Crazy Cucumber – Crazy Cucumber Blog

Millet Congee with Chicken, Ginger and Shiitake

Winter weather can be nasty in Auckland but proper food always makes it better. Some dishes like this chicken, ginger and mushroom congee porridge will make you feel good even in stormy weather. Congee is a classic Chinese breakfast dish. It is also a staple in many other countries, including […]

Meyer Lemon Syrup, Almond and Olive Oil Cake

Recently I did a cooking class for my friends. I made this cake and everyone loved it, it was gone in minutes. I’m happy to share this recipe with you. Living in a crazy big city pace, I really appreciate a simple dish that can be done quickly and nourish […]

Koji Roasted Salmon with Broccoli Gratin

Healthy weekday dinner with a Japanese twist. This delicious salmon is marinated in a magical koji salt (Shio Koji) and lemon zest, then roasted and charred to perfection. The koji marinade tenderizes the fish and makes its taste richer. The creamy broccoli gratin with a cheesy crispy crust is a […]

Nikujaga (Japanese beef and potato stew)

Nikujaga is a typical home-cooked winter dish that Japanese moms and grandmas cook for their children. And it feels definitely like a mom’s hug. And will make your winter comfortable and warm. Nikujaga (lit. ‘meat [and] potatoes’) is a typical yōshoku dishes, Western-influenced cooking which originated during the Meiji Restoration. […]

Strawberry and Tomato Panzanella Salad

What can be better than a large bowl of juicy salad for lunch on warm days! Warmer days finally came to New Zealand, we really enjoy our bountiful fresh produce. And I found out that strawberry and tomato can play nice together. Try this combo! Panzanella is a traditional Tuscan […]

Ajvar Shakshuka. A Quick and Easy Way.

Have you tried ajvar yet? It’s a widely available in many NZ supermarkets. Ajvar (pronounced “EYE-var) is a treasure of the Balkans, particularly the cuisines of Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania. Ajvar is a versatile roasted red capsicum sauce or spread, sometimes made with eggplant adding. Ajvar has a […]

Juicy Bunless Mediterranean Chicken and Mushroom Burger. Keto, GF Recipe.

Put your burger to the next level. Make it juicy, light but gourmet. Such a great spring low carb meal. Sun-dried tomatoes, olives and capers add extra flavour and nutrition. The zingy green sauce Salsa verde will bring all the ingredients together and turn it to a delicious dish. To […]

Panna Cotta with Orange, Tonka and Chocolate Sauce

Recently I got Tonka beans (you can see it on the photo above, on the side of the panna cotta). These are ‘tonka beans’ – the aromatic seed of a giant tree from deep in the Amazon rainforest. Never tried it before, they have such a unique and complex flavour. […]

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Stracciatella Cheese, Crispy Sage and Sage Oil.

A simple and absolutely delicious dish! I like to make this dish for special occasions, it’s a festive looking, tastes divine and so easy to do. I’ve even prepared it for father’s day this year, my husband likes light and healthy meals and he really enjoyed this dish.Stracciatella cheese. If […]

The Power of Miso Soup. + Hearty winter Vegetable Miso Soup Vegan Recipe

When traveling in Japan I noticed how widely a fermented food presented in Japanese cuisine. I also noticed that people in Japan love to eat, they eat a lot (I’m not surprised, the food in Japan is amazing), but stay healthy and fit. So what is the secret? I guess, […]

Sauteed Cavolo Nero, Chorizo and Egg on Toast

Quick and easy meal that can be done in minutes. Cavolo Nero season is in full swing now. Cavolo Nero is a rich in fibre and good for health because it packed with nutrition in every bite. My neighbour Greg grows organic produce in his urban garden. I really impressed […]

Amazuzuke. Quick Vinegar Japanese-style Pickles

During the chilly part of the year I usually have a craving for pickled vegetables rather than a fresh salads. The sweet and sour pickles work great with winter fatty and hearty dishes. Additionally, lactic acid fermented vegetables are rich in probiotic and enzymes and helps to improve our digestion […]

Bitter Leaves, Orange and Parmesan Cheese Salad

I totally forgot to mention in my previous pasta recipes posts that pasta is the best served with a leafy salad. If pasta is fuel for you, salad is oil for your engine. Your Ferrari won’t drive without oil! This is one of the favorite salads in our family. Bitter […]

Bucatini with Anchovy, Parsley and Sourdough Bread Crispy Crumbs

Continuing my previous pasta posts. Three my fave pasta recipes that I never shared before: Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. and Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausages. Recipe Number 3: Bucatini with anchovy, parsley and sourdough bread crispy crumbs For those who know that sourdough bread, anchovy, butter […]

Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausages.

Continuing my previous posts with unique pasta recipes: Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. Bucatini with Anchovy, Parsley and Sourdough Bread Crispy Crumbs Another quick and easy pasta dish made from easy to find ingredients. For the best results I would recommend to invest in good quality finishing […]

Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. Vegetarian Recipe.

It’s time to share the three my fave pasta recipes that I never shared before: Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausages. Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Sage Gnocchi Sardi. Bucatini with Anchovy, Parsley and Sourdough Bread Crispy Crumbs They are little bit unusual and may differ from the pasta dishes from […]

Sunday baking: quick and easy coconut macaroons dipped in dark chocolate.

These coconut macaroons are moist, light, and chewy. Toasted coconut has a complex nutty flavour which is perfectly paired with dark chocolate coating.These coconut cookies can be done in 30 minutes, only a few ingredients required.

Super Green Avocado Toast with Green Chilli, Lime and Poached Egg

Love avocado toast? Take your avocado toast to the next level. Be sure your bread slices are chunky enough to hold all the delicious toppings. Creamy mashed avocado, sweet green peas, fresh herbaceous Mamia’s green chilli sauce topped with a perfectly poached egg. Delicious!

Chicken Sausage, Beluga Lentil and Capsicum Stew

Have you ever tried chicken sausages? I noticed that there are a lot of new brands of chicken sausages on market. We live in a very interesting time, when our food shops look like huge temples where you can be lost easily. This is great that we have a choice […]

Baked Ricotta Cheesecake with Piri Piri Plum Chutney

This twist on a classic cheesecake uses creamy ricotta cheese with a zesty hit of lemon, making a refreshingly sharp, but sweet end to any meal. Serve it with a dollop of Piri Piri plum chutney to add a fantastic fruity sweetness and a spicy chilli kick. Forget everything you […]