Author: Crunch Crunch Away

Homemade Natural Deodorant Cream/ Prirodni dezodorans u kremi iz kućne radinosti

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Today I have something a bit different for you. It is still a recipe, but instead of food, I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone into the area of natural cosmetics. I don’t really have any strong convictions when it comes to beauty, but still try to go with natural products where I can and when it is convenient and financially reasonable.

One of the ongoing woes I seemed to have, though, was with natural deodorants. I’ve tried a ton of those and usually they worked pretty wonky or didn’t work at all. I never really found that magical product that I would love and would swear by. Up until now, that is. Which, coincidentally, is homemade, super easy, super cheap and totally customizable.

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INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp baking soda

2 tbsp corn starch

A few drops of essential oil of your choice

METHOD:

Melt coconut oil and stir well with rest of the ingredients. Transfer into a small jar and refrigerate for a few hours to set. Use sparingly, like a cream. You’ll only need a little bit, so this amount will go a long way. I infused mine with lemongrass essential oil and love the refreshing smell of it, but use whichever scent you prefer here. I’m planning on mixing the next batch with finely ground dried rosemary or lavender. Please note that the deodorant in the pictures came straight out of fridge. It loosened up more on room temperature and currently has a consistency of thicker cream.

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Danas imam za vas nešto malo drugačije. Još uvijek je to recept, ali umjesto hrane, iskoračila sam malo iz svoje sigurne zone u bespuća prirodne kozmetike. Osobno nemam neka čvrsta uvjerenja kada su u pitanju ljepota i njega. Trudim se koristiti prirodne proizvode tamo gdje mogu i gdje je to financijski razumno.

Međutim, jedna od konstantnih boljki koju imam tiče se prirodnih dezodorana. Isprobala sam ih gomilu, ali većina ih jedva da funkcionira, ili ne funkcionira uopće. Nikada nisam našla onaj čarobni proizvod koji bi bio baš po mojoj mjeri. Sve do sada. A taj sam proizvod smutila doma u svega par sekundi, za samo koju kunu i mogu ga dalje modificirati po volji.

SASTOJCI:

3 žlice kokosovog ulja

2 žlice sode bikarbone

2 žlice kukuruznog škroba

Par kapi eteričnog ulja po želji

PRIPREMA:

Rastopite kokosovo ulje i dobro promiješajte sa ostalim sastojcima. Preselite u malu posudicu i stavite u hladnjak na par sati da se stisne. Koristite u tankom sloju, kao kremu. Trebati će vam samo tanki premaz ovog dezodorana, tako da će vam količina iz recepta potrajati neko vrijeme. Ja sam u svoj ubacila eterično ulje limunske trave i super mi je miris, ali slobodno dodajte ono što se vama najviše sviđa. Moj je plan iduću turu smiješati sa fino mljevenim sušenim ružmarinom ili lavandom. Jedino imajte na umu kako je dezić na slici bio netom iz hladnjaka. Kasnije se malo opustio na sobnoj temeperaturi i trenutno ima konzistenciju gušće kreme.

Homemade Natural Deodorant Cream/ Prirodni dezodorans u kremi iz kućne radinosti

Spaghetti with Quick and Simple Tomato Salsa (vegetarian) / Špageti sa brzom i jednostavnom šalšom od paradajza (vegetarijanski)

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Not only is this tomato salsa quick and simple, it’s also super cheap. This is my go-to meal during the week when I am too zonked for some elaborate cooking, but saves me from resorting to takeout. You can totally throw in a veggie or two if you’d like, or some bacon, or canned tuna. But this dish is as amazing on its own, so there you go.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 3 servings / EUR per serving / 2.68 EUR for all)

For spaghetti:

Water (–)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.09 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

300 grams of spaghetti; I used whole-wheat (0.80 EUR)

For the sauce:

3 tbsp olive oil (0.13 EUR)

1 large onion (0.10 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.13 EUR)

1 can of peeled tomatoes (0.80 EUR)

Good pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Good pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

1 tsp dried oregano (0.07 EUR)

¼ cup of finely grated hard cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano (0.53 EUR)

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METHOD:

Add olive oil and salt to a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Throw in spaghetti and cook to al dente according to the instructions on the package. While spaghetti cook, peel and finely chop onion and garlic. Reserve about a cup of pasta water for later, drain and rinse spaghetti under cold running water to immediately stop cooking and set them aside.

Wipe the pot clean, return to high heat and saute onion on oil until slightly translucent. Dump in garlic and stir for a minute before adding in tomatoes. Crush the tomatoes with your spatula, season with salt, pepper and oregano and cook for about 10 minutes to thicken. Return spaghetti to the pot, stir to coat evenly and add a splash of reserved pasta water. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning and, if necessary, dilute the sauce with a bit more of reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.

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Ova šalša je ne samo super brza i jednostavna za skuhati, ujedno je i jako jeftina. To mi je jedno od glavnih jela za ekspresno smutiti nakon posla, kada sam preumorna za neko komplicirano nakuhavanje, a svaki puta me spasi da ne pribjegnem naručivanju dostave. Možete slobodno ubaciti i neko povrće ili dva, ili malo špeka, ili konzervu tune. Ali ovo je jelo fantastično i samo za sebe, tako da recept slijedi u nastavku.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 3 porcije / 6,67 kn po porciji / 20,02 kn za sve)

Za špagete:

Voda (–)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

300 grama špageta; ja sam upotrijebila integralne (6,00 kn)

Za umak:

3 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,99 kn)

1 veliki luk (0,75 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (1,00 kn)

1 konzerva pelata (6,00 kn)

Dobar prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Dobar prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,10 kn)

1 žličica sušenog origana (0,50 kn)

¼ šalice tvrdog fino ribanog sira, tipa Parmigiano-Reggiano (4,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Dodajte maslinovo ulje i sol u veliki lonac vode i pustite da zavrije. Ubacite špagete i skuhajte al dente prema uputama na pakiranju. Dok se špageti kuhaju ogulite i sitno nasjeckajte luk i češnjak. Sačuvajte oko šalicu vode od tjestenine za kasnije, pa procijedite i operite špagete pod hladnom tekućom vodom da se prestanu kuhati, te ih stavite na stranu.

Obrišite lonac u kojem ste kuhali špagete, vratite na jaku vatru i na ulju prodinstajte luk dok ne postane staklast. Ubacite češnjak i promiješajte minutu prije nego ubacite pelate. Špatulom izgnječite pelate na manje komadiće, začinite solju, paprom i origanom, te kuhajte desetak minuta da se zgusnu. Ubacite unutra skuhane špagete i dodajte malo sačuvane vode od kuhanja tjestenine. Maknite s vatre i umiješajte ribani sir. Kušajte i prilagodite začine, a prema potrebi dodajte još malo vode od tjestenine da razrijedite umak. Poslužite odmah.

Spaghetti with Quick and Simple Tomato Salsa (vegetarian) / Špageti sa brzom i jednostavnom šalšom od paradajza (vegetarijanski)

Crunchy Mixed Greens with Mustardy Fish Sauce Dressing / Hrskava zelena salata sa dresingom od senfa i ribljeg umaka

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The spring has kicked in here and things are in full bloom, with first shy greenery wrapping itself around the bare branches. This weather puts me in a mood for some lighter food, so here’s a delicious salad recipe for you to try out. The fish sauce and mustard combo definitely add that special something to it.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 1.19 EUR per serving / 2.37 EUR for all)

For the salad:

Large handful of mixed greens; I used baby spinach, baby chard, arugula, bull’s blood and lamb’s lettuce mix (1.33 EUR)

1 large carrot (0.10 EUR)

4 spring onions (0.53 EUR)

For the dressing:

1 tsp mustard (0.03 EUR)

1 tbsp fish sauce (0.13 EUR)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.09 EUR)

1 tbsp lemon juice (0.13 EUR)

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.03 EUR)

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METHOD:

Wash and pat dry all the veggies. Discard any suspicious bits and peel the carrot. Chop the onions and carrot into thin strips, roughly chop up the greens and then toss everything together. Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning, then drizzle the dressing over your veggies. Serve immediately.

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Proljeće je ovdje u punom zamahu, a prvo sramežljivo zelenje počelo se pojavljivati na golim granama. Sa takvim mi se vremenom odma jede i laganija hrana, tako da vam evo jedan brzinski recept za finu salatu koji možete isprobati, a kombinacija ribljeg umaka i senfa tu dodaju mrvicu nečeg posebnog.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 8,96 kn po porciji / 17,91 kn za sve)

Za salatu:

Veliki pregršt miješanog zelenja; ja sam upotrijebila miks baby špinata, baby blitve, rukole, bull’s blooda i matovilca (10,00 kn)

1 velika mrkva (0,75 kn)

4 mlada luka (4,00 kn)

Za dresing:

1 žličica senfa (0,25 kn)

1 žlica ribljeg umaka (1,00 kn)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

1 žlica limunovog soka (1,00 kn)

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

PRIPREMA:

Operite i kuhinjskom krpom lagano posušite povrće. Bacite sve sumnjive dijelove i ogulite mrkvu. Luk i mrkvu narežite na trakice, grubo narežite zelenje, pa sve to pomiješajte. Razmutite sve sastojke za dresing u maloj zdjelici dok ne dobijete emulziju. Kušajte i prilagodite začine, pa pokapajte dresing po povrću. Poslužite odmah.

