Mixed dried herbs

The recipe is taken from the book "Holiday Salads and Appetizers.

Mushroom pâté made from tofu and shiitake is a refined blend of Japanese flavors and creamy texture, perfect for light snacks and gourmet sandwiches. The dish's roots trace back to Pan-Asian cuisine, where umami mushrooms and soy products create harmonious flavor ensembles. Dried shiitake mushrooms swell in warm water to reveal their rich mushroom essence, while tofu adds tenderness to the pâté. Peanut butter adds nutty notes, and miso paste provides depth of flavor. A mix of herbs, salt, and black pepper completes the symphony of aromas. Perfectly spread on crispy crackers or toasted bread, this pâté becomes not just a snack but a true gastronomic find for lovers of Asian flavors.

Shakshuka-style scrambled eggs for breakfast is a fragrant and rich dish of Arab cuisine that combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender eggs. The origins of this dish trace back to Middle Eastern traditions where it is made with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The flavor is rich with a slight acidity from the tomatoes, sweetness from the peppers, and depth from the herbal notes. Eggs gently baked in the vegetable mix add softness to it. This dish is perfect for breakfast – it's nutritious, warming, and energizing for the whole day. It is served in portions sprinkled with fresh herbs alongside crispy bread or flatbreads, making it especially appetizing.

Chef Taras Kirienko shared the recipe with us.

A marinade with mineral water for pork kebabs is a simple yet effective way to give the meat special tenderness and juiciness. The use of sparkling water makes the pork tender, while spices fill it with a rich aroma. Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and herbs harmoniously combine to create a rich flavor that unfolds perfectly when grilled over coals. Onion adds a sweet note and helps the meat absorb the marinade. This method has become popular among picnic lovers and outdoor meals as it quickly prepares kebabs and makes them incredibly tasty. It is recommended to serve with greens and fresh vegetables to highlight the depth of flavor.

Spicy sweet potato puree is an unusual dish with character, inspired by American cuisine. Sweet and tender sweet potatoes are baked with regular potatoes, gaining a rich flavor enhanced by a mix of spicy herbs. Wasabi adds a zesty kick, while pesto deepens the flavor profile. Walnuts provide a crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast. This puree pairs perfectly with vegetable dishes, meat or fish, and its exquisite taste makes it worthy of a festive table. It can be served with green olives or pickles for fresh accents. The rich, warming, and slightly bold flavor makes this recipe an excellent choice for those who appreciate culinary experiments.

Grilled vegetables are a wonderful dish of Russian cuisine that combines the natural taste and aroma of fresh vegetables. Its cooking history goes back to the traditions of summer feasts when the simplest yet tastiest dishes were prepared over coals. Eggplants, zucchini, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and red onions marinated in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs acquire special tenderness and smoky aroma. These vegetables pair perfectly with meat dishes but can also serve as an independent side or a light summer treat. Served with chopped greens, they delight the eye and palate while adding vibrant colors to any table. This dish combines simplicity and sophistication, making each bite a true pleasure.

Warm vegetable salad with ham is a true ode to the Mediterranean diet, known for its vibrant flavors and harmonious ingredient combinations. The history of such dishes traces back to the traditions of Southern European cuisines, where fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and quality meat products play a key role. In this recipe, ramiro pepper and eggplant gain softness and rich flavor from being sautéed in butter with cheese and herbs. Turkey ham adds tenderness and spiciness, while spices complete the composition, creating a deep, warming taste. This salad is perfect as a main dish or hearty side, pairing wonderfully with crusty bread and a glass of white wine to reveal the charm of Mediterranean cuisine.

Eggplant rolls with caciotta cheese are an elegant combination of the tender texture of eggplants, the savory taste of ham, and the creaminess of Italian cheese. This recipe has roots in Russian cuisine but is inspired by Mediterranean traditions where vegetables are often paired with aromatic cheeses. Eggplants sautéed in butter with garlic and herbs acquire a rich flavor and appetizing texture. Ham adds a salty note, while melted caciotta makes the dish incredibly juicy. These rolls are perfect as an appetizer or light meal and can be served with greens and a yogurt-based sauce. The rich flavor and simplicity of preparation make this recipe an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or festive table.

