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spring food

The Ultimate Pesto & Hummus Picnic Sandwich w/ Grilled Halloumi

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Sandwiches ALWAYS are a win. There is no way you could go wrong with some good bread, a delicious spread and cheese in-between, right? Good to agree on that! And this sandwich – let me just tell you – is next level. It is not you average lunch sandwich, it is not your average grilled cheese, it is not your average hummus bread. It is next level, everything else than average.

You have some delicious, fluffy bread, creamy, tangy hummus, salty and indulgent pesto, fresh greens and tomatoes, salty and ultra-delicious grilled halloumi and rich avocado. NO way you do not like this. And you know what’s the best part about this? It is so easy to make. literally easier than scrambled eggs on toast.

What’s special about this dish?

By now you probably know that this is not your average sandwich. Here we have a combination that you do not get anywhere else. Hummus from the orient, pesto from Italy, Halloumi from Cyprus and delicious, perfect bread from Austria. And although all ingredients come from so many different places, they work in such perfect harmony together. They do all have a slight mediterranean touch, which makes the combination taste amazing.

And, this recipe is part of the NENI x UPC picnic series. Meaning, this recipe tastes best with the NENI hummus and is perfect to be taken on a picnic. Obviously, you could also eat it at home, for lunch, breakfast, dinner or brunch or any other time of the day you like.

Is this sandwich healthy?

I would definitely say it’s very nutritious. So let’s start at the very bottom layer; the bread. The bread is loaded with carbs and fibre and will not only keep your soul healthy but it’ll also keep you full of energy and full for a while. Next we have the hummus. It is full of fibre and protein and also healthy fats. Next up the pesto. Well, first of all it is loaded with a whole bunch of deliciousness. The salty- and tangyness are just a real dream. Yet, it also is beneficial nutrient-wise. The nuts and oil account for a decent amount of healthy fats and togetehr with the parmesan cheese for a healthy amount of protein too.

What do we have left now? The veggies – tomatoes and green – to provide you all the minerals, vitamins & fibre in order for you to stay full and happy and the halloumi. The halloumi is a source of protein but more than that a source of deliciousness. Lastly, avocados are a great way to get in some more healthy omega-3 fats. All in all, it definitely is nutritious!

How to make this dish?

As already mentioned – it’s as easy as scrambling eggs. All you need to do it slice up the halloumi and add it to a hot pan to fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then we only spread the bread with hummus & pesto, add the sliced tomatoes and a few greens, the grilled halloumi, some sliced avo and the second hummused (can hummused please be a word – like buttered just with hummus?) bread on top. Voilà!

Picnic friendly

If just left like that it may very well result in a mess when eating it. So we can take some steps to prevent this from happening. This best works if we cut up some parchment paper (like 4-5cm thick) and wrap it tightly around the sandwich. To fix this, we can wrap a string around it and make a knot. This way it is tightly packed together and does not fall apart when eating.

All in all it needs to be said, that this is an incredibly delicious and easy to make dish and a real MUST for every picnic! Everyone who has tried it so far LOVES it – so I am convinced you’ll do the same 🙂 I really hope this helps you enjoy the weather a bit more and to make use of all those sunny days!

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The Ultimate Pesto & Hummus Picnic Sandwich w/ Grilled Halloumi

Definitely not your average sandwich – much much better than that. The creamy hummus just pairs perfectly with the tangy pesto, the crispy bread and the salty halloumi. All in all – a dream

Course brunch, lunch, picnic
Prep Time 5 Minuten
Cook Time 5 Minuten
Total Time 10 Minuten
Servings 4 sandwiches

What you will need

  • 8 slices bread
  • 8 tbsp hummus
  • 4 tbsp pesto
  • 250 g halloumi cheese
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 4 handful greens
  • 1 avocado

How to

  1. slice up the halloumi lengthwise and add it to a cold pan. Heat up and fry on each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Slice up tomatoes and avocado.

  2. In the meantime spread the slices of bread with the hummus. Top with the greens, the tomatoes, then the halloumi, the pesto, the avocado, some sea salt and another slice of bread with hummus on the inside. Enjoy!

Have fun cooking,
Love,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière

Easy Peasy Rainbow Quinoa Salad with the Best Peanut Sauce

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Basically spring in a bowl. You have all the vibrant and colourful fruits and veggies you could wish for, plus some fluffy and tangy quinoa to fill you up and some fresh greens for even more vitamins. Oh, yeah, and not to forget about that sauce, which tastes like straight from heaven. What’s more, this is so incredibly easy to make and SO quick – you’ll want to make it every day!