Crunchy Mixed Greens with Mustardy Fish Sauce Dressing / Hrskava zelena salata sa dresingom od senfa i ribljeg umaka

Spicy Veggie Noodle Stir-Fry / Ljuti rezanci s povrćem iz woka

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Our local store had a sale of Asian food ingredients, so I decided to stock up and make a quick stir-fry. Initially I considered making something with rice, but since I scored some super cheap noodles, it was really a no-brainer.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 servings / 0.98 EUR per serving / 3.92 EUR for all)

For stir-fry:

3 squares of ramen-type noodles (0.50 EUR)

5 tbsp sunflower seed oil, divided (0.07 EUR)

2 cups frozen peas (0.53 EUR)

2 carrots (0.13 EUR)

2 sweet red horn peppers (0.27 EUR)

1 chili pepper (0.20 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.13 EUR)

1 tsp red pepper flakes (0.07 EUR)

5-6 shiitake mushrooms (0.80 EUR)

1 onion (0.07 EUR)

2 eggs (0.40 EUR)

For the sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (0.53 EUR)

2 tbsp warm water (–)

1 tbsp fish sauce (0.13 EUR)

1 tsp toasted sesame oil (0.07 EUR)

1 tsp sugar (0.01 EUR)

½ tsp corn starch (0.01 EUR)

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METHOD:

You want to have everything prepared for when the cooking starts, as it’s going to go really fast. Cook the noodles to al dente according to their cooking instructions on the package. Wash noodles under cold running water to stop the cooking, drain and set aside. Wash, peel and chop all the vegetables and mushrooms. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and set aside. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until sugar and corn starch are completely dissolved and sauce is emulsified.

Place wok on high heat and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and frozen peas, stir-frying for two to three minutes so the peas can thaw. Then add in carrots and horn peppers, stir-frying for a minute or two in between. Add another tablespoon of oil and throw in chopped chili, garlic and red pepper flakes to stir-fry for only half a minute, so that their flavors can develop. Just a small note here on the chili amount: my chili pepper and red pepper flakes were pretty mild and hence these amounts in this recipe. Be sure to taste everything though, before adding to your dish, unless you wanna burn a hole through your stomach. 😀

Proceed to add mushrooms and onion to the wok, while stir-frying for a minute or so in between. Then add in the noodles, stir everything well and push to one side of the wok to make room for cooking the eggs. Add remaining two tablespoons of oil to empty part of the wok bottom and pour in whisked eggs into the oil. Gently fold the eggs over with a spatula until cooked through, then pour sauce over noodles and veggies, give one final stir so the eggs break through and everything is coated in sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.

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U Kauflandu je nedavno bila velika rasprodaja sastojaka za azijsku kuhinju, pa sam odlučila obnoviti svoje kućne zalihe. Prvotno sam planirala napraviti nešto sa rižom, ali sam naletila i na turbo jeftine rezance, tako da tu uopće više nije bilo dileme.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 porcije / 7,33 kn po porciji / 29,33 kn za sve)

Za wok:

3 kocke azijske tjestenine tipa ramen (3,75 kn)

5 žlica suncokretovog ulja, podijeljenih (0,50 kn)

2 šalice smrznutog graška (4,00 kn)

2 mrkve (1,00 kn)

2 crvene paprike roge (2,00 kn)

1 čili papričica (1,50 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (1,00 kn)

1 žličica sušenog čilija u pahuljicama (0,50 kn)

5-6 gljiva shii-taka (6,00 kn)

1 luk (0,50 kn)

2 jaja (3,00 kn)

Za umak:

¼ šalice soja sosa (4,00 kn)

2 žlice tople vode (–)

1 žlica ribljeg umaka (1,00 kn)

1 žličica tostiranog sezamovog ulja (0,50 kn)

1 žličica šećera (0,02 kn)

½ žličice kukuruznog škroba (0,06 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Želite da vam svi sastojci budu spremni kada krenete sa kuhanjem, jer će sve ići jako brzo. Skuhajte tjesteninu al dente prema uputama na pakiranju. Operite rezance pod mlazom hladne vode kako bi se prestali kuhati, ocijedite i stavite na stranu. Operite, ogulite i nasjeckajte svo povrće i gljive. Razmutite jaja u maloj zdjelici i stavite na stranu. U drugoj zdjelici razmutite sve sastojke za umak dok ne dobijete emulziju, a šećer i škrob su se skroz rastopili.

