Plum cake

For a (spring) form with a diameter of 26 cm.

4-5 plums, sliced

1 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup raw sugar
3 tablespoons oil
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon turmeric, for color (optional)
pinch of salt

Mix the water with sugar, oil, salt and vanilla extract until the sugar has dissolved. Add the flour, little by little, stirring  to avoid lumps forming. Finally add the turmeric, vinegar, baking powder and mix well.

Grease the (spring) form with oil and coat with flour.

Pour the mixture into the form and place the plum slices on top.

Plum cake

Bake in pre-heated oven, at medium heat (175C) for approx. 30 minutes.

Prajitura cu prune

Pentru o forma de cuptor cu diametrul de 26 cm.

4-5 prune, feliate

1 cana faina
1/2 cana apa
1/3 – 1/2 cana zahar brut, in functie de cat de dulci sunt prunele
3 linguri ulei
1-2 lingurite esenta de vanilie
1  lingurita praf de copt
1 lingurita otet
1/4 lingurita curcuma (turmeric), pentru culoare (optional)
un praf de sare

Se amesteca apa cu zaharul, uleiul, sarea si esenta de vanilie pana cand zaharul s-a topit. Se adauga faina, putin cate putin, amestecand continuu pentru a nu se forma cocoloase. La sfarsit se adauga curcuma, otetul, praful de copt si se amesteca bine.

Forma se unge cu ulei si se tapeteaza cu faina.

Se toarna compozitia in forma de cuptor, deasupra se adauga felitele de prune.

Prajitura cu prune

Se coace, in cuptorul incins in prealabil, la foc mediu (175C) timp de aprox. 30 minute..

Pasta alla Norma

For 4 servings:

500 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)

2-3 eggplants, sliced ​​approx.. 0.5 cm
750 ml tomato passata (or 1/2 kg ripe tomatoes, finely chopped)
1 head of garlic, finely cut
2 tablespoons olive oil
fresh basil, finely chopped (to taste)
salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain.

Grill the eggplant slices on the pre-heated grill, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the garlic. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato passata (or the chopped tomatoes), cover and simmer until the sauce has reduced slightly. Stir occasionally.

Add the eggplant slices, salt and pepper and cook for few minutes.

Put the pasta on a plate and add the sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil.

Pasta alla Norma

Pentru 4 portii:

500 g paste (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)

2-3 eggplants, sliced 0,5 cm
750 ml suc de rosii (sau 1/2 kg rosii foarte bine coapte)
1 capatana usturoi, foarte fin taiat
2 linguri ulei de masline
busuioc praspat, taiat fin (dupa gust)
sare si pipe, dupa gust

Pastele se fierb conform indicatiilor de pe pachet. Se scurg de apa.

Feliile de vinete se frig pe gratar, 2-3 minute pe fiecare parte.

Intr-o cratita se incinge uleiul de masline si se adauga usturoiul. Se celeste timp de 2-3 minute,amestecand continuu. Se adauga sucul de rosii  (sau rosiile taiate marunt), se acopera cu un Capac si se lasa la fiert pana cand sosul scade putin.  Amestecam din cand in cand.

Se adauga feliile de vinete, sarea si piperul si se mai fierbe cateva minute.

Se pun pastele in farfurii si se adauga sosul. Se orneaza cu busuioc proaspat.

Pasta alla Norma

Soybeans in tomato sauce

For 4 servings:

500 g soybeans
2 onions, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
5-6 tomatoes, diced (or 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste dissolved in a cup of water)
2-3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Soak the soybeans overnight. Sort through them and discard any discolored kernels, then rinse them. Cook them in water (2 times the amount of soybeans) and add the bay leaves. If needed, add more water. Drain.

In a saucepan stir fry the onions in oil, for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes (tomato paste), bell pepper and thyme. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce has slightly reduced.

Add the cooked soy beans, salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for further 2-3 minutes.

Serve with pickles or cabbage salad.

