quick meal

Braised Sauerkraut and Crushed Potatoes / Dinstano kiselo zelje i restani krumpir

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , Leave a comment

As much as I love and appreciate winter holidays, I am somewhat relieved that the shebang is over and I am slowly adjusting to my normal routine. After a month of gluttony, sloth and money spending, it’s nice to have some structure again. I’m also happy to have this vast clear slate of 2016 in front of me. So many possibilities!

And you might ask yourself if we really need another sauerkraut recipe around. Absolutely! More than anything. You can whip this dish up so fast that it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. IMGP4378

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 servings / 1.36 EUR/ 5.45 EUR for all)

For crushed potatoes:

1 kg potatoes (0.93 EUR)

2 tbsp vegetable oil (0.01 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

For braised sauerkraut:

1 large onion (0.10 EUR)

1 tbsp vegetable oil (0.01 EUR)

2 spicy sausages (2.00 EUR)

500 g shredded sauerkraut (2.00 EUR)

1 large apple, peeled and grated (0.27 EUR)

1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil (0.03 EUR)

1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (0.07 EUR)

1 cup water (–)

Salt and pepper to taste (0.01 EUR) IMGP4379

METHOD:

Wash potatoes under running water, giving them a good scrub and leaving skins intact. In a large pot, cover potatoes with clean water and place on high heat. When the water boils, reduce heat to medium and cook with lid cracked open for 20-25 minutes, until softened.

IMGP4382

Preheat oven to 220°C. Give potatoes good rinse under cold water, until cool enough to handle and peel. Using a potato masher, slightly crush the potatoes, stir in oil, salt and pepper and spread over baking tray. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden crust starts forming, giving them a good stir once or twice during baking.

Meanwhile, finely dice the onion and place on high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, to cook until slightly translucent, for about 2-3 minutes. Chop sausages into coins, add to onion and saute for about 5 minutes. Add in sauerkraut, grated apple, pumpkin seed oil, paprika and water, giving everything a good stir. When things come to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer with lid cracked open for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a bit water if necessary. Taste to adjust seasoning and serve with crushed potatoes.IMGP4384

Koliko god volim zimske praznike, u neku ruku mi je olakšanje činjenica da je sve to iza nas pa se sada polako vraćam u normalnu rutinu. Nakon mjesec dana prežderavanja, ljenčarenja i trošenja novaca, lijepo je opet imati neku strukturu u životu. Također me veseli imati pred sobom ovu cijelu praznu 2016. godinu. I sve te mogućnosti!

Možda se pitate da li nam zaista treba još jedno jelo sa kiselim zelje. Apsolutno! Sada više nego ikada. Ovo jelo možete na brzinu smutiti tako da je savršeno za brzi objed usred tjedna.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 porcije / 10,22 kn po porciji / 40,86 kn za sve)

Za restani krumpir:

1 kg krumpira (7,00 kn)

2 žlice suncokretovog ulja (0,10 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,10 kn)

Za dinstano kiselo zelje:

1 veliki luk (0,75 kn)

1 žlica suncokretovog ulja (0,05 kn)

2 kobasice češnjovke (15,00 kn)

500 g rezanog kiselog zelja (15,00 kn)

1 velika jabuka, oguljena i naribana (2,00 kn)

1 žlica bučinog ulja (0,25 kn)

1 žlica slatke crvene paprike (0,50 kn)

1 šalica vode (–)

Sol i papar po potrebi (0,10 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Dobro operite krumpire pod tekućom vodom i ostavite na njima kore. Stavite u dubok lonac, prekrijte sa čistom vodom i stavite da se kuha na jakoj vatri. Kada voda zakipi, smanjite vatru na srednje i kuhajte sa odškrinutim poklopcem 20-25 minuta, dok krumpiri ne omekšaju.

Zagrijte pećnicu na 220°C. Isperite krumpire pod hladnom vodom dok nisu dovoljno hladni da njima možete rukovati, pa ih ogulite. Sa gnječilicom za pire malo zgnječite krumpire, dodajte ulje, sol i papar pa ih raširite po plehu za pečenje. Pecite 30 minuta, dok se ne uhvati zlatna korica, a promiješajte ih jednom ili dva puta tokom pečenja.

U međuvremenu, sitno nasjeckajte luk i sa žlicom suncokretovog ulja stavite na jaku vatru i kuhajte dok ne postane staklast, jedno 2-3 minute. Kobasice narežite na novčiće pa dodajte luku i dinstajte oko 5 minuta. Dodajte kiselo zelje, naribanu jabuku, bučino ulje, crvenu papriku i vodu pa sve dobro promiješajte. Kada zavrije, smanjite vatru na srednje-nisku i sa odškrinutim poklopcem kuhajte uz povremeno miješanje 30 minuta. Po potrebi dodajte mrvicu vode. Kada je gotovo, kušajte i začinite po potrebi pa poslužite sa restanim krumpirom.