Originally I shared the recipe in the Vegan What I Eat in a Day IGTV on Instagram. And you guys went nuts about it and wanted the recipe so you also are able to make it – so here you go, voilà. Tbh, I can very well understand you – this recipe IS really good. Sine then I think I have made this at least 4 or 5 times, it has become a staple that we make on repeat.

What is special about this dish?

What makes this so special is that you cannot really label it. It is no special cuisine, has no geographic origin or is typical for the food in a certain area or country. It is just a wild mix of flavours, colours and ingredients. It may seem a bit odd that we are throwing so many different things into a bowl, but don’t judge before you try. They all work together in perfect harmony and there’ll be an explosion of flavour in your mouth.

Besides, as already mentioned, this is like spring in a bowl. One the one hand side because of the way it looks. So many different colours and so many greens, just like nature is starting to bloom all the colours start to pop up at the side of the street. And on the other hand because it is so refreshing, so light, so easy – kind of just as spring is. If there is any time you should try this recipe, it is now.

Is this dish healthy?

Definitely!! I mean, if you think of a healthy meal isn’t something exactly like this what you’re thinking of? Probably. And yes, it really is very nutritious. Where should we start? Quinoa – it is a nutrient bomb. Super high fibre, super high protein and all the carbs you need to stay full and full of energy for the rest of the day. Plus, it is extremely high in minerals and vitamins and it’s super tasty.

Besides quinoa, our bowl is loaded with fruits and veggies. We have got corn, high in fibre, magnesium, vitamin B. Then we have tomatoes, which are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and K. Bell pepper; vitamin A, C, potassium, fibre. Cucumber and broccoli – much water, many antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, E, K and folid acid. Edamame, protein and fibre king. Mango, not only tastes like heaven but also great for your immune system. The peanut butter; a great source of healthy fats and protein. The list goes on and on, and I think you get the point. Yep, this dish is incredibly healthy and still soso delicious!

How to make this dish?

As the name already suggests, it’s easy peasy. Really, it only comes down to preparing the quinoa, which is not greatly different from preparing rice, cutting the veggies and making the sauce. As for the veggies, we need to chop some into bite sized pieces, and some need to be steamed for a few minutes, such as the broccoli and edamame. The sauce also is incredibly simple, as it just requires you to mix a few ingredients – which you probably all have at home already.

And then comes the fun part – the plating. If you are patient enough and not too hungry, you can style it prettily. Or if you are just normal – you can just throw everything into a bowl and mix mix mix. In the end, we just top it off with some fresh herbs and spring onions and that’s it! Voilà!

When and how to best have it?

Whenever you want! It works perfectly as a quick lunch on busy days, when you don’t want to spend much time on preparing your lunch. Otherwise, it also works great as a meal prep. You can just prepare everything, store it in the fridge and toss is with the sauce when you are ready to eat. Since it is a salad, it is just as delicious when served cold! And, not to forget, it also is perfect for picnics. Just prepare, pack and enjoy in the sun!

I genuinely hope that you’ll enjoy this recipe at least as much as we do and that you’ll have an amazing time cooking & enjoying it! Have a wonderful spring!

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Easy Peasy Rainbow Quinoa Salad with the Best Peanut Sauce

easy, healthy and SOSO addictively good. I promise, you'll want to make this on repeat. A bowl of spring, loaded with all the fresh and vibrant veggies, along with some light and fluffy quinoa, and the best, creamy peanut sauce. All in all, heaven!

Course bowl, lunch, Main Course, Salad
Prep Time 10 Minuten
Cook Time 10 Minuten
Total Time 20 Minuten
Servings 2 servings

What you will need

For the salad:

  • 100 g quinoa
  • 100 g broccoli
  • 100 g edamame
  • 1/2 bell pepper
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 100 g canned corn
  • 1 handful radishes & tomatoes
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 mango
  • 2 handful greens such as salad, baby spinach, kale (whatever you like and have on hand)
  • 100 g pomegranate seeds

For the dressing:

  • 3 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1/2 lime
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk

How to

  1. Add the quinoa to a pot along with twice the amount of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and let it simmer with the lid on until all water in absorbed. Then close the lid and let it stand on low heat until fluffy.

  2. In the meantime cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and steam it in some hot water, along with the edamame, for about 3-4 minutes.

  3. Finely dice the bell pepper, radishes and cucumber, half the tomatoes, peel and cut the mango, wash the greens, drain the corn, slice the avocado and add it all to a bowl.

