)

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (0.27 EUR)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (0.03 EUR)

2 tbsp raw cacao powder (0.27 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

1-2 tbsp plant based milk (0.01 EUR)

For the topping:

2 rows dark cooking chocolate (0.53 EUR)

½ tsp coconut oil (0.02 EUR)

2-3 tbsp crushed toasted hazelnuts (0.13 EUR)

IMGP8032

METHOD:

Pulse the toasted hazelnuts in a food processor into a fine powder. Remove and set aside, then add pitted dates to a food processor and pulse until you have a thick paste. Return in the hazelnuts, then add in coconut oil, vanilla, cacao powder and salt. Pulse until a thick dough comes together. Add in the milk bit by bit as needed. Remove the dough from food processor, wrap in cling foil and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to 3-4 days in advance.

When ready to bake, remove the dough from fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, so it’s easier to roll out. Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper and cut into desired shapes. Place the cookies on a prepared baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes.

The cookies will still be soft when they come right out of the oven, but don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on their baking tray, then gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the chocolate with coconut oil and cover each cookie with the mixture. Sprinkle each cookie with a bit of crushed hazelnuts before the chocolate firms up. Place the cookies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes so the chocolate firms up completely, then store in an airtight container in a cool dark place. The cookies should hold for at least a week or two.

IMGP8030

IMGP8034

Ovi keksići su jako bogati i slasni, a zapravo u njima uopće niti nema Nutelle. Tajna okusa, koji jako podsjeća na slavni namaz, je u kombinaciji tostiranih lješnjaka i kakao praha.

Lješnjake lako možete sami tostirati tako da ih ubacite u pećnicu na 175°C na jedno 15-20 minuta. Izvadite lješnjake iz pećnice kada zamiriše i tanka ljuskica im popuca, te ih ostavite da se skroz ohlade. Ljusku ćete onda lako skinuti sa lješnjaka tako da ih umotate u kuhinjsku krpu i dobro protrljate. Većina ljuski će sama otpasti, a rukama ćete lako oguliti ostatak.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 50-tak keksića / 24,41 kn)

Za tijesto:

1 i ½ šalica tostiranih lješnjaka (10,00 kn)

1 šalica odkoštenih datulja (5,00 kn)

2 žlice kokosovog ulja, rastopljenog (2,00 kn)

1 žličica ekstrakta od vanilije (0,20 kn)

2 žlice sirovog kakao praha (2,00 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

1-2 žlice veganskog mlijeka (0,05 kn)

Za preljev:

2 reda tamne čokolade (4,00 kn)

½ žličice kokosovog ulja (0,15 kn)

2-3 žlice tostiranih i sjeckanih lješnjaka (1,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Tostirane lješnjake ubacite u multipraktik i pulsirajte dok ne dobijete fini prah. Izvadite iz multipraktika i stavite na stranu, pa u multipraktiku onda sameljite datulje u gustu pastu. Vratite k datuljama i lješnjake, pa dodajte još i kokosovo ulje, vaniliju, kakao i sol. Pulsirajte sve dok se ne formira gusto tijesto, a po potrebi dodajte u tijesto malo po malo mlijeka. Maknite tijesto iz multipraktika, zamotajte u prijanjajuću foliju i ostavite u hladnjaku da miruje barem sat vremena, ili do 3-4 dana.

Kada ste spremni za pečenje, tijesto 10-15 minuta ranije izvadite iz hladnjaka da malo otpusti kako bi ste ga lakše razvaljali. Zagrijte pećnicu na 175°C i obložite protvan papirom za pečenje. Tijesto tanko razvaljajte između dva sloja papira za pečenje i režite u željene oblike. Keksiće raširite po pripremljenom protvanu i pecite 8-10 minuta.

Keksi će još biti mekani kada ih izvadite iz pećnice, ali ne brinite, budu očvrsnuli kako se hlade. Ostavite kekse da se jedno pet minuta hlade na protvanu, a onda ih pažljivo preselite na rešetku i tako ohladite do kraja.

Kada su keksići ohlađeni, rastopite čokoladu sa kokosovim uljem i time premažite kekse. Posipajte sjeckanim lješnjacima prije nego se čokolada stvrdne. Kekse na 15-20 minuta stavite u hladnjak kako bi se čokolada do kraja stisnula, a kasnije čuvajte u hermetički zatvorenoj posudi na suhom i hladnom mjestu. Keksići bi trebali držati barem tjedan do dva.

Christmas Vegan Nutella Cookies (gluten free, paleo) / Božićni veganski Nutella keksi (bez glutena, paleo)

Cheesy Buckwheat and Veggie Casserole (vegetarian) / Složenac od heljde, sira i povrća (vegetarijanski)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

This dish is super simple to make, but an absolute bomb. It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers, especially if you have some precooked buckwheat lying around. You could basically do this with any other grain as well. The casserole itself is very filling and satisfying and can also be prepared in advance to reheat when necessary.

