Plachinda (Moldovan Breads With Cheese & Leafy Greens)#EatTheWorld

Plachinda is a round flat bread that is commonly stuffed with cheese. This flatbread is a stuffed bread what we call here in India a paratha. In this flatbread no yeast is used instead it is leavened with baking soda or baking powder. I have seen so many recipes on the internet some make it round and some make like a turnover. I have watched YouTube video's and decide to adapt one with which I can get ingredients readily available here. Most of the recipes use sorrel leaves as one of the ingredients and kefir to make this stuffed flatbread. But I couldn't find it in market as this is not the season for this leafy green here instead went with spinach and used buttermilk instead of kefir to make the dough.

Also subbed the all purpose flour with little freshly milled whole wheat flour to make it healthy.
Makes 4
Ingredients
For The Dough
1 Cup Kefir / Buttermilk
½ Tablespoon Olive oil
½ Tablespoon Caster Sugar
½ Teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
250 Grams All Purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
100 Grams Whole Wheat Flour
½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
½ Teaspoon Baking powder
For The Filling
200 Grams Feta cheese - crumbled
200 Grams Homemade Cottage Cheese / Paneer - crumbled
50 Grams Sorrel or Spinach leaves - finely chopped
4 Spring Onions / Scallions - finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Dill Leaves - finely chopped
½ Teaspoon Black pepper powder
¼ Cup Olive Oil - for frying
To Fry
¼ Cup Olive Oil
Method
For The Dough 

In a large kneading bowl add in ¾ cup buttermilk, oil, sugar and salt in a large bowl and mix together well with a fork.

Sift the flour with the baking powder & baking soda, then sift again into the buttermilk mixture and mix in start to incorporating to make a soft and smooth. If it’s still slightly sticky, incorporating more flour into it & if it is stiff then add the remaining buttermilk a little at a time to make a nice soft smooth dough. Take this on to lightly floured work surface and start to knead the dough till it should stop sticking to your hands and forms a soft smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
In the meantime Let's Make The Filling

Mix the feta, cottage cheese spinach, spring onions and dill together, making sure that the feta is finely crumbled. Divide this into 4 parts.

Divide the dough into 4 part. Flour the work surface really well and roll out each piece of dough, one by one, into a 20 cm (8 inch) diameter circle.

Moisten the surface of one dough circle with your finger tips with a little bit of oil and place one part of the filling on the center of the circle.

Next, take edges of the circle and fold it into the middle ( like a moneybag) pinching them to the top well. 

Then flatten it in the center. The dough should resemble a flattened moneybag.
Now flour the top lightly and gently flatten it with the rolling pin flouring the work surface till it form a thick circle 6" - 8" circle. The filling will be breaking at the edges but no worries this flatbread does taste so good.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Heat the a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan on medium low flame until hot and gently lower in each flatbread, one at a time. Fry for 2–2½ minutes on each side.

Enjoy these with ketchup!

Labels: Feta Cheese, Eat the World, Paratha, Scallions, Pan Fried, International Cuisine, Dill, Cottage Cheese, Moldova, Spinach, Stuffed Flatbreads, Breads

Check out all the wonderful Moldova recipes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

• For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Moldova

• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Moldovan Roasted Eggplant Salad 
• Sneha's Recipe: Plachinda (Moldovan Breads With Cheese & Leafy Greens) 
•  Culinary Cam: Sarmale (Moldovan Cabbage Rolls) 
•  Amy's Cooking Adventures: Zeama (Moldovan Chicken Soup)

Burmese Tofu With Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce#EatTheWorld

This makes a fresh, delicious meal with a flavorful garlic, ginger and sauce. 
Makes 3-4 servings 
Ingredients
400 Grams Extra Firm Tofu
2 Tablespoons Peanut Oil / Olive Oil
2 Scallions - finely chopped
1 inch Fresh Ginger - minced
5 Cloves Garlic - minced
3 Tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame oil
1 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Red Chilly Sauce 
1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes
1 Fresh Red Chilly - chopped - optional
Sesame seeds, for garnish - optional
Chopped Coriander leaves - for garnish -optional

Method

Pat the tofu with a paper towel until dry.  Cut into 2" cubes.
Heat a large frying pan or skillet on high heat and add some of the oil, then immediately turn the heat to low. Add a batch of the tofu, laying the pieces face-down on the pan  and let fry for  until brown on the pan side. Keep on flipping the sides until all sides are brown. Remove and plate. You will likely need to fry the pieces in batches. The oil can splatter, so be careful.
Mix together the, ginger, garlic, chopped fresh red chilly, all the sauces, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and chili flakes to make the sauce.

In another pan add the sauce, when the sauce  comes to a simmer switch off the flame add in scallions.
When the tofu is done cooking, turn off the heat for the pan. Plate the tofu and pour the sauce over the tofu. Garnish with the coriander leaves / green scallions.
You can eat this dish at any temperature you like. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy this satisfying dish!!

Labels: Eat the World, Burma, Tofu, Soy Sauce, Asian Cuisine, Vegan, Gluten free, Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian

Check out all the wonderful Burmese dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

• For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Burma
•  Tasty Trio from Myanmar by Culinary Cam
• Burmese Tofu with Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce by Sneha's Recipe
• Chile Garlic Oil Noodles ;by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Garlic Oil Noodles with Chicken by Amy's Cooking Adventures 

Zambian Dried Beans Curry#EatTheWorld

Dried Beans is a nutritious dish among Zambian local cuisines. It is a healthy alternative to meat for vegetarians. It can be enjoyed with rice. It is quite easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 Cup Black Eyed Peas - can use any type of beans
2 Medium Tomatoes - chopped
1 Onion - chopped
1 Scallion/Spring Onions Greens - chopped
2 Tablespoon Oil
Salt to taste
Seasoning / Spice of your choice - optional

I used Red chilly powder & Cumin powder
Method

Wash the beans and put in a pot add enough water and put on heat to cook.
Let the beans cook until the beans it soft. Continue adding water bit by bit if the water evaporates.
In another pot heat oil, add sauté the onions till translucent then add the tomatoes, cook till they soften. 

Now add the cooked beans and stock, salt to taste and spice of your choice and mix well. Bring this to a boil, reduce the flame and let is simmer for 15 minutes stirring in between till the gravy thickens. Then add the chopped spring onion greens, cover and let this cook only for a minute. 

Switch off the flame and serve hot. Serve with rice.

Labels: Eat the World, Black Eyed Peas, Zambia, International Cuisine, Main course, Vegetarian, Scallions

For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Zambia.

Check out all the wonderful Zambian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

• Zambian Dried Bean Curry by Sneha's Recipes
• Zambian Spinach by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Village Chicken by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Taking Inspiration from Zambian Flavors by Culinary Cam

Lummur - Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes#EatTheWorld

These thick oatmeal pancakes are the traditional food served for New Year in Iceland. Celebrated on the Third Thursday in April, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer which is observed as a national bank holiday. This breakfast is made from leftover oat porridge. Another best way to use leftover porridge.

These pancakes are, soft, delicious and HEAVENLY! My family absolutely enjoyed them. The combo of the oatmeal, cardamom and raisins, give a wonderful and sweet taste to the pancakes. They are best fresh and still warm but they keep quite well, you can take them with you for tiffin too. 

I have enjoyed these pancakes in Iceland for breakfast. We stayed in homestay, so got to enjoy authentic Icelandic food.  

Makes 12 pancakes
Ingredients
300 Grams Cooked Oatmeal - cooled
150 Grams All Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Sugar
1⁄4 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Baking powder
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Cardamom powder
2 Cups Milk
50 Grams Raisins - optional
Method

Stir flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into the cooked oatmeal.
Add eggs and cardamom powder. Stir in the milk and make a smooth batter. Add raisins and mix well.

Heat a nonstick pan and brush it with butter or desi ghee. Pour a ladle full and make round pancakes. I used my small pancake pan and made all the pancakes the same size.

Fry on hot pan like pancakes. Enjoy with a cube of butter. These are soft and taste good without any syrup.

My Notes

I, have used oats bran, you can use any oats you like. The quantity of milk may vary according to the moisture in the cooked oatmeal. So add milk a little at a time, as you are whisking to make a pancake like batter. I used the stick blender to make a smooth and lump free batter. Although raisins are optional but would suggest adding it since it renders a sweet taste to the pancakes. You do not need any syrup to be added, you can have them just as it is, they taste so good.

Labels: Pancakes, Eat the World, Oats, Iceland, Breakfast, International Cuisine

For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Iceland. 

• Laufabraud by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Lummur - Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes by Sneha's Recipe
• Piparkökur (Icelandic Pepper Cookies) by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Pylsur Ein Með Öllu ('One with Everything' Hot Dog) by Culinary Cam
• Salkjöt og baunir by Pandemonium Noshery  

Qutab / Kutab – Azerbaijan Stuffed Flatbread#EatTheWorld

Qutab is an Azerbaijani flatbread. It is in the shape of crescent and is filled with a variety of ingredients. Qutab has many variations depending on the filling used, they are stuffed with greens, pumpkin, cheese or meat, you can go creative on the fillings. Qutab are cooked on a convex griddle known as saj. Quatb is usually served with yogurt, green coriander, sumac and fennel.

Makes 2 Breads
Ingredients
For The Dough
150 Grams All Purpose Flour
¼ Teaspoon Sugar
½ Teaspoon Salt
Water as needed
For The Filling
150 Grams Greens & herbs of your choice ( sorrel, spinach, parsley, scallions, coriander, dill, mint)
100 Grams Feta Cheese
1 Cube Processed Cheese
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Butter or Olive oil - for brushing
Method
Wash the greens well and let them dry.

In a bowl add flour , salt and mix well. Then add in the water a little at a time, mixing until the dough slightly comes together.
Knead in the bowl with your hands until there's no more flour left. Turn onto a floured work surface and knead until the dough is relatively smooth. If the dough seems sticky, sprinkle some more flour as you knead. Don't add too much - around 2-3 tbsp. The dough should be soft and a bit tacky.
Form the dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rest for an hour.

