Martenitsa

Martenitsa

Martenitsi are worn from 1 March until the wearer first sees a blossoming tree or until 22 March. Usually you give them to friends and relatives wishing them health. If you see someone with a Martenitsa in March they are either Bulgarian (or Romanian) or have a Bulgarian (or Romanian) friend or relative. The name of the holiday 

Baba Marta (Martisor - Martishor in Romanian) means "Grandma March" in Bulgarian and the wearing of Martenitsi is a tradition related to welcoming the spring, which in Bulgaria begins in March. Before 22 March you have to tie the Martenitsa to a branch of a blossoming tree and make a wish.

Tarator

Tarator 

(cold soup)

~time to prepare 10 min~

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers 1-2
• Yogurt
• Water
• Salt
• Garlic
• Dill

How to prepare:

1. Pour the yogurt into a bowl. Add some water and mix well till you achieve the desired consistency – depending on taste.
2. Wash and peel the cucumbers, chop into small cubes and add to the mix.
3. Add salt to your taste and one or two cloves of garlic pressed, finely diced or minced.
4. Add the washed and diced dill to the mix. Pour a couple of drops of olive oil and mix well.
5. Leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours for best results.

Potato Soup with Feta Cheese

Potato Soup with Feta Cheese

(cooking time between 30 and 45 minutes)

• Feta cheese – 300 gr
• Spring onions – 2-3 sprigs
• Parsley – 7-8 sprigs
• Salt – 1 pinch

Put one liter of water to boil. Add the potatoes cut in two. When they are boiled add the chopped spring onions.  After a couple of minutes add the crumbled feta cheese, a pinch of salt and the chopped parsley. Put the lid on the pot and take off the stove.

For best results use Bulgarian sheep feta cheese. Second choice Bulgarian cow feta cheese.

If you are out of luck Greek feta can do.

My fruit day

Every month I have a day when I eat only fruit and drink fruit juice or a fruit smoothie (no dairy products – just fruit). I believe that helps me clean my body from the toxins because the next day I feel like new. Try it.

Simple Fish Soup

Ingredients:

• Fish
• Carrot
• Celery
• Black Pepper
• Spring onion
• Parsley
•  Salt

Preparation:

Cut the vegetables (carrot, potato and celery) into pieces and boil with the fish in pot for about 20 minutes. Add the spring onion and boil for another 5 minutes. Add the black pepper, salt and parsley and cut off the heat.