Silent Roots

Peanut butter is a popular spread that is not only delicious but also rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Homemade peanut butter is free of additives and sugar and is therefore a healthy alternative to store-bought varieties.

Ingredients:

• 500 g peanuts (unsalted and roasted)
• 1-2 tbsp peanut oil (or canola oil)
• Optional: 1 pinch of salt, honey, agave syrup, cocoa powder, cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Finely grind the peanuts in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the peanut oil and continue mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Season with salt and optionally refine with honey, agave syrup, cocoa powder or cinnamon.
4. Pour into a jar and store in the refrigerator.

Uses:

• Spread for bread
• Ingredient for smoothies
• Dip for fruits and vegetables
• Filling for sandwiches and wraps
• Ingredient for cakes and cookies

Ingredients:

• Protein: Peanut butter is a good source of vegetable protein, which is important for muscle building and regeneration.
• Fiber: Fiber promotes digestion and keeps you feeling full for a long time.
• Healthy fats: Peanut butter contains unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for the cardiovascular system.
• Vitamins and minerals: Peanut butter is rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium.

Benefits of homemade peanut butter:

• Free of additives and sugar
• Healthier than store-bought varieties
• Versatile
• Easy to prepare
• Cheaper than store-bought varieties

Tip:

• For an extra creamy peanut butter, soak the peanuts for a few hours before grinding.
• Experiment with different spices and sweeteners to create your own favorite peanut butter.
• Homemade peanut butter will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks.

Conclusion:

Homemade peanut butter is a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought varieties. It is easy to make and versatile. Try it yourself!

The video shows the entire process from peanut harvesting to finished peanut butter:

Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is a type of clarified butterfat that can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. It is free of lactose and milk sugar, making it suitable for people with intolerances. Making clarified butter is incredibly simple and requires little effort.

Ghee in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, ghee is highly valued. It is considered one of the most important sattvic foods, which are foods that promote purity, clarity, and lightness.

Ayurvedic ghee is made using a special process that is said to enhance the positive properties of clarified butter. For example, ghee is often made during a full moon and purified with mantras.

In Ayurveda, ghee is used both internally and externally. When taken internally, it is said to improve digestion, stimulate agni (the digestive fire), and strengthen the immune system. When applied externally, it is said to nourish the skin and prevent hair loss.

Ingredients:

• Butter

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Strainer
• A layer of kitchen paper as a filter
• Glass jar

Instructions:

1. Slowly melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Once the butter is completely melted, increase the heat slightly and simmer the butter. A white foam will form on the surface, which should be skimmed off.
3. Pour the clarified butter through a strainer lined with a filter into a glass jar.
4. Let the clarified butter cool completely and solidify.

Storage:

Clarified butter can be stored at room temperature.

Benefits:

• Clarified butter is free of lactose and milk sugar.
• Clarified butter has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and sauteing.
• Clarified butter has a nutty aroma and gives dishes a special flavor.

Uses:

Clarified butter can be used for frying, sauteing, baking, and stewing. It is also excellent for finishing sauces, soups, and curries.

Tip:

Clarified butter can be flavored with spices and herbs.

Conclusion:

Clarified butter is a versatile and delicious fat that can be easily made at home. It is a good alternative to butter and other oils and is suitable for a variety of cooking methods.

Video:

The video shows step-by-step how to make clarified butter yourself:

The tart, a delightful French treat, captivates with its crispy crust and diverse fillings. Whether sweet with fresh fruit or savory with vegetables, the tart seduces taste buds with its perfect blend of flavors. A delight that is irresistible in every variation. This time, the tart is filled with chard.

Chard, a leafy vegetable from the beet family, impresses not only with its delicious taste but also with numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, chard supports immune function, promotes bone health, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Its high fiber content contributes to digestive health. The versatile use in the kitchen makes chard a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 170 g flour
• 60 g cold butter
• 1 egg
• salt
• water

Filling:

• Swiss chard
• oil/fat
• 3 garlic cloves
• salt
• Herbes de Provence
  
• 3 eggs
• 120 ml cream
• 120 ml milk
• salt
• nutmeg
  
• grated Parmesan

Preparation

Combine flour, cold butter, egg, and salt. Add some water for better binding. Knead everything into a smooth dough and refrigerate covered for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop the chard and sauté in a pan with some oil or fat. Sauté the stems first, followed by the leaves, as the stems have a longer cooking time. Chop or press 3 garlic cloves and add. Season with salt and Herbes de Provence.

Place the dough into the tart pan, prick it with a fork, and pre-bake for 10 minutes at 200°C (392°F) top/bottom heat.

In the meantime, mix eggs, cream, milk, a pinch of salt, and nutmeg in a bowl.

Take out the pre-baked crust, evenly distribute the chard, and pour over the egg mixture. Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan.

Finish baking at 200°C (392°F) top/bottom heat for about 20 – 25 minutes.

Watch the step-by-step preparation in the video here.

Harvesting Swiss chard requires a mindful approach that goes beyond simple picking. It’s crucial not to cut the leaves but gently tear them off. This process not only preserves the plant but also contributes to its long-term health. Cutting may lead to decaying stem remnants, consuming unnecessary resources and hindering growth.

Gentle tearing prevents decaying residues, averting potential diseases and pests. A healthy stem base can continue transporting nutrients, enabling roots to function optimally. This harvesting method is not only sustainable but also helps maintain the quality of the harvest.

It is important to emphasize that this practice not only influences the current harvest but also the future of the plant. Regular, respectful handling of Swiss chard contributes to maintaining the health and productivity of the plant over multiple growth cycles.

By consciously tearing off the Swiss chard leaves, a continuous source of fresh, healthy leaves for culinary purposes is opened up. This method ensures that the harvest is not only flavorful but also aligns with the ecological needs of the plant, promoting sustainable and effective cultivation.

Freezing Swiss chard

Freezing Swiss chard is an excellent way to preserve the freshness of this healthy leafy green. A notable advantage of freezing Swiss chard is that, unlike many other vegetables, it does not require blanching. This significantly simplifies the process and preserves the majority of nutrients and natural flavor.

It is advisable to freeze stems and leaves separately since they have different cooking times. Stems may take a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency, while leaves cook more quickly. This approach allows for more flexibility in using the ingredients in various dishes.

To prepare Swiss chard for freezing, the leaves should be separated from the stems and thoroughly washed. Subsequently, you can divide the leaves and stems into suitable portions and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. This not only facilitates storage but also allows you to take out only the desired amount for a meal without having to thaw the entire supply.

Freezing Swiss chard is a practical method to enjoy this versatile vegetable throughout the year. It’s crucial to ensure that storage containers are well sealed to preserve the aroma and freshness of Swiss chard for at least six months. With this simple method, you can continue to savor the benefits of Swiss chard in various dishes, whether in soups, stir-fries, or as a side to different meals.

Watch the video on how to harvest and prepare Swiss chard for freezing here: