All Posts By Florian Laudahn

Kale with Quinoa

Posted on 1 min read

Want a healthy start to summer? This is the perfect dish, as kale is one of the healthiest vegetables out there! It provides your dish with an incredible amount of fresh vitamins.

Best of all, kale can survive the cold seasons and is therefore a simple, yet delicious vegetable. It works well in winter salads, but is also great when its cooked, like in our recipe here. You can usually find fresh kale at your local market, and when paired with protein-rich quinoa, the flavours of the kale are even better. The subtle Asian flavours give the dish a fresh kick. In addition, the pepperoncini gives the whole dish a light, pleasant spiciness. The addition of the crunchy pine nuts gives everything a slightly nutty taste. Follow these steps to make a perfect dish!

Quick to Prepare

Within 30 minutes, you can throw together this dish for four. With healthy ingredients, like kale and quinoa, you will be able to please everyone! It is perfect for vegans and vegetarians. To round out the dish for all the meat lovers out there, beef makes a great addition. Furthermore, quinoa is gluten-free and therefore well tolerated by everyone. The dish not only looks great, but is also quite appetising. You’ll have fun cooking this!

Here is another fresh and healthy salad: kohlrabi salad. If you want to know more about kale and other types of cabbage, you will find important information about nutrients and season in Switzerland here.

federkohl salat mit quinoa
Kale with Quinoa
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 30 minutes
federkohl salat mit quinoa
Kale with Quinoa
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 30 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: people
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Instructions
  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve under cold running water to get rid of its bitter flavors. Drain well, and put it in a saucepan. Add the vegetable stock to the washed quinoa and cook. It is best to simmer for 10 minutes and then let it absorb for 5 minutes. Stir well, so the quinoa does not settle to the bottom or even burn. Season with salt or pepper to give the quinoa a bit more taste. At the end, add some olive oil, stir well and put aside. Cover the pot with a lid to keep the quinoa nice and warm.
  2. Cut the leaves of the kale from the stems with scissors and wash them thoroughly. Now clean the pepperoncini, remove the seeds and cut into fine strips. If you’re not big on spice, be careful with the amount. Soak the kale and the pepperoncini in salted water and bring to the boil. Due to the short time in boiling water, the vegetables do not lose their flavor when blanched and still remain crisp and fresh — preserving the important vitamins. Stir the kale and the pepperoncini into the quinoa. If the mixture is too dry, feel free to add a bit more water. Roast the pine nuts over a gentle heat in a non-stick pan. Make sure they are golden brown and not dark. Stir several times and then add to the rest. Season everything with the desired spices.
  3. To prepare the kale and quinoa mixture, spread it on the plates and sprinkle with cheese to your liking. Coriander can also be added to the whole thing, just be sure to wash and chop it first before adding to the dish. Now it’s ready to eat!

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Little potatoes — Reference Guide

Posted on 2 min read

1. What is the difference between waxy and floury potatoes?

There you are, standing in front of the vegetable section wanting to buy potatoes. You see several different varieties — ones with graceful sounding names and purposes. The packaging does not always state exactly which potatoes are suitable for what, like gratin, chips or mash, instead it just says waxy or floury cooking. Not to worry, here is a little cheat:

  • Waxy Potatoes (don’t disintegrate even after long cooking)

Varieties: Amandine, Annabelle, Celtiane, Charlotte, Cheyenne, Ditta, Erika, Gourmandine, Gwenne, Jazzy, Lady Christi, Venezia, Vitabella

Suitable for: potato salad, boiled potatoes, Gschwellti

  • Floury Potatoes (jump up when cooking and have rather floury consistency).

Varieties: Agria, Bintje, Challenger, Désirée, Jelly, Lady Felicia, Laura, Victoria

Suitable for: gratin, soup, gnocchi, stock

  • And for chips, hash browns and fried potatoes?

It is best to use a type of potato that can be heated to high temperatures and does not form acrylamide. These are typically floury varieties, such as Agria, Jelly and Victoria. (Source: kartoffel.ch)

2. How long can potatoes be stored?

Long — provided you do it right! Their ideal storage is in a spot where the temperature is neither too cold (like in the fridge) nor too warm. Between 4 and 10° would be ideal. It must also be dark and dry, so the potatoes don’t go mouldy or form solanine (see point 3). The potato also needs some air, so a closed plastic bag is only suitable to a limited extent. This is why potatoes are often sold in nets, boxes though baskets or knotted bags are also suitable.