Stavite wok na jaku vatru i pustite ga par minuta da se dobro ugrije sve dok se ne počne dimiti. Dodajte u wok 2 žlice ulja i smrznuti grašak, pa kuhajte uz povremeno miješanje 2-3 minute dok se grašak ne odmrzne. Onda ubacite mrkve, pa nakon minutu-dvije i crvenu papriku, a sve uz povremeno miješanje. Dodajte još žlicu ulja u wok, pa na ulje bacite narezani čili, češnjak i sušeni čili pa pržite samo oko pola minute da se okusi razviju. Samo mala napomena ovdje što se tiče količine čilija: moje papričice i sušeni čili su bili dosta blagi, pa sam zato upotrijebila ovoliku količinu. Svakako sve probajte prije nego što ubacite u wok, osim ako si ne želite spaliti rupu u želucu. 😀

Nastavite kuhati tako da dodate gljive, pa nakon minutu-dvije luk, uz povremeno miješanje. Na kraju dodajte rezance, dobro izmiješajte i pomaknite sve na jednu stranu woka kako bi napravili mjesta za ispeći jaja. Dodajte preostale dve žlice ulja na prazan dio wok pa u to istresite razmućena jaja. Nježno špatulom presavijajte jaja dok se ne skuhaju i prelijte umak preko tjestenine i povrća. Dobro sve promiješajte za kraj, kako bi se jaja razbila na manje komadiće i sve obložilo umakom. Maknite s vatre i odma poslužite.

Spicy Veggie Noodle Stir-Fry / Ljuti rezanci s povrćem iz woka

Sweet No-Knead Bread / Slatki kruh koji se ne mijesi

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This bread is super simple to make and tastes pretty much like a cake. It’s perfect for breakfast or with your coffee. I like it the best a little warm and with a thin spread of butter. Yum!

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 1 loaf / 1.11 EUR)

For the dough:

3 ½ cups plain all-purpose flour (0.23 EUR)

4 tbsp sugar (0.03 EUR)

4 tbsp ground flax seed (0.13 EUR)

½ tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

¼ tsp active dry yeast (0.03 EUR)

½ cup raisins (0.40 EUR)

2 cups warm water (–)

2 tbsp butter, melted (0.27 EUR)

Additional:

Flour for sprinkling (0.01 EUR)

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METHOD:

In a big bowl mix together flour, sugar, flax seeds, salt, yeast and raisins. Pour warm water and butter over the mixture and stir until combined. Cover the bowl with a cling-foil and leave in a warm room for about 4 hours to ferment. The dough will become bubbly and increase in size.

Once the dough ferments, place heavy oven-safe pot with its lid (I used cast iron) in the oven and set it all to preheat to 220°C, as you’re going to bake the bread in the pot. You’ll need about 30-40 minutes to get it all nice and toasty, so prepare the dough in the meantime. Turn the dough over on a well-floured work surface and fold it over a few times using a bench scraper. Take a bowl similar in shape and size of the pot you’ll use for baking, line with parchment paper and gently transfer the dough inside for final proofing. Cover with clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 30-40 minutes, all while the oven preheats.

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Once ready to bake, carefully transfer the dough together with parchment into a preheated heavy pot, cover and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the lid and finish baking uncovered for additional 10 minutes, so a nice crust can form. Transfer the bread on a rack to cool off completely before slicing into it.

My dough got super poofy, so a larger pot would definitely be useful and make the bread even bigger.

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Ovaj kruh je jako jednostavan za napraviti, a okusom je vrlo sličan kolaču. Savršen je za doručak ili uz šalicu kave. Meni je najdraži mrvicu ugrijan i tanko namazan maslacem. Mljac!

SASTOJCI:

(Za 1 štrucu / 8,31 kn)

Za tijesto:

3 ½ šalice glatkog brašna (1,75 kn)

4 žlice šećera (0,20 kn)

4 žlice mljevenih sjemenki lana (1,00 kn)

½ žličice soli (0,01 kn)

¼ žličice suhog kvasca (0,25 kn)

½ šalica grožđica (3,00 kn)

2 šalice tople vode (–)

2 žlice maslaca, rastopljenog (2,00 kn)

Dodatno:

Brašno za posipanje (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

U velikoj zdjeli pomiješajte brašno, šećer, lan, sol, kvasac i grožđice. Prelijte preko svega toplu vodu i maslac, pa promiješajte da se sve sjedini. Pokrijte zdjelu prozirnom folijom i ostavite da fermentira oko 4 sata u toploj prostoriji. U tijestu će se napraviti mjehurići i ono će se napuhati.

