Healthy Sundays-Sunday Kashka-Seasonal Market Inspired
September is here, autumn is slowly approaching, blessing us only with its golden rays of sunshine so far. The temperatures are just as warm, but hopefully just for another week or so. After that sweater weather, it is, and I am more than excited, as I specifically like my fluff and the soft chills covering my skin during those crisp autumn mornings.
While talking of fresh cool air mornings, let me share with you my newest porridge creation, inspired by those autumn days approaching, packed with nutrition and seasonal goodness. But first, the inspiration behind this Sunday kashka recipe...
A while ago my parents discovered a market in the small town of Pirot in Serbia, not too far from the Bulgarian border and about 30 km on the west from Sofia. Turns out the market offers freshly grown local produce at a really good price. The vendors are a bunch of people, all living, caring and looking after the soils of their fertile lands - an old lady that could sell anything even if you don't want it; a 50 something middle-aged man who happened to have inherited a land with plum trees-"freshly picked yesterday, sweet and kissed by the September sun"; a lady greeting her fellow neighbours with beautiful full of flavour and aroma red peppers just at the entrance of the whole shebang, that "once used to cross the border and buy cheese and milk from the Bulgarian farmers-times have changed"; and an elderly woman, that picked tomatoes from her own garden, "never sprayed them with anything, that's why they might have a dark spot here or there".
A special place indeed, if you happen to be around, I highly recommend visiting. If not for the fruit and vegetables, grab a basket from a local street vendor and fill it with freshly cut flowers, herbs, a cheese pastry perhaps (oh these pastries, and my bloody diet... I got away with just a bite of my dad's pieceĀ #success!)
So, you see, this weekend the porridge recipe is all about what we gathered and brought back home-Sunday Kashka-Seasonal Market Edition, a.k.a. rye flakes, plums, golden grapes and hazelnuts. Smells heavenly, tastes just as good!
For 1 portion of the 'kashka' you will need:
1 cup of water
1/2 cup rice milk (or any other nut milk you have on hand)
1/2 cup rye flakes (I used gluten-free)
2 soft plums
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
For the toppings:
1 tsp honey (optional)
2 more plums, cut in halves or quarters
grapes, cut in halves
chopped hazelnuts to taste
*I also sprinkled with chis and sesame seeds
How to prepare the Sunday 'kashka'?
As always in a saucepan add the water and "milk" on high heat until they are just about to boil. Once the liquid starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flakes. Chop the plums and add to the mixture. Add the spices and stir with a wooden spoon. Cook on low heat until the consistency is the nice and creamy.
Pour into a bowl and top with the plums, grapes and chopped hazelnuts. Sprinkle with honey, sesame seeds and chia seeds. Serve in bed (or don't do that, it's not that practical...) Eat while it's warm and... enjoy!
Share your takes on the seasonal flavours, which are your favourite? tag your creations with #alexandkashka on Instagram, I'd love to see what you come up with!