Fried halloumi cheese with spiced vegetables is a magnificent dish that embodies the spirit of Arabic cuisine. Halloumi, known for its firm texture and rich salty flavor, pairs wonderfully with the aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs. Eggplant and sweet ramiro peppers add a light sweetness and softness to the dish, while sesame adds a delicate nutty note. This dish pairs perfectly with light sauces, and sour cream gives it a pleasant creamy finish. It works well as a main course or as a delightful appetizer. Halloumi remains soft inside and crispy outside, creating a unique play of textures. This treat will adorn any table with its vibrant flavors and appetizing aroma.

Light vegetable stew with turkey is a vibrant dish of Caucasian cuisine that combines the tenderness of turkey, the freshness of vegetables, and the spiciness of seasonings. Historically, stew was a simple and hearty dish for shepherds that allowed the use of available ingredients while preserving their flavor. In this recipe, juicy turkey fillet is sautéed in butter, gaining softness and richness. Sweet pepper, red onion, and garlic are added to enhance aroma and provide a light sweetness. Adyghe cheese melts to give the dish a creamy texture. Adjika and a mix of spicy herbs make the flavor rich and warming. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or cozy home evenings, offering comfort and enjoyment in every spoonful.

Creamy julienne with mushrooms and mussels is an exquisite dish of European cuisine that combines the tenderness of seafood with the rich flavor of creamy sauce. The origins of julienne trace back to French gastronomy, where it was traditionally made with mushrooms and cheese. In this recipe, the addition of mussels gives the dish a light marine note, while lime refreshes the taste. The creamy consistency, rich aroma of garlic and herbs, and spicy hints of black pepper and chili make julienne an ideal choice for warm cozy evenings. Baked under a crispy cheese crust, it suits both everyday dinners and festive feasts. Served hot straight from the oven, often in individual cocottes to preserve its rich texture and appetizing aroma.

Gazpacho with basil and garlic is a refreshing and aromatic dish from sunny Spain. This cold soup, traditionally popular on hot summer days, captivates with its rich texture and vibrant flavor. Sweet cherry tomatoes combined with fragrant basil create a harmonious blend of freshness and spice, while red pepper adds a mild sweetness. Garlic and onion add piquant notes, and wine vinegar along with a mix of ground peppers provides a light tanginess and heat. Chili pepper can be left with seeds for extra fire in the taste. Gazpacho is best served chilled, making it a wonderful addition to the summer table.

Salad with Circassian cheese and fresh mustard is a vibrant blend of Georgian culinary traditions and fresh, aromatic ingredients. Leaf mustard adds a piquant and slightly spicy touch to the dish, while fried Circassian cheese contributes a creamy texture with an appetizing golden crust. Sweet cherry tomatoes—red and yellow—create a balance of flavors, while ramiro pepper and red onion bring light spiciness and juiciness. Dressed with olive oil and balsamic sauce, this salad gains a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor. It serves as a light dinner or an exquisite appetizer, perfectly complementing meat and vegetable dishes. This salad pays homage to the Georgian art of combining fresh products, creating a bright yet harmonious gastronomic impression.

Fried Adyghe cheese in garlic oil is a simple yet exquisite dish rooted in Ossetian culinary traditions. Adyghe cheese, known for its soft and delicate flavor, develops an appetizing golden crust when fried. The oil infused with garlic juice adds a spicy aroma and depth of flavor to the cheese, while aromatic herbs and black pepper harmoniously complement its tender texture. This dish pairs perfectly with crispy bread or fresh vegetables and can serve as both an independent snack or an accompaniment to the main course. Its ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for a cozy dinner or evening gatherings with friends.