Thracian Style Aubergine (Eggplant) Salad

When meze is the topic of a conversation everyone generally agrees on the yumminess of one dish: aubergine (eggplant) salad. Beware its taste can cause addiction. Although a scrumptious dish it is very difficult to assemble the balance ingredients. If you ask around people will say they cook it very often. We have tried many recipes but only one recipe has proven to be the "one", thanks to a little trip to Kirklareli in the Thracian region. This salad was served at a picnic with relatives and it was love at first sight. We immediately  asked for the recipe to share with you. Thank you very much Nurgül...

Nettle Salad with Tomatoe Sauce

I previously gave you a recipe for "Stinging Nettle Puree." If you are fond of nettle I bet you will love this recipe for "nettle salad with tomatoe sauce".


Ingredients

• 250 gr of stinging nettle
• 2 middle sized tomatoes, grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 middle size onion, chopped finely
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of grape vinegar
• 1/2 a small cup of olive oil
• 1 stem of parsley leaves
• 1 stem of dill leaves
• Salt
• A Pair of thin rubber gloves

Directions

1. Remove the leaves of the stinging nettle from the stems with rubber gloves, and wash. Be careful it really does sting!


2. Put the nettle in hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. When the nettles can be squashed with a spoon it's cooked.


3. Put the nettle in a striner and press out the juice with the help of a spoon. Put the nettle in a service plate.


4. Mix the grated tomatoe, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and lemon juice in a seperate bowl.


5. Pour this mixture over the nettle and add the parsley and dill for decoration.
   

Afiyet olsun!

Home Made Red Pepper Paste

Who doesn't use pepper or tomatoe paste in their stews and casseroles? If you don't, then you'd better get used to it with this recipe for magical red pepper paste.
For all natural red pepper paste got to the local market and buy 6 kg. of red peppers, and carry them home. You will have vitaminful red peppers and will have stretched your arm muscles. When you get to the kitchen get ready for making some paste.