Kada je tijesto isfermentiralo, stavite teški lonac sa poklopcem koji smije u pećnicu (ja sam uzela od lijevanog željeza), da se sve skupa zagrije na 220°C, pošto ćete u loncu peći kruh. Da se sve to dobro ugrije će vam trebati oko 30-40 minuta, pa u međuvremenu pripremite tijesto. Iskrenite tijesto na dobro pobrašnjenu radnu plohu pa ga strugalicom za tijesto presavinite nekoliko puta. Uzmite zdjelu koja je slične veličine i oblika onom loncu u kojem ćete peći kruh, obložite ju papirom za pečenje i u nju nježno preselite tijesto. Pokrijte sve čistom krpom i pustite da se tijesto još diže 30-40 minuta, sve dok se pećnica zagrijava.

Kada ste spremni za pečenje, pažljivo preselite tijesto skupa sa papirom za pečenje u zagrijani lonac i pecite poklopljeno 30 minuta. Nakon 30 minuta maknite poklopac i pecite otklopljeno još 10 minuta da se uhvati lijepa korica. Preselite kruh na rešetku i pustite da se skroz ohladi prije nego ga krenete rezati.

Meni se tijesto baš jako napuhalo, pa ne bi škodilo da sam za pečenje imala mrvicu veći lonac, pa bi mi kruh ispao još i veći.

Sweet No-Knead Bread / Slatki kruh koji se ne mijesi

Beefy Hot and Sour Soup / Juneća kiselo-ljuta juha

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

A few days ago I’ve made an enormous pot of super tasty beef broth. I’ve decided to spice things up a little, so I turned a portion of it into a delicious hot and sour soup. Any broth would work here, though, so feel free to use whatever you currently have on hand. Also, any veggie combination will also do well, so adapt the things to your liking.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 6 servings)

3 tbsp sunflower seed oil

3 large carrots

2 sweet red horn peppers

2 chili peppers

4 garlic cloves

Handful of shiitake mushrooms

Block of smoked tofu

4 spring onions

8 cups beef broth

¼ cup soy sauce

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

¼ cup corn starch

2 eggs

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METHOD:

Wash, peel and finely slice all the vegetables, mushrooms and tofu. Set aside and reserve a bit of peppers, chili and green parts of onions for garnishing. Add the oil to a large heavy pot and then add in the chopped vegetables one by one in this order: carrots, horn peppers, chili peppers, garlic, mushrooms, tofu and spring onions. Briefly stir-fry before adding a new veggie, so the flavors have time to develop. Pour broth over everything, then add in soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sesame oil and vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Dissolve corn starch in a few tablespoons of water, then slowly pour the mixture into the simmering soup, while stirring the soup constantly. The soup will quickly begin to thicken, so turn off the heat when desired consistency is reached. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and slowly pour them into the soup. They’ll cook immediately since the soup is piping hot. Stir again to break the eggs. Serve hot, sprinkled with reserved peppers, chili and green onion parts.

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Neki dan sam napravila enormni lonac finog goveđeg temeljca. Odlučila sam stvari učiniti malo interesantnijima, pa sam dio upotrijebila za ukusnu kiselo-ljutu juhu. Bilo koji drugi temeljac bi ovdje funkcionirao, pa slobodno upotrijebite ono što vam je pri ruci. Također, i kombinaciju povrća isto možete modificirati prema vlastitom ukusu.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 6 porcija)

3 žlice suncokretovog ulja

3 velike mrkve

2 slatke crvene roga paprike

2 čili papričice

4 češnja češnjaka

Pregršt gljiva shii taka

Komad dimljenog tofua

4 mlada luka

8 šalica goveđeg temeljca

¼ šalice soja sosa

Prstohvat sušenog čilija u pahuljicama

1 žličica tostiranog sezamovog ulja

2 žlice jabučnog octa

¼ šalice kukuruznog škroba

2 jaja

PRIPREMA:

Operite, ogulite i fino nasjeckajte svo povrće, gljive i tofu. Izdvojite za kasnije malo narezanih paprika, čilija i zelenja od mladog luka. Dodajte ulje u veliki lonac, pa jedno po jedno ubacujte povrće ovim redoslijedom: mrkve, paprike, čili, češnjak, gljive, tofu i mladi luk. Kratko miješajte i pržite svako povrće prije nego ubacite novo, a sve kako bi se okusi bolje razvili. Prelijte preko svega temeljac i dodajte soja sos, sušeni čili, sezamovo ulje i ocat. Pustite neka zavrije i krčkajte 5-10 minuta. Kušajte i prilagodite začine.