I’ve tried baking the casserole both in muffin tins and in a small ramekin and I feel that the ramekin is a better option here, as the texture was too delicate and the muffins simply wouldn’t hold themselves together. However, they still tasted great and were a great portable option, as long as I left everything intact for transport in the silicone muffin molds.

IMGP7910

IMGP7912

IMGP7904

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 6 generous servings / 0.91 EUR per serving / 5.44 EUR for all)

For buckwheat:

2 tbsp sunflower seed oil (0.03 EUR)

1 large purple onion (0.13 EUR)

2 garlic cloves (0.07 EUR)

1 cup raw buckwheat (0.67 EUR)

2 and ½ cups vegetable broth (0.33 EUR)

½ tsp garlic powder (0.03 EUR)

½ tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.03 EUR)

1 tbsp tomato paste (0.13 EUR)

1 tsp Gochujang – Korean chili paste (0.07 EUR)

1 bay leaf (0.03 EUR)

2 carrots (0.20 EUR)

Large handful of fresh baby spinach (0.67 EUR)

For the casserole:

3 eggs (0.60 EUR)

1 cup crème fraiche (0.67 EUR)

1 cup farmer’s cheese (0.80 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

2 cups shredded cheese (0.93 EUR)

Good pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.02 EUR)

Additional:

Oil for greasing the pan (0.01 EUR)

IMGP7905

IMGP7906

METHOD:

Wash and peel all the veggies. Finely dice the onion and mince garlic. Add the oil to a pot on high heat. Saute onion for about five minutes until translucent, then add in garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add in buckwheat, veggie broth, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, Gochujang and bay leaf. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cook with a lid cracked open for 10-15 minutes, until buckwheat is cooked through.

Meanwhile, while the buckwheat is cooking, shred the carrot on a box grater. Once the buckwheat is done, remove from heat and stir in spinach and shredded carrot. Put the lid back on and the veggies will wilt down from residual heat. Allow the buckwheat to cool a bit before proceeding, so you can also cook the buckwheat in advance, up to few days ahead.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, crème fraiche, farmer’s cheese and salt. Stir about two thirds of cheese mix into cooled buckwheat, along with half of the shredded cheese. Transfer the buckwheat into a prepared baking dish, top with remaining egg mixture and sprinkle with reserved cheese. Crack some black pepper on top and bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden-brown on top. Serve warm.

IMGP7909

IMGP7915

Ovo jelo je jako jednostavno za pripremiti, a totalna je bomba. Također je izvrstan način da iskoristite razne ostatke, a posebno ako vam se pri ruci nađe i kuhane heljde. Zapravo bi ste umjesto heljde lako mogli upotrijebiti i bilo koju drugu žitaricu. Ovaj je složenac super zasitan i ukusan, a također se možete pripremiti i unaprijed te podgrijati prema potrebi.

Ja sam složenac pokušala peći i u maloj posudi i kalupima za mafine, a čini mi se da je posuda bila bolja opcija jer je tekstura složenca predelikatna, pa mafini nisu baš najbolje držali oblik. Svejedno su bili jako ukusni i dobra prijenosna opcija, sve dok bi složenac držala u silikonskim mafin kalupima prilikom transporta.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 6 izdašnih porcija / 6,78 kn po porciji / 40,67 kn za sve)

Za heljdu:

2 žlice suncokretovog ulja (0,20 kn)

1 veliki ljubičasti luk (1,00 kn)

2 češnja češnjaka (0,50 kn)

1 šalica sirove heljde (5,00 kn)

2 i ½ šalice povrtnog temeljca (2,50 kn)

½ žličice češnjaka u prahu (0,25 kn)

½ žličice soli (0,01 kn)

½ žličice svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,25 kn)

1 žlica koncentrata od rajčice (1,00 kn)

1 žličica Gochujanga – korejske čili paste (0,50 kn)

1 lovorov list (0,20 kn)

2 mrkve (1,50 kn)

Veliki pregršt svježeg baby špinata (5,00 kn)

Za složenac:

3 jaja (4,50 kn)

1 šalica milerama (5,00 kn)

1 šalica svježeg sira (6,00 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

2 šalice ribanog sira (7,00 kn)

Dobar prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,15 kn)

Dodatno:

Ulje za namastiti protvan (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Operite i ogulite sve povrće. Fino nasjeckajte luk i češnjak. Ulje stavite u lonac na jakoj vatri, pa pet minuta prodinstajte luk, dok ne postane staklast. Ubacite češnjak te kuhajte minutu da zamiriši. Dodajte heljdu, temeljac, češnjak u prahu, sol, papar, koncentrat od rajčice, Gochujang i lovor. Pustite da zavrije, pa smanjite vatru i kuhajte 10-15 minuta sa odškrinutim poklopcem, dok heljda ne bude gotova.

