Mexican Black Bean, Corn, Capsicum and Avocado Salad

It looks nicely colourful and it's delicious. You can serve it as vegetarian meal or side dish / salad. Would look good on Christmas table too!

Ingredients:

2 cans black beans  (or 1 cup dry, presoaked, cooked), rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (frozen OK), cooked

1 red capsicum, diced

1 red chilli( long/mild), diced

4-6 spring onions, sliced (or 1 Spanish onion, diced)

1/2 bunch coriander leaves, sliced

1 lime, juice and zest

1/3 cup olive oil

2 avocados, diced

salt, sugar and pepper to taste

cayenne pepper (optional) to taste 

Method:

Mix all ingredients (except avocado) 2-3 hours before serving, season and leave in fridge. Just before serving, dice avocado and mix in. Enjoy!

Meksička Grah Salata sa Avokadom, Kukuruzom i Paprikom 

Izgleda lijepo saroliko i pikantna je. Mozete je servirati kao vegetarijanski obrok ili kao prilog / salatu. Izgledala bi lijepo i na Bozicnoj trpezi.

Potrebno:

2 konzerve crnog graha (ili 1 solja suhog, natopljen i skuhan), ispranog

1 solja kukuruznih zrna (smznuti mogu), skuhani

1 crvena mesnata paprika, sjeckana na kockice

1 cili papricica, crvena blago ljuta, sjeckana

4-6 kom. mladog luka, sjeckana (ili 1 ljubicasti luk, sjeckan)

1/2 vezice korijander lisca, sjeckano

1 limeta, sok i ribana korica

1/3 solje maslinovog ulja

2 avokada, sjeckan na kockice

so, secer i biber prema ukusu

kajen biber (opciono) prema ukusu

Nacin:

Pomijesajte sve sastojke, osim avokada, na 2-3 sata prije sluzenja i zacinite. Promijesajte i ostavite u frizider. Neposredno prije sluzenja isijecite avokado i umijesajte laganim pokretima. Sluzite i uzivajte.

'Leskovacka Muckalica'- Serbian Pork and Capsicum Stew

Leskovac is a city of southern Serbia. They're famous for producing beautiful red (bullhorn) peppers (capsicums) and their love for grilled meat. Each year in beginning of September, main streets are closed for traffic for 5 days and 'Rostiljijada' ( grilling / barbecuing festival) begins.
The following recipe is product of  grilled leftovers and most loved vegetables from this part of the world. Any grilled meat can be used, but pork is always favourite in this city. The distinctive flavour comes from wood fired smoke, which penetrate the meat during cooking and also from char grilled peppers. For authentic experience, the meal is cooked in a clay / stone pot.  Divine!

Ingredients:
1 - 1,5 kg pork  (bbq leftovers, or specifically grilled for this recipe)
200 g smoked bacon, sliced
4-5 onions, diced
2 tbs oil (or lard)
6-8 garlic cloves
1 kg red bullhorn peppers / capsicums, grilled or oven cooked, peeled
1 can tomatoes (or 4-6 diced tomatoes)
chilly powder / flakes, or dried hot peppers, to taste
salt and black pepper, to taste

Method:
Grill seasoned  meat; leave large pieces (which will be sliced later), or thread cubes onto skewers (adding a few bacon slices between). Wood fired bbq is most desirable for this.
Grill capsicums (or bake in oven) until skin blistered and partially blackened. Place them into a plastic bag to slightly cool, then take out and peel the skin. Slice them and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan, add bacon and onions. Cook until onions slightly change colour. Add garlic, tomatoes, capsicums and meat. Mix well and season to taste. Cover and place in oven for 45+ minutes, on 160-180*C. Take the lid off for the last 10 minutes, if you want more coloured top. Serve with bread and green salad.




Leskovac je grad u juznoj Srbiji. Poznat je po proizvodnji divnih duguljastih crvenih paprika ('roge / silje') i po ljubavi prema mesu sa rostilja / grila. Svake godine, pocetkom septembra, glavne ulice se zatvaraju za saobracaj na 5 dana i 'Rostiljijada' pocinje.
Sljedeci recept je nastao kao potreba za iskoristenjem preostalog mesa sa rostilja i Leskovackog najdrazeg povrca. Bilo koje meso moze biti koristeno, ali svinjetina je ovdje uvijek najradje koristena. Specifican ukus dolazi od dima sa vatre (drvo), koja penetrira meso i takodje od pecenih paprika. Za autentican dozivljaj, obrok je kuhan u glinenoj / kamenoj posudi. Bozanstveno!