Braised Sauerkraut and Crushed Potatoes / Dinstano kiselo zelje i restani krumpir

Lentil and Corn Stew / Varivo od leće i kukuruza

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , , 1 Comment

I came up with this because I needed something to stuff into sort of tacos I was making but didn’t feel like waiting for 3 hours for beans to cook. Then I figured, why not just use lentils instead? I mean, it’s a legume and is done in 15 minutes. The outcome was just as hearty and tasty. Naturally, I felt like I’ve won at life. IMGP4409

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 generous servings / 0.60 EUR per serving / 2.40 EUR for all)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

1 large onion (0.10 EUR)

2 large carrots (0.07 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.09 EUR)

1 cup lentils (0.40 EUR)

1 500 g box tomato puree (0.67 EUR)

1 bay leaf (0.01 EUR)

1 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika (0.07 EUR)

½ tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (0.01 EUR)

1 can corn (0.80 EUR)

Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (0.13 EUR) IMGP4411

METHOD:

Finely dice onion, add with tablespoon of oil to a pot to saute on high for a few minutes, until softened. Add diced carrot and minced garlic and cook for two to three minutes. Meanwhile, pick through lentils and rinse well in a colander. Then stir in lentils together with onion and carrot and saute for just a minute. Pour over tomato puree, add bay leaf, paprika, salt and pepper and cook on medium high for fifteen minutes, until lentils are cooked through, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of water if necessary. When lentils are cooked, add in corn and parsley, stir well and serve. IMGP4412

 

Ovo sam jelo smislila jer mi je trebalo neki filer za tacose koje sam radila, a nije mi se dalo čekati 3 sata da se skuha grah. Onda mi je sinulo da umjesto graha upotrijebim leću. Zašto ne? Također je mahunarka, a gotova je za 15 minuta. Rezultat je bio jako zasitan i ukusan. Naravno, odma sam se osjećala kao da sam pobijedila u životu.

 

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 izdašne porcije / 4,50 kn po porciji / 18,00 za sve)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

1 veliki luk (0,75 kn)

2 velike mrkve (0,50 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (0,70 kn)

1 šalica leće (3,00 kn)

1 pakiranje od 500 g pasirane rajčice (5,00 kn)

1 lovorov list (0,10 kn)

1 žlica slatke paprike (0,50 kn)

½ žličice soli (0,01 kn)

½ žličice svježeg mljevenog crnog papra (0,10 kn)

1 limenka kukuruza (6,00 kn)

Pregršt svježeg peršina, sitno nasjeckanog (1,00 kn)

 

PRIPREMA:

Sitno nasjeckajte luk pa na jakoj vatri dinstajte na žlici ulja nekoliko minuta, dok ne omekša. Dodajte narezanu mrkvu i nasjeckani češnjak pa kuhajte dvije-tri minute. U međuvremenu, proberite leću, isperite u cjedilu pod mlazom vode i ubacite sa mrkvom i lukom na minutu. Onda umiješajte pasiranu rajčicu, lovorov list, papriku, sol i papar pa kuhajte na srednje jakoj vatri 15 minuta dok se leće ne skuha do kraja, uz povremeno miješanje i dodavanje malo vode po potrebi. Kada je leća gotova ubacite kukuruz i peršin, dobro sve promiješajte i poslužite.

Lentil and Corn Stew / Varivo od leće i kukuruza

Protein Packed Lentil and Tuna Salad / Proteinska salata od leće i tune

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , Leave a comment

I don’t know about you, but I could sure step away from the carbs for second, with holiday season being in full swing and cookies and other sweet temptations lurching to get me behind every corner. This tuna salad is just the thing. It’s simple, yet filling and delicious. And not drenched in mayo, like majority of tuna salads mostly are. Not that I have anything against mayo, on the contrary. But I’m trying to keep things with this on the healthier side of the spectrum.

IMGP4373

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 generous servings / 1.13 EUR per serving / 2.26 EUR for all)

½ cup of dried lentils (0.27 EUR)

1 bay leaf (0.01 EUR)

Two pinches of salt, divided (0.01 EUR)

Two pinches of freshly ground black pepper, divided (0.01 EUR)

1 medium onion (0.09 EUR)

Bunch of fresh parsley (0.13 EUR)

1 can of tuna chunks in brine (1.60 EUR)

¼ tsp garlic powder (0.03 EUR)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (0.07 EUR)

IMGP4376

METHOD:

Pick through dried lentils, wash in colander and add to pot with bay leaf, pinch of salt, pinch of black pepper and about 2-3 cups of water. Simmer the lentils for 15 minutes on medium heat, until cooked through. Rinse well under running cold water and drain.

Meanwhile, finely dice the onion, chop parsley and add to drained lentils together with drained tuna chunks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil and lemon juice, stir well, taste to adjust seasoning and serve.

This salad keeps well for a couple of days, if stored in fridge in an airtight container. IMGP4377

Ne znam za vas, ali meni bi dobro došlo da se na sekundu maknem od ugljikohidrata sada kad smo usred blagdanske sezone, a keksi i drugi slatkiši vrebaju iza svakog ugla. Ova salata od tune prava je stvar. Jednostavna je, a opet zasitna i ukusna. I ne pliva u majonezi, kao većina ostalih salata od tune. Nije da imam nešto protiv majoneze, sasvim naprotiv. Ali trudim se da ovo jelo zadržim na zdravijoj strani spektra.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 izdašne porcije / 8,49 kn po porciji / 16,99 kn za sve)

½ šalice sušene leće (2,00 kn)

1 lovorov listopad (0,10 kn)

Dva prstohvata soli, podijeljena (0,01 kn)

Dva prstohvata svježe mljevenog crnog papra, podijeljena (0,10 kn)

1 srednji luk (0,70 kn)

Pregršt svježeg peršina (1,00 kn)

1 limenka komada tune u salamuri (12,00 kn)

¼ žličice češnjaka u prahu (0,25 kn)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

1 žlica zvježe iscijeđenog soka od limuna (0,50 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Proberite sušenu leću, isperite u cjedilu i stavite u lonac sa lovorovim listom, prstohvatom soli, prstohvatom papra i 2-3 šalice vode. Kuhajte leću na umjerenoj vatri oko 15 minuta, dok se skroz ne skuha. Dobro isperite pod tekućom hladnom vodom i ocijedite.

U međuvremenu sitno nasjeckajte luk i peršin pa pomiješajte sa ocijeđenom lećom i ocijeđenim komadima tune. Začinite solju, paprom, češnjakom u prahu, maslinovim uljem i sokom od limuna, dobro promiješajte, pa kušajte da prilagodite začine i poslužite.

Ova salata može stajati nekoliko dana u frižideru u hermetički zatvorenoj posudi.

Protein Packed Lentil and Tuna Salad / Proteinska salata od leće i tune

Mushrooms with Chili Scrambled Eggs / Gljive i kajgana sa čilijem

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

I love mushrooms and I love scrambled eggs, but cooking them together often results with eggs swishing in mushroom water. And that’s pretty yucky. So I’ve decided to deconstruct the mushroom scrambled eggs and make two separate dishes.Which is also a breeze, as it all cooks fairly quickly. Plus, you can use the same pan and thus have less to clean up. And there you have a perfect weekend breakfast or weekday dinner. IMGP3964

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 1.67 EUR per serving / 3.34 EUR for all)

For the mushrooms:

1 tbsp vegetable oil (0.01 EUR)

1 medium leek (0.13 EUR)

1 small onion (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp butter (0.27 EUR)

250 g cremini mushrooms (0.73 EUR)

100 g shiitake mushrooms (0.93 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Crack of fresh black pepper (0.01 EUR)

Handful of fresh parsley (0.13 EUR)

For chili scramble:

1 tbsp vegetable oil (0.01 EUR)

2 small chili peppers (0.13 EUR)

4 large eggs (0.80 EUR)

½ cup milk (0.10 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

IMGP3963

METHOD:

Wash and finely chop leek, onion, parsley and chili. Cut mushrooms in thin stripes. Heat a skillet with tablespoon of oil, add leek and onion and sauté for a minute or two on high. Add butter, mushrooms, salt and pepper and stir well. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms cook down and most of their liquid evaporates. Remove from heat, fold in fresh parsley and set aside on a plate.

IMGP3966

Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and place on medium heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add diced chili and sauté for a minute or two. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk eggs with milk and a pinch of salt. Pour eggs over chili and gently fold with a spatula for up to a minute, until cooked through. Serve immediately.

Obožavam gljive i obožavam kajganu, ali kada ih kuham zajedno rezultat su često jaja koja se bljućkaju u vodici od gljiva. A to je poprilično gadno. Zato sam odlučila rastaviti kajganu s gljivama na dva zasebna jela. Što je također brzo gotovo jer se sve za čas skuha. Osim toga, možete iskoristiti istu tavu i uštediti na čišćenju. I tako imate savršeni vikend doručak ili tjednu večeru.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 12,42 kn po porciji / 24,84 kn za sve)

Za gljive:

1 žlica ulja (0,01 kn)

1 srednji poriluk (1,00 kn)

1 mali luk (0,50 kn)

2 žlice maslaca (2,00 kn)