U međuvremenu, dok se heljda kuha, naribajte mrkvu. Kada je heljda gotova, maknite ju s vatre i umiješajte u nju špinat i ribanu mrkvu. Vratite poklopac na lonac i ostavite da miruje, kako bi povrće povenulo od zaostale topline. Pustite da se heljda ohladi prije nego nastavite, tako da heljdu zapravo možete skuhati i do par dana unaprijed.

Zagrijte pećnicu na 200°C. Lagano namastite posudu za pečenje i stavite na stranu. U zdjelici pomiješajte jaja, mileram, svježi sir i sol. Oko dvije trećine te smjese umiješajte u ohlađenu heljdu skupa sa pola količine ribanog sira. Heljdu sada preselite u pripremljenu posudu, pa po vrhu rasporedite ostatak smjese svježeg sira i jaja i posipajte preostalim ribanim sirom. Začinite crnim paprom i pecite oko 30 minuta, dok sve ne bude lijepo zapečeno i zlatno-smeđe. Poslužite toplo.

Cheesy Buckwheat and Veggie Casserole (vegetarian) / Složenac od heljde, sira i povrća (vegetarijanski)

Bean, Olive and Caper Salad with Balsamic Reduction (vegan) / Salata od graha, maslina i kapara sa reduciranim acetom balsamicom (veganska)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

This salad is really killing it, but is super easy and quick to make. The balsamic reduction takes things to a whole new level and I suggest you cook up a bigger batch and store any extras in the fridge for future recipes.

IMGP7871

IMGP7866

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 1.08 EUR per serving / 2.16 EUR for all)

¼ cup of balsamic vinegar (0.33 EUR)

1 can beans (0.67 EUR)

½ cup pitted green olives (0.40 EUR)

3 tbsp capers (0.40 EUR)

1 small purple onion (0.10 EUR)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (0.13 EUR)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.09 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Good pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.03 EUR)

IMGP7868

IMGP7869

METHOD:

To make the balsamic reduction, add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until thickened and reduced in volume. The reduction will thicken even more as it cools down.

While the balsamic vinegar is simmering, rinse beans, olives and capers under running water and leave to drain. Chop the olives into rounds. Peel and finely dice the red onion. Toss all of the ingredients together once the balsamic reduction cools down. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled.

IMGP7872

Ova salata je mrak, a ujedno i jako jednostavna i brza za pripremiti. Reducirani aceto daje još onaj ekstra štih, a moja je preporuka da si svakako pripremite malo ekstra aceta da imate za buduće recepte, te ga u međuvremenu čuvate u frižideru.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 8,09 kn po porciji / 16,17 kn za sve)

¼ šalice aceta balsamica (2,50 kn)

1 konzerva graha (5,00 kn)

½ šalice odkoštenih zelenih maslina (3,00 kn)

3 žlice kapara (3,00 kn)

1 mali ljubičasti luk (0,75 kn)

2 žlice svježeg sjeckanog peršina (1,00 kn)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Dobar prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,25 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Pripremite reducirani aceto tako da aceto balsamico stavite u malu posudicu na jaku vatru i pustite da zavrije. Smanjite vatru, pa krčkajte desetak minuta, dok se ne zgusne i ne reducira. Imajte na umu kako će se aceto još dodatno zgusnuti kako se bude hladio.

Dok se aceto krčka, isperite grah, masline i kapare pod mlazom vode i stavite da se sve dobro ocijedi. Masline narežite na kolutiće. Luk ogulite i sitno nasjeckajte. Pomiješajte sve sastojke kada se reducirani aceto ohladi. Kušajte i prilagodite začine, te poslužite ohlađeno.

Bean, Olive and Caper Salad with Balsamic Reduction (vegan) / Salata od graha, maslina i kapara sa reduciranim acetom balsamicom (veganska)

Broccoli and Peanut Stir-Fry (vegan) / Brokula sa kikirikijem iz woka (veganska)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Honestly, I feel like you could coat a bag of styrofoam in the spicy peanut sauce I’ve combined for this recipe, and it would taste freaking amazing. So even if you are not a great fan of broccoli and vegetables in general, this might be just the right way to make things more palatable. If you already like your greens, just make this dish because it’s sooo good!

