There is nothing more delicious or dearer to the Moldovan soul than a summer salad made in the right way. There comes a moment when parents in Moldova will decide to plant a small garden with produce you would usually buy at a farmers’ market.
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
Strawberry lemonade is a more colorful and flavorful version of the classic lemonade. Unfortunately, we can enjoy it only a few weeks a year, during the strawberry season. However, you can store some strawberries in the freezer, and make strawberry lemonade whenever you like it.
TRADITIONAL BISCUITS FROM THE NORTH
Because today, June 1, we celebrate International Children’s Day, this is the perfect dessert that can be cooked together with the little ones. This is how we spend quality and useful time together.
MÂNCĂRICĂ FROM THE NORTH
This dish, which literally translates as “little food” is made of chicken meat and stewed carrots, onions, and tomatoes and it ́s served cold. Dipping a slice of homemade bread in mâncărică and eating it with fresh garlic and sheep cheese is my type of culinary heaven.
BUCKWHEAT WITH CHICKEN IN WHITE SAUCE
I must say, this is one of my childhood favorites. Each time my mother cooked the buckwheat and white sauce I rejoiced, as it tasted exactly as the one we had in kindergarten.
HOMEMADE PUFF PASTRY WITH CHEESE AND SCALLIONS
The time has come for the greens that you can find in the garden of any Moldovan householder (but many, even representing the diaspora somewhere in the world, do not give up this habit). So follow the instructions in the recipe and you will have the pies of the season.
ROASTED RABBIT WITH POTATOES
My parents raise rabbits as many Moldovans do. It is the most dietetic meat one can eat, but to constantly buy it turns quite expensive. Therefore, many prefer to raise them in their backyards.
CREPES WITH COTTAGE AND RAISINS
Stuffed with cheese or mashed potatoes, fried in butter or baked in the oven, ready to eat or refrigerated for the next day – crepes are so good they disappear right away.
MOREL MUSHROOMS SEASON
It’s morel season in Moldova and the mushroom hunters are in the seventh heaven!
SPRING RADISH SALAD
Spring salads have a special vibe, opening the season with fresh aromas after a long winter. The radish salad took it´s place on our table at Easter. In early spring, my mother used to come home from the local market with a bunch of nettle, radish and wild garlic. I like to add some sheep brânză [‘brɨnzə] (salty traditional cheese made of sheep´s milk) and sprinkle some lemon juice over. Here you’ll find the original recipe of one of my favorite spring salads.
EASTER TRADITIONS IN MOLDOVA
Let me tell you a bit about Easter traditions in Moldova. It’s one of the most significant holidays in our culture. The celebration consists of…
WATERMELON AND BRÂNZA – A DELICIOUS MOLDOVAN COMBO
Watermelon is the most awaited summer delight in Moldova. Brânza is part of our national DNA. Watermelon Salad with Moldovan Brânza sounds weird, but is super tasty.
RASPBERRY GLAZED SALMON
Raspberries are not just for sweet recipes. Besides jams and dessert, you may use them in marinades or sauces for main dishes. Try this Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon. My honest advice is : Double the portion of the raspberry sauce! It is so good that you’ll need more. And don’t underestimate the fresh thyme. It gives such a special flavor to this dish.
APPLE OMELETTE – A MUST TRY BREAKFAST!
The uniqueness of this omelette consists in the combination of sour apples, lightly browned onion and melted cheese.
BRÂNZOAICE – MOLDOVAN CHEESE PANCAKES
You’ll always find a slice of sweet, salty, soft, or dry brânză [‘brɨnzə] in every Moldovan house. Brânză is a typical fresh white cow, sheep or goat cheese, very popular in Moldova. Locals get their dairy products either from relatives that live in the village or from the local market.