Tarator (Cold Cucumber Soup) December 13, 2009

Tarator

Ingredients:

2 c. Balkan yogurt

1 c. cold water

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

2 c. English cucumber, minced

1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

1 tbsp. dill. coarsely chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. walnuts, coarsely chopped

Crush garlic and salt together in a large bowl, set aside. Whisk yogurt and cold water in a separate bowl. Then mix with the garlic and salt mixture. Add minced cucumber, dill, olive oil and walnuts. Chill before serving.

*This is my ode to summer. It is a typical Bulgarian summer soup. I have a learned to love it and it just reminds me of summer every time we have it. I like it more creamy but most Bulgarians make it with the same ratio 2 c. water and 2 c. yogurt.  Sometimes they add ice before serving but I prefer chilling it before serving. It’s good with Rakia or Grappa. enJOY with JOY!

Creamy Spinach and Leek Dip November 20, 2009

Creamy Spinach and Leek Dip

Ingredients:

1 c. light  mayonnaise

1 pkg Knorr Cream of Leek Soup Mix

1 c. sour cream or plain yogurt

1/2 pkg. frozen spinach

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients. Bake uncovered st 350F for 25 minutes or until heated through.

*I usually use Hellman’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise and Balkan plain yogurt instead of sour cream. It taste perfectly and a crowd pleaser.

Spicy Mussels with Oyster Sauce November 6, 2007

800 grams Frozen New Zealand Greenshell Mussels

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup chopped onions

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1/2 cup green onions

1 tsp. chilli flakes

1 tsp. pickled hot peppers, chopped

1 tbsp. Oyster Sauce

1-2 tbsp. white wine

salt and pepper to taste

Defrost  and clean the mussels. Using a knife seperate the meat from the shell. Saute the garlic, onions for 10 mins. Add the mussels, hot peppers, chilli flakes, salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for 3  mins then add white wine and oyster sauce. Simmer for 3-5 mins then topped with green onions.

* You can use fresh mussels if it’s in season. If you’re not into spicy dishes you can always adjust the spicies. Good with chilled white wine. enJOY!