Mancare de soia boabe

Pentru 4 portii:

500 g soia
2 cepe, taiate marunt
1 ardei gras, taiat marunt
5-6 rosii, taiate cubulete (sau 2-3 linguri bullion de rosii dizolvat intr-o cana de apa)
2-3 frunze de dafin
1 lingurita cimbru
1 lingura ulei
sare si piper, dupa gust

Soia se lasa la inmuiat peste noapte. Se alege de impuritati si se spala. Se pune la fiert intr-o oala cu apa (de 2 ori volumul boabelor de soia) si frunzele de dafin. Daca este nevoie se mai adauga apa. Dupa ce a fiert se scurge de apa.

Intr-o cratita se celeste ceapa in ulei, timp de 2-3 minute. Se adauga rosiile (bulionul de rosii), ardeiul gras si cimbrul. Se lasa la fiert, amestecand din cand in cand, pana cand sosul a scazut putin.

Se adauga boabele fierte de soia si se potriveste de sare si piper. Se lasa sa mai dea cateva clocote.

Se serveste cu muraturi sau cu salata de varza dulce/acra.

Pear cake

For a (spring) form with a diameter of 26 cm.

2-3 pears, cut into small pieces

2 cups flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup raw sugar
4 tablespoons oil
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon turmeric, for color (optional)
pinch of salt

Mix the water with sugar, oil, salt and vanilla extract until the sugar has dissolved. Add the flour, little by little, stirring  to avoid lumps forming. Finally add the turmeric, vinegar, baking powder and mix well. Add the pears and mix.

Grease the (spring) form with oil and coat with flour.

Pour the mixture into the form and bake in pre-heated oven, at medium heat (175C) for approx. 30 minutes..

Prajitura cu pere

Pentru o forma de cuptor cu diametrul de 26 cm.

2-3 pere, taiate bucatele mici

2 cani faina
1 cana apa
1/2 cana zahar brut
4 linguri ulei
1-2 lingurite esenta de vanilie
1 1/2 lingurita praf de copt
2 lingurite otet
1/4 lingurita curcuma (turmeric), pentru culoare (optional)
un praf de sare

Se amesteca apa cu zaharul, uleiul, sarea si esenta de vanilie pana cand zaharul s-a topit. Se adauga faina, putin cate putin, amestecand continuu pentru a nu se forma cocoloase. La sfarsit se adauga curcuma, otetul, praful de copt si se amesteca bine.

Se adauga bucatelele de para si se amesteca.

Forma se unge cu ulei si se tapeteaza cu faina.

Se toarna compozitia in forma de cuptor si se coace, in cuptorul incins in prealabil, la foc mediu (175C) timp de aprox. 30 minute..

Cucumber – radish salad

For 2 servings:

1 cucumber, finely sliced
10 radishes, finely sliced
dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all the ingredients! Serve directly!

Salata de castraveti si ridichi

Pentru 2 portii:

1 castravete de sera, feliat fin
10 ridichi, foliate fin
marar, taiat fin
1 lingura ulei de masline
2 lingurui otet
sare si piper, dupa gust

Se amesteca toate ingredientele! Se serveste direct!

Komkommer – radijs salade

Voor 2 porties:

1 komkommer, fijngesneden
10 radijsjes, fijngesneden
dille, fijngehakt
1 eetlepel olijfolie
2 eetlepels azijn
zout en peper, naar smaak

Mix alle ingrediënten! Serveer direct!

Seitan gyros

For 3-4 servings:

For the seitan:

1 kg flour
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns

The preperation of seitan is described here.

Cook the seitan, whole, in water with the bay leaves and peppercorns, for about 30-35 minutes. Drain well then cut into small pieces.

For the marinade:

6 cloves of garlic, mashed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
chili powder, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients.

Pour the marinade over the pieces of seitan, mix well and leave to marinate for at least an hour (the longer, the better).

Fry the seitan gyros  in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil.

It can be served  with pita bread, fries, garlic sauce, tomatoes, onions and pickles.

Note: Gyros is a traditional Greek dish.

Pentru 3-4 portii:

Pentru seitan:

1 kg faina
1 lingurita boia dulce
1/2 lingurita ceapa pudra
1/2 lingurita usturoi pudra

2 frunze de dafin
10 boabe de piper

Se pregateste seitanul ca aici .

