Traditional Romanian platter

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! I am Alexandra, and today I invite you to join me and my husband on a fascinating gastronomic journey, where we will create a traditional platter full of color and flavor, using the freshest ingredients from our garden and refrigerator. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your preferences. Shall we begin?!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 crisp green salad
- 200 g homemade bacon (preferably from grandma)
- 200 g kaiser or bacon
- 2 red onions
- 2 red peppers
- 200 g cow or sheep telemea (according to preference)
- 100 g green or black olives
- 3 boiled eggs
- 2 juicy tomatoes
- (optional) a few pieces of cabanos or sausages

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables well under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to ensure that all impurities are removed. If you are using garden vegetables, it is important to clean them to preserve the fresh taste.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the green salad into strips or large pieces, depending on your preference. You can slice the red onion into rings or cubes, and the red pepper into strips or cubes. The tomatoes can be sliced or cubed, and the telemea into small cubes. These cuts not only improve the appearance of the platter but also bring varied textures.

3. Preparing the meat: If you have chosen to use bacon, kaiser, or bacon, cut them into suitable pieces and fry them in a pan over medium heat until they become crispy and golden. This step adds a rich flavor and a pleasant contrast to the fresh vegetables.

4. Boiling the eggs: Place the eggs in a pot, cover them with cold water, and bring them to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for 9-12 minutes, depending on the desired consistency. After boiling, immediately transfer them to cold water to stop the cooking process.

5. Assembling the platter: Now comes the fun part! Take a large platter and place the green salad as a base. Add all the other ingredients on top: the cut vegetables, the fried meat, the boiled eggs cut in half, the telemea, and the olives. Arrange them nicely to create an appetizing look.

6. Serving: The platter can be served immediately, being perfect for a meal with friends or a family dinner. You can add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and meat, preferably from local sources. The taste will be greatly enhanced!
- Customize the platter: Don't be afraid to experiment with other vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, or even avocado. You can also replace telemea with feta or mozzarella cheese.
- Keep it colorful: Make sure to use ingredients of different colors to create an attractive and healthy platter.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Telemea can be replaced with goat cheese or feta, depending on your tastes.

2. How can I store the platter for later consumption?
Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to eat the platter on the same day to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

3. What drinks pair well with this platter?
A refreshing drink like lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent options that perfectly complement the flavors of this platter.

4. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this platter is full of fresh vegetables and proteins from meat and eggs. It is also rich in essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.

Nutritional details:

- Calories per serving: approximately 350-400 kcal (depending on the ingredients used)
- Benefits: rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, this platter is ideal for a balanced meal.

Possible variations:

- Vegetarian platter: You can eliminate the meat and add tofu or hummus to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Summer platter: Replace the vegetables with seasonal ones, such as zucchini, eggplant, or squash.

Now that you have all the necessary information, are you ready to prepare your own traditional platter! Whether you serve it at a party, for a family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, this platter will surely impress. Enjoy your meal!