Chop the greens. Add little salt and let is rest for 10 minutes, then squeeze out all the moisture.
When you’re ready to form Qutabs, mix the squeezed greens with, cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Heat a cast iron pan over medium to high heat.

Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. 

Roll out each one into very thin circle, as thin as you can. 

Place half of the filling into one side of the circle. 

Fold it so it has shape of a half moon. 

Press the edges and transfer Qutab into the skillet.

Cook Qutab covered on low for 5 -6 minutes on each side. 

When one side is cooked

then flip is gently and let it cook till golden.

Remove from the pan and brush with olive oil or butter.

Serve right away with sour cream or yogurt or on its own as a side dish. These were so good, do try and you will love it!

Labels: Flatbread, Appetizer, Breakfast, Azerbaijan, International Cuisine, Eat the World

• Pandemonium Noshery: Lamb Piti
• Sneha's Recipe: Qutab / Kutab – Azerbaijan Stuffed Flatbread
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Shirin Chorek
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Sweet Turmeric Milk Bread (Shirin Chorek)
• Culinary Cam: Üç Bacı (Three Sisters) - Azerbaijani Dolma

Belizean Rice and Beans#EaTTheWorld

Rice and Beans is one of the most popular foods in Belize and the national dish of the country. The rice is cooked with coconut milk to give the dish a rich, tropical flavor but it’s made even more tasty by the addition of red kidney beans! . Serve this as a side with any protein for a yummy meal! The  beans add some protein and fiber to the dish, making it more filling and healthy to eat.
The best part of this recipe that it is vegan and gluten free. For this recipe I have used dried kidney beans, you can use a can of cooked beans to reduce the time and make a quick meal.

Serves 3
Ingredients
To Cook The Beans
1/3 Cup Dried Red Kidney Beans
1½ Cup Water
Salt to taste
To Make The Rice & Beans 
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
Cooked Red Kidney Beans
1 Small Onion - chopped
1 Clove Garlic - chopped
½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme

1 Cup Coconut milk
2 Cups Water - I used 2nd & 3rd extract of the coconut milk 
Salt, to taste
2 Tablespoons Oil or Desi Ghee

Method

Rinse the beans in water and soak them for at least 4 hours. Then place them in pressure cooker with water, and cook on high for one whistle then reduce the flame and cook it for 10 minutes on medium look flame. When cooker cools open and check if the beans are cooked but firm. Drain the beans and keep aside.

In a large heat oil add the onions and garlic sauté till the onions are translucent. Then add the rice and sauté for a minute or two. Add salt, thyme, cooked beans, thin & thick coconut milk. Lightly give it good mix. Bring this to a rolling boil and place the lid, on the pot, reduce the flame to medium low, let it cook for 10 - 15 minutes. After 12 - 15 minutes remove the lid and check if the rice is cooked and all the moisture is absorbed by the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot with potato salad or any protein of your choice. Enjoy this Belizean Rice & Beans!

Labels: Belize, International Cuisine, Rice, Red Kidney beans, Coconut milk, Vegan, Gluten Free, Main Course, Eat The World 

Belize Final HTML

• Belizian Panty Ripper by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Belizean Rice and Beans by Sneha's Recipe
• Pan de Muerto by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Two French Sweets that Landed in Belize: Rum Cakes and Coconut Sugar Cakes by Culinary Cam

Keto Pumpkin Coconut Soup For One#EatTheWorld

Kiribati pumpkin coconut soup, is a super easy to make delicious recipe, that can be served either hot or cold. The ingredients are found easily on the islands of Kiribati. The flavors are both sweet and savory. This simple recipe is wonderful served as a starter or could be a light meal on its own. Either way you are sure to enjoy the flavors of Kiribati.

Serves One 
Ingredients
125 Grams Chopped Pumpkin
1/8 Teaspoon Fresh Grated Ginger
1 Tablespoon Coconut Milk Powder
A Pinch Cumin powder
Salt & Black pepper to taste
coconut oil
1 Cup Vegetable Stock
Method

Peel, de-seed and cut the pumpkin into bite size pieces
Heat the coconut oil in a large pot, add the ginger and the pumpkin. Cook until slightly soft but before it turns brown
Add in the stock, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer and
cook until the pumpkin is nice and tender.

Mash the pumpkin with a potato masher or use and immersion blender until the pumpkin is creamy.
Add in the coconut milk powder and mix it well, then add salt and pepper to taste. Warm on stove top if serving hot.

This soup is creamy & delicious served either hot or cold
Garnish with some fresh ground pepper and Enjoy!!

Labels: Serves One, Red Pumpkin, Soup, Kiribati, International Cuisine, Eat the World, Vegan, Gluten free, Low Carb, No Onion No Garlic

Check out all the wonderful Kiribati dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us! 

 A Day in the Life on the Farm: Roasted Lobster Tails with Curry Dipping Sauce 

Culinary Cam: Ika Mata 

Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Kiribati Squash Coconut Soup 

Sneha’s Recipe: Keto Pumpkin Coconut Soup For One 

Pandemonium Noshery: Te Bua Toro Ni Baukin - Kiribati Cabbage Casserole