Potrebno:
1-1,5 kg svinjetine (ostatke sa rostilja, ili posebno pecene za ovu priliku)
200 gr dimljene prosarene slanine, sjeckane
4-5 glavica crvenog luka, sjeckanog
2 K ulja (ili masti)
6-8 cena bijelog luka, cjeckanog
1 kg crvenih paprika (pecenih i oguljenih)
1 konzerva paradajza u soku (ili 4-6 sjeckanih svjezih)
Prah ljute paprike ili susena ljuta papricica, po ukusu
so i crni biber, po ukusu

Nacin:
Meso zasolite i ispecite na rostilju (vatra od drva daje najbolju aromu); ostavite vece komade, ili izrezite na kockice i nanizite (sa malo slanine) na drvene stapice. Paprike ispecite i ogulite. Isjeckajte i ostavite po strani.
Zagrijte ulje, proprzite luk i slaninu. Dodajte paprike, bijeli luk, paradajz i meso. Promijesajte, provjerite ukus. Poklopite i stavite u rernu na 160-180*C, oko 45+ minuta. Otklopite zadnjih 10 minuta, ako zelite bolje zapeceno po povrsini. Servirajte sa hljebom i zelenom salatom.

Chicken Cacciatore

My electrical pan became real hero, during renovation. I've been using it very often  last month, since putting together my new kitchen took longer  than planned. This is one of many meals I prepared in it. 

I have to say, I heard about Chicken Cacciatore before, but never tried making it. Now, it is on  the list of my family favourites - we've all been delighted by taste.

Ingredients:

1 kg chicken pieces; breasts and thighs are best (with skin/bone, please)

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 cup flour

3 tbs olive oil

1 large (red) capsicum, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed

3/4 cup white wine

1 can diced tomatoes

3/4 cup chicken broth

3 tbs drained capers, chopped if large

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves

1/4 cup fresh  basil leaves,  chopped

Method:

Heat some oil in a pan. Season chicken pieces, dust with flour (or shake them together  in a bag). Seal the meat on both sides; take out and put aside.

Pour more oil in same pan, add onion, garlic and capsicum. Saute for few minutes, then add chicken and other ingredients. Cover and cook for 30-45 minutes. Sprinkle with basil leaves when done. 

Serve with crusty bread, cous-cous,  rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, polenta...your choice!

Piletina Cacciatore

Moja elektricna tava je postala pravi heroj u toku renoviranja.  Veoma cesto sam je koristila prosli mjesec, jer je posao oko nove kuhinje neplanski produzen. Ovo je jedan od obroka koje sam pripremala u njoj.
Moram da kazem da sam cula za 'Cacciatore' piletinu, ali je nikad ranije nisam probala praviti. Poslije ovog prvog pokusaja, recept je odmah zavrsio na listi porodicnih favorita - svi smo se odusevili okusom!

Potrebno:

1 kg pilecih dijelova, prsa i karabataci su najbolji (sa kozom / kostima molim)

2 k soli

1 k crnog bibera, svjeze mljevenog

1/2 solje brasna

3 K maslinovog ulja

1 veca crvena paprika, sjecena na kocke

1 crveni luk, sjeckan

3 cena bijelog luka, protisnuta / sjeckana

3/4 solje bijelog vina

3 K kapara, sjeckanih ako su velike

1 1/2 k suhog origana

1/4 solje listova svjezeg bosiljka, sjecenih

Nacin:

Zagrijte nesto ulja i prodinstajte piletinu, koju ste prethodno zacinili solju i biberom i uvaljali u brasno. Izvadite i ostavite po strani. Dodajte jos ulja, prodinstajte luk, papriku i bijeli luk. Vratite piletinu nazad, dodajte ostale sastojke. Poklopite i kuhajte 30-45 minuta. Pospite liscem bosiljka i servirajte sa kuskusom, rizom, pastom, palentom, krompirom ...vas izbor!

                                                         Almost done   /   Skoro zavrsena

Ecuadorian Mango Salsa

For  mango lovers!

Ingredients:

1 medium  Spanish onion, diced

1 tsp salt

2 firm mangoes

1 orange or red  capsicum

1 large chilli (not too hot), chopped

2-3 tbs finely chopped parsley

Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp cumin powder

Method:

Sprinkle onion with salt, let it rest for 15 minutes.

