It is called rice pudding or rice cake in English-speaking countries, although it would most likely be plain, with no fruit included. In Slovakia, it goes under the name of Ryžový nákyp, which translates as Rice Soufflé, and it always has some fruit inside. The most popular fruits are apricots, cherries, peaches, apples or plums. … Continue reading Rice Soufflé with Blue Plums
When I was a child growing up in the socialistic Czechoslovakia, there were no fresh vegetables available during December, January and February. Our fields and gardens were covered in snow and the temperatures stayed below zero for the better part of winter. There were no imported or indoor-grown vegetables in the winter months either. Instead, … Continue reading Chickpea Soup with Root Vegetables
The book that provided inspiration for this recipe is very old. It was, in fact, the first cookbook written in the Slovak language. The author Ján Babilon published it in 1870 in Pest (today's Budapest), where he owned a restaurant and worked as a chef. There are 90 different soup recipes in Babilon's cookbook, and … Continue reading Creamy Walnut and Leek Soup
The smallest town in Slovakia has 1526 inhabitants, a medieval castle and a splendid chestnut festival that takes place on the first weekend in October. But how did Modrý Kameň become the Slovak capital of the chestnut? To find the answer, we have to go back to the 16th century, when Modrý Kameň (Blue Stone) Castle was … Continue reading Chestnut desserts from Modrý Kameň
A great majority of Slovaks can't imagine their day without a good, wholesome soup. As the days are getting shorter and colder with the approaching autumn, a pot of homemade soup gives both warmth and energy. It is particularly true about this creamy bean soup, which is often eaten as a meal on its own … Continue reading Creamy Bean Soup
It's cold again with temperatures down at 14ºC, which is not that bad for May if it weren't soaking wet too. It's been pouring down since the morning and the skies are still heavy with bags of rain. Time for a bowl of warm, reassuring soup perhaps? Let's cook it up! Before we start checking … Continue reading Yellow Pea Soup with Paarki