IMGP7807

IMGP7795

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 servings / 0.74 EUR per serving / 2.97 EUR for all)

For the stir-fry:

2 tbsp sunflower seed oil (0.03 EUR)

3 red bell peppers (0.80 EUR)

1 onion (0.10 EUR)

3 garlic cloves (0.10 EUR)

1 chili pepper (0.20 EUR)

½ cup salted peanuts (0.40 EUR)

1 head of broccoli (0.80 EUR)

For the sauce:

1 tsp Gochujang – Korean chili paste (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp peanut butter (0.27 EUR)

¼ cup water (–)

2 tbsp soy sauce (0.13 EUR)

1 tsp toasted sesame oil (0.07 EUR)

IMGP7797

METHOD:

Wash, peel and chop up all of the veggies. Place a wok or a deep pan on high heat and allow to thoroughly warm up. Add in the oil and peppers, then cook for a few minutes until softened and slightly charred. Throw in sliced onion, garlic, chili and peanuts and briefly cook those up before adding in broccoli.

While the broccoli is cooking, place all sauce ingredients into a small bowl and whisk to dissolve peanut butter. Once the broccoli is done to your liking (I prefer it a bit on the crispy side), pour the sauce over everything and stir to warm up and coat all of the ingredients. And you are done! Serve immediately over a bed of rice.

IMGP7804

Iskreno, mislim da bi se sa ovim pikantnim umakom od kikirikija mogla zaliti i vreća stiropora i sve bi i dalje ispalo prefino. Tako da čak i ako niste neki fan brokule i povrća, ovo je super način da vam stvari budu primamljivije. A ako već volite zelenjavu, jednostavno skuhajte ovo jelo jer je savršeno!

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 porcije / 5,55 kn po porciji / 22,20 kn za sve)

Za wok:

2 žlice suncokretovog ulja (0,20 kn)

3 crvene paprike (6,00 kn)

1 luk (0,75 kn)

3 češnja češnjaka (0,75 kn)

1 čili papričica (1,50 kn)

½ šalice slanog kikirikija (3,00 kn)

1 glavica brokule (6,00 kn)

Za umak:

1 žličica Gochujanga – korejske čili paste (0,50 kn)

2 žlice kikiriki maslaca (2,00 kn)

¼ šalice vode (–)

2 žlice soja sosa (1,00 kn)

1 žličica tostiranog sezamovog ulja (0,50 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Operite, ogulite i nasjeckajte svo povrće. Duboku tavu ili wok stavite na jaku vatru i pustite da se dobro ugriju. Dodajte ulje i papriku, pa kuhajte par minuta da paprika omekša i lagano se karamelizira. Ubacite nasjeckani luk, češnjak, čili i kikiriki, te kratko kuhajte prije nego ubacite brokulu.

Dok se brokula kuha, sve sastojke za umak stavite u zdjelicu i miješajte dok se kikiriki maslac skroz ne rastopi. Kada je brokula kuhana po vašem ukusu (ja ju volim da ostane još malo hrskava), sve zalijte umakom i dobro promiješajte da se umak ugrije i obloži sve sastojke. I gotovi ste! Poslužite odmah preko kuhane riže.

Broccoli and Peanut Stir-Fry (vegan) / Brokula sa kikirikijem iz woka (veganska)

Spinach and Cheese Cornbread (vegetarian) / Kukuruzna zlevanka sa špinatom i sirom (vegetarijanska)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

This cornbread comes together super quickly and tastes the best warm, when freshly baked. Luckily, it also keeps well refrigerated and will be just as good once reheated. It’s a great breakfast, brunch, dinner, or snack option and can also work as a full meal if served with a big salad.

IMGP7903

IMGP7878

IMGP7879

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 12 squares / 0.23 EUR per square / 2.75 EUR for all)

For the batter:

1 cup corn flour (0.07 EUR)

1 tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

1 tsp baking powder (0.01 EUR)

2 eggs (0.40 EUR)

1 cup crème fraiche (0.67 EUR)

1 cup farmer’s cheese, divided (0.80 EUR)

¼ cup sunflower seed oil (0.08 EUR)

3-4 tbsp water (–)

Big handful of fresh baby spinach (0.67 EUR)

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.03 EUR)

Additional:

Oil for greasing the pan (0.01 EUR)

IMGP7882

IMGP7894

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, then set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together corn flour, salt and baking powder. Add in the eggs, crème fraiche, ¾ of a cup of farmer’s cheese and oil. Stir to combine and if the batter seems too thick, add in a bit more water. Fold in baby spinach and transfer the batter into a prepared pan. Dollop the remaining cheese onto batter, even everything out with a spatula and sprinkle with black pepper.

Bake for 25 minutes, until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted inside comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool for about ten minutes before slicing and serving.

IMGP7901

IMGP7899

Ova kukuruzna zlevanka je jako jednostavna za pripremu i neodoljiva je dok je topla, friško pečena. Srećom, također će držati i u hladnjaku te je super nakon što ju podgrijete. Odlična je za ručak, brunch i večeru, ili pak kao snack. Također, možete ju nadopuniti i velikom salatom pa tako imati zaokružen obrok.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 12 komada / 1,71 kn po komadu / 20,56 kn za sve)

Za smjesu:

1 šalica kukuruznog brašna (0,50 kn)

1 žličica soli (0,01 kn)

1 žličica praška za pecivo (0,10 kn)

2 jaja (3,00 kn)

1 šalica milerama (5,00 kn)

1 šalica svježeg sira, podijeljena (6,00 kn)

¼ šalice suncokretovog ulja (0,60 kn)

3-4 žlice vode (–)

Veliki pregršt svježeg baby špinata (5,00 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,25 kn)

Dodatno:

Ulje za namastiti protvan (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pećnicu na 200°C. Namastite pravokutni protvan i obložite ga papirom za pečenje, pa ga stavite na stranu. U velikoj zdjeli pomiješajte brašno, sol i prašak za pecivo. Dodajte unutra jaja, mileram, ¾ šalice svježeg sira i ulje. Promiješajte da se sve sjedini, a po potrebi dodajte mrvicu vode ako vam je smjesa pregusta. Nježno umiješajte špinat i smjesu preselite u pripremljeni protvan. Rasporedite ostatak sira po površini smjese, sve poravnajte špatulom i posipajte paprom.

Pecite oko 25 minuta, dok zlevanka ne bude zlatno-žuta, a testni štapić koji upiknete ne izađe čist. Pustite da se zlevanka ohladi desetak minuta prije nego ju narežete i poslužite.

Spinach and Cheese Cornbread (vegetarian) / Kukuruzna zlevanka sa špinatom i sirom (vegetarijanska)

Vegan Hot Chocolate / Veganska vruća čokolada

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

This drink is the perfect thing to snuggle up with while it’s cold and gloomy outside. It instantly lifts your mood (because chocolate, duh!) and makes you feel all warm and cozy. The spices also give it a nice Christmasy vibe. For an extra kick, feel free to add in a pinch of chili or cayenne pepper.

IMGP7890

IMGP7885

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 0.51 EUR per serving / 1.02 EUR for all)

1 tbsp raw cacao powder (0.13 EUR)

1 tbsp brown sugar (0.03 EUR)

1 tbsp corn starch (0.01 EUR)

¼ tsp ground cinnamon (0.02 EUR)

1/8 tsp ground cloves (0.01 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

2 cups plant based milk (0.80 EUR)

½ tsp pure vanilla extract (0.01 EUR)

IMGP7892

METHOD:

In a small saucepan, whisk together cacao powder, sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Add a splash of milk and whisk to incorporate and dissolve all of the dry ingredients. Add in remaining milk and vanilla, then place on high heat. Stir frequently until the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to desired consistency. Divide between two cups and enjoy immediately.

IMGP7893

Ovaj napitak je baš prava stvar kada se želite malo opustiti dok je vani ovako hladno i depresivno. Garantirano vam odmah podiže raspoloženje (čokolada, khm!) i još vas uz to fino grije. Začini dodaju još i blagdansku vibru, a za ekstra štih, ubacite i mrvicu čilija ili kajenskog papra.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 3,81 kn po porciji / 7,61 kn za sve)

1 žlica sirovog kakao praha (1,00 kn)

1 žlica smeđeg šećera (0,20 kn)

1 žlica kukuruznog škroba (0,10 kn)

¼ žličice cimeta u prahu (0,13 kn)

1/8 žličice klinčića u prahu (0,07 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

2 šalice veganskog mlijeka po izboru (6,00 kn)

½ žličice ekstrakta od vanilije (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

U lončiću pomiješajte kakao, šećer, kukuruzni škrob, cimet, klinčiće i sol. Dodajte malo mlijeka, pa miješajte dok se sve ne sjedini. Dodajte ostatak mlijeka i vaniliju, pa stavite na jaku vatru i pustite da zavrije, uz učestalo miješanje. Čim napitak zavrije, smanjite vatru na skroz laganu i kuhajte 2-3 minute uz konstantno miješanje da se smjesa zgusne. Kada dobijete željenu gustoću, maknite s vatre, rasporedite u dvije šalice te odmah poslužite.

Vegan Hot Chocolate / Veganska vruća čokolada

Chicken and Mushroom Ragu / Ragu od piletine i gljiva

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

This dish might feel like a lot of work, when in reality everything comes together pretty smoothly. It is super scrumptious and rich, so definitely worth the effort. The meat just melts in your mouth and the creamy rich sauce is to die for. I suggest using whole chicken legs (drumsticks with thighs), as the fat will cook out into the delicious sauce. Also, I decided to use pork lard for cooking fat and homemade beef stock for the liquid, but of course, you can sub these with oil and chicken or veggie stock.

IMGP7776

IMGP7770

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 servings / 1.58 EUR per serving / 6.31 EUR for all)

For the meat:

2 whole skinless chicken legs (2.00 EUR)

Good pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

For the sauce:

1 tbsp pork lard (0.01 EUR)

2 large onions (0.20 EUR)

500 grams of Portobello mushrooms (2.00 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.13 EUR)

2 large carrots (0.20 EUR)

Good pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp tomato paste (0.27 EUR)

3 cups homemade beef broth (0.60 EUR)

2 tbsp flour (0.01 EUR)

1 cup crème fraiche (0.67 EUR)

Small handful of fresh parsley (0.13 EUR)

IMGP7771

IMGP7772

IMGP7775

METHOD:

The night before, generously season chicken legs with salt and leave to rest uncovered in your fridge. The next day, wash and peel all of the veggies. Dice the onions and garlic. Grate the carrots on a box grater. Wipe clean and thinly slice the mushrooms.

Place a deep non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add in lard and sear the chicken legs on all sides until crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside. Increase heat to high and in the same pan, on remaining fat, sauté the onion until translucent. Add in a bit more lard if needed. Throw in the mushrooms and cook those down for a few minutes. Dump in garlic, carrots, salt, pepper, tomato paste and beef broth. Give everything a good stir and return in the chicken legs. Allow to come to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and simmer covered and undisturbed for one hour, until the meat is done. You’ll know that the meat is fully cooked when it starts pulling away from the bones.

Carefully fish out the chicken legs and allow them to cool enough to handle. Meanwhile we’re gonna keep the sauce on medium heat and thicken in. Ladle out about a cup of sauce and stir in the flour, making sure that there are no lumps. Carefully and slowly pour this mix back into the pan and give everything a good stir to incorporate.

Pick off the meat from the bones and return it back to the sauce. I also chopped it up into bite-sized pieces. Stir in crème fraiche and parsley. Cook for just another minute or two so everything properly warms up. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately over a carb of your choice. We had it with rice, but gnocchi or linguine would be amazing.

IMGP7777

IMGP7779

Ovo jelo vam se može učiniti kao puno posla, ali po meni kuhanje i cijela priprema idu dosta glatko. Okus je savršen i bogat, tako da se u svakom slučaju sav trud isplati. Meso je tako mekano da se topi u ustima, a umak prefini. Moj je prijedlog da upotrijebite cijele pileće batke sa zabatcima, pošto će se masnoća s mesa iskuhati u umak. Također, ja sam za kuhanje upotrijebila svinjsku mast i domaći juneći temeljac za podlijevanje, ali vi slobodno umjesto toga uzmite ulje i pileći ili povrtni temeljac.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 porcije / 11.81 kn po porciji / 47,22 kn za sve)

Za meso:

2 cijela pileća batka sa zabatcima, bez kože (15,00 kn)

Dobar prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Za umak:

1 žlica svinjske masti (0,10 kn)

2 velika luka (1,50 kn)

500 g šampinjona (15,00 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (1,00 kn)

2 velike mrkve (1,50 kn)

Dobar prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

1 žličica svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,50 kn)

2 žlice koncentrata od rajčice (2,00 kn)

3 šalice domaćeg goveđeg temeljca (4,50 kn)

2 žlice glatkog brašna (0,10 kn)

1 šalica milerama (5,00 kn)

Mali pregršt svježeg peršina (1,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Večer prije dobro začinite meso sa solju, pa ostavite nepokriveno u hladnjaku. Idućeg dana operite i ogulite svo povrće. Fino nasjeckajte luk i češnjak, a mrkvu naribajte. Očistite i tanko narežite gljive.

Dublju neprijanjajuću tavu stavite na srednje-jaku vatru. Ubacite u tavu mast i kratko popecite meso sa svih strana, samo da se uhvati korica. Maknite meso iz tave i stavite na stranu. Pojačajte vatru te u istoj tavi na ostatku masnoće prodinstajte luk dok ne postane staklast. Po potrebi dodajte još mrvicu masti. Ubacite gljive i kuhajte par minuta da im se smanji volumen. Sada dodajte češnjak, mrkvu, sol, papar, koncentrat od rajčice i temeljac. Dobro sve promiješajte te u tavu vratite piletinu. Pustite da umak zavrije, pa odmah smanjite vatru na skroz lagano i krčkajte poklopljeno i bez miješanja jedan sat, dok meso ne bude gotovo. Znati ćete da je meso skroz kuhano kada se počne povlačiti sa kostiju.

Pažljivo izvadite meso iz tave i ostavite ga da se mrvicu ohladi, tek toliko da možete njime rukovati. U međuvremenu držite umak na srednje-jakoj vatri da se zgusne. Odgrabite van oko šalicu umaka i u to umiješajte brašno. Dobro sve promiješajte da ne ostanu nikakve grudice, te onda tu smjesu polako i pažljivo umiješajte natrag u ostatak umaka u tavi. Sve dobro promiješajte da se skroz sjedini.