Otopite kukuruzni škrob u par žlica vode i polako ulijevajte u juhu koja se krčka, s time da juhu bez prestanka miješate. Juha će se brzo početi zgušnjavakti, pa ugasite vatru kada dostigne željenu gustoću. Razmutite jaja u maloj zdjelici pa ih polako ulijevajte u vruću juhu. Ona će se odmah skuhati. Još jednom promiješajte da razbijete jaja na manje komadiće. Poslužite vruće, posipano sa paprikom, čilijem i zelenjem od luka.

Beefy Hot and Sour Soup / Juneća kiselo-ljuta juha

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal (vegan) / Zobena pita od jabuka (veganska)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , 4 Comments

Oatmeal is my most common and most beloved breakfast choice, so I’m constantly looking for ways to make things interesting and diverse. The recipe below yields a big batch and reheats great, which is just what I like as it means I have breakfast situation sorted out for the whole week.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 6 servings / 0.29 EUR per serving / 1.74 EUR for all)

1 banana (0.27 EUR)

¼ cup sunflower seed oil (0.05 EUR)

3 tbsp ground flax seed (0.10 EUR)

3 tbsp sugar, divided (0.04 EUR)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon (0.13 EUR)

1 tsp ground ginger (0.07 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

1 ½ cup warm water (–)

2 cups instant oats (0.27 EUR)

½ cup raisins (0.40 EUR)

2 apples, peeled and cubed (0.40 EUR)

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METHOD:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Mash up the banana, then whisk together with oil, ground flax seed, 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt and water. Add in the oats and stir until combined, adding a splash more of water if necessary. Fold in raisins and apples, then transfer the batter in a baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar and bake for 45 minutes, until crispy and slightly browned. Serve warm, on its own or with a splash of milk.

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Zobena je kaša za mene najčešći i najdraži izbor doručka, pa stalno tražim načine kako da stvari budu zanimljive i raznovrsne. Ovaj recept daje veću količinu koja se super podgrijava, a to je baš ono što meni odgovara jer znači da imam riješene doručke za cijeli tjedan.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 6 porcija / 2,16 kn po porciji / 12,96 kn za sve)

1 banana (2,00 kn)

¼ šalice suncokretovog ulja (0,40 kn)

3 žlice mljevenih sjemenki lana (0,75 kn)

3 žlice šećera, podijeljene (0,30 kn)

1 žlica mljevenog cimeta (1,00 kn)

1 žličica mljevenog đumbira (0,50 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

1 ½ šalica tople vode (–)

2 šalice sitnih zobenih pahuljica (2,00 kn)

½ šalice grožđica (3,00 kn)

2 jabuke, oguljene i narezane na kockice (3,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pećnicu na 180°C. Izgnječite bananu i razmutite sa uljem, lanom, 2 žlice šećera, cimetom, đumbirom, soli i vodom. U to umiješajte zobene pahuljice, a po potrebi dodajte još mrvicu vode. Na kraju umiješajte grožđice i narezane jabuke, pa raširite smjesu po posudi za pečenje. Posipajte sa preostalom žlicom šećera i pecite 45 minuta, dok se sve ne zahrska i malo posmeđi. Poslužite toplo, samo za sebe, ili sa mrvicom mlijeka.

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal (vegan) / Zobena pita od jabuka (veganska)

Potato Halves with Bacon / Krumpirove pole sa špekom

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

I’ve been craving something savory, crispy and smoky and these potato halves were just the thing. They’re inexpensive, super simple to make and require only a few ingredients, all of which we had at home.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 0.42 EUR per serving / 0.84 EUR for all)

5-6 potatoes (0.40 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.03 EUR)

Small piece of bacon (0.40 EUR)

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Give potatoes a good scrub and cut them in half. Arrange potatoes in a baking dish with skins facing down and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake potatoes for about 45 minutes, until slightly crispy and deep golden-brown. Cut the bacon in small pieces and arrange on top of potatoes. Finish baking potatoes for another 15 minutes, until bacon is nice and crispy. Serve with a big crunchy salad and a dollop of sour cream.