  4. Mix all ingredients for the peanut sauce, then add the broccoli, edamame and quinoa to the bowl and toss everything.

    Serve and enjoy!

Love,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière

(The best) Coconut Citrus Porridge w/ Caramelised Oranges

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I am going to be really honest with you, I like porridge. But I definitely have never been this person dying for porridge. It was good but never wow. Until. Until I discovered this and (not exaggerated) it changed my whole breakfast game.

Creamy, fresh deliciousness at its finest. You are getting all the tropical vibes you need to get through till summer and all the energy + tastiness you need to start into your day. Why is this porridge SO MUCH BETTER than all the other ones you tried before? The coconut flakes in it make it a lot lot better, plus, now comes the game changing part, the citrus juice. Orange and Lemon juice respectively. I do not know why but I know hooow big and good of a change it is.

What is special about this dish?

As already mentioned, it is not your average porridge cooked in milk and water (life really is too short to be eating average food tbh). It does not taste like plain pulp but it actually is good. Instead of only using water and milk to cook it, we are adding the juice of an orange and a lemon. Sounds like a small change but makes a huge difference. It somehow brings out the flavours a lot more, makes it fresher and more delicious.

That is it as far as our base goes but a porridge never really is a porridge without its toppings. And here we cannot be average either. So. What we are doing is sweet, maple caramelised oranges. No, this is not too many oranges but this is really, really good!

Is this dish healthy?

Yep, yep, yep. Actually citrus fruits are super healthy and beneficial for you, especially in winter. Their high content of Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system and prevents you from getting sick or getting a cold. So they are good for you. Also, in German we say „sauer macht glücklich“, which means „sour makes happy“, so lemons are supposed to make you happy. Apparently this is being said because lemons, which are sour, have a positive impact and are good for our gut. And our gut has a tremendous impact on our emotional state of being. Therefore, sour makes happy. So, the citrus fruits in here do not only make you healthy, but also happy.

Besides our citrus star, we have got some more health nerds. The oats for example. basically a bomb of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. One of the oldest and still most nutrient-dense foods. They are just incredible to have in the morning because they will fill you up, keep you full and give you all the energy you need!

How to make this dish?

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. But for real, it is. It comes down to simmering the oats, coconut shreds and chia seeds with water, plant based milk and lemon + orange juice. Next we cut up the oranges into slices and caramelise them. You can either carefully filet them, so there are no white skins (which is a bunch of work – for the tutorial you can check my insta highlights) or just cut them regularly. We heat up the maple syrup in a pan and fry them in there on both sides till golden, brown, and caramelised.

Now we only need to finish everything up. To make it even creamier and coconutier (this very likely is not a word – although it would be really cool if it was), we are adding in a dollop of creamy, canned coconut milk. Then we serve it all up in a bowl, add some more plant based milk and that is it. Your breakfast game will bee changed forever.

How & when to best have it?

The Great thing about this dish is that it is perfect for mealprep. The base can be cooked and stored in the fridge for several days. When you want to enjoy it, you can either heat it up in the microwave or on the stove with a bit more plant based milk. As for the oranges, I would recommend to caramelise them freshly but what you can do beforehand is to cut them up and store in the fridge.

I personally love this as a breakfast but also a brunch or lunch would be perfect. And, not to forget, it actually is a really good dessert. Just as coconut mango rice but with oats and oranges. So very different actually, except for the coconut, but you get the concept right?

I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I do (and I really do enjoy it) and make this on repeat until we really have those tropical vibes outside that we have on the inside when eating this bowl. Have a wonderful and delicious day!

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(The best) Coconut Citrus Porridge w/ Caramelised Oranges

This is at least 10x better than your average porridge! Fresh, tropical and citrusy vibes in a warm, creamy and comforting bowl of coconut oats topped of with perfectly craamelized oranges. It is called heaven on earth.

Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert
Prep Time 5 Minuten
Cook Time 15 Minuten
Total Time 20 Minuten
Servings 2 servings

What you will need

  • 100 g rolled oats fine rolled oats work best here
  • 4 tbsp coconut shreds
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
  • 100 ml water
  • 150 ml (plant based) milk
  • 1 heaped tbsp coconut milk from the can
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 orange
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • a pinch salt

How to

  1. To a pot add the oats, coconut shreds, chia seeds, plant based milk, a pinch of salt and water. Heat it up and let simmer on medium heat stirring constantly until thickened.

  2. In the meantime sliceup the orange into wedges. If tehre is some juice running out and remaining on the cutting board, add it to the porridge. Zest the lemon and add this zest along with the juice of half of the lemon to the porridge.