Meso očistite od kostiju i vratite ga natrag u umak. Ja sam ga prije toga također narezala na male komadiće. Umiješajte u umak mileram i peršin. Kuhajte samo još minutu-dvije, tek toliko koliko je potrebno da se sve dobro ugrije. Kušajte i prilagodite začine te odmah poslužite preko vašeg najdražeg ugljikohidrata. Mi smo ovo jeli sa rižom, ali njoki ili linguini bi bili savršeni.

Chicken and Mushroom Ragu / Ragu od piletine i gljiva

Smoky Vegan Chili / Aromatični veganski čili

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The weather has been nothing but doom and gloom lately. Not to mention the cold, yuck. Such miserable days call for a steaming bowl of something hearty and this chili is just the thing. If you already have a bunch of cooked beans on hand, it all comes together super quickly and you’ll be left with days worth of stash. Trust me – you’ll thank yourself later for having enough wisdom to cook up a larger batch. 🙂

IMGP7845

IMGP7843

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 6 servings / 0.93 EUR per serving / 5.57 EUR for all)

3 tbsp sunflower seed oil (0.04 EUR)

2 large onions (0.20 EUR)

6 garlic cloves (0.20 EUR)

2 chili peppers (0.20 EUR)

4 large carrots (0.40 EUR)

1 red bell pepper (0.20 EUR)

1 can diced tomatoes (0.67 EUR)

2 tbsp tomato paste (0.27 EUR)

1 cup red lentils (0.67 EUR)

4 cups precooked black beans (1.00 EUR)

1 block smoked tofu (1.00 EUR)

1 tsp garlic powder (0.01 EUR)

½ tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.07 EUR)

2 tsp smoked paprika (0.13 EUR)

1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp dried parsley (0.13 EUR)

1 bay leaf (0.03 EUR)

4 cups vegetable broth (0.27 EUR)

IMGP7838

IMGP7847

IMGP7842

METHOD:

Wash, peel and finely dice all the veggies. Drain tofu and cut into cubes. Wash the lentils in a colander under running water. Drain and rinse the beans. Add oil to a big pot and saute onion on high heat for a few minutes until slightly translucent. Throw in fresh garlic, chili peppers, carrots and bell pepper, stir and cook for a few minutes to slightly caramelize. Add in all of the remaining ingredients and bring to a rolling boil.

As soon as the stew starts boiling, reduce heat to low and cook with a lid cracked open for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and add in a splash of water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning and serve warm. This dish reheats great and will keep refrigerated for up to five days.

IMGP7848

IMGP7839

Zadnji su dani bili baš apokaliptični i grozno hladni, a takvo bezvezno vrijeme je kao stvoreno za neko vruće jelo na žlicu. Ovaj čili je zato došao k’o naručen. Ako već imate doma kuhanog graha, jelo ćete pripremiti za čas, a ostati će vam i nekoliko porcija za kasnije. Vjerujte mi, biti ćete sami sebi jako zahvalni što ste bili dovoljno mudri da se opskrbite većom zalihom. 🙂

SASTOJCI:

(Za 6 porcija / 7,09 kn po porciji / 42,51 kn za sve)

3 žlice suncokretovog ulja (0,30 kn)

2 velika luka (1,50 kn)

6 češnjeva češnjaka (1,50 kn)

2 čili papričice (1,50 kn)

4 velike mrkve (3,00 kn)

1 crvena paprika roga (1,50 kn)

1 konzerva sjeckanih pelata (5,00 kn)

2 žlice koncentrata od rajčice (2,00 kn)

1 šalica crvene leće (5,00 kn)

4 šalice kuhanog crnog graha (7,50 kn)

1 dimljeni tofu (7,50 kn)

1 žličica češnjaka u prahu (0,50 kn)

½ žličice soli (0,01 kn)

1 žličica svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,50 kn)

2 žličice dimljene paprike (1,00 kn)

1 žlica slatke crvene paprike (1,00 kn)

2 žlice sušenog peršina (1,00 kn)

1 lovorov list (0,20 kn)

4 šalice povrtnog temeljca (2,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Operite, ogulite i fino nasjeckajte svo povrće. Ocijedite tofu i narežite ga na kockice. U mrežastoj cjediljci dobro isperite leću pod mlazom vode. Ocijedite i isperite grah. Dodajte ulje u veliki lonac, pa na jakoj vatri par minuta dinstajte luk dok ne bude staklast. Ubacite svježi češnjak, čili, mrkve i papriku rogu, promiješajte i kratko kuhajte dok se povrće ne karamelizira. Sada dodajte sve preostale sastojke i pustite da sve zavrije.

Čim čili zavrije smanjite vatru i krčkajte sa odškrinutim poklopcem 30 minuta. Povremeno promiješajte, a po potrebi dodajte još malo vode. Kušajte i prilagodite začine, pa poslužite toplo. Ovo se jelo super podgrijava, a u hladnjaku će držati do pet dana.

