Light Meals and Weekend Treats from an English Woman in Berlin
I think 2018 is shaping up to be a pretty good summer! Of course while Berlin is hardly a Mediterranean climate I am fortunate to live in a city that experiences proper seasons such as cold winters, blooming springs, crisp and cosy autumns and a scorching summer. Yet this year summer has felt like it did when I very first moved to Berlin. I cannot remember the last time…
The humble aubergine may have received a little negative press recently in relation to arthritus. And I say little because it really is little. Self-taught nutrionists make up a very small % of the actual nutritional advice out there and are the ones without any real case-controlled studies to back their points. Research is also very limited and overall most of us seem to get on ok with the aubergine! Including aubergines in your diet is incredibly healthy and a great way for those working on weight loss or controlling type 2 diabetes….
Greek Briam is a favourite spring/ summer time dish of mine. Sat out on the balcony, with a glass of wine and a plate of this medley of olive oil roasted vegetables is another example of how Greek cuisine is all about taking ordinary ingredients to create full and beautiful flavours. It is good, honest and healthy food that is cooked simply. It is very similar to a ratatouille or a tourlou (a Greek oven baked stew) and typically topped with feta and basil….
I love Baba Ganoush and often make this chunky aubergine dip with some griddled pitta as a snack or a side dish. Typically this is made by smoking the aubergines – and if you want that full smokey taste then Babel on Kastanienallee serve up a pretty good version….
This summer is already proving to be better weather wise compared to last year. The majority of July has been hot and sunny and it looks set to stay like this for at least the next couple of weeks! I shouldn’t complain, but the hot weather is getting just a little bit too hot now! We are set for 37 degrees over the weekend! This summer mezze platter is a great one for those warm weekends. Lots of different light things to eat that you can share with others. It is a great menu for a bit of al fresco dining this weekend on a warm evening!…
The great thing about these halloumi burgers is that they can be enjoyed all year round from 
comfort food on a cold evening, a relaxed dinner with friends or a BBQ in the summer. Packed with healthy vegetables and halloumi, they can easily go towards your five a day. Add some hummus to each burger slice and even the biggest meat lovers will love this food!
Check out the recipe in my Exberliner Column.