Se fierbe seitanul, bucata intrega, in apa cu frunzele de dafin si boabele de piper, timp de 30-35 minute. Se lasa la scurs apoi se taie in bucatile mici.

Pentru marinata:

6 catei de usturoi, pisati
2 linguri ulei de masline
2 lingurite cimbru
1 lingurita oregano
1 lingurita boia dulce
1 lingurita coriandru pudra
1/4 lingurita chimion pudra
boia iute, dupa gust
sare si piper, dupa gust

Se amesteca toate ingredientele.

Se toarna marinada peste bucatelele de seitan, se amesteca bine si se lasa la marinat pentru cel putin o ora (cu cat mai mult, cu atat mai bine).

Bucatelele de seitan se prajesc in 1-2 linguri ulei de masline.

Se poate servi impreuna in painici pita cu cartofi prajiti, sos de usturoi, rosii, ceapa si castraveti murati.

Nota: Gyros este un fel de mancare traditional grecesc.

For 4-6 servings:

1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed (or cut into wedges) 
4 onions, finely chopped
5 tomatoes, diced
250 ml coconut milk (canned)
chili / chili flakes, to taste
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2-3 curry leaves (optional)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
salt, to taste

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the mustard seeds. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to pop. Add the onion, chili and curry leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the tomatoes and the rest of the spices. Cover  and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the potatoes and coconut milk. If needed, add some water so that the potatoes are covered.

When the potatoes are cooked add salt to taste.

Pentru 4-6 portii:

1 kg cartofi, taiati in cuburi sau pe lung
4 cepe, taiate marunt
5 rosii, taiate cubulete
250 ml lapte de cocos (la conserva)
ardei iute/ fulgi uscati de ardei iute, dupa gust
2 lingurite seminte de mustar
1 lingurita coriandru pudra
1 lingurita garam masala
2-3 frunze de curry (optional)
1/2 lingurita turmeric
sare, dupa gust

Se încinge uleiul într-o cratiță și se adaugă semințele de muștar. Se prăjesc  2-3 minute până când încep să “sară”. Se adaugă ceapa, ardeiul iute si frunzele de curry. Se caleste timp de 2-3 minute, amestecand continuu.

Se adauga rosiile si restul condimentelor. Se acopera cu un capac si se fierbe aprox. 5 minute, amestecand din cand in cand.

Se adauga cartofii si laptele de cocos. Daca este nevoie se adauga apa astfel incat cartofii sa fie acoperiti.

Cand cartofii au fiert se potriveste de sare.

Grilled seitan & vegetables skewers

For 6-8 servings:

seitan
2 zucchini
2-3 onions
2-3 sweet peppers

For the seitan:

1 kg flour
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns

The preparation of seitan is described here.

Cook the seitan, whole, in water with the bay leaves and peppercorns, for about 30-35 minutes. Drain well then cut into approx. 3 x 3 cm (1 x 1 inch) pieces.

For the marinade:

6 cloves of garlic, mashed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika powder
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients.

Wash the vegetables and cut into pieces.

Pour the marinade over the seitan and vegetables, mix well and leave to marinate for at least one hour (the longer, the better).

Thread the seitan pieces  and vegetables on skewers.

Grill the seitan and vegetables skewers, on each side, on a pre-heated grill pan.

Grilled seitan & vegetables skewers

Frigarui din seitan si legume

Pentru 6-8 portii:

seitan
2 dovlecei
2-3 cepe
2-3 ardei grasi

Pentru seitan:

1 kg faina
1 lingurita boia dulce
1/2 lingurita ceapa pudra
1/2 lingurita usturoi pudra

2 frunze de dafin
10 boabe de piper

Se pregateste seitanul ca aici .

Se fierbe seitanul, bucata intrega, in apa cu frunzele de dafin si boabele de piper, timp de 30-35 minute. Se lasa la scurs apoi se taie in bucatele de aprox. 3 x 3 cm.

Pentru marinata:

6 catei de usturoi, pisati
2 linguri ulei de masline
2 lingurite cimbru
1 lingurita oregano
1 lingurita boia dulce
sare si piper, dupa gust

Se amesteca toate ingredientele.

Legumele se spala si se taie in bucati potrivite ca marime.