Smoky Vegan Chili / Aromatični veganski čili

Healthier Pumpkin Bread / Zdraviji kruh od bundeve

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I’ve never made pumpkin bread before, but decided to give it a go as I had a bit of pumpkin puree left over from a previous recipe. I diligently went to do my research and ended up honestly appalled by obscene amounts of sugar most pumpkin bread recipes call for. Two and a half cups of sugar per a loaf of bread? Seriously?!

I decided then and there that people don’t know what they are talking about and that their pumpkin bread recipes are pure nonsense. So as a result, here I am to proudly present you with a healthier version of a pumpkin bread recipe. Which is, of course, still delicious.

IMGP7832

IMGP7818

IMGP7819

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 1 loaf / 2.72 EUR)

For the batter:

2 eggs (0.40 EUR)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (0.03 EUR)

1 cup pumpkin puree (0.53 EUR)

¾ cup milk (0.20 EUR)

4 tbsp butter, melted (0.53 EUR)

½ cup sugar (0.07 EUR)

2 cups whole wheat flour (0.20 EUR)

¼ cup sunflower seeds (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp ground flax seeds (0.03 EUR)

1 and ½ tsp baking powder (0.02 EUR)

1 tsp ground cinnamon (0.07 EUR)

½ tsp ground nutmeg (0.03 EUR)

½ tsp ground cloves (0.03 EUR)

½ tsp ground ginger (0.03 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

½ cup chopped prunes (0.40 EUR)

Additional:

Butter for greasing the pan (0.07 EUR)

IMGP7820

IMGP7831

METHOD:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree and milk. Stir in melted butter. Add sugar, flour, sunflower and flax seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and salt to the mix, then stir until everything is well incorporated. Fold in chopped prunes and transfer the batter to a prepared pan. Use a spatula to even everything out.

Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, until crispy on top and a toothpick tester comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in its pan for about 15 minutes before taking it out and placing on a rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve with your favorite mug of tea or coffee.

IMGP7834

Nikad prije nisam pokušavala napraviti kruh od bundeve, no pošto sam imala doma nešto pirea od buternut tikve koji mi je ostao od drugog recepta, odlučila sam prionuti na posao. Prije svega sam se bacila na istraživanje, ali iskreno, opscena količina šećera koja je u drugim receptima za kruh od bundeve me je blago rečeno zgrozila. Dvije i pol šalice šećera po štruci kruha? Stvarno?!

U tom sam trenutku zaključila da drugi ljudi jednostavno nemaju pojma o čemu pričaju i da im recepti za kruh od bundeve jednostavno nemaju veze s mozgom. Kao nusprodukt, evo vam zdravija verzija recepta za kruh od bundeve. Koji je, još onako usputno, stvarno jako ukusan.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 1 štrucu / 20,31 kn)

Za smjesu:

2 jaja (3,00 kn)

1 žličica ekstrakta od vanilije (0,20 kn)

1 šalica pirea od bundeve (4,00 kn)

¾ šalice mlijeka (1,50 kn)

4 žlice maslaca, rastopljene (4,00 kn)

½ šalice šećera (0,50 kn)

2 šalice integralnog pšeničnog brašna (1,50 kn)

¼ šalice suncokretovih sjemenki (0,50 kn)

2 žlice mljevenih sjemenki lana (0,20 kn)

1 i ½ žličica praška za pecivo (0,15 kn)

1 žličica mljevenog cimeta (0,50 kn)

½ žličice mljevenog muškatnog oraščića (0,25 kn)

½ žličice mljevenih klinčića (0,25 kn)

½ žličice mljevenog đumbira (0,25 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

½ šalice nasjeckanih suhih šljiva (3,00 kn)

Dodatno:

Maslac za namastiti protvan (0,50 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pećnicu na 200°C. Namastite kalup za kruh i obložite ga papirom za pečenje. Stavite na stranu. U zdjeli razmutite jaja sa vanilijom, pireom od bundeve i mlijekom. Umiješajte u to rastopljeni maslac. Dodajte u smjesu šećer, brašno, suncokretove sjemenke, lan, prašak za pecivo, cimet, muškatni oraščić, klinčiće, đumbir i sol. Miješajte dok ne dobijete jednoličnu smjesu, pa nježno u to umiješajte šljive. Tijesto prebacite u pripremljeni kalup i poravnajte špatulom.

Pecite kruh 30-40 minuta, dok ne bude hrskav, a testni štapić koji upiknete ne izađe čist. Pustite da se kruh hladi oko 15 minuta u kalupu, a onda ga preselite na žičanu rešetku. Ostavite da se skroz ohladi prije rezanja. Poslužite sa vama najdražom šalicom čaja ili kave.

Healthier Pumpkin Bread / Zdraviji kruh od bundeve