One of the best parts of cooking is being able to create recipes using fresh and natural ingredients that change according to the seasons. We can make both delicious and healthy meals with these wonderful ingredients that nature offers us.
Freshness of Spring: Artichoke Salad
Spring is the season of nature’s awakening and during this period you can find plenty of fresh vegetables and greens in the markets. Artichoke is one of the most valuable vegetables of this season. We can make a delicious salad using artichokes that support heart health.
Materials:
- 2 fresh artichokes
- 1 bunch of arugula
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 handful of walnuts
- Salt and pepper
Preparation of:
- Clean and slice the artichokes and boil them in lemon water.
- Wash and chop the arugula.
- Mix boiled artichokes and arugula.
- Add walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
- Mix and serve.
Summer Refreshment: Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Tomatoes, which are abundant in summer, are indispensable for salads and meals. If you want to make a refreshing and satisfying salad on hot summer days, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese will be the perfect combination.
Materials:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 200 grams of mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful of fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Preparation of:
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on the serving plate one by one.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
- Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour over the salad.
- Add salt and pepper and serve.
Warmth in Winter: Spinach and Leek Pastry
There are plenty of green leafy vegetables that strengthen our immune system in winter. Spinach and leek are indispensable for winter tables. The pastry you make using these two vegetables will be both healthy and delicious.
Materials:
- 500 grams of spinach
- 2 leeks
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 pack of dough
- 1 glass of water Milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper
Preparation of:
- Wash and chop the spinach.
- Chop the leeks finely.
- Chop the onion and fry it in olive oil, then add the leek and spinach and sauté.
- Add salt and pepper and mix.
- Spread the phyllo dough on the counter, put it in the mixture you prepared, roll it up and place it on the tray.
- Mix milk, oil and egg and spread on the pastries.
- Bake in the oven at 180 degrees until golden brown.
The Most Delicious Fruits and Vegetables of the Season
Every season is full of delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables that nature offers us. These fruits and vegetables are indispensable on our tables, not only with their taste but also with the health benefits they offer. Let’s discover together which fruits and vegetables are the most delicious and fresh in every season.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables of Spring
- Strawberries: Strawberries, which take their place on the counters with the arrival of spring, are a very popular fruit with their sweet and juicy texture. Strawberry, rich in antioxidants, is a source of vitamin C and strengthens the immune system.
- Artichoke: One of the most special vegetables of spring, artichoke protects heart health and helps the digestive system. It has a wide range of uses, from olive oil dishes to salads.
Refreshing Fruits and Vegetables for Summer
- Tomato: Tomato, which is indispensable for summer months, is rich in lycopene and supports heart health. It is frequently used in salads, sauces and meals.
- Watermelon: One of the most refreshing fruits of summer, watermelon moisturizes the body thanks to its high water content. It is rich in potassium and helps balance blood pressure.
Abundant Fruits and Vegetables of Autumn
- Apple: The most popular fruit of autumn, apple is rich in fiber and helps the digestive system. It has a wide range of uses, from desserts to salads.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin, which has become the symbol of autumn, is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A. It can be used in many different ways, from soups to desserts.
Health Store Fruits and Vegetables in Winter
- Orange: Orange, one of the most well-known fruits of the winter months, is a source of vitamin C and strengthens the immune system. It can be squeezed and drunk or used in salads.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower, which is abundant in winter months, is a vegetable rich in antioxidants and helps reduce the risk of cancer. It can be consumed boiled or baked.
Healthy Benefits of Seasonal Ingredients
Fresh vegetables and fruits consumed in season not only appeal to our taste buds but also offer numerous health benefits. These ingredients, grown in their natural environment and at the right time, are richer in terms of nutritional values and more delicious.
Spring Health Storage Ingredients
- Strawberry: The favorite of spring, strawberry is a powerful source of antioxidants. Rich in vitamin C, strawberries strengthen the immune system, support skin health and fight inflammation.
- Artichoke: Artichoke is known for its benefits to the digestive system. Thanks to its high fiber content, it facilitates digestion and supports liver health. Additionally, artichoke helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
Fresh and Healthy Summer Ingredients
- Tomato: Tomato, one of the most popular vegetables of summer, protects heart health with its lycopene content and has a protective effect against cancer. It also contributes to skin health and provides protection against the harmful effects of the sun.
- Watermelon: The refreshing fruit of summer, watermelon moisturizes the body with its high water content and supports kidney health. Watermelon, rich in potassium, helps regulate blood pressure.
Nutritional Ingredients of Autumn
- Apple: The symbol of autumn, apple supports digestion and provides a feeling of fullness thanks to its fiber content. Apple, rich in antioxidants, protects heart health and balances blood sugar.
- Pumpkin: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, pumpkin supports eye health and strengthens the immune system. Being low in calories, it is also ideal for weight control.
Healthy and Delicious Ingredients in Winter
- Orange: The indispensable fruit of the winter months, orange provides protection against colds and strengthens the immune system with its high vitamin C content. It also supports skin health with its antioxidant effect.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower supports the digestive system with its low calorie and high fiber content. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, cauliflower reduces the risk of cancer and strengthens the immune system.
Salad Recipes Prepared with Seasonal Products
Salads served with fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits offer both farmer-friendly and delicious options. It makes it possible to create healthy and colorful salads by using these wonderful products that offer us variety in every season. Here are a few salad recipes that you can prepare with seasonal and fresh products:
Colorful Autumn Salad: Apple and Walnut Salad
One of the best things about autumn is the variety of fruits. This salad, prepared with apples and walnuts, will be both delicious and nutritious.
Materials:
- 2 green apples
- 1 bunch of lettuce
- 1 handful of walnuts
- 100 grams of white cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation of:
- Slice the apples and prevent them from darkening with lemon juice.
- Wash and chop the lettuce.
- Chop the white cheese into cubes.
- Mix lettuce, apple and feta cheese in a bowl.
- Sprinkle walnuts on top.
- Add olive oil, salt and pepper and mix.
- Serve.
Homemade Preserves and Pickles According to the Season
Colorful Flavors of Summer: Canned Tomatoes
Tomato, one of the most popular vegetables of the summer months, can also take its place on our tables in winter. Canned tomatoes are an ideal preparation for use in dishes and sauces.
Materials:
- 5 kilograms of ripe tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Preparation of:
- Wash the tomatoes, peel them and chop them.
- Boil tomatoes in a large pot for 15-20 minutes.
- Fill the tomatoes into jars and add salt if you want.
- Close the lids of the jars tightly, turn them upside down and let them cool.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Health Warehouse in Winter: Orange Jam
Orange, one of the most beautiful fruits of the winter months, is a perfect ingredient for making jam. Orange jam, which you can use for breakfasts and desserts, is both delicious and healthy.
Materials:
- 1 kilogram of oranges
- 1 kilogram of granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 glasses of water
Preparation of:
- Wash the oranges, peel them and chop them into small pieces.
- Prepare sherbet by boiling sugar and water in a pot.
- Add the chopped oranges to the syrup and boil over low heat.
- When the oranges soften, add lemon juice and boil for another 5 minutes.
- Fill the jam into jars, close the lids tightly, turn them upside down and let them cool.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Seasonal Smoothie and Beverage Recipes
Fresh and Invigorating Smoothie of Spring: Strawberry and Spinach Smoothie
This smoothie, prepared with spring fresh strawberries and nutritious spinach, is both delicious and healthy.
Materials:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 handful of fresh spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk (optional almond milk or coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Preparation of:
- Chop the strawberries, spinach and banana.
- Add all ingredients to the blender.
- Mix until you get a smooth consistency.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Summer Refreshing Drink: Watermelon and Mint Smoothie
This smoothie, which you can prepare with watermelon and mint on hot summer days, is a refreshing and refreshing drink.
Materials:
- 2 cups chopped watermelon
- 1/2 cup yoghurt
- 1 handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ice cubes
Preparation of:
- Chop the watermelon and remove its seeds.
- Add watermelon, yoghurt, mint leaves and lime juice to the blender.
- Add ice cubes and blend until smooth.
- Serve cold.
Immune Booster Drink in Winter: Orange and Ginger Smoothie
This smoothie, which you can prepare with orange and ginger to support the immune system during the winter months, is both delicious and full of vitamins.
Materials:
- 2 oranges
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup yoghurt
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- ice cubes
Preparation of:
- Squeeze the oranges and extract the juice.
- Chop the banana and cut the ginger into small pieces.
- Add all ingredients to the blender.
- Mix until you get a smooth consistency.
- Serve cold.
See you in the next post,
Anil UZUN