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Baš mi se jako jelo nešto slano, hrskavo i sa aromom dima, a ove krumpirove pole su bile baš prava stvar. Ovo jelo je jeftino, skroz jednostavno za napraviti i uključuje samo par sastojaka, a koje smo sve ionako već imali doma.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 3,13 kn po porciji / 6,26 kn za sve)

5-6 krumpira (3,00 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,25 kn)

Mali komadić špeka (3,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pećnicu na 200°C. Dobro oribajte i raspolovite krumpire. Poslažite krumpire po posudi za pečenje, sa ljuskom okrenutom prema dolje, te posipajte sa soli i paprom. Pecite krumpire oko 45 minuta, dok se ne zahrskaju i ne budu zlatno-smeđi. Narežite špek na male komadiće i poslažite po krumpirima, pa pecite još 15 minuta da se špek zahrska. Poslužite sa velikom salatom i žlicom kiselog vrhnja.

Potato Halves with Bacon / Krumpirove pole sa špekom

Bean and Lentil Stew (vegan) / Varivo od graha i leće (vegansko)

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , , 4 Comments

I’ve been in a mood for a hearty bean stew for a while and decided to add in some lentils for a good dose of creaminess. This recipe yields a huge bulk, which is more than fine by me, because it means I have lunch sorted out for a while. While it does take some time for dried beans to cook, the actual work involved here is minimal, so it’s definitely worth to put in the extra effort to be more cost-effective.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 8 servings / 0.66 EUR per serving / 5.30 EUR for all)

2 cups dried beans (2.00 EUR)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.09 EUR)

2 large onions (0.20 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.13 EUR)

2 chili peppers (0.40 EUR)

4 large carrots (0.40 EUR)

1 can peeled tomatoes (0.67 EUR)

1 cup red lentils (1.00 EUR)

1 bay leaf (0.01 EUR)

1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (0.07 EUR)

1 tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.02 EUR)

Pinch red pepper flakes (0.03 EUR)

6 cups water (–)

Bunch of fresh parsley (0.27 EUR)

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METHOD:

Pick through, wash and soak the beans in cold water the night before. The following day drain the beans, cover with fresh water and simmer until the beans are cooked through. Rinse once more, drain and set aside.

Wash, peel and chop up all the veggies. Rinse and drain lentils and set aside. Saute onion on oil in a large pot for a few minutes, on high heat, until softened and slightly translucent. Add in minced garlic, finely chopped chili peppers and diced carrots and cook briefly to get the flavours going. Dump in canned tomatoes and crush them with your spatula. Now add in the cooked beans, lentils, bay leaf, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until thickened and the lentils are cooked through. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley and taste to adjust seasoning. This freezes and reheats great, so you have lunch situations sorted out for a while.

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Već mi se neko vrijeme jede neko fino varivo od graha, a u ovo sam odlučila ubaciti i leću za ekstra kremastu teksturu. Ovaj recept daje ogromnu količinu, ali meni to sasvim odgovara jer onda imam riješen ručak za neko vrijeme. Usprkos tome što suhom grahu treba vremena da se skuha, stvaran posao je u tom dijelu minimalan. Tako da mislim da se definitivno isplati uložiti malo više truda i tako proći jeftinije.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 8 porcija / 4,96 kn po porciji / 39,64 kn za sve)

2 šalice suhog graha (15,00 kn)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

2 velika luka (1,50 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (1,00 kn)

2 čili papričice (3,00 kn)

4 velike mrkve (3,00 kn)

1 konzerva pelata (5,00 kn)

1 šalica crvene leće (7,50 kn)

1 lovorov list (0,10 kn)

1 žlica slatke crvene paprike (0,50 kn)

1 žličica soli (0,01 kn)

½ žličice svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,12 kn)

Prstohvat sušenog čilija u pahuljicama (0,25 kn)

6 šalica vode (–)

Pregršt svježeg peršina (2,00 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Većer prije proberite i operite grah, te ga ostavite namočenog u hladnoj vodi. Sljedećeg dana ocijedite grah, pokrijte svježom vodom i stavite kuhati. Skuhani grah isperite, ocijedite i stavite na stranu.

Operite, ogulite i nasjeckajte svo povrće. Isperite leću i sstavite na stranu. U velikom loncu na jakoj vatri prodinstajte luk na ulju par minuta, dok ne bude staklast i mekan. Ubacite sjeckani češnjak, čili i mrkve, pa kratko prokuhajte da se aktiviraju arome. Dodajte pelate pa ih izgnječite špatulom. Sada u lonac ubacite kuhani grah, leću, lovorov list, slatku papriku, sol, papar, čili pahuljice i zalijte sve vodom. Pustite neka zavrije, a onda smanjite vatru i krčkajte oko 30 minuta, dok se varivo ne zgusne, a leća se ne skuha. Maknite s vatre, umiješajte sjeckani peršin, te kušajte i prilagodite začine. Ovo se super smrzava i podgrijava, tako da imate osiguran ručak za još neko vrijeme.