Se toarna marinata peste seitan si legume, se amesteca bine si se lasa la marinat cel putin o ora (cu cat mai mult, cu atat mai bine).

Legumele se înfig pe bețișoare alternând cu bucațile de seitan.

Se frig pe gratarul incins in prelabil.

Frigarui din seitan si legume

Grilled seitan and vegetables

For 3-4 servings:

seitan
2 zucchini
2-3 onions
2-3 sweet peppers

For the seitan:

1 kg flour
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns

The preperation of seitan is described here.

Cook the seitan, whole, in water with the bay leaves and peppercorns, for about 30-35 minutes. Drain well then cut into four equal pieces.

For the marinade:

6 cloves of garlic, mashed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika powder
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients.

Wash the vegetables and cut into pieces.

Pour the marinade over the seitan and vegetables, mix well and leave to marinate for at least one hour (the longer, the better).

Grill the seitan and vegetables on a pre-heated grill pan.

Grilled seitan and vegetables

Seitan cu legume la gratar

Pentru 3-4 portii:

seitan
2 dovlecei
2-3 cepe
2-3 ardei grasi

Pentru seitan:

1 kg faina
1 lingurita boia dulce
1/2 lingurita ceapa pudra
1/2 lingurita usturoi pudra

2 frunze de dafin
10 boabe de piper

Se pregateste seitanul ca aici .

Se fierbe seitanul, bucata intrega, in apa cu frunzele de dafin si boabele de piper, timp de 30-35 minute. Se lasa la scurs apoi se taie in 4 bucati egale.

Pentru marinata:

6 catei de usturoi, pisati
2 linguri ulei de masline
2 lingurite cimbru
1 lingurita oregano
1 lingurita boia dulce
sare si piper, dupa gust

Se amesteca toate ingredientele.

Legumele se spala si se taie in bucati potrivite ca marime.

Se toarna marinata peste seitan si legume, se amesteca bine si se lasa la marinat cel putin o ora (cu cat mai mult, cu atat mai bine).

Se frig pe gratarul incins in prelabil.

Seitan cu legume la gratar

Baingan Bharta

For 2-3 servings:

2 large eggplants
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, mashed (optional)
1 cm fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
fresh chili/chili powder, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
1 tablespoon oil
fresh coriander, finely chopped
salt, to taste

Heat the (pan)grill and bake the eggplants on each side until they are soft inside. Peel while they are still warm. Drain well and chop them. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to pop. Add the onion, stir fry for few minutes then add the tomatoes, coriander powder and chili.

Cover and simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced than add the eggplants, turmeric, garam masala and garlic. Cook further for another few minutes. Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander.

Serve with basmati rice/biryani and/or naan bread.

Baingan Bharta

Pentru 2-3 portii:

2 vinete mari
1 ceapa, taiata fin
2 rosii, taiate marunt
2-3 catei de usturoi, pisati (optional)
1 cm ghimbir proaspat, pisat (sau 1 lingurita ghimbir pudra)
ardei iute/ boia iute , dupa gust
1/2 lingurita seminte chimion
1 lingurita coriandru pudra
1/2 lingurita curcuma (turmeric)
1/2 lingurita garam masala (optional)
1 lingura ulei
coriandu proaspat, taiat fin
sare, dupa gust

Se coc vinetele pe plită sau grătar până când se înmoaie. După ce s-au copt se curăță de coajă cât sunt înca fierbinți. Miezul se lasă la scurs pe un fund de lemn apoi se toaca.

Se incinge uleiul intr-o cratita si se adauga semintele de chimion. Cand au inceput sa “sara” se adauga ceapa. Se caleste pret de cateva minute amestecand din cand in cand.

Se adauga rosiile, coriandrul pudra si ardeiul iute. Se acopera cu capac si se fierbe pana cand sosul a scazut, amestecandu-se din cand in cand.

Se adauga vinetele, turmericul, garam masala si usturoiul. Se potriveste de sare si se lasa sa mai fiarba cateva minute. Se orneaza cu coriandru proaspat.

Se poate servi cald sau rece alaturi de orez basmati/biryani și/sau pâinici naan.

Baingan Bharta