250 g smeđih šampinjona (5,50 kn)

100 g shiitaka (7,00 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,05 kn)

Pregršt svježeg peršina (1,00 kn)

Za čili kajganu:

1 žlica ulja (0,01 kn)

2 male čili papričice (1,00 kn)

4 jaja (6,00 kn)

½ šalice mlijeka (0,75 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Operite i fino nasjeckajte poriluk, luk, peršin i čili. Narežite gljive na listiće. Zagrijte tavu sa žlicom ulja, pa dodajte poriluk i luk i dinstajte minutu-dvije na jakoj vatri. Dodajte maslac, gljive, sol i papar i dobro promiješajte. Kuhajte nekoliko minuta uz povremeno miješanje dok većina tekućine iz gljiva ne ispari. Umiješajte svježi peršin pa odložite na stranu na tanjuru.

Obrišite tavu papirnatim ručnikom, dodajte žlicu ulja i stavite na srednje jaku vatru. Dodajte sitno narezani čili i pirjajte minutu-dvije. U međuvremenu, u maloj zdjelici razmitite jaja sa mlijekom i solju. Prelijte jaja preko čilija, pa špatulom nježno preklapajte do jedne minute, dok se ne skuhaju. Poslužite odmah.

Mushrooms with Chili Scrambled Eggs / Gljive i kajgana sa čilijem

Cream of Broccoli and Jerusalem Artichoke Soup / Krem juha od brokule i čičoka

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , Leave a comment

This soup is so creamy and rich you’ll have a hard time constraining yourself from polishing off the whole pot. I mean, you totally don’t need any excuses at all, just have all the soup you’d like. I know I did. This soup is also 100% vegan. I just can’t get it around my head how quickly it cooks and how little ingredients it took, so I know this one will be a keeper for sure.

So without further ado, here’s the recipe.

IMGP4065

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 generous servings / 0.62 EUR per serving / 2.47 EUR for all)

6 medium to large bulbs of Jerusalem artichokes (1.33 EUR)

1 large head of broccoli, florets only (0.80 EUR)

1 small onion (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.09 EUR)

4 garlic cloves, minced (0.09 EUR)

1 tbsp tomato paste (0.07 EUR)

4 cups of water (–)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Crack of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

IMGP4075

METHOD:

Wash, peel and roughly dice Jerusalem artichokes. Wash broccoli florets and set aside. Finely chop the onion, add to pot with olive oil, place on high heat and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for a few seconds. Throw in chopped Jerusalem artichokes, broccoli florets, tomato paste, water, salt and pepper to bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until artichokes soften up. Turn off heat and puree with an immersion blender. Alternatively, allow the soup to cool a bit and run through food processor. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve.

IMGP4078

Ova juhica je tako kremasta i bogata da ćete se teško obuzdati da ne smažete cijeli lonac. Mislim, nije da trebate neku ispriku, slobodno potamanite svu juhu koju želite. Znam da ja jesam. Ova juha je također 100% veganska. Ni samoj mi još uvijek nije jasno kako se tako brzo može skuhati i kako malo sastojaka za nju treba, tako da ću ju sigurno ubrzo opet kuhati.

Bez puno daljnje priče, evo vam recepta.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 izdašne porcije / 4,60 kn po porciji / 18,42 kn za sve)

6 srednjih do velikih čičoka (10,00 kn)

1 velika brokula, samo cvjetići (6,00 kn)

1 manji luk (0,50 kn)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka, sitno nasjeckana (0,70 kn)

1 žlica koncentrata od rajčice (0,50 kn)

4 šalice vode (–)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,05 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Operite, ogulite i grubo narežite čičoke. Operite cvjetiće brokule i stavite na stranu. Fino nasjeckajte luk, stavite u lonac sa maslinovim uljem, pa pirjajte na jakoj vatri 2-3 minute dok ne postane staklast. Dodajte nasjeckani češnjak i miješajte nekoliko sekundi. Ubacite u lonac narezane čičoke, brokulu, koncentrat rajčice, vodu, sol i papar, pa pustite da sve zavrije. Smanjite vatru na srednje jaku i kuhajte 15-20 minuta, dok čičoke ne omekšaju. Maknite s vatre i štapnim mikserom sve ispasirajte. Možete također pustiti da se juha malo ohladi pa sve ispasirati u multipraktiku. Kušajte, po potrebi prilagodite začine i poslužite.

Cream of Broccoli and Jerusalem Artichoke Soup / Krem juha od brokule i čičoka

Kabocha Squash and Pomegranate Salad / Salata sa kabocha tikvom i narom

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , 4 Comments

We Croats are not a big squash eating nation. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that squashes were mainly grown as pig food. Sure, we have a few old local recipes, but foods like pumpkin pie, soup or roast squash would only be looked down on with utter suspicion. But, we entered the 21st century, after all, and squashes are migrating more and more onto our tables. Supermarkets are also flooded with many squash varieties, so we’re experimenting and expanding our horizons.