Dice mangoes and capsicum; mix with parsley and chilli. Rinse onion and add to the mixture. Stir citrus juices and cumin; pour over the salsa. Mix well.

Best served with fish and seafood. (Fish in the photo is corn-flour coated bassa fillet, shallow fried)

Ekvadorska Mango Salsa

Za ljubitelje manga!

Potrebno:

1 Ljubicasti luk, sjeckan na kockice
1 k soli
2 cvrsta manga
1 narandzasta ili crvena paprika
1 mala papricica (ne preljuta)
2-3 K persunovog lisca, sjeckanog
sok 1 narandze
sok 1 limete
1 k kima u prahu

Nacin:
Pospite luk sa solju, ostavite po strani 15-ak minuta.
Isjecite mango i papriku. Umijesajte persin i pIsperite luk vodom, ocijedite pa umijesajte i njega. Sastavite sokove citrusa, ubacite kim i promijesajte. Pospite ovo preko salse i promijesajte.
Najbolje servirati sa ribom i morskim plodovima. (Filet ribe na slici je uvaljan u kukuruzno brasno i isprzen)

Bosnian Pot

It was beginning  of October when we returned to my birth town. Weather was still warm, and my parents' garden full of vegetarian goodness. Much loved 'Bosnian Pot' was waiting for us at the table - my mom's creation. According to Wikipedia -" Bosnian Pot (Bosanski Lonac) is an authentic Bosnian culinary speciality, appreciated for its rich taste and flexibility. It is impossible to define the recipe for Bosanski lonac, as there are many variations, but the main ingredients are mostly the same: meat and various vegetables."

Traditionally, it's made in a clay pot, cooked slowly using any vegetable / meat available at the time. 

Some sources show that this kind of food was first created by Bosnian miners, who would dig a hole in ground before their shift, make fire, layer large earthenware pots with chunky cut vegetables and some meat and leave it for 8 hours while they're underground doing their job. The dish became very popular for it's flexibility, 'no attending time' and taste. 

I like Bosnian Pot with lots of potatoes, cabbage, lamb and beef and flavoured with parsley and garlic.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oil

2 onions, chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, chopped 

1/2 kg lamb with bones

1/2 kg beef, chunks

carrots, parsnip, celery

tomatoes (4-6)

6-8 potatoes

2 capsicums

1 eggplant

1/2 small cabage

8-10 black pepper corns  (whole)

Paprika and bay leaves (optional)

salt  / vegetable stock powder

2 dl white whine or water

parsley leaves and crushed garlic for topping

Method: 

Heat oil in a large pot. Layer all chunky cut vegetables and meat according to your likings. Put all spices and wine on top, cover tightly and leave to cook slow for few hours. Garnish with parsley and garlic when served.

Bosanski Lonac

Bio je pocetak oktobra kad smo se vratili u moj rodni kraj. Vrijeme je jos uvijek bilo toplo, a basta mojih roditelja puna vegetarijanske dobrote. Veoma zeljen Bosanski Lonac nas je cekao na stolu - kreacija moje mame.

Prema 'Wikipediji': "Bosanski Lonac je autenticna Bosanska kulinarska specijalnost, cijenjena zbog bogatog ukusa i fleksibilnosti u spremanju. Nemoguce je dati tacan recept za Bosanski Lonac, posto postoje mnoge varijacije, ali glavni sastojci su uglavnom meso i razlicito povrce."

Tradicionalno. ovo je jelo pripremano u zemljanim posudama, krckajuci dugo na nizim temperaturama i koristeci bilo koje povrce i meso koje je dostupno.

Prema nekim izvorima, rudari su bili prvi koji su pripremali ovakvu vrstu hrane. Kopali bi rupe u zemlji prije odlaska u rudnik, lozili vatru, slozili slojeve krupno rezanog mesa i povrca u zemljanim posudama i ostavljali ih pokrivene 8 sati  da kckaju (za vrijeme radnog vremena).

Ovakav nacin kuhanja je postao popularan sirom Bosne iz vise razloga - fleksibilnost u namirnicama, nema potrebe za nadziranjem, kao i ukus.

Ja licno ga volim sa mnogo krompira, kupusa i mjesavinu jagnjetine i govedine, zacinjenu persinom i bijelim lukom.