3. Are raw potatoes poisonous?

Yes, raw potatoes should not be eaten. Potatoes are a nightshade plant that grows underground and contains a poisonous substance solanine. It is an organic compound that does not really affect us and is dissolved during cooking. Solanine is mainly found under the skin and in green and germinating areas. Special care should be taken with old potatoes, these should be peeled better and generally green and germinating spots should be cut out. Early potatoes can be eaten with the skin without hesitation.

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Year after year

Posted on 2 min read

Somehow these 5 (terrible) Christmas traditions that annoy us a little bit each evening as we sit in front of the Christmas tree are still a part of the Christmas season. What do they necessarily add to the Advent season?

Panettone

The round yeast dough cake is dreaded. While some people say they don’t like the candied fruit and others use the excuse that they already have a full stomach, there’s probably a panettone around the house somewhere. The classic souvenir that is never cut into. At any rate: if you are hungry and there is nothing in the house, you are bound to be happy and hope that it is one with sugar sprinkles.

Photo via Flickr from user N i c o l a under CC BY 2.0

Christmas Decorations: Lucy and Co.

It blinks and dazzles. If Lucy’s street lighting is already a giant thing and is being exploited by the media … what will it look like at home?

Film Classics like Cinderella, Sissi and Kevin

Cheesy scenarios, costumes and happy endings — Christmas is a time for sappy movies. Little Kevin has been grown up for a long time, but is shown every year in a permanent loop. You think to yourself “Here we go again…” and then you watch all three Sissi films and Love Actually to top it all off.

Last Christmas on Repeat 

Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You, Jingle Bell Rock and many more — in the shops and on the radio with evergreens all over the place. The good mood is almost ready to head for the hills. But let’s be honest: Despacito in winter somehow does not seem appropriate. In creative families, people like to sing too. All gathered around the piano in their reindeer jumpers singing “Kling Glöckchen klingelingeling” together. Though in reality it unfortunately looks or sounds more like a loud cacophony, — it certainly makes for some laughs and a good atmosphere.

Welcome back, Spanischi Nüssli!

The return of Santa’s sack also marks the comeback of the Nüssli. They are everywhere as decoration and finger food. Although they are delicious and its nice to have something to snack on, the nut shells can be found all over the place. Usually accompanied by a fresh tangerine-y fragrance that is constantly in the air. All that’s missing is a glass of steaming mulled wine in your hand.

Cover Photo via Flickr von User Kevin Dooley under CC BY 2.0

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My five favourite winter vegetables

Posted on 2 min read

I can hardly decide which is my favourite autumn and winter vegetable. Like the leaves on the trees, autumn offers so many fine things from the field. Today I present you my five favourites and what I like to prepare with them. Quick and easy — guaranteed!

Classic: pumpkin

This autumn ambassador is not only the Halloween and Thanksgiving star — no, it spices up the kitchen all winter long! It is easy to store and cook at cool temperatures. The butternut squash is especially good and can be stored for up to 14 months. The club-shaped squash is also very tasty, slightly sweet and nutty. My favourite here is the orange Knirps aka Hokkaido pumpkin, because you don’t have to peel it.

Rösti-Tip: In addition to potatoes, add pumpkin — it adds colour and variety to the taste! Pairs well with a spicy mushroom ragout.

Spicy: celeriac

The root may have a unique taste, but it is so easy to store and prepare that it gets three points. Three points why celeriac is a must on the plate!

1. Vitamins such as B1, B2, B6 and C.
2. Contains many healthy antioxidants and detoxifies.
3. Is available all year round from Switzerland.

Yep, that’s why! Perfect for vegetarian schnitzels. Simply cut into 1cm thick slices and bread them. Then deep-fry or fry until the celery is done. The hardest part is peeling. The root of the celeriac is quite uneven and features many small root arms — it’s best to cut it away with a knife. Work first at the top, then all the way around from top to bottom.

Sweet: parsnip

Not to be confused with the parsley root: the parsnip smells like carrots in the nose and the leaf base is sunken towards the inside.