IMGP4018

This salad is a real autumn treat. The pomegranate seeds give it a nice crisp and roasted Kabocha makes it hearty and filling. Oh, and if you’re wondering what to do with leftover pomegranate seeds, fear not. Here is a muffin recipe that you can quickly whip up. You’re welcome. 🙂

IMGP4032

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 2 servings / 1.03 EUR per serving / 2.06 EUR for all)

½ small Kabocha squash (0.67 EUR)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Crack of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

10 leaves of chicory salad (0.40 EUR)

2 handfuls of rocket salad (0.40 EUR)

1 small onion (0.07 EUR)

2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (0.13 EUR)

For the dressing:

1 tbsp mustard (0.07 EUR)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

1-2 tbsp lemon juice – from ½ a lemon (0.13 EUR)

2 tbsp yogurt – use non-dairy for vegan version (0.07 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Crack of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

IMGP4034

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. Wash squash, halve, discard seeds and carefully cut into half-moons, keeping the skin intact. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper, spread on prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, until softened and slightly charred. Allow to cool slightly.

IMGP4035

Meanwhile, wash and roughly chop chicory and toss together with washed rocket. Pat to dry or use a salad spinner and divide salads between two plates. Thinly slice onion, placing on bed of salad, topped then with cooled Kabocha.

Assemble dressing in a small bowl by whisking together mustard and olive oil until frothy. Add lemon juice, yogurt, salt and pepper and whisk until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle salad with dressing and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

IMGP4037

Mi Hrvati nismo baš neki narod od tikvi. To vjerojatno ima puno veze sa činjenicom da su se tikve uglavnom koristile kao hrana za pajceke. Naravno, imamo par starinskih narodnih recepata (bućnica!), ali na jela kao što su pita od bundeve, juha ili pečena bundeva gleda se sa sumnjom i nepovjerenjem. Ali, ipak smo ušli u 21. stoljeće i tikve sve više migriraju prema našim stolovima. Supermarketi su prepravljeni šarenilom i izborom tikvi, a mi pokušavamo eksperimentirati i širiti svoje horizonte.

Ova salata je prava jesenska poslastica. Sjemenke nara daju joj divnu hrskavost, a pečena kabocha je zasitna i izdašna. A ako se pitate što ćete sa sjemenkama nara koje vam ostanu, ne brinite. Evo vam jedan recept za mafine koje možete za čas smutiti. Nema na čemu. 🙂

SASTOJCI:

(Za 2 porcije / 7,64 kn po porciji / 15,28 kn za sve)

½ male Kabocha tikve (5,00 kn)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,05 kn)

10 listova endivije (3,00 kn)

2 pregršta rukole (3,00 kn)

1 mali luk (0,50 kn)

2 žlice sjemenki nara (1,00 kn)

Za dresing:

1 žlica senfa (0,50 kn)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

1-2 žlice soka od limuna, od ½ limuna (1,00 kn)

2 žlice jogurta, za vegansku verziju koristiti jogurt od soje ili orašastih plodova (0,50 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,05 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pečnicu na 200°C. Obložite protvan za pečenje masnim papirom i stavite na stranu. Operite i prepolovite tikvu, izvadite sjemenke, pa oprezno skupa sa kožom narežite na polumjesece. Pomiješajte sa žlicom ulja, solju i paprom, raširite po pripremljenom protvanu pa pecite 30 minuta, dok ne tikva ne omekša i ne karamelizira se po rubovima. Pustite da se malo ohladi.

U međuvremenu, operite i grubo narežite endiviju, pa pomiješajte sa opranom rukolom. Lagano posušite sa kuhinjskim ručnikom ili izvrtite u cjedilu za salatu, pa podijelite salatu na dva tanjura. Tanko narežite luk i poslažite po salati, a po vrhu rasporedite ohlađenu tikvu.

Složite dresing u maloj zdjelici, tako da istučete senf i maslinovo ulje dok ne postanu pjenasti. Dodajte sok od limuna, jogurt, sol i papar pa miješajte dok se sastojci ne sjedine. Probajte, pa još začinite po potrebi. Pokapajte dresing po salati i na kraju po vrhu razbacajte sjemenke nara. Poslužite odmah.

Kabocha Squash and Pomegranate Salad / Salata sa kabocha tikvom i narom

Baked Squash and Sweet Potato Autumn Soup / Jesenska juha od pečene bundeve i batata

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , Leave a comment

Today we will be baking a soup. Yes, you’ve read this correctly, a soup which comes out of the oven. Incidentally, I had the oven going for some other stuff and thought to myself, why couldn’t I just make a soup in the oven as well? Why, indeed? It’s totally doable. The internet is full of baked potato soup recipes and this is just taking things a step further down the path of lazy. I have zero shame about it, too. In fact, I’m thinking about making a baked mushroom soup next. The possibilities opening before me truly seem endless.

Anyhow, what you will end up here with is a batch of thick yummy paste which you can later take any way you’d like. I’m talking pasta toppings, or stew starters, or just soup. On its own, or with some spinach in, or topped with croutons, or pumpkin seeds, or drizzled with yogurt or cream. It’s like ten meals hiding inside one container of pureed veggies. It’s magic.

IMGP4016

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 10 generous servings / 0.22 EUR per serving / 2.24 EUR for all)

½ small Kabocha squash (0.66 EUR)

2 sweet potatoes (1.07 EUR)

1 large onion (0.10 EUR)

3 large carrots (0.13 EUR)

1 chili pepper (0.07 EUR)

1 small piece of ginger (0.01 EUR)

2 tbsp olive oil (0.08 EUR)

Pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Crack of freshly ground black pepper (0.01 EUR)

4 garlic cloves (0.09 EUR)

Oil or non-spray for coating the pan (0.01 EUR)

IMGP4030

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly grease baking tray or coat with non-stick spray, line with parchment paper and set aside. Wash, peel and roughly chop all the vegetables and leave skins only on whole garlic cloves, as we’re baking those whole with skins intact. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper in prepared baking tray, arrange whole unpeeled garlic cloves among vegetable chunks and bake for 30-45 minutes, until vegetables soften and slightly caramelize. My tray was placed in lower third of the oven as I was baking something above, so the veggies got nice and charred on the bottom.

IMGP4038

Allow vegetables to cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic cloves out of their skins and working in batches, run everything in your food processor until smooth and creamy. You might want to add a cup of water for smoother texture and also run things in batches if you have a tiny food processor like me.

IMGP4041

For finishing soup, mix two heaping tablespoons of paste with one cup of water and bring to a rolling boil and then serve. Or just store the paste in your fridge or freezer in an airtight container.

IMGP4057

I intentionally made seasoning pretty mild so the final soup can later be customized to wish. However, my chilies were insanely hot, so I suggest you only add one chili at a time, or you too might have a real kick with your soup.

IMGP4061

Danas ćemo peći juhu. Da, da, dobro ste pročitali, radimo juhu u pećnici. Naime, desilo se to tako da mi je pećnica već gorila radi nekih drugih stvari, pa sam pomislila, zašto ne bi mogla napraviti i juhu u pećnici? Zaista, zašto ne? Totalno je izvedivo. Internet je krcat receptima za juhu od pečenih krumpira. Ovo je samo korak dalje prema putu lijenosti. Uopće se zbog toga ni ne sramim. Zapravo, već planiram raditi juhu od pečenih gljiva. Mogućnosti koje su mi se otvorile čine se beskrajnima.

Uglavnom, ono što ćete dobiti je gusta fina krema sa kojom kasnije možete raditi svašta. Kao recimo upotrijebiti kao sos za tjesteninu, ili početak nekog finog gulaša, ili jesti samo kao juhu. Čistu juhicu, ili sa špinatom, ili sa krutonima, ili bučinim sjemenkama, ili pokapanu sa jogurtom ili vrhnjem. To je kao čarobni paket od deset jela u jednom.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 10 izdašnih porcija / 1,68 kn po porciji / 16,78 kn za sve)

½ male kabocha tikve (5,00 kn)

2 batata (8,00 kn)

1 veći luk (0,75 kn)

3 velike mrkve (1,00 kn)

1 čili papričica (0,50 kn)

1 mali komadić đumbira (0,10 kn)

2 žlice maslinovog ulja (0,66 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Prstohvat svježe mljevenog crnog papra (0,05 kn)

4 češnja češnjaka (0,70 kn)

Ulje za premazati posudu za pečenje (0,01 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pećnicu na 200°C. Namastite posudu za pečenje i obložite masnim papirom i stavite na stranu. Operite, ogulite i grubo nasijecite svo povrće, osim češnjaka, jer ćemo njega peći cijelog u ljusci. U pripremljenoj posudi za pečenje pomiješajte povrće sa maslinovim uljem, soli i paprom, pa među povrćem razmjestite i češnjak. Pecite 30-45 minuta, dok povrće ne omekša i ne postane blago karamelizirano. Moj protvan je bio u donjoj trećini pećnice jer sam gore pekla nešto drugo, pa se zato lijepa korica uhvatila sa donje strane.