Bean and Lentil Stew (vegan) / Varivo od graha i leće (vegansko)

No-Knead Mixed Corn Bread / Miješani kukuruzni kruh koji se ne mijesi

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , 1 Comment

If been meaning to try making a no-knead corn bread ever since I jumped on the whole no-knead wagon. I am very happy to report that this method works great and that bread is delicious. Of course, I had to dump in a handful of sunflower seeds too, but feel free to skip those if seeds aren’t your thing.

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INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 1 medium-sized loaf / 0.56 EUR)

For the dough:

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (0.10 EUR)

1 ½ cup corn flour (0.17 EUR)

5 tbsp sunflower seeds (0.23 EUR)

¼ tsp active dry yeast (0.03 EUR)

1 tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

1 tbsp sugar (0.01 EUR)

1 ½ cup lukewarm water (–)

Additional:

Flour for sprinkling (0.01 EUR)

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METHOD:

In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sunflower seeds, yeast, salt and sugar. Pour water over the mixture, then stir with a spoon until everything is combined. Cover the bowl with a cling-foil and refrigerate overnight. The dough will become slightly bubbly and increase in size.

Once the dough ferments, place heavy oven-safe pot with its lid (I used cast iron) in the oven and set it all to preheat to 220°C, as you’re going to bake the bread in the pot. You’ll need about 30-40 minutes to get it all nice and toasty, so prepare the dough in the meantime. Turn the dough over on a well-floured work surface and fold it over a few times using a bench scraper. Take a bowl similar in shape and size to the pot you’ll use for baking, line with parchment paper and gently transfer the dough inside for final proofing. Cover with clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 30-40 minutes, all while the oven preheats.

Once ready to bake, carefully transfer the dough together with parchment into a preheated heavy pot, cover and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the lid and finish baking uncovered for another 10 minutes, so a nice crust can form. Transfer the bread on a rack to cool off completely before slicing into it.

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Već neko vrijeme planiram napraviti i kukuruzni kruh koji se ne mijesi, a sa zadovoljstvom vam mogu reći da je eksperiment i više nego uspjeo, a hruh je jako fini. Naravno, morala sam ubaciti i pregršt suncokretovih sjemenki, ali vi ih slobodno izbacite ako vam tako više odgovara.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 1 srednju štrucu / 4,16 kn)

Za tijesto:

1 ½ šalica glatkog brašna (0,75 kn)

1 ½ šalica kukuruznog brašna (1,25 kn)

5 žlica suncokretovih sjemenki (1,75 kn)

¼ žličice suhog kvasca (0,25 kn)

1 žličica soli (0,01 kn)

1 žlica šećera (0,05 kn)

1 ½ šalica mlake vode (–)

Dodatno:

Brašno za posipanje (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

U velikoj zdjeli pomiješajte brašna, suncokretove sjemenke, kvasac, sol i šećer. Prelijte preko svega mlaku vodu i dobro promiješajte da se sjedini. Pokrijte zdjelu prozirnom folijom i stavite u hladnjak preko noći. U tijestu će se napraviti mjehurići i ono će se napuhati.

Kada je tijesto isfermentiralo, stavite teški lonac sa poklopcem koji smije u pećnicu (ja sam uzela od lijevanog željeza), da se sve skupa zagrije na 220°C, pošto ćete u loncu peći kruh. Da se sve to dobro ugrije će vam trebati oko 30-40 minuta, pa u međuvremenu pripremite tijesto. Iskrenite tijesto na dobro pobrašnjenu radnu plohu pa ga strugalicom za tijesto presavinite nekoliko puta. Uzmite zdjelu koja je slične veličine i oblika onom loncu u kojem ćete peći kruh, obložite ju papirom za pečenje i u nju nježno preselite tijesto. Pokrijte sve čistom krpom i pustite da se tijesto još diže 30-40 minuta, sve dok se pećnica zagrijava.

Kada ste spremni za pečenje, pažljivo preselite tijesto skupa sa papirom za pečenje u zagrijani lonac i pecite poklopljeno 30 minuta. Nakon 30 minuta maknite poklopac i pecite otklopljeno još 10 minuta da se uhvati lijepa korica. Preselite kruh na rešetku i pustite da se skroz ohladi prije nego ga krenete rezati.

No-Knead Mixed Corn Bread / Miješani kukuruzni kruh koji se ne mijesi