Sastojci:

1/4 solje ulja

2 crvena luka, sjeckana

3-4 cena bijelog luka

1/2 kg jagnjetine s kostima

1/2 kg govedine, veci komadi

mrkva, persun, celer

paradajz (4-6)

6-8 krompira

2 parike

1 patlidzan

1/2 manjeg kupusa

8-10 zrna crnog bibera

mljevena crvena parika i lovor (po zelji)\

so / vegeta

2 dl bijelog vina ili vode 

lisce persuna i protisnuti bijeli luk za serviranje

Nacin:

Zagrijte ulje u vecoj posudi (sa poklopcem), dodajte slojeve krupno rezanog povrca i mesa. Ubacite zacine i zalijte vinom / vodom. Poklopite i krckajte nekoliko sati. Pri sluzenju pospite persunovim liscem i protisnutim bijelim lukom.

'Ajvar' - Serbian Vegetable Caviar

I arrived to Bosnia in the middle of September. 

Autumn already started showing it's beautiful colours, although the weather was still warm. My parents' garden was full of organic home grown vegetables. Gosh, how good they tasted!  

Nothing of this goodness must not be wasted and preparing for winter has already started. One of my favourite preserves for winter is Ajvar (pronounced [ǎj.ʋaːr]), vegetable relish that can be consumed as spread, side dish or salad. It originates in Serbia, and became very popular through Balkan.

My mum makes best-one!

Ingredients:
5 kg red capsicums (sweet chilli or bullhorn)
1 kg eggplant
300 ml  oil
3 small heads of garlic, crushed / finally diced
1 tbs salt
1oo ml alcoholic vinegar
2 tbs sugar
Method:
Grill capsicums and eggplant over wood / charcoal heated plate (it gives distinctive flavour), or bake it in hot oven until skin on capsicums starts to blacken and blister. Place them in a plastic bag and let it cool.
When cool enough for handling, peel the skin from capsicums, get rid of seeds and take off blackened pieces from eggplants. Put everything trough a mincer.
Heat oil in a large pan, place minced vegetable, garlic and all other ingredients. Cook and stir for 1-2 hours, or until you get wanted consistency. Spoon hot ajvar into clean jars and seal tightly with lids. Let it cool completely, then store in a final, cool place. Lasts for 6+ months.

Ajvar - Kaviar od povrća

U Bosnu sam stigla sredinom septembra.

Jesen je vec pocela pokazivati svoje divne boje, mada je vrijeme bilo jos toplo. Basta mojih roditelja je bila puna organskog,  rukom odgojenog povrca. Boze, kako je samo bilo ukusno!
Nista od ove dobrote nije smjelo propasti, pa je priprema za zimu vec otpocela. Jedan od meni najdrazih proizvoda za zimu je ajvar, svima poznato spremljeno povce koje se moze koristiti kao namaz, sporedno jelo ili salata. Korijeni ovoga jela poticu iz Srbije, a postalo je vrlo brzo popularno kroz cijeli Balkan.
Moja mama pravi najbolji!

Sastojci:
5 kg crvenih paprika ('roge')
1 kg patlidzana
300 ml ulja
3 glavice bijelog luka, sitno sjeckanog
1 K soli
100 ml alkoholnog sirceta
2 K secera
Nacin:
Ispecite paprike i patlidzane na rostilju / grilu (za bolji ukus), ili ih ispecite u rerni, sve dok koza na njima ne pocne crniti. Stavite povrce u plasticnu kesu i ostavite prohladiti. Zatim ogulite kozu, izvadite sjemenke, pa sameljite povrce na masini za meso.
Zagrijte ulje u vecoj posudi, uspite samljevenu masu, bijeli luk i ostale sastojke. Kuhajte i mijesajte 1-2 sata ili dok ne dobijete zeljenu gustinu. Uspite ajvar u ciste staklenke / galone i zavrnite poklopac. Ostavite ih da se ohlade, zatim smjestite na konacno mjesto za zimu. Traje 6+ mjeseci.

Capsicums stuffed with Beans and Lentils

After overeating during holidays, somehow comes naturally to turn to vegetarian / light food. Stuffed capsicums (and other vegetables) are regular dish in Balkan countries. This is one of unusual versions, filled with lentils and beans.