My tip for the elongated carrot: instead of celeriac, boil it down in a fine Bolognese. Gives the sauce a fine sweet twist and makes for a change in Italian cuisine.

All Time Favourite: The Carrot

Preferably in all colours and shapes. Personally I like the small ones with green bushes on top best. They remind me of my first self harvested carrots from my mother’s garden. Carrots can be very versatile and the best thing is: they are available from the region practically all year round.
The local vegetables are simply popular and versatile. I like it best eaten oven roasted and seasoned with oil and Za’atar or as crispy sticks on the pizza.

Karotte und ihre Fakten

Small but Mighty: brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts may not be the most popular variety of cabbage, but they are definitely delicious, low in calories and rich in vitamin C.
Need more convincing?
Blanch briefly in water and toss in your favourite fat (like nut butter or hazelnut oil) with some onions and a little lemon juice and/or zest. Add almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts for the perfect textural element. Perfect for autumn salads — grapefruit fillets also pair well — or as a fine side dish.

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Quiche orientale aux légumes

Posted on 1 min read

Savais-tu qu’il est incroyablement facile de préparer une quiche végane, sans œuf, ni lait, ni crème ? Cette quiche est composée d’ingrédients sains, raffinés et contient des épices orientales.

Quiche orientale aux légumes
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Le za'atar est un mélange d'épices orientales, qui se compose traditionnellement de sumac, de graines de sésame grillées et de sel. Il donne un goût unique et délicat à la quiche.
Servings Prep Time
2-3 personnes 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2-3 personnes 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Quiche orientale aux légumes
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Rating: 0
You:
Rate this recipe!
Rezept drucken
Le za'atar est un mélange d'épices orientales, qui se compose traditionnellement de sumac, de graines de sésame grillées et de sel. Il donne un goût unique et délicat à la quiche.
Servings Prep Time
2-3 personnes 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2-3 personnes 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 fond de tarte rond (tu peux en trouver dans la plupart des magasins des produits végétaliens prêts à consommer, mais ils ne sont pas toujours indiqués comme tels)
Mélange liquide
Farce
Servings: personnes
Units:
Instructions
Farce
  1. Hacher finement l'ail et les oignons. Laver et hacher les épinards et les bettes à carde. Faire revenir brièvement dans une poêle pour un goût raffiné.
  2. Répartissez les légumes sur la pâte à tarte et faites des petits trous dessus.
Mélange liquide
  1. Dans un récipient, mélanger le tofu, le lait et le curcuma, le sel et le poivre pour obtenir un mélange liquide. Ajouter un peu plus de lait en fonction de la consistance.
  2. Verser le mélange sur les légumes et faire cuire au four pendant environ 20-25 minutes. Garnir avec des herbes fraîches.
Recipe Notes

Photo via Flickr from user liz west under CC BY 2.0

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Oriental Vegetable Quiche

Posted on 1 min read

Did you know that it is incredibly easy to make vegan quiche, without any egg, milk or cream? This quiche boasts fine healthy ingredients and oriental spices.

Oriental Vegetable Quiche
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Za'atar is an oriental spice mixture, which traditionally consists of sumac, roasted sesame seeds and salt. It gives the quiche a unique and delicate taste.
Servings Prep Time
2-3 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2-3 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Oriental Vegetable Quiche
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Rating: 0
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Rate this recipe!
Rezept drucken
Za'atar is an oriental spice mixture, which traditionally consists of sumac, roasted sesame seeds and salt. It gives the quiche a unique and delicate taste.
Servings Prep Time
2-3 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2-3 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 round pie crust (in most shops you can find vegan ready made products, though they aren’t always marked accordingly)
Liquid Mixture
Filling
Servings: people
Units:
Instructions
Filling
  1. Finely chop the garlic and onions. Wash and chop the spinach and Swiss chard. Sauté briefly in a frying pan for a refined taste.
  2. Distribute the vegetables on the spread and pierced pie pastry.
Liquid mixture
  1. In a container, mix the tofu, milk and turmeric, salt and pepper to a liquid batter. Add a little more milk depending on the consistency.
  2. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and cook in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Recipe Notes

Photo via Flickr from user liz west under CC BY 2.0

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