  3. Add the maple syrup to a pan and heat it up. ONce it is bubbling, add the orange wedges and let them fry for about 2-3 minute son each side until golden brown.

  4. Before serving, stir the coconut milk into the porridge. Then divide onto the bowls, top with the oranges, more shredded coconut and also a splash of plant based milk.

  5. Serve and enjoy!

Love,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière

Asparagus and Strawberry Salad

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This salad is like spring in a bowl. So mush freshness, fruitiness but also savoury goodness. Super easy to make, full of vitamins, perfect side dish or light main course. Absolutely in love!

Spring honestly is my favourite season. Everything is starting to bloom and coming back to life. Flowers are so colourful and the markets are full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Including two of my favourites: Asparagus and strawberries.

How we typically eat Asparagus

Asparagus is something very typical in Austria. We usually have it with Risotto, as a side or very very typical with potatoes, ham and molten butter or sauce hollandaise. But while this is good once in a while I feel like it is really heavy and not healthy in the long term. This salad, on the other hand is something very light and refreshing.

Which Asparagus works best?

Definitely a mix! Use some white stalks and some greens because the combination of the slightly different flavours is just super good! If you want, you can also use purple asparagus although I would not necessarily recommend to buy it extra for this. I have tried it out with purple asparagus but it lost its colour while cooking and turned green. So it was a bit of a pity.

How to cook asparagus?

This actually is not as easy as many people think. I mean it is to hard but you just need to know how. Green Asparagus is super easy. You just need to cut off the ends of the stalks and boil it in salted water for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how thick the stalks are. White asparagus is slightly different. It also needs some boiling water, you need to salt it, and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of sugar. This takes out the bitterness of the asparagus and makes it really good!

Do you need to peel asparagus?

Depends. Green asparagus does not need to be peeled. Neither does purple one. White one on the other hand needs to be peeled!! Generously! I would recommend to peel it twice. If it is not peeled well it will have strings when eating and that’s not good tbh.

Fruit in salad?

A big YES!!! This is game changing! Especially the combination of strawberries and asparagus is insane! The sweetness of the strawberry pairs perfectly well with the freshness of the asparagus. If you do not have strawberries on hand or do not like them, you can add in raspberries instead, which also must taste really good!

Other add-ins:

Here you can be really creative! What would 100% work well is some kind of cheese like mozzarella, burrata cheese, cottage cheese or feta. Those would make it really good! Also, grilled chicken breast or prawns would take this next level but also hard boiled eggs.

When & how to eat it?

You can have this as a nice side dish and leave it as is or make a little more and add in something like hard boiled eggs for example and enjoy it with some freshly toasted bread or couscous to have it as a filling salad!

I hope that you like this recipe as much as I do and that you will make it many times this spring!

Happy cooking,
Enjoy,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière

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Asparagus and Strawberry Salad

Not your average asparagus side dish but much better! Sweetness of the strawberries paired with the taste of fresh asparagus is just heaavenly!

Course Appetizer, lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Prep Time 10 Minuten
Cook Time 20 Minuten
Total Time 30 Minuten
Servings 4 sides
Calories 149 kcal

What you will need

  • 500 g white asparagus
  • 500 g asparagus
  • 500 g strawberries
  • 2 spring onions
  • 1 handful mint
  • 1 handful basil
  • 1 handful parsley
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple or honey
  • 1 tbsp butter or magarine
  • 1 tsp sugar

How to

  1. Bring a large pot with water to a boil. Peel the white asparagus generously (about 2x). Cut the ends (about 3cm) of both, white and green asparagus and throw them away. Cut the asparagus into about 3-4cm sized pieces.

    Add the butter (or magarine) and sugar into the boiling water and salt it. Add in the white asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add in the green asparagus and cook for another 5-10 minutes, depending on how thick the stalks are. You can test if they are ready by pieking through them with a fork. If they almost fall off the fork, they are done. Then drain them.

  2. In the meantime remove the green part from the strawberries and half them or cut them into quarters, depending on how big they are. Slice the spring onions and seperate the onion rings from each other.

  3. Roughly chop up the basil, mint and parsley.

  4. Add the asparagus, strawberries, spring onions and herbs into a bowl. In a seperate small bowl combine the olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon and the maple syrup. Toss the salad in the dressing and serve!

    Enjoy!

Notes

If you want to have it as a main dish just make more (about half more, so 6 servings for 4 people). You can then also add in other things like hard boiled eggs, feta or mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken breast or prawns!