Homemade ketchup ( A summer relish)

The things you do when you have all time in the world, aka when you are on holidays. 

I read this recipe in a German magazine and was very sceptical that it would work.

But having a well equipped kitchen in our apartment and all the ingredients available in the local super market, I decided to give it a try.

It only takes five minutes, that's all and the result is delicious. When husband asked for more I knew this is one recipe I have to write down and do again. See if the second time it is as tasty.

And it was!

But what I forgot to do is taking photos. So this one is just plain!

Ingredients

Two big vine tomatoes , cut in pieces

2 dates ( I used fresh Israeli ones, if you can't get them, use dried ones but double the quantity), cut

A piece of ginger 2cm, grated.

One fresh chili, low to medium hot, chop

Five pieces of sun dried tomatoes in oil, chop 

Some salt to taste

Some balsamic vinegar to taste

Method

Put all the ingredients in a Mixer or use a Blender and purée until you have a smooth consistency. If it is a little too thick, add a little oil from the dried tomatoes.

Adjust the flavouring.

This "sauce" is great with any barbecued meat and at the same time a great dip. Makes a change from the usual dips!

Have fun making and trying it.

Found the draft while checking another recipe I wrote, so I decided to publish it here and now!😊

Fresh Herbs and Green Pesto

Sage

January is a month when you start longing  for fresh greens. The quickest way to freshen and  brighten up  your kitchen are fresh herbs. At this time of the year, unless you have still some in the garden, like bayleave, rosemary, parsely thyme etc, you are dependent on herbs in pots from the supermarket. Nothing wrong with that. But when the weather gets better try to grow your own, if you dont have a garden, use window boxes. You will enjoy "harvesting"  your homegrown  herbs . During the summer I have more than 11 herbs in the garden and I use them in all in my recipes.
The pictures here show herbs growing in my garden.

Rosmary

Parsely

Bayleaf

Oregano 

Today I share with you my simple but quick recipe for
 Green Pesto

You can use the Pesto with any kind of Pasta. We used it with Spaghettoni, these are extra long but fine Spaghetti.

Ingedients for Green Pesto

Ingredients

1 cup of pine nuts ( you can use half pine nuts and half almonds if you wish)
1 cup of grated parmesan
1 cup fresh Basil
3 or 4 cloves of fresh garlic
1/2 juice of lemon or lime
1 cup of Extra Virgin olive oil ( I like to use Italian olive oil from the Puglia region)

Method

Put all ingredients into a dish and blend them until you have the consistency you want.
The flavour depends on the quality of your oil and parmesan cheese!

The result: Green Pesto

Note: This pesto is delicious as a dip. Use fresh crusty bread or anything you like!