From Naples, Florida: Savor the Authentic with Old World Market

Moussaka is a traditional Balkan casserole. There are lots of variations of the basic recipe.  In Bulgaria the most popular version is made of ground meat, potatoes and yogurt and eggs layer on top. It is simple and yet rich in taste. Ingredients: 1 lb ground meat (pork, beef or mixed) 1 tomato, chopped 2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 1 onion, chopped 1 1/2 tbsp paprika 1-2 tbsp olive oil 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt 1 tbsp flour chubritsa (savory) to taste salt and pepper to taste In a saucepan heat the olive oil and add ground meat and chopped onion, paprika, chubritsa, salt and pepper and cook until meat gets brown. preheat the oven to 420F. Combine the meat mixture, chopped potatoes and tomato in a 9x11 baking pan. Add water, covering half of the dish. Bake for about 50-60 min. or until potatoes are ready, stirring occasionally.   Beat the eggs, yogurt and flour together. Pour it evenly over the dish and b...

This savory and flavorful soup is a must try. It is very popular in Bulgaria and still brings me lots of childhood memories. Ingredients: For the meatballs: 1 lb. ground beef (or mixed beef and pork) 2 tbsp rice 1 egg 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp savory Salt and pepper to taste flour For the soup:  3 cups water 3 cups beef or vegetable broth 3 tbsp rice 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced 1 onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 egg yolk 3 tbsp yogurt 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste In a bowl mix the ground meat, rice, egg, paprika, savory, salt and pepper. With your hands roll 1 inch balls then roll them in the flour. Set aside. Bring the water and broth to boil. Add the meatballs and onion and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 min. Add the rice and rest of the vegetables and simmer for another 20-25 min. or until rice is cooked and vegetables are tender. Beat the yolk, ...

Poached eggs with yogurt is a traditional Bulgarian dish. It is named after city of Panagyurishte Ingredients (for 2 servings): 4 eggs 1 1/2 cup yogurt 3 tbsp. olive oil  1/2 tbsp. paprika 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp. vinegar 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled salt to taste fresh parsley, chopped Bring water in a saucepan to almost boiling.  Add the vinegar and salt. The vinegar will help the egg whites to congeal more easily. Working with the eggs one by one, crack an egg into a small cup, then place the cup near the surface of the hot water and gently drop the egg into the water. With a spoon, nudge the egg whites closer to their yolks. This will help the egg whites hold together. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, depending on firmness desired. Lift eggs out of pan with a slotted spoon. Whisk the yogurt, garlic and salt. Pour it over the eggs. Heat the oil and paprika, but be careful not to burn it. Pour the hot oil over the eggs and yogurt. ...

Tahini and Yogurt Dip 1 1/2 cups thick yogurt 1/2 cup Tahini 3 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. ground cumin  salt, to taste black pepper, to taste olive oil, to taste chopped parsley for garnish Mix the yogurt, Tahini, lemon juice and cumin. If necessary add more lemon juice until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 min. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and garnish with parsley. Feta cheese dip with walnuts 1 1/2 cups crumbles Feta cheese 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 cup water salt, to taste black pepper, to taste olive oil, to taste chopped parsley for garnish  Blend the nuts in the food processor until chopped. Add the cheese, water, garlic and lemon juice. Blend until reaches desired consistency. Refrigerate before serving. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and garnish with parsley. You may also like  Mediterranean Eggplant Spread with Feta https://www.facebook.com/OldWor...

Have you tried  Old World Market's latest bestseller?  Za'atar (Zaatar) is a mixture of sumac, sesame seed and herbs frequently used in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas. Za'atar is good as seasoning to sprinkle on vegetables, salads, meatballs or kebabs and flatbread, mixed into olive oil or yogurt for a zippy dip.   These Za'atar Puffs are tasty and easy to make appetizers great for any occasion.   Ingredients:   1 puff pastry sheet   1/2 cup Za'atar   1/4 cup olive oil   1/4 cup crushed tomatoes   Defrost and spread the puff pastry dough following instructions on the pack. Mix Za'atar, olive oil and the tomatoes. Set aside for a couple of minutes. Spread the mixture over puff dough and roll the dough into a loaf. Cut the loaf into 1/2" slices. Preheat the oven to 400F. Bake the pastries for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Cucumber Yogurt Salad : 2 European style cucumbers, peeled. Cut each...

I love this tomato soup especially when it is cold outside. Of course its enjoyable and good for any season and occasion. Italian canned peeled tomatoes (pomodori pelati) are one of the best I've ever tried. Their quality and taste are outstanding.  At Old World Market you can find highest quality imported Italian canned regular and cherry tomatoes. Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 1 medium stalk celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 28 oz can Italian pomodori pelati 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tbsp. honey 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 2 tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce lemon juice to taste salt to taste thick yogurt (optional) In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion, garlic, celery and carrot. Cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Then add cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring often, until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the to...