Monday, July 25, 2011

Chipotle in Switzerland?

Yes, it can happen!  (There is one in London - hopefully one day there will be in Germany as well).

The hardest thing to do is the wonderful rice.  I usually make the vegetarian burrito, but occasionally will cook up  some chicken or beef for hubby. Usually with some jalapeno seasoning.  When I have time, I make the guacamole from scratch as well (I will post that recipe later).  Otherwise just slice up some avocado or use the Betty Bossi pre-made guacamole. Under no circumstances use the Old El Paso kind.  Everything else of theirs is good, but if you are a guac fan you will be very disappointed.

For the rice:
2 cups basmati rice
1 small or 1/2 a large Bay leaf
1/2-1 lemon
1/2 -1 lime
1/2 tsp salt (sea salt if you have it)
1 package cilantro (koriander) chopped up from Migros or Coop
water
1/4 c soy oil (I used sunflower - sonnenblumen)

Put the rice in a pot and add enough water to cover (I put my finger in the water and when it comes to my first knuckle - from the top of the rice - it's right).
Put the bay leaf in. Bring to a boil on high heat and then reduce to the lowest setting. cook 15-20 minutes until the water is gone.
Remove the bay leaf
Add 1/2 tsp of salt - more or less depending on taste.
Add 1/4 cup of oil
squeeze juice of 1/2 a lime and 1/2 a lemon (again, depending on taste)
Add the chopped up cilantro - I use the whole packet that you buy from Coop or Migros

Mix with a fork and fluff the rice. Put the top back on and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

For the rest:
sliced up onion and bell pepper to saute
chicken or beef if desired
homemade guacamole or sliced avocado
sour cream - sauer halbrahm
mozzerella cheese
Salsa if desired
black beans (or pinto if you prefer). Black beans can be bought at El Maiz (see shopping) or Coop Sihlcity in Zurich.
Large tortillas - homemade or store bought.  The mission tortillas are good (Sihlcity) or the Pancho Villa from Migros. The El Paso ones from Coop are good but smaller.
lettuce
aluminium foil
black marker (for authenticity) :)  I only had a blue one.



Spread sour cream on the tortilla.
Top with desired toppings:
Black (or pinto) beans
Cilantro rice
(meat)
peppers/onions
cheese
guacamole
salsa
lettuce
Roll the wrap by folding in two ends to cover the ingredients, and then roll.  Place on a sheet of aluminum and roll. Mark with a "V" for vegetarian (or F for fajita, etc.) in black marker. Enjoy :)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Quick and easy Greek Pizza

Tired of the same old heavy pizza? (well, sometimes anyway?)  The pizza dough I see comes in two sizes here - round and rectangular.  The round is not big enough to share to fill us up for dinner (medium size US) and the rectangular is too big. So. A compromise. This pizza is light enough that you don't feel stuffed after eating it and a round would be fine for two with a side salad. Or split the rectangular one into thirds with a side salad as well.

What you need: Serves 2-4
580g pizzateig - one rectangular pizza dough found at your friendly neighborhood supermarket
1 red onion
cherry tomatoes (or regular on the vine ones)
100g feta cheese - more or less depending on your love of cheese, but I find this works well
lemon juice
olive oil
oregano
olives (optional)

Unroll the dough. Drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over it and spread around using a brush (or your clean fingers if you don't have one).

Sprinkle oregano over the lemon juice and olive oil. (I keep meaning to try it with fresh, but this hasn't happened yet).

Dice the tomatoes or half the cherry tomatoes - put as many or as few as you like on.

Slice the onion thinly and scatter it over the top.

Crumble up the feta cheese and sprinkle over the top as well.

Add sliced black olives if desired.

(this is uncooked)
Bake as directed. (250C for 15-20 min. normally).

Enjoy with a side salad:
lettuce
diced cucumber
diced tomatoes
sliced olives
and topped with diced fresh oregano.
Top with a small drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil.