Schleckedenszjer Starter Set
“Hauptsach gudd gess”… is a saying from Saarland that essentially means: as long as there is good food, all is good. This simple phrase captures the spirit of Saarland, where I spent my student years and where I still return whenever I can. Guided by this philosophy, inspired by Saarbrücken’s close proximity to France, and shaped by the realities of a modest student budget, the following recipes came to life. These small dishes are meant to be shared – perfect for gathering around the table with friends and family – and can easily be mixed, matched, and expanded to suit any occasion.
4
Portionen25
Minuten5
Minuten60
Minuten1
hour30
MinutenIngredients
- OVEN-ROASTED VEGETABLES
1 1 eggplant
1 1 zucchini
1 1 red onion
12 12 cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup 1/4 olive oil
4 tsp 4 dried Italian herbs
6 tsp 6 paprika
2 tsp 2 garlic powder
- MINI QUICHE LORRAINE
Shortcrust Pastry (ready-rolled sheets)
80 g 80 Gruyère
30 g 30 butter
2 slices 2 breakfast bacon
1 1 onion
2 2 eggs
200 ml 200 cream
1/2 tsp 1/2 nutmeg
fresh chives
- TUNA CREAM
1 can 1 of tuna
200 g 200 crème fraîche
20 g 20 capers
- SARDINES
1 can 1 sardines in your favourite flavours
Directions
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200 °C (top and bottom heat). Trim and slice the zucchini and eggplant into slices about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the tomatoes in half. Cut the onion into small wedges.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggplant, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and the herbs and spices. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they roast rather than steam. Bake for 40–50 minutes until the first black spots appear.
- Mini Quiche Lorraine: Grease two shallow muffin tins, each with 12 cups. Preheat the oven to 190 °C. Cut 8 cm diameter circles from the shortcrust pastry and place them into the muffin cups. Grate the Gruyère and distribute it evenly among the pastry shells. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Finely dice the bacon and the onion. Heat the butter in a small saucepan. Cook the bacon and onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain on kitchen paper. Spread the cooled mixture evenly over the pastry shells.
- Whisk together the eggs, cream, nutmeg, and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully pour the mixture over the bacon or spoon it evenly into the quiches. For garnish, place 2–3 pieces of chives on each quiche. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Tuna Cream: Finely chop the capers. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Sardines: Depending on the type of sardines you bought, you can enjoy them cold or warm. To eat them warm, briefly hold the closed can under very hot water. Carefully pour the contents into a frying pan. Heat the sardines for 3–4 minutes, turning them over.
Equipment
- Oven
- Two shallow 12-cup muffin tins
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowls
Notes
- These small dishes are meant to be shared and can easily be mixed, matched, and expanded to suit any occasion.
- The tuna cream should rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.