Pustite da se sve malo ohladi, istisnite češnjak iz ljuski i sve ispasirajte u multipraktiku do kremaste teksture. Možete slobodno dodati šalicu vode da se lakše propasira, a po protrebi i ovisno o veličini vašeg multipraktika, možda ćete morati sve podijeliti u par tura.

Da zgotovite juhu, pomiješajte oko 2 žlice paste sa jednom šalicom vode i stavite da zakuha, pa poslužite. Ili jednostavno spremite pastu za kasnije u hermetički zatvorenoj posudi u hladnjaku ili zamrzivaču.

Baked Squash and Sweet Potato Autumn Soup / Jesenska juha od pečene bundeve i batata

Spaghetti Squash with Mixed Veggie Salsa / Špageti tikva sa šalšom od miješanog povrća

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

I’ve never had spaghetti squash up to now. I know, I know, I’ve been living under a rock. But, once I’ve finally had it, I’m so making it again because it’s wonderful and flavourful and also a fantastic way to ditch carbs in a meal. Not to mention, cheap and low maintenance, so you can just dump everything in the oven to bake and go about your business.

Oh, and in my initial batch I’ve made enough sauce for at least four meals, so I’m going to half the amount for you, since small squash would make two generous servings and this way you won’t end up with leftover sauce.

IMGP3826

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields two generous servings / 0.91 EUR per serving / 1.83 EUR for all)

For the squash:

1 small spaghetti squash (0.93 EUR)

3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced (0.06 EUR)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

Good pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (0.01 EUR)

For the sauce:

1 small onion (0.07 EUR)

1 small red bell pepper (0.01 EUR)

1 small chilli pepper (0.13 EUR)

1 large carrot (0.03 EUR)

¼ tsp salt (0.01 EUR)

2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika (0.01 EUR)

2 tsp corn starch (0.01 EUR)

¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (0.01 EUR)

1 can diced tomatoes (0.47 EUR)

Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (0.03 EUR)

IMGP3831

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line baking tray with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Halve the squash lengthwise using a sharp knife. With a spoon, remove seeds and squishy middle from the squash, place skin down on prepared baking tray and season the inside with sliced garlic, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes, until slightly charred and wrinkled. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 20 minutes, so the skin can loosen up from the flesh. Using a fork separate the flesh from the skin into spaghetti.

IMGP3834

Meanwhile, roughly chop onion, pepper, chilli and carrot. Mix the vegetables well with salt, paprika, corn starch and black pepper in a baking dish and place in the oven together with the squash. Bake for around 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. After 30 minute mark add diced tomatoes, stir once more and return to the oven for additional 10 minutes. Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve spaghetti squash with a dollop of sauce on top.

IMGP3838

Do sada nisam nikad prije jela špageti tikvu. Znam, znam, živim pod kamenom. Ali, sada kada sam ju prvi puta probala, sigurna sam da ću ju raditi opet jer je divna i fina. A i super način da malo smanjim ugljikohidrate. Osim toga, jeftina je i skroz lagana za napraviti jer se sve može samo baciti u pečnicu dok se bavite nekim drugim stvarima.

Kada sam kuhala napravila sam dovoljno umaka za barem četiri porcije, pa ću ovdje za vas sve prepoloviti jer je mala tikva dovoljna za otprilike dva izdašna obroka.

SASTOJCI:

(Za dvije izdašne porcije / 7,22 kn po porciji / 14,45 kn za sve)

Za tikvu:

1 manja špageti tikva (7,00 kn)

3 češnja češnjaka, tanko narezana (0,50 kn)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

Svježeg mljevenog crnog papra po ukusu (0,05 kn)

Za umak:

1 mali luk (0,50 kn)

1 mala crvena paprika roga (0,75 kn)

1 čili papričica (1,00 kn)

1 velika mrkva (0,25 kn)

¼ žličice soli (0,01 kn)

2 žličice slatke crvene paprike (0,10 kn)

2 žličice kukuruznog škroba – Gussnel (0,10 kn)

¼ žličice cvježeg mljevenog crnog papra (0,10 kn)

1 konzerva sjeckanih rajčica (3,50 kn)

Pregršt svježeg peršina, sitno nasjeckanog (0,25 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Zagrijte pečnicu na 200°C. Obložite pleh za pečenje alumijskom folijom za lakše čišćenje. Oštrim nožem uzduž raspolovite tikvu i žlicom odstranite koštice i gnjeckavu sredinu. Položite kožom nadolje na pleh za pečenje, pa unutrašnjost tikve začinite sa narezanim češnjakom, maslinovim uljem, soli i mljevenim crnim paprom. Pecite 40-45 minuta, dok se ne počne loviti korica i tikva se malo ne smežura. Izvadite iz pečnice i ostavite da odstoji 20-tak minuta kako bi se koža otpustila od mesa. Vilicom odstranite meso od kože u špagete.