Ingredients:
6 medium capsicums, halved and /or other vegetable
2-3 tbs oil
2-3 onions
2 garlic cloves
1 tbs paprika
1 tsp cumin
pinch oregano
2 cans white beans, drained
1 can lentils, drained
salt and pepper to taste
extra olive oil and paprika for dusting
Method:
Heat oil and fry/sautee onion, until translucent. Add garlic, spices, lentils and beans. Cook 5-10 min. Check the seasoning. Mush one part of this stuffing with fork, mix well and leave aside.
Switch oven to 180*C. Prepare a baking dish; oil it well.
Cut capsicums in half, take seeds out.
Fill each half with bean mixture. When all finished, dust with paprika and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20+ minutes, or until capsicums soft. Serve warm.



Paprike filovane grahom / pasuljem i lećom

Poslije sve one silne hrane pojedene za protekle praznike, nekako prirodno dodje zelja za vegetarijanskom / laksom hranom. Obzirom da su filovane peprike redovne na stolu mnogih Balkanskih zemalja, odlucila sam pokusati napraviti jednu nesvakidasnju kombinaciju - sa grahom i lecom.

Potrebno:
6 srednjih paprika, prepolovljene (ili drugo povrce)
2-3 K ulja
2-3 crvena luka, sjeckana
1 K paprike
1 k kima
malo origana u prahu
2 konzerve bijelog graha (ili skuhanog)
1 konzerva lece / sociva
so i biber, prema ukusu
maslinovo ulje i paprika za posuti
Nacin:
Zagrijte ulje, proprzite luk, pa dodajte bijeli luk i ostale zacine zajedno sa procijedjenim grahom i lecom. Kuhajte 5-10 min; jedan dio ispasirajte blago viljuskom i promijesajte. Provjerite ukus i ostavite po strani.
Ukljucite rernu na 180*C, pripremite posudu za peci; dobro je nauljite.
Ocistite prepolovljene paprike od sjemena. Filujte svaku polovicu sa pripremljenim grahom. Pospite crvenom paprikom i maslinovim uljem po povrsini i pecite 20+ minuta, ili dok paprike ne omeksaju. Servirajte toplo.

Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas) in roasted red capsicum sauce

Ingredients:
For Albondigas-
600 g mince (beef & pork is the best)
1/2 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh
1 egg
1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 teas minced garlic
1 teas paprika
a pinch of ground cinnamon
1 teas salt
1/2 teas ground black pepper
For frying - flour and oil
For Sauce-
3 roasted, skinned red peppers (fresh or canned)
5-6 garlic cloves, roasted whole(15 minutes in a 170*C oven), skinned
1 teas fresh oregano
1 tbs tomato paste
1 tbs red wine or sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper
Method:
Mix all ingredients for Albondigas well; shape into balls (golf ball size), dust into flour and fry until golden. Set aside.
In the same pan pour all ingredients, that you have processed into a smooth liquidy paste. Bring to boil and cook until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Return Albondigas to sauce, reheat. Serve with rice, pasta, potato mash or homemade 'Spatzle' (next recipe).




Španski Ćuftići (Albondigas) u sosu od pečenih paprika

Potrebno:
Za 'Albondigas'-
600 gr mljevenog mesa (govedina i svinjetina)
1/2 solje svjezih mrvica kruha / hljeba
1 jaje
1/3 solje persunovog lisca
1 k protisnutog bijelog luka (3-4 cena)
1 k paprike
prstohvat cimeta
1 k soli
1/2 k crnog bibera
Za przenje- brasno i ulje
Za sos-
3 vece crvene mesnate paprike, ispecene i oguljene
5-6 vecih cena bijelog luka, pecenih u ljusci (15 min 170*C),oljustenih
1 k svjezeg origana
1 K tomato sosa (gustog)
1 K sirceta (crveno)
1 k paprike
1/2 soli
1/2 k bibera
Nacin:
Pomijesajte sve sastojke za Albondigas, oblikujte loptice, uvaljajte u brasno i przite dok ne porumene. Izvadite iz tave, ali ulje sacuvajte.
U elektricnoj sjeckalici, blendajte sve satojke za sos. Uspite u tavu, prokljucajte i kuhajte dok se malo ne zgusne. Zacinite po ukusu. Vratite loptice u sos, prokljucajte.
Servirajte sa rizom, tjesteninom ili pire krompirom...Ili - napravite domace 'Špecle'. Recept slijedi!