U međuvremenu, narežite luk, papriku, čili i mrkvu, dobro pomiješajte sa solju, paprikom, kukuruznim škrobom i crnim paprom u manjem protvanu i pecite skupa sa tikvom oko 30 minuta. Nakon 15-tak minuta sve jednom dobro promiješajte. Nakon što istekne 30 minuta, dodajte sjeckane rajčice i sve još jednom dobro promiješajte pa vratite u pećnicu na još 10 minuta. Kada je gotovo, posipajte svježim peršinom.

Špageti tikvu poslužite prelivenu sa umakom.

Spaghetti Squash with Mixed Veggie Salsa / Špageti tikva sa šalšom od miješanog povrća

Poor Man’s Broccoli Soup / Siromahova juha od brokule

Crunch Crunch Away, , , , , Leave a comment

They say necessity is the mother of invention. I was in a mood for a soup, but our pantry and fridge stashes were running on fumes. We were even out of onions and carrots, a few of which can always be found sitting around. After inspecting what was at hand, this is the soup I came up with and it didn’t turn out half as bad either. I imagine it would taste even better with broth, but alas, we were out of broth as well, so water it was.

INGREDIENTS:

(Yields 4 generous servings / 0.52 EUR per serving / 2.08 EUR for whole)

1 tbsp olive oil (0.04 EUR)

2 chili peppers, deseeded and cut thinly (0.26 EUR)

3 cloves of garlic, minced (0.06 EUR)

25 g butter (0.23 EUR)

2 tbsp all-purpose white flour (0.01 EUR)

4 cups warm water (-)

1 pack (450 g) frozen broccoli florets (1.06 EUR)

Good pinch of salt (0.01 EUR)

2 large eggs, whisked (0.40 EUR)

Few drops of toasted sesame oil (0.01 EUR)

IMGP3729

METHOD:

Add olive oil and cut chilies to a pot and sauté on high for a minute or two, until fragrant and a bit softened. Add minced garlic, stir for a minute and then add butter. As soon as the butter melts add flour, stirring constantly until golden brown and it starts smelling nutty. Slowly add warm water (or broth, if you have it around), bit by bit, all the while stirring the mixture in the pot and making sure the flour doesn’t end up clumpy.

Once it comes to a rolling boil, add frozen broccoli florets with a pinch of salt and cook on medium for about 10-15 minutes, until broccoli stalks have softened through. Once cooked, reduce heat to low and slowly drizzle in whisked eggs, stirring gently as you drizzle. Turn off the heat, test for seasoning and serve with a few drops of sesame oil on top.

IMGP3730

Kažu da je nužda majka izuma. Jela mi se juha, ali su nam i špajza i frižider zjapili prazni. Ostali smo čak i bez mrkvi i luka, iako inače uvijek pokoji bude negdje pri ruci. Nakon što sam pregledala raspoložive namirnice, smislila sam juhu koja uopće nije ispala loše. Sigurno bi bila još finija sa temeljcem, ali smo bili i bez temeljca, pa sam upotrijebila običnu vodu.

SASTOJCI:

(Za 4 izdašne porcije / 3,91 kn po porciji / 15,65 kn za sve)

1 žlica maslinovog ulja (0,33 kn)

2 čili papričice, bez sjemenki i tanko narezane (2,00 kn)

3 češnja češnjaka, mljevena (0,50 kn)

25 g maslaca (1,75 kn)

2 žlice oštrog pšeničnog brašna (0,01 kn)

4 šalice tople vode (-)

1 paket (450 g) smrznutih cvjetića brokule (8,00 kn)

Prstohvat soli (0,01 kn)

2 velika jaja, razmućena (3,00 kn)

Par kapi tostiranog sezamovog ulja (0,05 kn)

PRIPREMA:

Stavite ulje i narezane čilije u lonac i pirjajte na jakoj vatri minutu-dvije, dok malo ne omekšaju i zamiriše. Dodajte mljeveni češnjak, miješajte minutu i onda dodajte maslac. Čim se sav maslac otopi dodajte brašno i stalno miješajte dok ne postane smećkasto i ne počne mirišati. Polako dodajte toplu vodu (ili temeljac, ako ga koristite), malo po malo, uz stalno miješanje, kako brašno ne bi bilo grudasto.

Kada zakipi ubacite smrznute cvjetiće brokule i posolite, pa kuhajte 10-15 minuta dok stabljike brokule ne omekšaju. Kad je brokula kuhana smanjite vatru pa polako sipajte razmućena jaja, miješajući nježno. Skinite s vatre, dodajte začina po potrebi i poslužite pokapano sa sezamovim uljem.

Poor Man’s Broccoli Soup / Siromahova juha od brokule